Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.

From the Internet to cloud computing, social networking, and multimedia streaming, computer networks play a vital role in all aspects of business, government and public services.On this BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security degree course, you’ll learn to develop and manage sophisticated computer networks solutions and get hands on with the latest technologies, such as servers, mobile applications and security networks.Not only will you develop skills that can make a mark on the future of the industry, you’ll also have the option to join our Cisco Networking Academy to add an industry-recognised Cisco certification to your degree, such as CCNA or CCNP.

- Configure, manage and experiment with different network technologies and web applications- Specialise in topics such as security, big data, Internet of Things, management or business and innovation- Take on practical network design projects, such as designing a real computer network for a bank- Work with our private cloud environment to learn about virtualisation and cloud computing, and use network analysis tools such as OPNET and Wireshark- Apply your skills through our work with charities and organisations such as Code Club, where you'll help 9-13-year-olds with their Scratch, HTML/CSS, and Python projects- Benefit from our Student Union clubs and societies, such as the IT Society, AI and Robotics Club and Gaming Society

This course is accredited by the British Computer Society, partially meeting the educational requirement for CITP.Our CISCO Networking Academy blends face-to-face teaching with web-based curriculum, hands-on lab exercises, and Internet-based assessment. Students can practice, experiment, learn and share their work using our bespoke networking labs equipped with the latest Cisco networking devices. The teaching is delivered by fully qualified Cisco Academy instructors.

The current shortage of networking and IT professionals will only grow as the importance of computer networks in all areas of society increases. Your skill set will be in high demand across many sectors when you graduate, opening doors to careers in all roles related to computer networks and security.In fact, 95% of graduates from this course are in work or further study 15 months after graduation, with 100% of those asked also saying they find their current work meaningful. What's more, once you have some experience in industry, you can expect an average salary from £35,000 to £55,000 as a network engineer.Graduate destinationsOur graduates have worked for companies such as:- CISCO- VMWare- Syamntec- BAE Systems- Morgan Stanley- Lockheed Martin- Deutsche BankWhat jobs can you do with a computer networks degree?Our graduates now work in roles including: - solutions architect- network engineer- presales technical consultant- service desk engineer- network and systems engineerOur Employability and Careers service will be on hand throughout your studies and for up to 5 years after you graduate to give you help and support with finding a job and developing your career."One of the best things about the course is it’s very hands on. You learn by doing and not just theory." Katie Tuffrey, Computer Networks Student