Overview

Every online service, business system and connected device depends on networks that are fast, dependable and secure, which makes the people who build and defend them indispensable. The BSc (Hons) Networks and Cyber Security course at Bournemouth University prepares students to design, configure and optimise large-scale networks with security considerations built in from the start. Practical work takes place in specialist laboratories equipped with enterprise-grade hardware and virtualisation-ready infrastructure. Industry-focused tasks and research projects involving university staff and outside experts from the UK and abroad reinforce this hands-on approach. Through the university's membership of the Cisco Network Academy, students can prepare for recognised networking certifications, while an EC-Council academic partnership offers discounted learning resources and exam vouchers in areas such as ethical hacking and forensics. The course has initial accreditation from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, pending full accreditation, and students may choose to add a work placement. It suits analytical, practical students with a strong interest in computing and IT who want a career in networking. They will gain the technical depth and security awareness to work in any sector that relies on network infrastructure.

What You'll Learn

Computer fundamentals and virtualisation

Programming and software engineering

Network essentials, data communications and network management

Introduction to cyber security

Security operations and real-time threat monitoring

Emerging technologies in cyber security

Internet and wide area networks

Human factors in complex systems

Software business and innovation

Digital technology and its impact on society

Individual project on a topic of your choice

Optional study in deep learning, data visualisation, digital transformation and systems development

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will understand computing and networking at several levels, from foundational hardware, protocols and virtualisation to the design and evaluation of large-scale wide area networks. They will be able to configure and manage network infrastructure, detect security breaches through real-time monitoring and respond effectively, and apply security thinking to wired and wireless communication technologies. Laboratory work builds hands-on competence with enterprise-grade equipment, while team-based units develop collaboration and the ability to create security solutions using emerging technologies. Students learn to evaluate the human, legal and social dimensions of digital technology critically, and to apply mathematical and programming skills to real-world problems. The individual project lets them investigate a topic of their choice independently and present their process and results clearly, and option units allow them to specialise in areas such as deep learning, data visualisation or digital transformation.