Skip to main content
Southampton Solent University logo
Southampton Solent University logo

HNCNetwork Engineer

Contact admissions
Starting in: 2025
Register your interest
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a network engineer HNC at Solent University

Computer networks are an integral part of almost every organisation and business, this course helps prepare you with the skills and know-how to work in this fast-moving industry.

  • £0m
    investment in our campus and industry-standard facilities
  • 0th
    in the top 20 best student cities (StudentCrowd, 2023)
  • You’ll be taught in small class-based sessions.
  • Study in our high-tech computer networking labs with industry-standard facilities including Cisco routers and switches, and software including Kali Linux, Metasploit and a wide range of tools capable of foot printing, reconnaissance and scanning.
  • 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

The demand for people who can manage, build, maintain virtual and physical networks is increasing. This is because of technological developments such as, 5G and Cloud. The broad purpose of the occupation 'Network Engineer' is to install computer networks, maintain them, and offer technical support to users where necessary.

A network engineer provides networks and systems to deliver the objectives of varied organisations. They will make sure that systems are working at optimum capacity and problem solve where they are not. To be able to do this effectively a Network Engineer must interpret technical information and understand organisational requirements and expectations.

During this course you’ll study a wide range of subjects, including cyber security essentials, network applications, and routing and switching – all helping you prepare for your future career path.

We place great value in connecting you with the wider computing industry. You will encounter case studies and be exposed to the ways that technologies and associated practices happen in real-life working contexts.  Further industry exposure will come in the form of talks and lectures from practitioners. You will also have the opportunity to undertake industry visits to see how practice is applied in the context of a real working environment.

Upon successful completion of the course, you may choose to progress onto the BSc (Hons) Computer Networks Engineering degree at Solent.

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 UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Part of:

South Coast Institute of Technology logo

Higher Technical Qualification

HTQ logo

Course features

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

Who is this course for?

This course is open to a wide range of learners of all ages and backgrounds who are looking to make the steps to move into a career in network engineering. 

What does this course lead to?

IT generally is a massive growth area - now the largest sector in the UK economy. Employability prospects are likely to be very high - with the additional opportunity to progress onto Level 5 of an existing degree programme within the computing area at Solent.

Typical job titles include: desk based engineer, dynamic network engineer, field based engineer, infrastructure engineer, network administrator, network architect, network engineer, and systems engineer. 

Meet the team

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

As a network engineer student here at Solent, you’ll have access to our full range of technology labs and software packages. These include our CISCO certified networking and security labs, the E-C Council lab, media technology labs, development centres and usability testing environments.

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    Make your application

    Not ready to apply?

    Come to an open day