Computer Networking [with Foundation Year]

Peterborough is a globally recognised ‘smart city’ with a gigabit network, located in Cambridgeshire, the home of ‘Silicon Fen’, a centre for high-tech companies. What better place to kick-start your career in the IT sector than at ARU Peterborough, on our Computer Networking degree course?

Our Computer Networking degree is designed to equip you with a solid, employability-focused overview of computer science and prepare you for your first professional role or to continue your studies, should you so choose.

During your first year you will study Literacies in Higher Education, Introduction to Life Sciences, Contemporary Issues and Into ARU, to prepare you for studying at degree level. Then in year 2 you'll develop your skills in both the design and implementation of computer networks. Utilising a purpose-built networking lab, you will use CISCO kit and develop skills in network switching, routing, cyber security, and network management as well as building scalable systems.

Our Computer Networking degree involves the planning, implementation, and overview of computer networks both local and cloud based. Developing material from Microsoft and CISCO, you will undertake real world applications of networking technologies including routing and switching, networking models, protocols, and hardware.

You'll gain skills in security management as well as scalability. You'll also have the option to undertake the CCNA examinations following completion of this course.

Courses at ARU Peterborough are designed to help you become a life-long learner, ready to pivot in your career and respond to changes in this fast-moving industry.

When you graduate from this course, you will have developed your powers of autonomous and analytical thinking, learned the essential skills valued by employers in the IT sector and have experienced multi-disciplinary team-working which mirrors real-world industry standards.

On this course you’ll spend lots of time in our dedicated computing labs in our brand new, purpose-built university building, in the heart of Peterborough. You’ll learn on industry-standard equipment and software on a course that we co-created with regional employers, so you can be confident that you’ll graduate with the skills in-demand in the sector.

You won’t only learn from your tutors, but enjoy guest lectures, live briefs and team projects. Delivering your work in a range of formats, including presentations, will help you develop the confidence and communication skills that can give you an edge in your future career.

Year 1
Core modules

Contemporary Issues
Extended Project
Literacies in Higher Education
Into ARU

Year 2
Core modules

Programming Fundamentals
Relational Database Development Fundamentals
Computer Systems and Networking Fundamentals
Web Development Fundamentals

Year 3

Network and Operating Systems
Becoming an IT Professional
Ruskin Module (15 credits)
Network and Cyber Security Management
Secure Computer Networks
Team Based Project

Year 4

Automation and Enterprise Networks
Future Tech and Development
Advanced Networking
Cloud Computing
Computing Major Project