Computer Networks and Security BSc (Hons)

This course aims to meet the increasing demands for combining Computer Networks, Security, and Programming expertise raised by the growing adoption of the Next-Generation Network services.

Entry Criteria
Structure and assessment
Facilities and features
Opportunities and careers
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Overview

This degree programme will equip graduates who are capable of meeting the increasing demands for combining Computer Networks, Security, and Programming expertise raised by the growing adoption of the Next-Generation Network (NGN) services, e.g., VoIP, and Next Generation Network Model, i.e., SDN and NFV, where network devices have turned to be a programmable virtual entity on the cloud.

Beside core computer science and cyber security modules, this course includes key networking modules prepared carefully according to the new Cisco certification path, in consultation with our Cisco partner. These new modules focus on industry level requirements and are certification oriented and will prepare graduates to meet the new skill demands to maximise employability.

The structure of the course and programme modules makes it possible for graduates to also take traditional and emerging Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Cyber Security roles.

Key features

You will join Cisco Networking Academy.
Covering the syllabus of three Cisco certificates: The new Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco CyberOps Associate, and Cisco DevNet Associate and one additional Cisco Networking Academy course: Network Security
Specialist networking lab facilities, built according to Cisco latest recommendations.
Free Cisco assessment for related modules to gain a Course Completion Certificate/Digital Badge from Cisco Networking Academy verifying the acquired skills and preparing the students to optionally obtain the commercial certifications at a 3rd party exam centre.
This course is taught by experts from DMU’s Cyber Technology Institute, which boasts an international reputation in cyber security, influencing the approach taken by the UK government and leading organisations.
DMU has been named a gold standard ‘Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Education’ by the leading authority on cyber security in the UK, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - part of GCHQ. DMU is the first university in the East Midlands to achieve this prestigious status.
DMU has been recognised for conducting world-leading cyber security research, having been named the East Midlands’ first ‘Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research’.
Gain valuable industry experience by undertaking a placement, with students taking up placements at Airbus, GCHQ, and Vauxhall Motors.
Our DMU Global programme offers students the opportunity to have a valuable international experience as part of their studies. Cyber Security students recently gained insights into San Francisco’s tech industry, while others put their skills to the test at New York’s Spyscap museum.

Watch: DMU researchers talk about working with businesses such as Airbus and Rolls-Royce to improve their cyber security.

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UK
EU/International

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G450

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for UK students: £9,250

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

Accreditation:

Contact us: For more information, call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Book an Open Day

Submit a study-related enquiry

Institution code: D26

UCAS course code: G450

Duration: Three years full-time, four years with placement

Fees and funding:

2024/25 tuition fees for international students: £16,250

Find out more about available funding for international students.

Find out about additional costs and optional extras.

Accreditation:

Contact us: For more information, call us on +44 (0)116 2 50 60 70.

International students can apply to study at DMU directly using our online applications portal.

How to apply

Order a prospectus

Application guidance document

Submit a study-related enquiry

Entry criteria

A typical offer is 112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels or equivalent or
BTEC National Diploma/ Extended Diploma at DMM

Plus five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics or equivalent.

Alternative qualifications include:

Pass in the QAA accredited Access to HE. English and Mathematics GCSE required as a separate qualification as equivalency is not accepted within the Access qualification.

We will normally require students to have had a break from full-time education before undertaking the Access course or

International Baccalaureate: 26+ points
Foundation Year in Computing: Pass Foundation, and progression is at the discretion of the programme leader. Refer to the Foundation team for further guidance.

Portfolio Required: No

Interview Required: No

We welcome applications from mature students with non-standard qualifications and recognise all other equivalent and international qualifications.

UCAS tariff information

Students applying for courses starting in September will be made offers based on the latest UCAS Tariff.

Contextual offer

To make sure you get fair and equal access to higher education, when looking at your application, we consider more than just your grades. So if you are eligible, you may receive a contextual offer. Find our more about contextual offers.

English language – If English is not your first language we require an English language level of IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each component or equivalent

English Language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Structure and assessment

First year

C Programming I
Computer Ethics
Computer Systems
Mathematics for Computing
C Programming II
Computer Law and Cyber Security
Introduction to Networks (ITN)
Database Design and Implementation

Second year

Programming for Network Engineers
Web Application Development
Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials
Data Structures and Algorithms
Research and Development Skills
Penetration Testing
Enterprise Networking, Security, and Automation
Cryptography

Third year

Development Project
Cybersecurity Operations
Network Development
Multimedia Networking
Network Security
Emerging Technology in Computer Networks

Optional Module

Malware Analysis

Network Forensics

View more detailed module information.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

The course is part of DMU’s Cyber Security Centre, which influences the government and corporations in their approach to cyber security. This shapes the curriculum so that you learn what is important. It also grants you privileged access to career opportunities. In the first year, you will normally attend around 13–15 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, split across a variety of lectures, small group activities and practical laboratory work.

Assessment is made up of roughly 25 per cent end-of-year examination and 75 per cent coursework in each year. The coursework takes a variety of forms, with frequent laboratory-based phase tests providing early feedback on progress. In the second year, more substantial assignments are set, including a research study. In the final year, assessment is typically by coursework with some specialist optional modules assessed by exams.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by Cisco. You will join a Cisco Networking Academy and will cover three Cisco certificates including the new Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco CyberOps Associate and Cisco DevNet Associate and one additional Networking Academy course: Network Security

Facilities and features

Computer Networks and Cyber Security Laboratories

The specialist Computer Networks and Cyber Security laboratories are among the best equipped facilities of this type in the UK. Developed in consultation with Cisco and leaders in the industry, they are designed to meet the highest computer networks and cyber security standards.

The laboratories contain high-specification, specially customised PCs configured with multiple operating systems, virtualisation and removable hard drives, as well as specialised servers, wired and wireless networking equipment and a variety of other hardware and software components.

The laboratories are also the base for the university's Cyber Security Centre, a multidisciplinary group of academics and industry experts who focus on a wide variety of cyber security and digital forensics issues. Their mission is to provide to all the benefits of a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace.

Library and learning zones

On campus, the main Kimberlin Library offers a space where you can work, study and access a vast range of print materials, with computer stations, laptops, plasma screens and assistive technology also available.

As well as providing a physical space in which to work, we offer online tools to support your studies, and our extensive online collection of resources accessible from our Library website, e-books, specialised databases and electronic journals and films which can be remotely accessed from anywhere you choose.

We will support you to confidently use a huge range of learning technologies, including the Virtual Learning Environment, Collaborate Ultra, DMU Replay, MS Teams, Turnitin and more. Alongside this, you can access LinkedIn Learning and learn how to use Microsoft 365, and study support software such as mind mapping and note-taking through our new Digital Student Skills Hub.

The library staff offer additional support to students, including help with academic writing, research strategies, literature searching, reference management and assistive technology. There is also a ‘Just Ask’ service for help and advice, live LibChat, online workshops, tutorials and drop-ins available from our Learning Services, and weekly library live chat sessions that give you the chance to ask the library teams for help.

More flexible ways to learn

We offer an equitable and inclusive approach to learning and teaching for all our students. Known as the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), our teaching approach has been recognised as sector leading. UDL means we offer a wide variety of support, facilities and technology to all students, including those with disabilities and specific learning differences.

Just one of the ways we do this is by using ‘DMU Replay’ – a technology providing all students with anytime access to audio and/or visual material of lectures. This means students can revise taught material in a way that suits them best, whether it's replaying a recording of a class or adapting written material shared in class using specialist software.

Opportunities and careers

Graduate Careers

This programme has been developed to help give students the skills needed for careers in the computer networks and cyber security industry.

Graduates have excellent opportunities to pursue careers in industry, government, or law enforcement in roles such as a Network Engineer, Network Security Engineer, Network Automation Engineer, Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Cyber Security Engineer or working in a Security Operations Centre (SOC) in roles such as SOC Analyst and Incident Responder. Previous graduates from our cyber security programmes have gone on to work for organisations such as Deloitte, GCHQ, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce.

Placements

Work placements are offered as part of this course as one of the best ways to boost your skills and experience while studying, as well as improving your chances of gaining a graduate level job.

We have links with organisations both in the UK and internationally, and the placements team will help you find a placement to suit your interests and aspirations.

Students have taken part in placements at Airbus, GCHQ, and Vauxhall Motors to develop their skills and put their learning into practice.

Computer Networks and Security BSc (Hons)

Overview

Entry criteria

Structure and assessment

Course modules

Teaching and assessments