Computer Science (Network Computing)

Networks are what make up much of the modern-day working world as we become more connected both as individuals and as organisations. But with network connectivity (including cloud computing) comes a heightened requirement for security and privacy. On the Computer Science (Network Computing) BSc degree course, you'll gain a good understanding of computer science and a grasp of the important elements of a computer system before specialising in network computing.

You'll learn to specify, design, code, modify and test different types of software, from web-based systems to mobile solutions, in a contemporary programming paradigm. All of this will be done using an appropriate commercial grade development environment and associated database tools.

In addition, you'll acquire in-depth knowledge of algorithms, design, programming and testing techniques. By the end of the course, you'll have confidence in your knowledge of common system and network architectures and system development approaches, requirements capture, design methods, models, tools, and techniques.

You'll become well-versed in implementing and testing systems and software maintenance. Key to this course is cultivating a reflective approach to project management issues arising from team-based software development.

Network computing graduates have a wide range of careers open to them. Perhaps you'll start by becoming a general analyst or programmer in a consultancy firm. This is often just the first step towards setting up your own business.

Our course is designed for flexibility, so if you're not sure which route you want to take, you can select modules and specialise gradually during your time with us. You can transfer between Computer Science and Business Computing up to the start of Level 2, then, should you wish, to choose a specialism up to the start of Level 3.

We know that when you graduate, you'll be working on large projects. That's why one third of each year of our programmes is project-based. On Levels 1 and 2, you'll build a software solution in a team, and in your final year you'll carry out an individual project. You'll also have the opportunity to showcase your projects at the annual  Made in Brunel (Software Innovation) event, with awards presented by the likes of Cisco, Sky and Xerox.

As part of your degree course, you'll have the chance to take a year-long work placement between your second year and third year. We'll support you in finding that all-important paid professional experience, in the UK or abroad. The feedback we've received is that those who have taken a placement are much more likely to find a job for which their degree was a formal requirement as it gives you a competitive advantage. Recent graduates have gone on to work for well-known names such as Accenture, Toshiba, Microsoft, British Airways, O2, and Barclays.

Our programmes are accredited by the British Computer Society, the Chartered Institute for IT, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional (CITP), and on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). 

The accreditation also allows you to apply for professional membership of the BCS after you have successfully completed your degree.

The department has been awarded an Athena SWAN Bronze, recognising our dedication to the advancement of gender equality in STEM subjects. We now have an ongoing three-year action plan to further implement strategies and improve our practices. As part of this endeavour, Brunel's  Women in Engineering and Computing mentoring scheme provides our female students with invaluable help and support from the industry.

You'll work your way up to specialising in network computing. As you progress through the course, you'll develop in-depth knowledge of the challenges and ways distributed information systems work and use your skills to implement and develop them.

Our Computer Science graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects. With the ability to handle the increasing demands of scientific, technological and commercial development in the 21st century, you'll be in high demand with the wide-ranging companies and organisations increasingly dependent on computer technology.

You might start out as a general analyst or programmer, or join a consultancy firm. These are often the first steps towards setting up your own business.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for household names including Microsoft, IBM and Toshiba.

Apply through UCAS.You will just need the course code from the relevant course page on our website and Brunel’s institution code, which is B84. UCAS provide full guidance for completing your application form on their system, which includes:

• How to complete the form
• Selecting up to 5 course choices
• Providing a personal statement
• Providing a reference
• Paying the UCAS course fee (if applicable)

You can also view our top tips for completing your UCAS application form, including your personal statement.

Apply through an international advisor
If you're an international or EU applicant you applying through one of our registered agents, then they will complete your application on your behalf. Please note we can only consider direct online applications through agents if you have not applied through UCAS and will not apply through UCAS for this year of entry. To find a Brunel University London registered agent in your country please check our specific country pages.

When to apply?

• For courses beginning September 2023, you must apply by 25 August 2023 (however some courses may close earlier than this, so we would recommend applying as early as possible). After this deadline applications will be accepted only if there are spaces on the course and there is sufficient time to progress your application (e.g. interviews, portfolios if required, the visa process for international students).

Completing the application form

You need to complete the form on UCAS.

You will be asked to provide the following information :

• Personal details
• Academic qualifications (level, subject, where studied, results, year taken)
• Work experience details (name of organisations, start and end dates)

You will be asked to submit supporting documents electronically, so you can upload scanned or photographed copies of the documents on MyApplications portal, you can also check your application status through this portal.