4 years with placements
Alongside your Final Project, you’ll get the chance to take a deeper dive into computer networking technologies, exploring advanced network routing as well as network modelling and simulation.
Continuing your exploration of security, you’ll gain a comprehensive overview of the issues facing organisations today. You’ll learn the techniques used by cyber security analysts to uncover cybercrime, and focus on how to monitor, detect and respond to cyber security threats following material from the Cisco Certified Network Associate Cyber Ops curriculum.
Finally, you will learn about the latest advances in computer networks and put into practice the automation of configuration tasks through the use of the latest technology.
We’ll assess you throughout the course so that you can measure your progress. Most of this assessment will be based on case studies, as well as class-based laboratory tests, group work, presentations and reports.
Introduction
Learn to design, configure, manage and support networks in organisations both big and small with our Computer Networks BSc (Hons) degree in Cambridge.
Networks and their security have become more and more important for an organisation. Without networks, companies wouldn’t be able to maintain the continuous operation of the organisation.
With our Computer Networks degree course, you’ll get straight into the lab and use advanced software and virtual networks from the get-go so you can support, design, configure and manage the infrastructure of a company.
We’ve been acting as a Cisco Network Academy for more than ten years, and our industry links ensure that you’ll be equipped to meet the needs of the fast and ever-changing world of networks. During your time at ARU, you’ll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with a placement year in industry.
Read more
Networks and their security are an increasingly important and vital element in all organisations. Are you up for the challenge?
As a BSc (Hons) Computer Networks student at ARU, you’ll begin by studying the fundamentals of computer systems including computer architecture and computer networks. In parallel you will learn how to use Python to perform network automation and server administration. You’ll then move to learn the principles of software programming, enhance your mathematical skills and recognise the cyber threats that organisations, and their infrastructures face.
Our standalone network specialist labs will give you the freedom to experiment with building complex networks. You’ll have the chance to learn how to install and configure hardware, operating systems and software, as well as to investigate how organisations visualise security operations and identify potential network threats.
Our labs are equipped with tools such as Cisco Packet Tracer, Python, GNS3 and Kali Linux among other different operating systems. Not only that, our students have access to NETLAB, a remote network and security lab that can be accessed from anywhere at any time, and will allow you to carry on your practical work from the comfort of your own home.
When you graduate, you can apply for a certification at Associate (CCNA) and Professional levels (CCNP) with Cisco Systems, the leading manufacturer of networking equipment. As a Cisco alumnus, you can be eligible to a voucher discount for these certification exams.
This course gives you the opportunity to take a work placement year during your studies. It’s a great opportunity to build up experience and make industry contacts to benefit your studies and enhance your long-term career prospects.
Our Computer Networks BSc (Hons) degree course is ranked in the top 25% in the UK for overall satisfaction (Subject ranking for Computer Science, NSS 2020).
Industry-standard facilities
As part of your Computer Networks studies at ARU, you’ll have access to:
- specialised labs running different operating systems such as Linux and Windows 10
- the latest industry-standard software and hardware including GNS3, Cisco Packet Tracer and Riverbed Modeller
- remote lab accessible at anytime from anywhere
- labs and skills spaces to support your learning
- award-winning library and IT facilities.
There’s also the chance to take a placement year in the industry to further develop your skills and understanding of computer networks.
Outstanding student support
As a Computer Networks student at ARU, you'll benefit from:
- the opportunity to take a placement year as part of your course
- ongoing careers and employability support
- business support and mentoring through our start-up hub
- joining a course that's ranked in the top 25% in the UK for overall satisfaction (National Student Survey 2020).
Cisco Network Academy
Study with us and gain the skills necessary to gain the Cisco CCNA certification. As a Cisco Network Academy for more than ten years, our industry links ensure that you’ll be equipped to meet the needs of the fast and ever-changing world of computing.
Careers
With our Computer Networks degree, you’ll build the skills you need to design, configure, manage and support networks in companies both big and small. You could work as a certified networking engineer in an organisation or even be self-employed.
Alongside these skills, you’ll also acquire a solid understanding in a number of areas of computer science including programming, computer systems and digital security, providing a foundation for any number of careers including web development, IT systems or even creating your own apps.
As part of your Computer Networks studies, the opportunity of a placement year could see you working in industry, making contacts and building up your experience and knowledge in the kind of environment you might ultimately work in.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Cyber Security. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Entry requirements
Standard entry requirements
Main
- 104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels (or equivalent).
- 3 GCSEs at grade C, or grade 4, or above, including English and Maths.
Placement year
£1,250Placement year

My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.