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Computer Networks

Entry requirements


Must include an IT-related, Science or Engineering subject.

Pass with 104-112 UCAS Points from a QAA-approved programme

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

DMM

DMM in IT related, Science or Engineering subjects

Must include an IT-related, Science or Engineering subject.

UCAS Tariff

104-112

About this course


This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.

Course option

3years

Full-time | 2024

Other options

4 years | Sandwich | 2024

Subject

Computer networks

**Learn to manage sophisticated technology and develop solutions to shape the next generation of networks with a professionally-accredited BSc (Hons) Computer Networks degree from Salford**.

Computer networks are transforming society, with cloud platforms, social networks, multimedia streaming and seamless mobility influencing our daily lives and business operations. Through our hands-on, industry-led learning approach, you'll gain fundamental skills in converging technologies, network security solutions, and the real-world application of problem-solving and troubleshooting methodologies. Our specialised three-year course will give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to launch a successful career in the networking and IT industries.

**Develop in-demand knowledge and skills**
Based at our exciting MediaCityUK campus, a short tram ride from bustling central Manchester, our Computer Networks degree provides a practical and theoretical understanding of networks, how they work, and how they are applied. Accredited by the BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, you’ll be educated to the highest professional standards, studying real-world relevant modules developed in consultation with BBC, BT and Cisco.

During your studies, you'll apply theory and practice to develop a comprehensive knowledge base. You’ll understand Python, Linux and database systems and specialise in penetration testing, advanced routing and mobile networking. You’ll also explore Internet of Things (IoT), the Wide Area Networks (WAN) and global information security. You will learn by undertaking both independent activities and group design projects.

**Get closer to industry**
Salford has strong industry connections and we advocate real-world learning. Salford has strong industry connections and we advocate real-world learning. With our envious campus location, minutes from central Manchester, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get involved in the region’s thriving tech community.

You will have the option to include an additional industry placement year to apply what you’ve learnt and develop further skills. As a Network Academy Centre, delivering professional Cisco Certified Network Associate course materials, you’ll also have the opportunity to become CCNA certified, further enhancing your career prospects once you graduate.

Features
• Accredited by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
• Obtain a broad understanding of the field of computing with a core specialism in networks
• Acquire programming skills, with a critical awareness of selecting and managing appropriate software
• Develop a systematic understanding of computer networks, how they function and perform
• Understand the security implications of globally-connected internet-based systems
• Gain Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification alongside your degree

Modules

Year one modules may include: Introduction to Computers and Network Systems, Web Content Creation, Technologies in Context, Database Systems, Introduction to Windows Programming, Professional Development and Practices. Year two modules include: Mobile and Internet Television Streaming, Principles and Concepts of Network Technologies, Routing and Switching, Digital Communication Systems Group Design Project, Mobile Networking and Network Simulation, System Administration. Year three modules may include: Advanced Routing and Switching, The WAN and Global Networks, Business Practice and Employability, Information Security, Project for Computer Networks.

The Uni


Course location:

University of Salford

Department:

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

Read full university profile

What students say


We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.

64%
Computer networks

How do students rate their degree experience?

The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Computer science

Teaching and learning

63%
Staff make the subject interesting
75%
Staff are good at explaining things
76%
Ideas and concepts are explored in-depth
81%
Opportunities to apply what I've learned

Assessment and feedback

Feedback on work has been timely
Feedback on work has been helpful
Staff are contactable when needed
Good advice available when making study choices

Resources and organisation

69%
Library resources
76%
IT resources
82%
Course specific equipment and facilities
51%
Course is well organised and has run smoothly

Student voice

Staff value students' opinions
Feel part of a community on my course

Who studies this subject and how do they get on?

98%
UK students
2%
International students
98%
Male students
2%
Female students
77%
2:1 or above
19%
First year drop out rate

Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)

C
C
D

After graduation


The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.

Computer science

What are graduates doing after six months?

This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.

£22,000
med
Average annual salary
90%
med
Employed or in further education
70%
med
Employed in a role where degree was essential or beneficial

Top job areas of graduates

51%
Information technology and telecommunications professionals
11%
Information technology technicians
6%
Science, engineering and production technicians

There are a lot of computing courses out there, and they vary a lot in content, modules and the way they work with employers, so individual courses can have very different outcomes. This is a course where you really need to get a good grade — employers really pay attention to the class of your degree and a low grade will serious hit your prospects. But you can get a job on pretty much any industry in the country with a computing degree - and organisation with an IT system and a web site needs graduates in this discipline - and many employers report difficulty in finding graduates. So most students do get jobs, and starting salaries are good, particularly in London. If you want to find out more about the prospects for a computer science course at a particular institution, it's a good idea to go on open days and talk to tutors about what previous graduates went on to do.

What about your long term prospects?

Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.

Computer science

The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.

£23k

£23k

£25k

£25k

£26k

£26k

Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.

Explore these similar courses...

Higher entry requirements
University of Portsmouth | Portsmouth
Computer Networks and Security
BSc (Hons) 3 Years Full-time 2024
UCAS Points: 112-128
Lower entry requirements
University of Bedfordshire | Luton
Computer Networking
BSc (Hons) 3 Years Full-time 2024
UCAS Points: 96

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This is the percentage of applicants to this course who received an offer last year, through Ucas.

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This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

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Course location and department:

This is what the university has told Ucas about the course. Use it to get a quick idea about what makes it unique compared to similar courses, elsewhere.

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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):

We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.

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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).

This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.

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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.

You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.

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Post-six month graduation stats:

This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.

It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.

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Graduate field commentary:

The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show

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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?

Have a question about this info? Learn more here