Computing student working in a lab, using two desktop screens and a laptop
BSc (Hons) Placement year available

Computer Networking

Gain a comprehensive, employability-focused understanding of computer networking that will prepare you for your first professional role in the IT sector.

Develop your skills in network design, implementation, maintenance and security at ARU Peterborough.

Using material from Microsoft and Cisco, you'll undertake real-world applications of networking technologies and build skills in configuring and managing switches, routers, firewalls, and wireless networks. You'll also experience multi-disciplinary team-working which mirrors real-world practice.

When you graduate, you’ll have learned the essential skills in demand in the IT sector.

Why ARU?
  • Study in Peterborough, a globally recognised 'smart city' with a gigabit network.

  • Work in state-of-the-art facilities, with industry-standard software.

  • Gain real-world experience through industry-led Live Brief projects.

  • Build confidence and influencing skills through presenting your work.

  • Develop highly valued transferrable skills to support career pivots.

  • Learn from sector experienced, expert lecturers.

Logo: THE Awards 2023
 

Study at an award-winning university

We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

Looking for different course options?

Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.

Year 1
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Relational Database Development Fundamentals
  • Computer Systems and Networking Fundamentals
  • Web Development Fundamentals
  • Into ARU
Year 2
  • Network and Operating Systems
  • Becoming an IT Professional
  • Ruskin Module (15 credits)
  • Network and Cyber Security Management
  • Secure Computer Networks
  • Team Based Project
Year 3
  • Automation and Enterprise Networks
  • Future Tech and Development
  • Advanced Networking
  • Cloud Computing
  • Computing Major Project
Module details

To prepare you for university study, you can take a foundation year at the start of this course. Find out more about foundation years.

Year 1
  • Contemporary Issues
  • Extended Project
  • Literacies in Higher Education
  • Into ARU
Module details

You can choose to take an optional placement year as part of this course. Placements typically happen in Year 3, and your course will take four years overall. Find out more about placement years.

Year 3
  • Professional Portfolio (Computing)
Module details

It’s possible to combine placement and foundation year options. Contact us to discuss what you can do, or choose your preferred option when you apply.

Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.

Facilities

As a Computer Networking student at ARU Peterborough, you’ll use a range of specialist labs and equipment.

Our city-centre campus includes:

  • eXtended Reality Peterborough, an immersive teaching suite
  • computing suites equipped with all the hardware and software you’ll need throughout your course
  • reading room, student services and multifaith prayer rooms.

Careers

A degree in Computer Networking can prepare you for a range of careers, from network administrator to network security analyst to wireless network engineer.

You could also consider pursuing a career as a network support technician, cloud network engineer, or network architect.

As a network administrator, you would be responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks, ensuring that they operate efficiently and securely.

As a network security analyst, you would protect computer networks from security threats and breaches by implementing security measures and protocols, conducting vulnerability assessments, and analysing security data.

As a wireless network engineer, you would design and implement wireless networks, including Wi-Fi and cellular networks.

And as a cloud network engineer, you would design and manage computer networks that support cloud computing infrastructure, including public, private, and hybrid clouds.

These are just a few of the many potential career paths available to Computer Networking graduates. With our increasing reliance on computer networks to keep all areas of life running smoothly, a degree in computer networking can open up a range of exciting career opportunities.

Graduation doesn’t have to be the end of your time with us. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters. We’re planning a range of postgraduate degrees at ARU Peterborough, and there is a selection of existing courses in Cambridge and Chelmsford.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Business student Emma

Graduate Capitals

To help you stand out when competing for a job after you graduate, we've developed the ARU Graduate Capitals. This is a set of six attributes, valued by employers and industry, that we integrate into our courses and help you develop, so you’ll have life-long career-skills.

Entry requirements

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Fees and paying for university

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Life in Peterborough

Study in the heart of Peterborough, a historic yet thriving city that's a great home for students. ARU Peterborough is easily accessible by public transport, making it ideal for you to live and study locally.

Get to know Peterborough