University of Hertfordshire - BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Networks)

University of Hertfordshire

BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Networks)

Computer networking is an essential part of modern life: from the networked applications that run on smartphones and the internet, to the secure systems demanded by global business.

This course adds a specialism in networking to a broad base in technology and software development. Particularly in the first two years, you’ll find an emphasis on software development, professional programming, the modelling of systems and data and the issues that arise in a networked environment.

From this foundation you’ll learn about protocols, network design, constructing distributed applications and defending against cyber attacks. The course will enable you to create and evaluate systems and applications within a networked environment.

Entry Requirements

UCAS pointsA LevelBTECAccess Course TariffIB requirement
112-120

BBC - BBB

DMM - DDMOverall merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3112-120 points from a minimum of 2 HL subjects at grade 4 or above

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language and Mathematics.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band.

Career Prospects

Graduate employment opportunities are excellent, and there are careers across many employment sectors, including the IT industry, business, education and government.  Our graduates have become software developers, programmers, web developers, business analysts, database administrators, project managers and IT consultants, or have studied for postgraduate degrees at the University of Hertfordshire or other universities. Recent employers have included Blackberry, GSK, HP, IBM, John Lewis, and T-Mobile.

This course equips you for a range of specialist roles, such as network designer, manager or administrator, operations administrator, developer of distributed systems and cybersecurity consultant. Graduates have recently found careers with the likes of Blackberry, GSK, HP, IBM and John Lewis. Others have gone on to successful postgraduate study.

Our graduates have become software developers, programmers, web developers, business analysts, database administrators, project managers and IT consultants, or have studied for postgraduate degrees at the University of Hertfordshire or other universities. Recent employers have included Blackberry, GSK, HP, IBM, John Lewis, and T-Mobile.

Course Details

Computer Science is both an academic and a practical subject so you will be taught in different ways such as lectures, smaller group tutorials, supervised practicals (labs) and self-study including experiential learning. Assessment is by a mix of in-class tests, exams, and coursework.

The School has well equipped laboratory facilities, with PCs running Windows 7 and/or Linux and a whole range of industry-standard and educational software from Microsoft, Oracle, Adobe, and others. There are specialist labs for networking, multimedia, devices, robotics, and projects.

In addition to scheduled classes, about 16 hours per week in Year 1, you will be expected to spend the same amount of time in self-study taking advantage of the University's extensive and up-to-date facilities. These include the Learning Resource Centres (LRCs), open 24x7, with computer workstations and wifi access, Studynet - our versatile online study environment accessible on and off campus - and open access to our labs.

Most of our students own their own PC or Mac, but this is not essential since you can use the university facilities instead or as well.

What you will learn

You will learn about different aspects of networking: protocols, network design, the tools and services for constructing distributed applications, and network security – how to defend against cyber attack. In your first two years you will concentrate on building a broad integrated foundation, with your specialism in Networking building on this foundation.

First Year

You will learn the foundations of the subject including topics such as an overview of the field, programming, modelling, and computing platforms.

Second Year

You will deepen your understanding and develop more advanced skills. There are technical modules on software development, programming, databases, operating systems and networks, plus two options.

Third Year

You have the option of taking a one-year paid work placement, or you can study abroad at one of our partner universities worldwide.

Final Year

You will study computer security and project planning, specialist modules in network protocols & architecture and cyber security, plus two options. Finally you will undertake an individual project in your chosen specialism, typically an extensive piece of practical work.

Year 1

Human dimensions of computing
Programming
Models and methods in computing
Platforms for computing

Year 2

Contemporary issues
Database concepts
Computer science development exercise
Algorithms and data structures
Operating systems and networks

Optional modules
Artificial intelligence
Computer architecture
Cognitive and social robotics
The c family

Year 3

Project planning
Computer systems security
Cyber security
Networks project
Network protocols and architectures

Optional modules
Artificial life
Software quality
Embedded systems development
Machine learning and neural computing
Programming paradigms
Quantum computing
Mobile computing

*The information’s are correct at the time of publishing, however it may change if university makes any changes after we have published the information. While we try our best to provide correct information, It is advisable to call us or visit university website for up to date information.

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