“I enjoy learning and testing new technologies - each day can be different and I like customer interaction.”
BSc (Hons)Computer Networks Engineering
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
UCAS code: CNE4
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study computer networks engineering with foundation and placement years
Well-qualified network engineers are in high demand and this degree is delivered in partnership with Cisco Networking Academy providing essential skills for the computing industry.
- 0%positivity score for academic support in our computer network courses (NSS 2024)
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- Top0%for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
- If you're passionate about a career in computing, but not quite ready to undertake a full honours degree, the Computing Foundation Year is the ideal way to learn essential programming, web design, networking and security skills before starting the specialist BSc (Hons) Computer Networks Engineering three-year course.
- Gain valuable first-hand work experience with a year-long full-time work placement between the second and third years of your degree.
- This degree is developed in partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy.
- Gain industry recognised professional qualifications alongside your degree, including CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Security, Cisco Cybersecurity Essentials, Cisco CyberOps and PCAP Python.
- Study in our high-tech computer networking labs, including equipment such as Cisco routers and switches, CCNA and CCNP bundles, multi-vendor network devices and high-performance servers.
- You'll be taught in lab-based small groups.
- Solent placement and graduate fair with great employment prospects – many of our students who did a placement at one of the exhibiting companies got offered a graduate job after their studies.
- You will be studying in the south east which continues to dominate the tech industry alongside London (BDO UK, Nov 2022).
- You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Course overview
During the Computing Foundation Year, you’ll get to grips with the basics of computer programming by taking part in creative and fun practical projects. These will be carried out under the guidance of a teaching team with a wide portfolio of experience and skills.
Personal development is crucial - you will be supported in improving your academic confidence and start on the road to becoming an independent learner. We encourage teamwork and cross-discipline collaboration, both of which are highly valued by employers.
In partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy, the degree course will equip you with the practical skills required to design, implement, secure and manage computer network systems for business and industry – ranging from small businesses to large scale enterprise levels.
Throughout your studies, you will be working in our high-tech computer networking labs with industry standard facilities; featuring a wide variety of equipment including Cisco routers and switches, CCNA and CCNP bundles, multi-vendor network devices and high-performance servers. The lab machines are also equipped with a multitude of academic and commercial software including Cisco Packet Tracer, OPNet, VMWare, Open NMS, Wireshark, and GNS3 in Windows and Linux environments. The lab machines can also be configured flexibly to implement and test computer networks, and learn advanced technologies such as software-defined networks, cloud computing, virtualisation and the ‘Internet of Things’.
Your future employability is a key focus, and in addition to professional qualifications there are a broad range of transferable skills such as project management, problem-solving and communication skills embedded throughout – helping you to become highly employable.
After completing the second year, your placement year in industry will help you to develop your practical skills further. Previous students have completed placements and been employed in companies such as British Aerospace, Cisco, Juniper, and IBM.
This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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Course features
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Placement year
If you apply for this course with a placement year, you have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry between your second and third years
Specialist facilities
This course has access to specialist facilities
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Study abroad
You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course
Who is this course for?
The computing foundation year is suited to students who want to earn a specialist degree in an area of computing, but don’t yet hold the qualifications or experience required to start on the first year of an undergraduate course.
This computer systems and networks engineering degree is ideally suited to those with a passion for computing, wishing to develop the skills to support, research, design, deploy and maintain computer systems and networks.
If you're looking to gain a year's worth of industry experience as part of your studies, this course is for you. Our course and placements teams will help you find the perfect industry placement in your chosen field.
What does this course lead to?
Upon successful completion of this one-year foundation course, students will progress onto the BSc (Hons) Computer Networks Engineering degree.
Recent course graduates have gone on to various roles in network infrastructure and system support organisations including; Cisco Systems, IBM, Juniper, Symantec Security UK, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Electra networks, QinetiQ, Quostar, VeriFone, TalkTalk, Rackspace, Vodafone, Softcat and Peer 1 Hosting.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more storiesMeet the team
The course is delivered by a team of passionate, friendly and research-active qualified academics who work at the forefront of the field. Our academics are also fellows of the Higher Education Academy as well as Cisco certified instructors.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Dedicated specialist networking labs provide opportunities to work with a wide variety of real-world networking equipment from Cisco, Fluke and HP, as well as high-fidelity simulation systems including the market-leading Opnet.
You’ll also have access to our devices lab. This is a special test area integrated within one of our existing software development spaces. It consists of a range of mobile devices mounted on flexible tethers, giving you the chance to test your websites and apps on real equipment.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Digital Media Technologies
This module is an introduction to the wide range of processes used for current digital media, audio and visual technologies.
Foundation Computing
The module introduces the learners to the basic concepts and practices in different areas of computing focusing on computer hardware, software, operating systems, computer networks, and cyber security.
Foundation Mathematics
This module provides an introduction to the technologies and the mathematics that underpin much of computing and media technology.
Group Technology Project
This module explores the foundations of collaborative work practice, the importance of team work in the digital and technology industries including its context within an academic environment, by offering practical guidance on current best practice for either running or being part of a successful team.
Individual Degree Related Project
This module develops academic study skills that students will need for future levels of study. It lays the foundation for constructing reports and presentations in an academic style.
Problem Solving
This module serves as an introduction to computer programming and aims to develop the fundamental problem solving techniques that are required to solve computational problems.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Coursework
- Individual presentations
- Practical activities
- In-class tests
- Online tests
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in computer networks engineering?
The UK tech sector was valued at £820bn in 2023.
With the internet and computer networking playing such an enormous role in modern business, this course’s focus on computer systems and their associated network infrastructures equips students with a range of in-demand skills and demand for well-qualified information technology graduates would remain strong.
You could earn:
Network engineer
Entry level £19,000 to £20,000
With experience, you can expect to earn around £35,000 to £55,000+.
IT technical support officer
Starting salary £18,000 to £25,000
After gaining experience, it's possible to progress to earnings of around £26,000 to £35,000. Technical support managers can earn over £40,000.
Penetration tester
Starting salary £20,000 and £30,000
With experience you can earn between £40,000 and £65,000, rising to £70,000 for senior and team leader roles. However, this figure can be significantly higher depending on the industry you work in.
The stated salaries are published on prospects.ac.uk. Income figures are intended as a guide only.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Read more stories“I enjoy learning and testing new technologies - each day can be different and I like customer interaction.”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Accredited by:
Part of:
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
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Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island placement year fee: £1,650
- International placement year fee: £1,650
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500.
Find out more about the scholarship
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
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Student finance in under three minutes Student funding - the essentials
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, T-level Pass (D or E) or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who haven't recently undertaken a formalised course of study at A-level or equivalent, but who can demonstrate relevant workplace or voluntary experience, indicating their ability to complete the course successfully.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application.
48UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
-
IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
-
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
