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BSc (Hons)

Computer Networks & Security

DURATION START
3 Years September 2023

UCAS CODE DELIVERY

G611 Campus Taught

Our Computer Networks & Security course will prepare you for a successful career in
this rapidly changing industry.

Thanks to new ideas, applications, security threats and constantly evolving technology, computer networks
and security is a fascinating area to work in. On this practice-based course you’ll get to explore the latest
developments in wired and wireless computer networking and security, underpinned by relevant theory.

Supported by teaching in purpose-built laboratories, you’ll use specialist software to develop your
networking and security skills. We also cover core computing skills and legal, ethical and commercial issues,
giving you a breadth of knowledge and experience, which will prepare you to thrive in the computing
industry.

The skills you’ll gain on this course will be in high demand in tomorrow’s world. The cyber security sector is
facing a significant skills gap at a time when threats and the legal and commercial consequences of
inadequate security are increasing. Emerging areas such as the Internet of Things and Smart Cities offer
new opportunities for us all, but also new vulnerabilities to accidental or malicious actions.

Why Study With Us

• Start your course with our exciting ‘4 Week Challenge’, where first year students work as teams to
design and develop a new app and then create a marketing campaign to promote it.

• This course has accreditation leading to MBCS, CITP and partial CEng exemption from the BCS, the
Chartered Institute for IT, which is the computing professional body.

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• You’ll get to undertake a placement in industry after your second year. Most are based in the UK, but
there are international opportunities as well.

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What You'll Do
This course has three strands. The first, Technical, will develop the core computing skills you’ll need as a
networking and security specialist.

The second, Network and Security Specific, looks at topologies, protocols, hardware devices, security and
network management.

The third, Project Management, will develop your communication skills, give you experience of overseeing
projects, and explore legal, social, ethical and commercial issues.

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Module Overview

Year 1
Compulsory modules

CO1111: The Computing Challenge

CO1401: Programming

CO1404: Introduction to Programming

CO1507: Introduction to Networking

CO1508: Computer Systems and Security

CO1605: Systems Analysis and Database Design

CO1706: Interactive Applications

CO1111: The Computing Challenge

This module aims to give an overview to key practical aspects of computing as well as begin the
development of skills in usability, interface design and evaluation. You'll gain problem-solving skills,
presentation of academic information, and knowledge relevant to computing professionals.

CO1401: Programming

The aim of this module is to develop your software design skills. You'll build on your introductory
programming skills to produce solutions to complex problems. You'll also be introduced to advanced
programming techniques in preparation to study an advanced programming module.

CO1404: Introduction To Programming

This module aims to develop your ability to analyse a simple problem to implement a software solution, to
provide you with core skills in computer programming, and debugging to implement a readable and
maintainable solution to a given problem.

CO1507: Introduction To Networking

On this module you'll gain knowledge and an understanding of the fundamentals of data communications
and computer networks. You'll develop practical skills in order to set up and configure a computer network.

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CO1508: Computer Systems And Security

In this module you'll explore the fundamentals of computer architecture and operating systems, exploring
the nature and consequences of security threats and data breaches, as well as countermeasures. You'll
examine the legal, ethical and privacy issues associated with collected data and discuss issues arising with
emerging technologies such as smart cities, smart vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT) and online
shopping.

CO1605: Systems Analysis And Database Design

Within an interactive and stimulating learning environment, you will work in teams to discuss and explore a
variety of systems. This will develop an in-depth understanding and the practicalities of database design
and implementation which you can add to your programming skillset.

CO1706: Interactive Applications

You will be taken through the journey of interactive applications in this module. You will study how they are
developed and applied within a professional context and be immersed in a practical project where you can
get hands-on experience of developing a wealthy knowledge of digital interactive applications.

Year 2
Compulsory modules

CO2403: The Agile Professional

CO2508: Computer Security

CO2511: Introduction to Network Routing

CO2516: Network Management

CO2517: Digital Evidence and Incident Response

CO2519: Interacting with the Internet of Things

CO2403: The Agile Professional

This module will provide you with an understanding of the professional, ethical and legal aspects of
Computing. You will develop skills to prepare for employment including project planning, investigation
skills and working in a team.

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CO2508: Computer Security

In this module you will examine the security systems technology in order to allow you to adapt to future
challenges, as systems become more vulnerable to a wider variety of threats. You will have the opportunity
to address the human issues at a personal and policy level.

CO2511: Introduction To Network Routing

This module provides you with a thorough understanding of how a basic network functions. You will have
the opportunity to design, build and test router based Local Area Networks which, will prepare you for
several job opportunities within the computer networking industry.

CO2516: Network Management

This module will introduce you to IT systems management practices and principles. You'll start learning the
basics of single operating systems and later move onto large-scale systems.

CO2517: Digital Evidence And Incident Response

This module aims to enhance your understanding of computer hardware and develop your skills in
planning subject to incident response You'll develop skills necessary for dead-box/live acquisition of
evidence and make you aware of legal and ethical issues surrounding evidence handling.

CO2519: Interacting With The Internet Of Things

The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the technologies underpinning the internet of
things and how they communicate. You'll develop the skills necessary to design, develop, test and evaluate
secure applications created within the scope of the Internet of Things. You'll also explore the legal, ethical
and social user experiences relating to the IOT.

Year 3
Compulsory modules

CO3513: Advanced Network Routing

CO3514: Wireless and Mobile Networks

CO3517: Penetration Testing

CO3808: Project (Double)

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Optional modules

CO3603: Computers, Society and Law

CO3721: Cloud Computing

CO3812: Science Communication

CO3513: Advanced Network Routing

This module extends and reinforces previously learnt knowledge from your other academic modules. You
will gain the necessary skills to effectively use switches and configure routers in a multiprotocol network
environment.

CO3514: Wireless And Mobile Networks

You will be focusing on wireless and mobile networks systems technologies in this module. For example,
Bluetooth and GPRS. In this module you will explore both the theory and practice of their uses.

CO3517: Penetration Testing

This module aims to raise your awareness of the need for penetration testing, providing you with the
experience of testing a network’s security both internally and externally. You'll develop an understanding of
the legal and ethical issues concerning penetration testing and be encouraged to expand your knowledge
about network security from published research materials and to conduct independent investigations into
network security related areas.

CO3808: Project (Double)

The double module project will involve research, independent study and the production of a substantial
report based on the investigation of a problem and the design and implementation of a solution. You will
use the materials and skills developed during the course.

CO3603: Computers, Society And Law

You will study intellectual property rights and ethical issues relevant to computer professionals. You'll
develop skills in research, analysis, presentation, and debate, as well as learning by researching, preparing,
and arguing a case. The module covers topics such as system security and the investigation of the crime to
professional negligence and liability for defective software.

CO3721: Cloud Computing

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This module aims to introduce the fundamental concept of Cloud storage and computing services. In
addition, the module will cover different models and architecture of Cloud services, as well as the security,
privacy and accountability problems in this context.
CO3812: Science Communication

You'll understand why Science Communication is vital as support for governmental and industrial policy
making. You'll learn about misunderstandings about science. You'll see why it is a significant motivator for
our next generation of scientists. This module aims to boost employability for a wide range of jobs. You'll
gain the methods and resources needed to play an active role in communicating science.

Course Delivery
Following the pandemic, we have found that some courses benefit from a blended learning and teaching
approach. Therefore, the majority of your teaching will be face-to-face on campus aside from a small
amount of online teaching where we have learnt it works best.

95% 5%
Face-to-face Online

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our published course information. However, our
programmes are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may cause
alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses. Changes may be necessary to comply with the
requirements of accrediting bodies or revisions to subject benchmarks statements. As well as to keep
courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make
variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

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Accreditations

British Computer
Society (BCS) – The
Chartered Institute
for IT
The BCS are the professional body for computing and provide recognition
for professionals in the IT industry. This course has accreditation leading
to BCS Professional Member (MBCS), Certified Information Technology
Professional (CITP) and partial CEng exemption from the BCS.

Future Careers
This innovative course enables you to work as a security consultant, network designer or a network
manager. You can also achieve Cisco accreditation and develop a wide range of transferable skills including
project management, group working and communications. These will open doors to other graduate
careers and a high earning potential.

Many of our graduates find roles in network security, management, design and implementation. Others are
employed as analysts, systems managers and technical support staff.

Previous students have gone on to work for major international companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Intel,
Red Bull and Fujitsu-Siemens.

Others have gone into teaching or undertaken postgraduate study.

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Entry Requirements
We will consider your educational achievements, predicted grades, work experience and personal
statement. If you don't meet the grades for your chosen course, we will consider you for other
programmes.

We know that many factors can influence the grades you achieve in school or college. If your life
experience has affected your academic studies, we can take this into account. Use the UCAS Points
Calculator below to check whether you are eligible.

Unsure if you meet our entry requirements? Contact our friendly Course Enquiries team to talk
through your options.

UCAS: 96-112 points at A2

BTEC Extended Diploma: MMM-DMM

BTEC Diploma: DD-D*D*

Pass Access Course: 96-112 UCAS points

International Baccalaureate Diploma: Pass including 96-112 points from Higher Level subjects

T Level: P (C+) - M

IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5

GCSE: 5 at grade C/4 including Maths and English or equivalent

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Fees And Funding

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2022/23

UK

Full-time £9250 per year

Sandwich year £1000 for the sandwich year

Part-time £1540 per 20 credits

International

Full-time £14250 per year

Course Specific Optional Costs

As part of your course, there may be additional optional costs to consider that are not included within your
tuition fees. You can find out more by following the links below:

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2023/24

UK

Full-time £9,250 per year

Sandwich year £1,385 for the sandwich year

Part-time £1,540 per 20 credits

International

Full-time £14,900 per year

Sandwich year £2,000 for the sandwich year

Course Specific Optional Costs

As part of your course, there may be additional optional costs to consider that are not included within your
tuition fees. You can find out more by following the links below:

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Scholarships And Bursaries

Care Leaver Bursary

Our Care Leaver Bursary is for students who need extra support because they have been in care or are
estranged from their parents.

Estranged Student Support

Estranged Student Support Bursary is for students who need extra support because they are
estranged from their parents.

Dependants Bursary

Students with financially dependent children may be eligible for our Dependants Bursary as part of
our financial support package. 

Contextualised Admissions Bursary

We recognise that the last two years have been very challenging for young people and learning has
been impacted. To help support students eligible for a contextualised offer we are offering a bursary of
£250 in their first year of study.

Learning And Assessment

The first modules on this course are common to all students studying Computing courses in the School. It
gives you the opportunity to switch to the specialist route that’s right for you.

You’ll focus on acquiring basic skills through small laboratory exercises which will give you the essential
computing skills you need to succeed on this course.

Throughout the course, you’ll solve real networking problems based on the Cisco curriculum and work
towards boosting your skills and employment prospects by completing the Cisco accreditation. You’ll
complete the taught aspect of this qualification as part of this course. You then have the option of taking
the exam at a test centre (a fee applies).

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Everyday learning on this course will involve investigating, analysing and discussing networks and security
issues, implementing an troubleshooting networks, researching relevant literature and evaluating network
management tools and techniques.

You’ll frequently get to work in groups with other students, where you’ll be challenged to discuss, defend
and evaluate ideas, and you’ll take part in a team-based network development project.

During your time with us you’ll attend a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions.
Independent study is an important aspect of this course.

We emphasise practical-based learning using purpose-built laboratories and the University's general
computer rooms. Our laboratories allow you to use specialist software and do things normally forbidden on
a public network: for example, configuring networks or database servers, testing system security, exploring
the performance of a network under excessive workloads, and using sophisticated software to monitor
protocols. You will configure and examine wired and wireless networks. Where possible, we make software
available for use on your own PC.

The course is assessed using individual coursework assignments, group work, presentations and exams.
There is a practical emphasis, with the main contribution to your degree classification coming from
coursework. In your final year you’ll complete an individual project.

This course is based in the School of Psychology and Computer Science located in the Faculty of Science
and Technology

For information on possible changes to course information, see our essential and important course
information

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at the University of Central Lancashire on our
student contract page

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Driven By Personal Loss, UCLan Student Jonathan Shares His Inspiring

Journey Studying Psychotherapy
East Lancashire student Jonathan Sheriff, who was inspired to become a Psychotherapist
following family heartbreak, is following his dream at UCLan Burnley.

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UCLan Collaborates On MND Research Project

UCLan is working with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to help families access better
support after they have lost loved ones to Motor Neurone Disease

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Free Darwin Day Lecture Returns In March

A free talk called Measuring Mental Health is the Darwin Day public lecture being given by Dr Suzi
Gage and taking place at UCLan on Monday 13 February

See more

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