BSc (Hons) Computer Networks with a Foundation Year, will equip you to take the revolution in communications technology to the next level in our modern, mobile, connected society.
You will have access to networked laboratories running the latest software, ensuring you become well acquainted with technologies you’ll encounter when working in the industry.
The Foundation Year course option enables you to study for our BSc (Hons) degree over an extended full-time duration of four years by including a Foundation Certificate (year one of four). The Foundation Certificate provides a broad study course that underpins the follow-on degree. In order to progress to the next year of your degree, it is necessary to achieve a pass in all of the modules of the Foundation Certificate.
You’ll take a practice-led approach, making use of equipment and tools found in the workplace, giving you the best preparation for employment. We prioritise the practical skills sought by industry, backing them up with a thorough understanding of theory. You will explore the latest in computing, network, and cloud and server technologies and have the opportunity to gain additional accreditation from Microsoft, Cisco Systems and the Linux Professional Institute. We are also home to Cisco Systems and the Microsoft Academy Centre.
You will study a well-rounded curriculum in computer network engineering, programming, server systems and practice, as well as develop management-level skills such as project and change management to maximise you career potential.
Upon graduation you could progress into a career as a network administrator, network services engineer, network architect, network support analyst, data centre engineer, storage and virtualisation analyst, technical infrastructure architect, Linux network administrator, field network technician, service desk analyst, solutions architect, and IT infrastructure specialist.
My placement involved being an intern for a year, doing everything a full engineer would do, everything from configuration to documentation to eating lunch with the rest of the guys. Phil Bridges (Network Consulting Engineer at Cisco Systems)
Visit our School site for more student work and extra information.
George Harris
George wanted to find a safe, supportive and LGBTQ+ friendly city and feels that BCU has supported him in all aspects of his university life so far. He loves being a part of the creative and innovative community at BCU and is excited to see what the future holds.
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
BB or 80 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels |
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Typical Offers (UK students) | ||
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At the point of application, you must have GCSE at Grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Mathematics. Equivalent qualifications can be considered in lieu of GCSE subjects as long as the required subjects are covered. Plus, you must have achieved or be completing one of the following: |
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UK Qualification | Requirements | |
GCE A Level/ AS Level | BB or 80 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels | |
Access to Higher Education Diploma | 60 credits overall. Minimum of 45 credits at level 3. Including 12 technical credits at Merit or Distinction. Must already hold GCSE Mathematics and English Language Grade C or higher or the equivalent at application point. | |
BTEC National Diploma (12-units not including early years)/ Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma | D*D or combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 80 UCAS points | |
BTEC Extended Diploma (18-units not including early years)/ Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | MMP - 80 UCAS points | |
BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/ Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate | Combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 80 UCAS points | |
BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design | Distinction | |
International Baccalaureate Diploma |
Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma and who achieve the minimum of 11 points from two High Level subjects, will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates. For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted. For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) Group A English Group A - Grade 4 or above, OR English Group B Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted. A combination of GCSEs, A-levels and IB certificates will be considered on a case by case basis. |
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Irish Leaving Certificate |
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 80 tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum H3/D1 taken from three subjects). Must be from Technology, Science, or Computing related subjects. Higher levels to include Mathematics at Higher levels. |
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Scottish Higher/ Advanced Higher |
Achieve a minimum of 80 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers. Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CDD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of DD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of DD in two Highers). Must be from Technology, Science, or Computing related subjects |
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Welsh Baccalaureate (core plus options) | Combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 80 UCAS points | |
Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Essential | ||
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Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In additional to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require the qualifications detailed in this table. |
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EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | Requirements | |
IELTS |
6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands 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.
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International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). |
Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall. Students who do not complete the IB Diploma and who achieve the minimum of 11 points from two High Level subjects, will be considered on the basis of their IB Certificates. For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted. For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) Group A English Group A - Grade 4 or above, OR English Group B Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted. A combination of GCSEs, A-levels and IB certificates will be considered on a case by case basis. Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications. |
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
Award: BSc (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2020
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
UK and EU 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.
There are no compulsory additional costs or charges associated with studying on this course. While you may choose to purchase personal copies of text books, all our key text books are available from our library or online (subject to normal library loan and online access arrangements). If your course includes a residential study session, the accommodation costs for this are already included in your course fee.
Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £50 for each year of your studies for stationery and study materials. All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
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.
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits). |
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits). |
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits). |
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits). |
We think it’s important that you are assessed in a number of different ways during your course. These will include continuous assessment, in-class tests, examinations, laboratory exercises and project work.
There are 30 attendance weeks in each academic year.
A typical week on this course will include 20 hours of contact time over three or four days, plus self study time.
At course completion, there is a high level of interest for further study. This relates to the need to continue to research and practice as a core activity, but also recognises statistical evidence in 2014 from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills which noted that someone with a Master’s degree earns on average £9,000 more per year than someone with a degree qualification, which, when coupled with the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (2014) observation that one in seven jobs will require a postgraduate qualification by 2022, shows that the contribution of postgraduate study to employability is increasingly significant.
Our Erasmus scheme will allow you to undertake part of your studies abroad, allowing you to experience life and studying in another EU country.
It is open to undergraduates in their second year (or above) and offers a unique opportunity to enhance a student’s CV and experience new cultures.
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.
You will benefit during your studies from strong links with companies such as SAS, SAP, Xbox, Samsung, Intel and NEC, keeping your course relevant, real-life and respected by employers.
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 Studios, SAP, Xbox, Samsung, Intel and NEC, you have the chance to work with and understand the workings of real-life industry from early on in your degree studies.
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.
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.
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Our students have gone on to work at companies such as Cisco Systems, Cisco Meraki, Capgemini, Reply, BT, Vodafone, SCC, Logicalis and Lloyds Bank.
The broad scope of the topics covered throughout the programme will leave you well-equipped to take on roles such as network administrator, network services engineer, network architect, network support analyst, data centre engineer, storage and virtualisation analyst, technical infrastructure architect, Linux network administrator, field network technician, service desk analyst, solutions architect and IT infrastructure specialist.
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.
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 achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Our students come from around the world but our computer networks course is most popular with international students from:
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities. This course will be taught at Millennium Point at the City Centre Campus.
As a student at the School of Computing and Digital Technology, you have access to networked laboratories equipped to industry standards and running the latest software, giving you the best possible introduction to the technologies you will encounter in the world of work.
Dedicated facilities are provided for systems analysis, computer networks, programming in a wide range of languages, artificial intelligence, modelling and visual programming, e-commerce and .net environments, and business intelligence, as well as supporting the application areas of mechatronics, games technology, electronics and computer forensics.
The laboratories are well-equipped for all our computer networking courses, as well as specialist areas for practical work such as voice-over internet protocol (VoIP), forensic and ethical hacking technologies, wireless and mobile technologies and radio frequency identification technologies to name but a few.
There are a number of open access, software development and computer programming
laboratories that can be used to develop systems and programmes, including database management systems such as MySQL, to name but a few.
Our embedded systems laboratories are used to develop real-time systems, such as specialist hardware training and development resources, and industrial-standard software development and simulation tools. These include microcontroller software and robotics design and development, to name but a few.
Our successful development of forensic computing has led to a specialist forensics laboratory that is fully equipped with essential hardware and software for this sensitive area of study. The laboratory includes high-spec PC’s with built-in multi interface Tableau write blockers, EnCase and FTK computer forensic software and steganography detection and analysis software, to name but a few.
Senior lecturer Ron Austin is the Associate Professor of the MSc Data Networks and Security 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.
Prior to joining Birmingham City University, Ron spent 17 years in network management systems for companies including Telewest and Cable & Wireless.