Computer Networks with Foundation Year
Entry requirements
64 UCAS points where qualifications include either mathematics or computing. 72 UCAS points from any subject combination without mathematics or computing.
Pass from a QAA-approved mathematics or computing-related subject.
MPP from Computing or a numerate subject. MMP from other subjects.
64 UCAS points where qualifications include either mathematics or computing. 72 UCAS points from any subject combination.
UCAS Tariff
About this course
**Computer networks are transforming society, with cloud platforms, social networks and multimedia streaming influencing our daily lives and business operations. Learn to manage sophisticated solutions to shape the next generation of networks with a BSc (Hons) Computer Networks with Foundation Year degree**
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 BCS, Chartered Institute for IT-accredited 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**
The foundation year pathway aims to provide understanding of the key subjects in communication and study skills, basic programming, and essential mathematics. On successful completion, you will progress on to our BSc (Hons) Computer Networks degree.
For three further years of study - or four, if you choose to include an industry placement, our course delivers a practical and theoretical understanding of networks, how they work, and how they are applied, studying industry-informed modules developed in consultation with BBC, BT and Cisco.
Based at our exciting MediaCityUK campus, 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.
Having the ability to apply ideas is at the heart of successful computing careers, so we embed this learning objective throughout your studies. You will learn by completing both independent activities and group design projects.
**Get closer to industry**
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**
• Initially study a foundation year to develop computing, maths and study skills to progress to study our BSc (Hons) Computer Networks degree
• 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
This course is not open to international students.
The Uni
University of Salford
School of Science, Engineering and Environment
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.
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
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
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.
Top job areas of graduates
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
£25k
£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.
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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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Teaching Excellence Framework (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?
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