Network Systems Engineering (Top-Up) BSc (Hons)

Master the knowledge needed to become a web programmer or software developer. Immerse yourself in Cisco systems and topics such as project management and ethical hacking. Graduate with the skills to work in a range of careers in an ever-evolving and increasingly important sector.

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Course overview

BSc (Hons) Network Systems allows you to top-up your existing qualification in just one year.

You will have full access to the University’s outstanding IT facilities, which include specialist computer forensics laboratories. We are also an accredited Cisco Academy and have two laboratories packed with Cisco networking equipment including routers, switches, terminals and specialist equipment for simulating frame relay and ISDN links.

Topics include project management, telecommunications, product development and advanced routing.

Why us?

Sunderland boasts the second-fastest growth in digital turnover outside of London, and is the ideal city to study computing and set up a business
We have developed partnerships with a number of major companies including Sony, CISCO and RIM (Blackberry), and we have strong links with Nissan, Sage and British Airways, all enhancing your experience

These partnerships allow you to experiment with cutting-edge and current applications and many partners provide modern hardware and software for our courses, including Microsoft and Sony gaming console technologies, and smartphones and tablets
We are a leading partner in the Sunderland Software City initiative, which aims to develop the software industry in our city and region

Course structure

A typical week for you will include lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory sessions. We also use the University’s virtual learning environment for group activities, discussions, assignments and links to resources. We encourage you to develop independent study skills as well as to work with other students on the course.

As well as assessments that count towards your degree, there are also on-going assessments for feedback and consolidating your learning. Assessment methods include coursework and exams.

Final year (national level 6)

Core modules:

Research (20 credits)

Introduces a variety of research approaches and examines how to specify and contextualise a research problem, collect data, analyse and present data, and evaluate the methodology adopted.

Product Development (20 credits)

The module aims to provide you with the opportunity to develop your abilities in solution development.

Advanced Cyber Security (20 credits)

In this module you will learn how to analyse the range of tradeoffs in balancing the security properties of confidentiality, integrity and availability. You will also learn how to select the appropriate tools and techniques to address and manage concepts of risk, threats, vulnerabilities and potential attacks.

Advanced Routing (20 credits)

The module begins with a detailed study of the current exterior gateway protocol that manages the routing of IP traffic over the Internet. You will learn how service providers and other multi-homed organisations use this protocol to support their routing policies.

Telecommunications (20 credits)

This module moves from analogue principles to digital telephony, VOIP, packetized voice, GSM and converged networks. You will have an opportunity to build a fully converged modern telecommunications system.

IT Service Management (20 credits)

Develop knowledge and understanding of delivering maximum value to a business in its use of IT and IT processes.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

This course is based at the David Goldman Technology Centre, a high-tech computing environment with strong links to software companies and a constant exchange of ideas and people.

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

The typical entry requirement is successful completion of one of the following:

HND or Foundation Degree in a subject related to computer science
240 credits or equivalent of a recognised UK undergraduate award in a relevant subject

There is a range of qualifications that would satisfy the entry requirements and we will consider each application individually.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Fees and finance

The annual fee for this course is:

£9,250 if you are from the UK/*Europe

Please note, applications are currently closed to international students.

*European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 23/24 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

This course has a strong emphasis on real-world learning that boosts employability and equips you to make a bigger contribution in the workplace.

Career options

The top type of job gained by our graduates is ‘information and communication technology professional’.

Our graduates have become web programmers, IT managers, information analysts and software developers. Employers that have taken on our graduates include Sage, British Airways and the NHS. Other graduates have started their own businesses or become software contractors earning over £50,000 a year.

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Technology.

Page last updated: 25 September 2023

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

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