BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security (with Foundation Year) at University of Lancashire. The foundation year supports students who need additional preparation before progressing to the main course.
Our practice-based Computer Networks & Security Foundation Year Degree will prepare you for a career in a rapidly changing industry. Find out more & apply now. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security (with Foundation Year) is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Lancashire, based in Main Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Computing graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 70% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £25,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Computer Science, see the sections below.
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 65% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
We aim to introduce you to a range of software development concepts including, problem analysis, specification, design, implementation, testing, and debugging, and also develop your confidence in applying essential programming skills.
This module uses security and forensic investigation to introduce computer technology. You will improve awareness of security threats and how to deal with them. It provides an overview of modern hardware and operating systems. You will examine threats to PC security and basic countermeasures, and investigate features of an IT system.
This module aims to encourage you to build an inquisitive and active approach to problem-solving with an emphasis on IT-related problems. You will develop confidence in the representation, interpretation and manipulation of information in different formats.
This module aims to equip you with a set of skills, knowledge, and personal attributes that ensure you are more likely to be successful in your chosen route of academic study. You will develop the ability to understand what and how you are learning, and to review, plan and take responsibility for your learning.
This module will improve your academic writing skills and build your confidence in written work. You'll be introduced to a variety of writing styles and develop your verbal and visual communication skills to build your confidence. You'll also be introduced to a variety of communication methods.
This module is designed to help you develop and reinforce basic mathematical skills needed for study in science, engineering, and computing subjects. Emphasis will be placed on building confidence and competence in a range of mathematical skills that are used in real-world problems. These will help your work in analysing fire risks and interpreting safety data.
This module aims to provide a learning environment emphasising on discovery and teamwork. You'll learn an overview of key practical aspects of computing. You will also begin the development of problem-solving skills relevant to computing professionals. The module aims to develop skills in usability and interface design and evaluation.
Networks are a key part of most computer systems. This module will introduce you to the fundamentals of networking and networked systems. You'll develop the understanding you need to investigate relevant computer network standards and protocols.
This module will develop your ability to analyse a simple problem with a view to implementing a software solution. You will be provided with core skills in computer programming and debugging necessary to implement a readable and maintainable solution to a given problem. You will develop your software design skills and you'll be introduced to advanced programming techniques in preparation for study of an advanced programming module.
In this module you'll explore the fundamentals of computer architecture and operating systems, exploring the nature and consequences of security threats and data breaches, as well as countermeasures. You'll examine the legal, ethical and privacy issues associated with collected data and discuss issues arising with emerging technologies such as smart cities, smart vehicles, the Internet of Things (IoT) and online shopping.
Within an interactive and stimulating learning environment, you will work in teams to discuss and explore a variety of systems. This will develop an in-depth understanding and the practicalities of database design and implementation which you can add to your programming skillset.
On this module you'll develop an awareness of modern web technologies and the future scope of the web. You'll explore a range of security concerns when deploying web-based applications. You'll develop an understanding of the structure of different web technologies and you'll investigate the contexts in which web technologies are developed and applied.
This module develops project leadership skills required by computer practitioners. The module explores working in an Agile way on a course-specific group project. You will reinforce your understanding of social, professional, ethical and legal aspects of Computing. The module will prepare you for your final year project by introducing teamwork, project planning and investigation skills.
This module will provide you with a thorough understanding of how a basic network functions. You will have the opportunity to design, build and test router based Local Area Networks. Material related to Course 1 and 2 of the Cisco CCNA Network Academy qualification is included.
This module will introduce you to information security, risk management and assessment standards. You will learn to select and use applicable standards and methods for information security and risk management. You will also compare and evaluate alternative information security management, risk assessment, and security assurance methods. You'll design and develop a security assurance, governance and risk management strategy considering and following the stakeholders' requirements.
This module will introduce you to IT systems management practices and principles. You'll start learning the basics of single operating systems and later move onto large-scale systems.
The aim of this module is to develop your understanding of the technologies underpinning the internet of things and how they communicate. You'll develop the skills necessary to design, develop, test and evaluate secure applications created within the scope of the Internet of Things. You'll also explore the legal, ethical and social user experiences relating to IOT.
On this module you will examine a range of vulnerabilities and attacks on computer systems and networks. You'll instil a vigilant attitude towards potential system weaknesses and develop an understanding of methods for protecting communication and computer systems. You will be encouraged to take a systematic approach to computer security and you'll integrate your skills by tackling the complex problem of system security.
This module focuses on mobile and wireless network systems, covering both the theory and practice of their use. The module will provide you with hands-on experience in the set-up, configuration and testing of Wireless Network. You'll develop an understanding of how wireless and mobile technologies can be applied in both business and home environments.
On this module you will research, study and produce a report based on the investigation of a problem and the development of a solution. This project will be the culmination of the your study and will draw on the material and skills developed during the course.
This module extends and reinforces previously learnt knowledge from your other academic modules. You will gain the necessary skills to effectively use switches and configure routers in a multiprotocol network environment.
This module aims to raise your awareness of the need for penetration testing, providing you with the experience of testing a network's security both internally and externally. You'll develop an understanding of the legal and ethical issues concerning penetration testing and be encouraged to expand your knowledge about network security from published research materials and to conduct independent investigations into network security related areas.
This module aims to introduce the fundamental concept of Cloud storage and computing services. In addition, the module will cover different models and architecture of Cloud services, as well as the security, privacy and accountability problems in this context.
This module aims to introduce advanced theories and methodologies in cyber defence and security that enable what is achievable in that regard through the use of security technologies, big data architectures and security policies in IT systems.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
This practice-based degree combines a foundation year with core computer science fundamentals, moving progressively toward specialist depth. You'll usually start with programming fundamentals in languages such as Python and Java, computer systems and architecture, and discrete mathematics. Year 2 typically progresses to algorithms and data structures, databases and software engineering, and artificial intelligence and machine learning. From Year 3, you'll specialise in areas such as cybersecurity, systems and networks, software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, or human-computer interaction, while undertaking modules in security, networks and cryptography, and culminating in a substantial individual software project you'll design, build and evaluate under supervision.
This course suits students interested in IT infrastructure, network design, and information security. The foundation year is particularly valuable if you didn't take A-levels or equivalent qualifications, or if you want to strengthen your maths and computing fundamentals before specialising. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent; typical entrants had a UCAS tariff of 96–111 points. You should be comfortable with logical problem-solving and willing to engage with both technical concepts and practical hands-on work.
Across Computer Science courses nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those working, 75% are in highly skilled roles or pursuing further study. National Graduate Outcomes data shows starting salaries (15 months post-graduation) typically range from £25,000 to £35,000, rising to £29,750–£42,000 after five years. The IT and security sectors continue to recruit graduates, though career progression depends on your specialisation, experience, and individual performance. Check the university's careers service for course-specific placement data and employer links.
University of Lancashire is a university based on its Main Campus, offering this course as a full-time degree taught in English. The course runs for 4 years and awards a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security). The university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, ensuring your degree is nationally recognised. It holds a Silver award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023 and is.
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Names detected beside accreditation or recognition copy on the provider course page; verify the route and intake.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 86% |
| another higher-education qualification | 8% |
| Other | 3% |
| an Access course | 2% |
| a previous degree | 1% |
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C486). One application covers up to five choices.
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Lancashire →2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
Undergraduates from low-income households, subject to eligibility
Eligible undergraduate students with experience of care
Eligible undergraduate or taught-postgraduate unpaid carers
Forced migrants who are not eligible for student finance
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
What Computer Science graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £25,000 | £24,000 – £30,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £24,500 | £19,000 – £31,500 | 225 |
| 5 years after | £28,000 | £21,500 – £39,000 | 235 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23.
National figures for Computer Science graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Computer Science courses at the same study level.
Compared with 1,820 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 90; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
How Computer Science graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Where Computer Science graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Computer Science graduates.
Software Developer Placement Programme No experience neededIT Online LearningSoftware Developer - .NET & Azure for Green Energy ProjectsOfgemSoftware Developer Backend (SFIA5)ZaiziSoftware Developer (Mobile Apps) in Guildford - ECM Selection (Holdings) LimitedJava Script WorksSoftware Developer (Contract) – Higher Education Projects (UK)Burman RecruitmentSoftware Developer – Distributed Scheduling & Workload OrchestrationCGG Services (UK) LimitedThe essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £25,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 7.3 out of 10: NSS 69.1% · in work or study 85% · continued 65%.
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
2,263 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
What applying to University of Lancashire from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
International tuition is £17,325 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Lancashire’s funding pages.
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Lancashire and gov.uk before you apply.
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