Computer Networks and Security with Professional Placement Year
MSci (Hons)
Birmingham City University
Key Course Facts
Course Description
Fascinated by cyber security in today’s society? It’s a key concern for modern organisations in our digital world. Secure communication technologies form the bedrock of our modern connected mobile society and our BSc (Hons) / MSci Computer Networks and Security degree, with a Professional Placement Year, focuses on the practical needs of businesses that require high quality computer and network security, ensuring you’re equipped for a career in this increasingly important industry.
A Professional Placement Year will give you the opportunity to carry out a one-year placement in industry, after your second year on the course so that you graduate with both knowledge and experience in your chosen field.
What's covered in the course?
The course takes a practice-led approach, making use of equipment and tools found in the industry to give you the best preparation for a successful career. Our approach prioritises the practical skills sought by industry, backing this up with a thorough understanding of theory. The course delivers the latest in computing, network and security technologies, with the opportunity to gain additional accreditation from Cisco, Juniper and the Linux Professional Institute. Birmingham City University is also home to Cisco Systems and the Microsoft Academy Centre. You’ll learn from a well-rounded curriculum in computer network engineering, programming, server systems, security theory and practice, as well as management-level skills such as project and change management, maximising your career potential.
Studying computing with us puts you at the heart of an exciting, innovative community. Part of your first-year assessment will involve taking part in our annual Innovation Fest, where students get together to solve society’s problems with creative technology. Previous projects have included medical assistance drones, accessible gaming controllers, and smart housing solutions. The event brings together students, academics and industry guests, so it’s a great way to have fun, build experience and network, and win prizes!
Upon graduation you could progress into a career as a network security engineer, network administrator, and network security analyst or network security architect. architect.
Entry Requirements / Admissions
Minimum Required UCAS Tariff
Contextualised reduced tariff offer: 96 tariff points or equivalent e.g. A-level CCC, BTEC Extended Diploma MMM, BTEC Diploma DD Please visit: http://www.bcu.ac.uk/student-info/offer-making-strategy for more information about contextual offers.
Qualification requirements
Must include one from Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing at A-level or level 3 equivalent A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents.
Pass with 120 credits at level 4 with an average 50% in a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject Must be in a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject. May be considered for advanced entry subject to satisfactory comparability of modular content of Level 4. A transcript will be required. Need experience in Computer Programming for BSc(Hons) Computer Games Technology and BSc(Hons) Forensic Computing.
For Year 1 entry pass the HND with 2 merits. Overall grade is a Pass. For Year 2 pass the HND with an overall grade of at least a Merit from second year subjects in a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject Must be in a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject. May be considered for advanced entry. Subject to satisfactory comparability of modular content at levels 4 and 5. A transcript will be required. Need experience in Computer Programming for BSc (Hons) Computer Games Technology and BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing.
Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved from either five Highers or a combination of two Advanced Highers. Where only Highers have been taken a minimum of (BBCCC) are required. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers). Must include one from Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
112 UCAS tariff or must include one from Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing at A-levels, or level 3 equivalent. A maximum of two AS-level subjects, considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Pass with 60 credits, 45 of which should be at Level 3. including 12 Techical credits merit or distinction. Must be from Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subjects Knowledge of Computer Programming is required for BSc(Hons) Computer Games Technology and BSc(Hons) Forensic Computing
Achieve a minimum of 112 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 CCD. Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers) Must include one from Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing
Must be in a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
Must be in a topic related to the degree subject being applied for Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) one of which must be in a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject.
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall and pass one of the following subjects from Group 4 at Higher Level (Computer Science, Chemistry, Design Technology, Physics) 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) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted.
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
Must be in a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 112 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 grade H5/D1) Must include one from Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
See Level 3 Entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
In a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
112 UCAS points Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification Either this qualification or an accompanying A-level / level 3 equivalent must be a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
In a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject Must be offered along with either A-levels, BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas/ OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diplomas or a BTEC 12-unit National Diploma/ OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma combination with a total of 112 UCAS tariff points
112 UCAS points Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) one of which must be in a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject.
112 UCAS points Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s) One of the A-level / equivalent qualifications being taken must be in a Technology, Science, Mathematics or Computing related subject
English language requirements
| test | Grade | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | with no less than 5.5 in any level |
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Computer Networks and Security with Professional Placement Year, MSci (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.
Costs
Tuition Fees Computer Networks and Security with Professional Placement Year MSci (Hons)
| EU | £9250 | year 1 |
|---|---|---|
| England UK | £9250 | year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | year 1 |
| International | £13200 | year 1 |
Average student cost of living in the UK
| Rent | £518 |
| Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
| Supermarket shopping | £81 |
| Clothing | £35 |
| Eating out | £33 |
| Alcohol | £27 |
| Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
| Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
| Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
| Transport within city | £17 |
| Self-care / sports | £20 |
| Stationary / books | £13 |
| Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
| Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
| Insurance | £51 |
| Other | £95 |
| Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
How to apply
Application deadline:
January 1, 2024
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Possible Entry Points:
- year 1 (Default entry point)
University Rankings
Positions of Birmingham City University in top UK and global rankings.
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About Birmingham City University
Founded in 1853, Birmingham City University (BCU) is located in the city of Birmingham, England. The student population of this institution is made up of students from over 80 nationalities, which allows newly arrived foreign students to quickly feel welcome and at home. State-of-the-art facilities and resources await students on all courses, including the latest Engineering technology, 3D Printing studios, and Horology Workshops, just to name a few. BCU maintains a reputation for having a selective admissions process, so all applicants are recommended to prepare for their interview thoroughly.
List of 447 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birmingham City University - Course Catalogue
Student composition of Birmingham City University
- undergraduates:
- 20675
- postgraduates:
- 5010
- Total:
- 25685
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