This course produces commercially aware networking professionals who can plan, design and implement new networks, including using the latest wireless network technologies. Our graduates demonstrate a clear understanding of computer operating systems, network communication systems and can integrate hardware and software with business elements.
The course is informed by the increased importance of the competitive global economy, new developments in high-speed digital communication systems and the necessity for strategic computer networks systems and associated applications in successful businesses. The course also emphasises the need to develop interpersonal skills, which are essential in today’s professional business environment.
Key Facts
- The Course’s computer networking theme follows the Cisco Systems Networking Curriculum.
- Get skills to plan, design and implement new networks, plus gain the interpersonal and business awareness needed in today’s professional world.
- Also offers professional qualifications, such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA/P), Wireless Networks (CWNA) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) certifications.
- Accredited by the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) - successful completion meets educational requirements for IEng status.
- The School is a Cisco Systems & Microsoft Academy Centre - one of Microsoft’s top UK university-based academies.
Why Choose Us?
- Use embedded systems laboratories to develop real-time systems, such as specialist hardware training and development resources, and work with industry-standard software development and simulation tools.
- Use dedicated facilities for work such as systems analysis, artificial intelligence, e-commerce and business intelligence, and to support the application areas of mechatronics, games technology and computer forensics (with its own fully equipped laboratory).
- School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks is internationally recognised for teaching quality, research and extensive industry partnerships.
- It’s established as one of the leading academies for Apple, Microsoft and Cisco Systems.
- Strong links with companies like SAS, SAP, Xbox, Samsung, Intel and NEC keep your course relevant, real-life and respected by employers.
Download the Course Programme Specification
Entry Requirements
- 280 points. Minimum of two 6-unit or one 12-unit A-Level (GCE or VCE).
- National Diploma with Merit Merit Distinction.
- Advanced Diplomas are accepted.
- AGNVQ overall Merit + GCSE Mathematics C
- GCSE Mathematics and English grade C or equivalent must be offered
- Irish: 280 points in ILC. Scottish : 280points from 4 Highers. IB: 30points
Application Details
Full Time: Please make your application via UCAS using course code G422
UCAS Information
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
UK, EU and international students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
You submit an application via the UCAS website with a list of up to five courses. All choices are confidential during the application process so universities and colleges considering an application cannot see your other choices. Applications must be completed by mid-January of the year that you wish to start university.
You can monitor the progress of your application using the UCAS Apply system.
Fees and Finance
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Fees for students from the UK or EU countries?
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|---|
| Start | Mode | Duration | Award | Fees |
|---|
| Sep 2013 | FT | 3 years | BSc (Hons) | £7,500 per year |
| Sep 2013 | SW | 4 years | BSc (Hons) | TBC |
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Fees for students from non-EU countries?
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|---|
| Start | Mode | Duration | Award | Fees |
|---|
| Sep 2013 | FT | 3 years | BSc (Hons) | £10,100 |
The University reserves the right to increase fees broadly in line with increases in inflation, or to reflect changes in government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
Additional costs
There are no additional costs required for this course, except you are required to own your own personal computer and have access to the internet to obtain course and on-line material.
Financial Options and Advice
We have deliberately tried to set fees that reflect the cost of course delivery in order to help our students avoid debt.
Full-time students won't have to pay for tuition fees until after their studies - there are government tuition fee loans available. If you are a full-time student, after leaving university you will start to pay back your loan once you are earning over £21,000 a year, at a rate of nine per cent on any income above £21,000. So if you were earning £25,000, you would pay back nine per cent of £4,000, or £30 per month.
Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis offers key facts on fees, loans and grants:
Financial Support
We offer further information on possible financial support. This includes the type of loans, grants and scholarships available both from the government and from Birmingham City University.
University Approach to Employability
Expertly woven into our curriculum and work experience opportunities, and underpinned by a diligent approach to career preparation and the close involvement of professional bodies, the University views employment as one of the principal rewards for a student's ambition, application and academic achievement. It's why the University is one of the country's top 30 universities* for placing students in graduate-level employment.
Our close links with business and the professions mean that our courses are always relevant, up-to-date and meet the exact needs of the current marketplace. Wherever possible, we involve employers in planning the curriculum, while many of our lecturers come from and maintain their links with industry, ensuring they are up to speed with the latest developments.
Employability will be an integral outcome of your studies.
* Sunday Times University Guide 2012
Employment Opportunities
Our graduates typically forge careers in these areas:
- Specifying, designing or managing and support of secure communications networks
- Providing technical, software or applications support or training
- Implementation and/or evaluation of secure systems
- IT professionals with responsibility for planning, implementation, management and support of PC operating systems
- Entrepreneurs providing creative solutions for businesses in the above areas.
Placements
We encourage you to further enhance your career prospects by including an industrial placement in your course. This takes place after the second year of study and extends the course duration to four years.
As well as providing the workplace experience that many employers are looking for, a placement provides an invaluable opportunity to further develop your practical expertise, earn money and try out a potential career path. The Faculty’s placements team will give you every support throughout the placement process.
Learn more about some of the prestigious organisations that our students are placed with:
Placement Profiles
Course : BSc (Hons) Computer Networks
Further Studies
The University has a range of either taught (MSc) or research (MPhil and PhD) postgraduate programmes. Details can be found on the postgraduate section of the website.
Full Time
Full Time (Sandwich)
About KIS data
From September 2012, all universities and colleges are publishing standardised information for all undergraduate courses in the form of a Key Information Set (KIS). The KIS data is designed to meet the needs of prospective students and allow for informed decision-making when choosing a university course.
Putting our students first
We pride ourselves on our student satisfaction levels which have risen from 73 per cent to 83 per cent between 2010 and 2012. Our dedication to improving the student experience is illustrated by our award-winning student engagement, our close links with business and industry and our £180 million investment in new facilities.
Employability facts
76% of course leavers are in a professional or managerial position, earning an average salary after six months of £18,000. Graduates of the School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks have gone on to work for companies such as Hewlett Packard, Bell Micro, BT, Cisco, Deloitte, Ericsson, Fujitsu, IBM, Intel Corporation, Siemens and Nokia.
Working with your Students’ Union
Improving student satisfaction is a priority commitment shared by both Birmingham City University and its Students’ Union. In its strategic planning, the Union has pledged to be more accessible, more relevant and provide more opportunity to engage with a diverse student community.
The Students’ Union is already a key stakeholder in supporting an excellent teaching experience at Birmingham City University, through joint projects such as the Extra Mile Teaching Awards and the Student Rep scheme, which allows students to share their ideas on how they are taught.
As Birmingham City University moves towards a two campus strategy where it can better support enhanced learning and student support facilities across a two-mile radius, the Students’ Union will also be better able to implement its commitment to improve communication and engage with its valued student membership.
Course Modules
| Year 1 |
| Module |
Credits |
| Professional Context of Technology |
15 Credits |
| ICT Programming |
15 Credits |
| Computer Systems Technology |
30 Credits |
| Computer Networking Basics |
30 Credits |
| Supporting ICT Clients |
30 Credits |
| Year 2 |
| Module |
Credits |
| Management in Technology Innovation |
15 Credits |
| ICT Programming |
15 Credits |
| Wireless Networks |
30 Credits |
| Switched LANS and WANS |
30 Credits |
| Infrastructure Services |
30 Credits |
| Year 3 |
| Module |
Credits |
| Individual Project |
30 Credits |
| Advanced Networking Technologies |
30 Credits |
| Network Design and Management |
30 Credits |
| ICT Infrastructure Management |
30 Credits |
The course is based on a themed approach:
Infrastructure Technologies
This theme is about understanding Microsoft Operating systems and involves managing the administration, installation and troubleshooting of PC hardware and software.
Communication Networks
This theme consists of technologies employed in Local and Wide Area Networks. It follows the Cisco CCNA curriculum and introduces protocols, LAN/WAN terminology, TCP/IP, addressing, switching, routing protocols and management of networks.
Emerging Technologies
This theme consists of fundamental principles of computer hardware and digital storage devices, computer architecture, digital systems and data representation. You’ll gain an understanding of wireless networks including installation, configuration, troubleshooting and network security.
Application Development
This theme consists of programming languages, Graphical User interfaces and understanding of realistic robust programming applications.
Business
This theme consists of providing professional development, and an introduction to the business macro-environment sector. You’ll gain an understanding of market-led innovation planning and management. It also develops your teamwork skills in evaluating and effectively communicating information in both written and oral form.
Assessment Methods
We use a range of assessment methods throughout the course, including continuous assessment, in class tests, examinations, laboratory exercises and project work. We find this helps us to appraise your all-round ability and gives you the best opportunity to excel.
Phillip Bridges
Cisco expert Phillip Bridges can’t recommend hands-on experience highly enough. He made full use of our impressive lab facilities and an invaluable Cisco internship to hone the skills that employers prize.
Working on the very best equipment
“My course was composed of several Cisco NetAcad modules that helped me get both my internship at Cisco and my current role,” says Phil. “I chose Birmingham City University based on its strong links with Cisco and the facilities in the lab. I was also an intern at Cisco, working everyday on Cisco equipment. It helped me in my final year to produce an excellent standard of work for my final year project.”
How to impress employers…
“Hands-on lab time has been the most valuable and most enjoyable,” says Phil. And on that subject, he’s got some great advice: “Make the most of the lab equipment. Employers love it at interviews and assessment centres when you get tested for hands-on and work fast to a high level.”
Constant change, continuous training
Phil’s hard work has landed him such a fantastic job that he doesn’t anticipate needing to study any further at university. “I take continuous training sessions with work,” he says, “because the technology moves very quickly”. His plans? To make the most of the great career progression in his current role.
Enquiries
Prospective students from the UK or EU
- Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to a range of questions about our courses and studying here.
- If you need further help, you can contact the Course Enquiries Team online by using the Course Enquiry Form.
- Alternatively, call us on +44 (0)121 331 5595.
Prospective students from non-EU countries
- International enquirers from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form.
- Alternatively, call us +44 (0)121 331 6714.
Prospectus
For an overview of our undergraduate courses and range of other information order a printed Prospectus or download a PDF of our 2014/15 Prospectus (16MB).
Further Information
For general enquiries, please contact the School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks as follows:
School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks
Faculty of Technology, Engineering and the Environment
Birmingham City University
Millennium Point
Curzon Street
Birmingham
B4 7XG
Tel: +44 (0)121 331 5400
Email: enquiries@tee.bcu.ac.uk
If you haven't already, visit the School of Computing, Telecommunications and Networks website for more information.