BSc (Hons)
Computer Networks
Learn to effectively meet the business requirements of network systems
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Computer networks are now one of the primary ways in which we are linked to one another. The technology and scale of these networks are becoming more complex in order to meet our needs and the demands of businesses and governments.
This course will provide you with the practical skills to implement, maintain and support computer networks at small and large companies.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Use our fully equipped multi-platform suites and computer labs to enhance your learning experience
- Design and develop software, hardware and networks for a variety of fields such as digital forensics and artificial intelligence
- Opt to do a salaried placement year either in the UK or overseas
What opportunities might it lead to?
This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), meeting the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). This accredited course will provide you with some of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Studying this degree will open the door to a career in the rapidly growing network industry.
Here are some routes our graduates have pursued:
- consumer and professional electronics
- robotics
- defence
- broadcasting and telecommunications
- the information technology sector
One of the best things about the course is it's very hands on. You learn by doing and not just theory.
Katie Tuffrey, computing student 2012
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- I122
- Duration
- 3 years full time, 4 years sandwich with work placement
- Entry
260-300 points to include 160 points from 2 A Levels or equivalent, in science or technology subjects.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU/Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students : £8,750 p/a*
International full-time students : £11,900 p/a*
*Please note that all fees are subject to annual increase.- Contact
- technology.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 2555 - Department
- School of Engineering
Subject:
Computing and Creative Technologies
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- Hands-on, practical work and real-life learning, which is transferable to future careers
- Modern facilities and access to the latest technology including numerous computer labs, TV studios and a motion capture suite
- Approachable lecturers who have experience and contacts in the industry
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
Year one
Your first year will give you a good background in digital and analogue electronics, computing, data communications and the academic skills that you’ll be relying on throughout the course.
Core units in this year include:
- Concepts of Data Communication Networks
- Introduction to Algorithms and Programming
- Fundamentals of Computer Systems
- Mathematical Principles
- Engineering Sciences
- Writing and Research in the Workplace
Year two
You will start to define your specialist area through a choice of options as well as covering core topics in network architecture, design and management. There is also a substantial amount of project work including a group design task.
Core units in this year include:
- Network Routing Architectures
- Switched Network Architectures
- Windows Active Directory Management and Integration
- Data Networks, Protocols and Analysis
Options to choose from in this year include:
- Deploying and Managing Windows Server Applications
- Network Simulation and Design Techniques
- Collaborative and Pervasive Network Applications
Year three*
In this year you will consolidate your skills and learning. There is a handful of core units but the final-year project provides an opportunity for you to investigate and experiment with a specific network topic that could be linked to a company or business requirement.
Core units in this year include:
- Network Operations and Management
- Large Scale Network Design and Simulation
- WAN and VLAN Solutions
Options to choose from in this year include:
- BGP Network Solutions
- Network Security and Reliability
- Performance and Security Of Network Applications
*This course is also available as a 4-year sandwich (work placement)
Teaching and Assessment
Here at the University we aim to provide a lively and modern learning environment. During this course you will experience a mixture of lectures, tutorials, laboratory and practical computing work consisting of group assignments with a strong design emphasis.
How are you assessed?
We assess you in a ways that encourage a deeper understanding and allow you to develop your skills including through:
- multiple choice tests
- essays
- written exams
- mini projects
- presentations
- case studies
- group assignments
Tutor's view
Dr Shikun Zhou
Computing
It is equally important that you enjoy your university study whilst making yourselves ready for your future career. We place an emphasis on student-oriented; problem based learning with practical network design projects, linking our curriculum with real world events and applications.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
The Network Lab
Our new £1 million network laboratory rivals anything available at other British universities
Specialist Software and Equipment
You’ll have a range of excellent resources at your fingertips
Maths Café
The Maths Café - drop in any time and get one-to-one help
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
The Network Lab
Our new £1 million network laboratory rivals anything available at other British universities. It will give you access to over 250 servers with full remote access. You’ll get the chance to configure, experiment with and manage different networking technologies. Plus, learn programming languages such as Java, HTML and C, and use a wide range of application packages such as OPNET and Wireshark. Our lab accommodates learning in all areas of computer networks and communication systems.
Specialist Software and Equipment
A full range of industry software will be available for you to use in the computer labs, supported by multi-platform network suites offering a variety of operating systems. You’ll have a range of excellent resources at your fingertips including:
- Cisco equipment
- ECAD and software development suites
- analogue and digital electronics
- microprocessors
- telecommunications and control systems
- Linux, Windows and Unix systems
Maths Café
Drop in any time and get one-to-one help with that tricky maths or stats problem. With handouts on key topics to take away and computer-aided learning packages, we can get the problem solved and help you improve your numeracy skills.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
This accredited course will provide you with some of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as an Incorporated (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng). You’ll have a sound knowledge of computer systems, computer communications and networks, making you attractive to a wide variety of employers seeking to recruit professionals in areas as diverse as leisure and travel, medicine, home entertainment and banking.
It’s also fairly common for our graduates to be snapped up by the employer they worked for in their placement year. Others continue their study at both MSc and PhD levels, specialising further in areas such as computer networks and communications systems.
Overall you will be eligible for many of the major computing graduate programmes or employment in varied fields of the computing industry.
Graduates from this course have been successful in finding work with these big names:
- Cisco
- IBM
- HP
- Microsoft
- KPMG
- PWC
- Detica
- Morgan Stanley
- Deutsche Bank
- Barclays
Work experience
The best way to boost your CV is by doing an industry placement. This is a great opportunity to put your developing skills into practice in an industrial or commercial setting - and be paid for it! Taking a year in industry is an extremely effective way to increase your employability for when you finish the course. You may even find that your placement employer hires you once you graduate.
There are also opportunities to do a placement overseas in one of 31 participating countries via our Erasmus exchange programme. We actively encourage such placements as it’s a great way for you to experience another culture and develop some language skills.
Our team at the Student Placement and Employability Centre (SPEC) offers information and guidance during the recruitment process for your placement and supports you throughout the year in industry. We also ensure you have access to a range of other volunteering and work experience opportunities.
Here are some examples of the roles our students have secured for their placements:
- IT Technician at Nimbus
- Systems Engineer at GE Aviation
- Developer at Smoothwall
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more