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Computer Networking

Course details
  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Paisley Campus

Course summary

OVERVIEW
Computer networks help keep all aspects of modern life connected. BSc (Hons) Computer Networking aims to provide you with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to work in this exciting and ever-evolving field.In this programme you’ll discover how networking hardware and software work together to keep people and organisations connected, and support the wide range of services we expect our networks to provide.You will cover the curriculum of the CCNA professional certification, exploreWindows and Unix/Linux system administration and learn about data security and
network management. Highly skilled graduates go on to work in infrastructure management roles with a wide range of organisations across the world. Some also go on to higher levels of university study.

PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

• This programme will equip you with the skills needed to specialise in the networking and IT infrastructure industries.
• From web authoring and the operation of computing hardware and software, to specialist studies in wireless networks, virtualisation and cybersecurity, this
programme covers a wide variety of topics in contemporary Computer Networking.
• You will have the option of undertaking a one year full-time paid sandwich placement.
• You will gain the knowledge required for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) certification.
• This programme is accredited by the British Computer Society.*
*Subject to re-accreditation approval

PROGRAMME DETAILS

UWS is a recognised centre of training for a number of vendor certifications including Microsoft, Cisco and Oracle. Lecturers on the Computer Networking degree are members of the University’s Audio-Visual Communications and Network Research Group, which is particularly active in the areas of 5G mobile network technologies, cybersecurity, cloud computing and virtualisation and the Internet of Things.

CAREERS

As well as launching their own businesses, many of our BSc (Hons) Computer Networking graduates have gone on to secure roles as networking engineers,
computer network administrators and senior infrastructure analysts for a wide range of organisations including:
• Google
• BT Networking
• BskyB
• NHS
• Scottish Government
• IBM
• DXC
• JP Morgan
• Morgan Stanley
• Herald & Times Group

Modules

Course Modules

Year 1
Computing topics include basic web authoring and the operation of computing hardware and software.
Year 2
You will examine networking infrastructure, such as routers and switches and undertake a group project or placement. At the end of second year, you will be ready to sit the industry-recognised CCNA certification.
Year 3
Studies include exploring the Windows and Unix/Linux system administration, data security and the operation of networks and preparation for your Honours project.
Sandwich Placement (Optional)
You may take a paid full-time placement over a minimum 36 weeks duration, leading to a sandwich award. This can be taken between years 2 and 3 or years 3 and 4.
Year 4
You will study more advanced networking topics, including wireless networks, virtualisation, security and network automation, and undertake a network project designed to integrate your knowledge and skills.

https://psmd.uws.ac.uk/UWS/Programme-Specifications/Undergraduate/Computing-Engineering-and-Physical-Sciences/BSc (Hons) Computer Networking.pdf

Assessment method

Given the practical nature of this programme, much of the class contact time is spent in the lab, with lectures and tutorials to present and underpin more theoretical areas. A wide range of assessments are used, including practical assessments, technical report writing, individual and group project work, presentations and (in later years) examinations.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • British Computer Society

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

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.

Application codes

Course code:
H601
Institution code:
U40
Campus name:
Paisley Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2
  • Year 3
  • Year 4

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

Scottish HNC
Pass

Entry to Year 2 with a HNC in one of the following titles: Computing: Technical Support; Computing (Internetworking)

Scottish HND
Pass

Entry to Year 3 with a HND in one of the following titles: Computing: Technical Support; Computing (Internetworking); Networking & Cyber Security; Cyber Security; Computing: Network Computing; Computing: Networking; Computer Networking & Internet Technology

Scottish Advanced Higher
CCD

For entry to Year 2. Must include Computing or evidence of programming.

Year 1 entry with SWAP (BBB) Access to STEM.
NextGen HNC/D qualifications can be considered, subject to content, for entry into Years 1-3, with 'Acheived'

Entry requirements for students joining after Year 1: For Year 2 Entry:
Scottish Advanced Highers: CCD including Computing or evidence of programming
T Level: Full T Level with Grade M (120 Tariff points) in relevant subject or with evidence of programming
A Levels: BBC including Computing or evidence of programming
International Baccalaureate: 28 points
SQA HNC/BTEC Level 4 HNC: Computing: Technical Support; Computing (Internetworking)
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM

For Year 3 Entry:
SQA HND/BTEC Level 5 HND: Computing: Technical Support; Computing (Internetworking); Networking & Cyber Security; Cyber Security; Computing: Network Computing; Computing: Networking; Computer Networking & Internet Technology

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Typical qualification requirements

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 minimum in each skill / component.
Cambridge English Advanced176 overall with no sub-test less than 169
Cambridge English Proficiency176 overall with no sub-test less than 169
Trinity ISEPassISEII with the minimum of a Pass in all sub-tests
PTE Academic54An overall score of 54 with no element below 51
TOEFL (iBT)78no sub-test less than: Reading: 17; Listening: 17; Speaking: 17; Writing: 17

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. The reason for this is that it’s essential that you are able to read, speak and understand the English language to get the most out of your time at UWS. All international applicants are required to meet minimum English language standards, with the exception of: // Native speakers of English // Erasmus students (unless advised otherwise) // non-Erasmus students from EU partner institutions (your institution must provide confirmation of your English language ability in the absence of a formal qualification) The qualifications above must have been gained within two years prior to the start of your course at UWS.https://www.uws.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Our Minimum Entry Requirements are applicable to those applicants who have not had an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic ability at school or college and are known as ‘widening access’ applicants. We also sometimes refer to this type of applicant as receiving a ‘contextual’ offer. For more information, please visit our website using the link below.

Learn more on the University of the West of Scotland website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Scotland£1820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£9790
EU & International£16275*

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Tuition fees are provisional and based on fees in academic year 2026/27

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