Computer Networks and Security

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https://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/computer-networks-and-security-bsc-hons-2027-28

Computer Networks and Security - BSc (Hons) - 2027/28 Entry | Birmingham City University

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Computer Networks and Security - BSc (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2027/28 Entry.

Fascinated by cyber security in today’s society? It’s a key concern for modern organisations in our digital world....

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Undergraduate

Study mode

Full Time

BSc (Hons)

Start date

September 2027

View course fees

Computing

Location

City Centre

This course is:

Available with Professional Placement year

Open to International Students

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Overview

Computing at BCU

Fascinated by cyber security in today’s society? It’s a key concern for modern organisations in our digital world. Secure communication technologies form the bedrock of our modern connected mobile society and our BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security degree course focuses on the practical needs of businesses that require high quality computer and network security, ensuring you’re equipped for a career in this increasingly important industry.

What's covered in this course?

The course takes a practice-led approach, making use of equipment and tools found in the industry to give you the best preparation for a successful career. Our approach prioritises the practical skills sought by industry, backing this up with a thorough understanding of theory. The course delivers the latest in computing, network and security technologies, with the opportunity to gain additional accreditation from Cisco, Juniper, Huawei and Palo Alto. Birmingham City University is also home to Cisco Systems, Juniper, Palo Alto and the Microsoft Academy Centres. You’ll learn from a well-rounded curriculum in computer network engineering, programming, server systems, security theory and practice, as well as management-level skills such as project and change management, maximizing your career potential.

Studying computing with us puts you at the heart of an exciting, innovative community. Part of your first-year assessment will involve taking part in our annual Innovation Fest, where students get together to solve society’s problems with creative technology. Previous projects have included medical assistance drones, accessible gaming controllers, and smart housing solutions. The event brings together students, academics and industry guests, so it’s a great way to have fun, build experience and network, and win prizes!

Upon graduation you could progress into a career as a network security engineer, network administrator, and network security analyst or network security architect.

Professional Placement year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.

Please note that fees are payable during your placement year, equivalent to 20% of the total full-time course fee for that year.

Accredited By

This course is accredited by:

My lecturers made lectures interesting, funny and relatable. They’ve been very approachable and were the key to my success of a First Class degree.

Reece McCaskill

Why Choose Us?

Brand new facilities at STEAMhouse - This state-of-the-art building is the new home for our Computing courses. Based at our expanding City Centre Campus, this unique centre will give you access to outstanding facilities and teaching spaces, as well as opportunities to collaborate with people and businesses across multiple sectors and work on real industry-based projects.

Home to Cisco Systems and Microsoft Academy Centre - We are one of Microsoft’s top UK university-based academics and we are a member of the Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance. This means we are able to use various Microsoft software products and online resources for research. We are also a Cisco ASC and one of only ten Cisco Instructor Training Centre’s in the UK.

Student satisfaction - Top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction for Computer Science (Complete University Guide 2026).

State-of-the-art facilities - You will be based at Millennium Point within our City Centre Campus, where we have recently invested £6.5 million in IT facilities and labs to give you access to the latest technology and familiarise yourself with systems that will be sought after by employers.

Optional placement year - You will have the option to carry out a placement year, in between your second and final year, and gain professional qualifications from vendors such as Microsoft, and Cisco.

of students rated the teaching on this course as good or very good. 100% of students said that academic support was good or very good and 94% of students rated the learning resources for this course as good or very good

NSS 2026

Greater Birmingham & Solihull Institute of Technology

Students across our Engineering and Computing courses automatically become Institute of Technology Learners and can take advantage of the facilities and opportunities provided by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT).

More about the Institute

WISE members inspire women and girls to choose maths, physics and computing.

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Open Day

Join us for our next Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students,

explore our campus and tour accommodation.

Next Open Day: 21 November

an Open Day

Course in Depth

Year one

Year two

Professional Placement Year (optional)

Final Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Innovation Project 20 credits

This first-year project allows you to develop and cultivate a creative mind-set through collaborative innovative practice, allowing you to bring together knowledge and imagination to construct a viable product. It is an opportunity to express your ideas, skills and talent to the wider community of innovative practice.

The project provides you with an opportunity to be part of a thriving community of innovators that practices connected learning. This is facilitated by putting you into inter-disciplinary project teams supported by innovation mentors, advisors and academics; culminating in you exhibiting your work to an international panel of experts.

Computer Systems 20 credits

Within the Computer Systems Module, you will gain knowledge and experience of computers and computer hardware.

This module presents a holistic view of how computer systems work and it also provides the underpinning knowledge required:

for the design of computer architecture

to show how software interacts with hardware

to apply electronics principles

to use number systems for computer technology

Applied Operating Systems 20 credits

Computer Programming 20 credits

This introductory computer programming module provides the underpinning knowledge and practice for computing students to design, build and test software components. The module will make use of practical sessions primarily to allow you to apply programming principles and constructs in order to creatively solve problems by means of developing small programs. Module content and assessment enables learners to acquire programming skills in a modern imperative language.

Mathematics for Computing 20 credits

The module gives you the opportunity to learn mathematical concepts and methods and critically reflect on how they relate to computing and communication systems. You will develop core mathematical and statistical skills which are fundamental in computing and technical work in general. You will be expected to solve mathematical and statistical problems on paper and on a computer.

Network Fundamentals 20 credits

The module provides the opportunity to learn and critically reflect the skills required in building and designing basic networks and their requirements within a network infrastructure. This module builds on the underpinning knowledge and theory of networking systems.

The module consists of:

Subject specific lectures/laboratory sessions to introduce knowledge and skills relevant to network and information systems, along with communication architecture

Lectures/laboratory sessions to introduce principles and techniques for information communication within a network and ensuring effective communication

Global view on information system communication.

AI in Enterprise 20 credits

This module introduces you to the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within modern enterprise environments, with a particular focus on its use across information technology infrastructure and systems, and organisational operations. It is designed to prepare you for roles in which you will work with, manage, evaluate, or secure AI-enabled systems.

You will explore how organisations use AI technologies to support decision-making, automate processes, enhance operational efficiency, and improve security and resilience. The module examines the end-to-end lifecycle of enterprise AI solutions, including data sourcing, tool selection, deployment considerations, governance, and ongoing management. Emphasis is placed on helping you understand how AI integrates with existing enterprise IT systems, also how it influences organisational workflows and professional practice.

Cyber Security Operations 20 credits

The module provides you with an opportunity to build on the learning and to develop knowledge of cyber security and how it relates to information and network security. This module will allow you to learn how to protect a network system from issues of cybercrime, based on security principles and the principles of how to defend networks from attack.

Cloud Systems Management 20 credits

Cloud is a transformative technology that has revolutionised the way organisations operate. It allows organisations and individuals to rent computing, storage, network, and software resources on demand over the Internet. This module introduces the fundamental concepts of cloud systems and enabling technologies such as virtualization and data centres.

Through this module, you will learn to design, configure, and troubleshoot cloud systems to deliver the data and network services essential for modern networks.

Network Automation 20 credits

This module builds on your foundational programming knowledge and skills developed during the Level 4 Computer Programming module to extend the focus towards the increasingly critical area of network and security automation. Aligned with the Cisco DEVASC (DevNet Associate) certification, it provides you with essential skills in automating network environments, preparing you for industry-recognized credentials.

Networking Technologies 20 credits

In this module you will have the opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills required for Network Technologies. This module builds your knowledge and underpinning theory for the networking modules and you will review the requirements from a small to medium scale network deployment engineering context.

Enterprise Network Systems 20 credits

This module allows you to examine network technology, applications and protocols to enable you to gain a thorough understanding of the developments in this area. Routing and switching will be investigated theoretically and practically using a variety of different network operating systems and devices. The module content builds on the networking technologies introduced previously, and focuses on developing design and implementation skills relevant to achieving industry certification applicable to small and medium enterprise networks.

In order to qualify for the award of Bachelor of Science with Honours Computer Networks and Security with Professional Placement Year or Integrated Masters of Science Computer Networks and Security with Professional Placement Year, a student must successfully complete all of the modules listed as well as the following Level 5 module:

Professional Placement 120 credits

This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 40- week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Undergraduate Degree.

The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.

Individual Honours Project 40 credits

The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.

At this level, you will be expected to work independently but you will receive additional one-to-one support from your supervisor, who will be familiar with your chosen topic area. As you progress on the module, extra support will be available and this may take the form of group seminars, workshops and online materials that will help to develop your project.

Ethical Hacking 20 credits

The module provides you with an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of Ethical Hacking and information security within a global context. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for a secure network communication system.

Wireless Networking Technologies 20 credits

The module gives you an opportunity to learn and critically reflect on the skills of wireless network design. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for a secure wireless network communication system.

Subject specific lectures/workshops to introduce knowledge and skills relevant to wireless networking and the corresponding state of the art technologies.

Lectures/workshops to introduce principles and techniques for secure communication within a wireless network and ensuring security of data in transit.

Global view on information security and the changing requirements for information and data communication security.

Advanced Firewall Systems 20 credits

The module provides you with an opportunity to gain experience and critically reflect on the skills of software and information security within a global context. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for a secure network communication system.

Network Security 20 credits

The module is an opportunity for you to learn and critically reflect on the skills of network and information security within a global context. This module builds on the knowledge and underpinning theory from the networking modules and reviews the requirements for a secure network communication system.

Download course specification

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Athena Swan Bronze Award

We have successfully secured the Athena SWAN Departmental Bronze Award recognising a commitment to gender equality.

The Athena Swan Charter is a framework which is used across the globe to support and transform gender equality within higher education (HE) and research.

Institution of Engineering and Technology

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

We think it’s important that you are assessed in a number of different ways during your Computer Networks and Security BSc (Hons) course. These will include including continuous assessment, in-class tests, examinations, laboratory exercises and project work.

Attendance requirements

For more information on attendance requirements, course contact time and suggested self-study hours, download the course specification.

International Opportunities

You are able to apply to undertake part of your studies abroad, allowing you to experience life and studying in another country at one of our exchange partner universities.

This offers a unique opportunity to enhance your CV and experience new cultures.

We are an academic partner of the Institute of Information Security Professionals.

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2027/28.

All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.

Essential requirements

112-72 UCAS Tariff points

The offer we make you takes into account your individual circumstances, predicted grades, achieved qualifications and potential to succeed at university.

GCSE and other level 2 requirements

This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other Level 3 requirements below.

A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements

Qualification

Entry requirements

A Level: 112-72 UCAS Tariff points / BBC-CDE (or equivalent)

Must include one from Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing at A Level or level 3 equivalent

AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels

A maximum of four subjects will be considered

Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate)

Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing

Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

Typical offers vary according to individual circumstances and may be equivalent to a Merit or Pass overall grade

Accepted subjects: Digital Production, Design and Development; Digital Support Services; Digital Business Services; Media, Broadcast and Production

Access to HE Diploma

Pass with 60 credits. At least 45 credits at level 3.

Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics, or Computing

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Accepted subjects: Technology, Science, or Computing

NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications

Considered alongside A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications, one of which must be Technology, Science, or Computing

WJEC Level 3 qualifications

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects

Required subjects: Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing at Higher Level

Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher

112-72 UCAS Tariff points, achieved from three Advanced Highers or two Advanced Highers plus two Highers

Required subjects: One from Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing

Welsh Baccalaureate

112-72 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

If you're applying with an International Baccalaureate Diploma or international qualifications, please see further information below.

Mature students

Applications from mature students (21+) with alternative qualifications and/or considerable work experience will be considered on their merits.

International qualifications

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Obtain a minimum of 28-24 points overall

Required subjects: One of Computer Science, Chemistry, Design Technology or Physics at Higher Level

EU / International students

Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information on pre-sessional English courses.

Meeting our entry requirements

If you do not meet our academic or English language requirement, or have been out of education for some time, you may wish to consider joining Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC). BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to undergraduate study at Birmingham City University.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Fees & How to Apply

Please select your student status to view fees and apply

UK Student

International Student

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BSc (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2027

Duration

£10,050 in 2027/28

Apply via UCAS

International students

£19,220 in 2027/28

Apply Online

Included in your course fees

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

Microsoft Certifications (optional)

The exams required to gain Microsoft Office (MOS) and Microsoft Certified Fundamentals (MCF) certifications are currently free for our students. We also provide self-paced resources and access to practice exams via dedicated Moodle pages.

Not included in your course fees

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Personal stationery and study materials (optional)

Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials.

Placement expenses (optional)

If you choose to undertake a placement, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

CISCO Certification (optional)

If you wish to take the exam required for CISCO certification, you will need to pay to take the exam(s) required. Currently, students who achieve over 70% in the Cisco CCNA 3, or CCNA Security finals (depending upon which degree you study) will receive a 50% discount from Cisco for the cost of the exams. The CCNA Routing and Switching exam currently costs $325-$330. The CCNA Security is currently around $465.

Accommodation and living costs (optional)

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.

Applying through UCAS

Register with UCAS

Login to UCAS and complete your details

Select your course and write a personal statement

Get a reference

Pay your application fee and submit your application

Guidance for International students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.

2) Through a country representative

Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.

3) Through UCAS

If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS.

Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.

Personal statement

The personal statement gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.

Here are the three areas you’ll need to address:

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Here’s where you explain what makes this course exciting to you. Think about your motivations for studying the course and your future plans. If you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

This is your chance to show what you’ve learned at school or college. You should include the skills and knowledge you’ve gained from education or training and how this will help you succeed in your chosen course.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

Not everything you’ve learned comes from the classroom. Life experience counts too! You might want to talk about work experience, employment, or volunteering and how they’ve helped you develop the skills needed for your chosen course or future career.

Worried about Personal Statements?

If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.

Get personal statement advice

Financial Support

We offer further information on possible undergraduate financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.

View fees for continuing students

Employability

Enhancing your employability

Your studies here will equip you with the practical and academic skills that will help you to stand out when you look for your first professional role.

Because we have strong links with companies such as SAS, Microsoft, Cisco and Capgemini, you have the chance to work with and understand the workings of real-life industry from early on in your degree studies.

You will have access to world-class facilities throughout your time here and these will help you to be a highly employable graduate.

The University has a Graduate+ programme, an extracurricular awards framework that is designed to augment the subject-based skills that you’ve developed throughout the programme with broader employability attributes, which will enhance your employability options upon graduating.

Placements

You have the option undertake an assessed sandwich year between your second and third year, which will provide you with valuable work experience and give you the real-life skills you need.

Innovation Fest

Innovation Fest is designed to foster entrepreneurship and support the development of our first-year students as future world-changers. The festival contributes to the knowledge economy, increasing students’ employability by providing genuine portfolio material.

Innovation Fest at BCU

Facilities & Staff

Computing facilities

Take a look around the facilities available to you as a Computing student at BCU.

See our Computing facilities

Our staff

Ron Austin

Associate Professor

Senior lecturer Ron Austin is the Associate Professor of the MSc Advanced Computer Networks course and teaches all network-related courses. His expertise and areas of interest include: Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), security technologies, and forensic and ethical hacking.

More about Ron

Raouf Abozariba

Senior Lecturer

Raouf Abozariba gained a BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Al-Tahadi University, Sirte, Libya, in 2005 and an MSc (2008) and PhD (2017) in Electronic Engineering from Staffordshire University, UK. He joined Birmingham City University as an Associate Lecturer and Visiting Research Fellow in 2017.

More about Raouf

Discover Uni information for this course

UK prospective students

Contact the enquiries team

T: +44 (0)121 331 6295

Non-UK prospective students

E: International enquiry form

T: +44 (0)121 331 5389

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