Why choose the School of Computing, Engineering and Creative Industries
Our Computer Networking course is accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) so you qualify for chartered IT professional status once you graduate.
Our computer science courses rank in the UK top 10 in their subject field for student experience and the UK top 20 for teaching quality (The Times, 2026).).
Our computer science courses scored student satisfaction rates of 90% and over for organisation and management (92%), academic support (90%) and learning resources (90%) (NSS, 2025).
About the course
From the office to your home and car, computer networks are at the heart of modern information systems and there is a growing need for experts who understand how these systems work. This course focuses on the technical aspects of installation and configuration; systems administration; and maintenance and management. You develop strong technical skills and a thorough understanding of how to manage networks; implement through design; and manage the needs of clients and businesses.
Course accreditation
This course is fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BSC), the chartered institute for IT, meaning you qualify for chartered IT professional status once you graduate.
Facilities and specialist equipment
- High-tech CCNA Academy computer networking suite
- Specialised IT security laboratory
- Cutting-edge technology such as MATLAB, VMware Workstation and resources from Oracle database
- Modern, purpose-built STEM building with high-performance computing suites, virtualised environments, bespoke learning spaces and group study hubs
Your student experience
- Our unique blend of theoretical and hands-on work keeps you up to date with state-of-the-art technologies.
- Challenge yourself in our dedicated test network laboratory using the latest industry-standard programs.
- Alongside your degree, take the opportunity to study for the AWS Cloud Foundation certification, making your qualification even more relevant to a range of employers.
- Get involved in field trips to leading sites such as Bletchley Park to see your subject in action.
- Learn from academics with up-to-the-minute accreditations and certifications as well as working on real-world projects and undertaking consultancy work.
- Be guided by our dedicated academic success tutors, there to support you through your studies.
with Professional Practice Year
This course has the option to be taken over four years which includes a year placement in industry. Undertaking a year in industry has many benefits. You gain practical experience and build your CV, as well as being a great opportunity to sample a profession and network with potential future employers.
There is no tuition fee for the placement year enabling you to gain an extra year of experience for free.
*Only available to UK/EU students.
with Foundation Year
A Degree with a Foundation Year gives you guaranteed entry to an Undergraduate course.
Whether you’re returning to learning and require additional help and support to up-skill, or if you didn’t quite meet the grades to pursue an Undergraduate course, our Degrees with Foundation Year provide a fantastic entry route for you to work towards a degree level qualification.
With our guidance and support you’ll get up to speed within one year, and will be ready to seamlessly progress on to undergraduate study at Bedfordshire.
The Foundation Year provides an opportunity to build up your academic writing skills and numeracy, and will also cover a range of subject specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree.
This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will need to successfully complete the Foundation Year to progress on to the first year of your bachelor’s degree.
Why study a degree with a Foundation Year?
- Broad-based yet enough depth to give you credible vocational skills
- Coverage of a variety of areas typically delivered by an expert in this area
- Gain an understanding of a subject before choosing which route you wish to specialise in
- Great introduction to further study, and guaranteed progression on to one of our Undergraduate degrees
The degrees offering a Foundation Year provide excellent preparation for your future studies.
During your Foundation Year you will get the opportunity to talk to tutors about your degree study and future career aspirations, and receive guidance on the most appropriate Undergraduate course to help you achieve this; providing you meet the entry requirements and pass the Foundation Year.
Course Leader - Dr Ghazanfar Ali Safdar
Ghazanfar Ali Safdar received a BSc (Hons) in Electrical Engineering from University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan in 1997. He subsequently received M.Eng in Computer Science and Telecommunications from University of Technology, Grenoble, France in 2001.
He was awarded a PhD from Queen's University Belfast, UK in 2005 for his work in the area of power-saving MAC protocols for the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless LANs.
Course Leader - Dr Ghazanfar Ali Safdar
Ghazanfar Ali Safdar received a BSc (Hons) in Electrical Engineering from University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan in 1997. He subsequently received M.Eng in Computer Science and Telecommunications from University of Technology, Grenoble, France in 2001.
He was awarded a PhD from Queen's University Belfast, UK in 2005 for his work in the area of power-saving MAC protocols for the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless LANs.
Course Leader - Dr Ghazanfar Ali Safdar
Ghazanfar Ali Safdar received a BSc (Hons) in Electrical Engineering from University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan in 1997. He subsequently received M.Eng in Computer Science and Telecommunications from University of Technology, Grenoble, France in 2001.
He was awarded a PhD from Queen's University Belfast, UK in 2005 for his work in the area of power-saving MAC protocols for the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless LANs.
Course Leader - Dr Ghazanfar Ali Safdar
Ghazanfar Ali Safdar received a BSc (Hons) in Electrical Engineering from University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan in 1997. He subsequently received M.Eng in Computer Science and Telecommunications from University of Technology, Grenoble, France in 2001.
He was awarded a PhD from Queen's University Belfast, UK in 2005 for his work in the area of power-saving MAC protocols for the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless LANs.
Year 1
Mathematics and concepts for computational thinking - Apply maths-based coding skills to build software applications using programming languages like Python. Databases and computer networks - An introduction to networking and data organisation as well as practical skills in design, configuration and troubleshooting. Principles of programming and data structures - Develop your skills in using a high-level programming language and apply them to real-world problems. Principles of information security - Learn cybersecurity fundamentals in areas such as cyber threats, threat actors, network protection and basic cryptography.
Year 2
Networking - Understand networking challenges and the role of protocols while exploring technologies and services for effective network implementation. Wireless communications and networking - Learn wireless networking principles in areas like radio-frequency basics, and practical WLAN design, installation and troubleshooting. Information security management - Gain an understanding of cybersecurity operations, security management processes, and the tools and techniques used across organisations. Switching and routing – A Cisco-based programme covering switching and routing, cybersecurity threat protection, and configuring and troubleshooting enterprise networks.
Year 3
Advanced networking - Use simulations and modelling to study real-time and non-real-time traffic, congestion, bandwidth limits (wired and wireless) and next-generation radio networks. Research methodologies and emerging technologies – Plan your Honours project around current or emerging technologies, using research to back up your proposal. Agile project management – Gain valuable project-management skills for your graduate career. Undergraduate project – Work independently to develop and complete a major project on a topic of your choice.
You are assessed in a variety of ways. The majority of units are assessed through coursework group and individual projects portfolios essays presentations or exams. As part of project you will also produce artefacts in the area of your specialism. Constant feedback and advice from a supervisory or unit team will be provided to support you in your work.
At level 4 you are assessed on your understanding of the fundamental concepts of Computer Networking and its application. You are required to comprehend the basic range of intellectual concepts which form the foundations of the subject and application area and will be assessed on your ability to articulate such concepts in a coherent manner in a variety of written assessments/written briefs.
At level 5 you are assessed on your ability to apply the basic concepts of the disciplines introduced in level 4 to existing controversies and issues on which there is already a body of research and critical opinion. You also should be able to demonstrate the inter-relationships between critical theory and practice. For example the units `Networking and `Wireless Communications and Networking will further your understanding of networking principles and design.
At level 6 you will be required to demonstrate independent thinking and initiative. This may be in the form of analysing and criticising current approaches and theory within Computer Networking. In all cases you will be expected to show an awareness of the major theories and practices of the discipline. You will progress from well-defined briefs to more open-ended and challenging assessments which culminate in the honours project where you will be given freedom to choose your area of work.
Careers
This course opens up employment prospects across the IT sector including computer help desks; network support; network security; network and systems engineering; internet and network administration; network and information systems management; project management; and other computing-related positions. Specific roles include network administrator; networking consultant; network design and development engineer; network support engineer; and network architect.
On graduation you can also progress to take a Master's in a related field such as MSc Computer Networking or MSc Cyber Security.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Fees for this course
UK
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the Academic Year 2025/26 is £9,535 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees. You can also apply for a maintenance loan from the Government to help cover your living costs. See www.gov.uk/student-finance
Excellence Scholarships
Worth £2,500 per year of study over three years when you score a defined number of UCAS tariff points from specified qualifications*
» If you don’t qualify for an Excellence Scholarship but have 120 UCAS tariff points, you have enough points for one of our Achievement Scholarships offering £500 per year of study**
» Other scholarships, bursaries and financial support packages are available
* Points requirements vary depending on type of qualification.
** Threshold is 120 UCAS tariff points across all awarding bodies and qualifications.
International
The full-time standard undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 2025/26 is £16,900 per year.
There are range of Scholarships available to help support you through your studies with us.
A full list of scholarships can be found here.
Virtual Tour
