BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 65 to 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 79, with at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, and 17 in Writing.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 54 with no individual score below 51.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): A minimum score of 105 is required.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Portsmouth offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at both domestic and international students and are awarded based on various criteria such as academic excellence, financial need, and specific areas of study. 

Chancellor's Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. It provides a significant fee reduction for the duration of the student's course.

Vice-Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students from selected countries who are applying for undergraduate or postgraduate taught courses. It offers a fee reduction of up to £4,000.

Country-Specific Scholarships: The university offers scholarships specifically for students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships vary in value and eligibility criteria.

Sports Scholarships: The University of Portsmouth recognizes the achievements of talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their development and academic success. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits.

Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at the University of Portsmouth offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance or have a particular interest in a specific field of study. These scholarships are often subject-specific and may vary in terms of eligibility and value.

Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and Security program at the University of Portsmouth, UK, are well-prepared to pursue diverse and rewarding career paths in the rapidly evolving field of computer networks and cybersecurity. With a strong foundation in network administration, cybersecurity principles, and practical skills, graduates can explore various roles in cybersecurity, network engineering, information security, and related areas.

Cybersecurity Analyst/Engineer: One of the primary career paths for graduates of this program is becoming a cybersecurity analyst or engineer. Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for protecting computer networks and systems from cyber threats, conducting risk assessments, implementing security measures, and responding to security incidents. They specialize in areas such as network security, threat detection, vulnerability management, and incident response.

Network Security Specialist: Graduates may specialize in network security and pursue careers as network security specialists. Network security specialists focus on securing computer networks and infrastructure, implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and other security measures to protect against unauthorized access, malware, and other cyber threats. They conduct security audits, assess vulnerabilities, and recommend security solutions to mitigate risks.

Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: With the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals, graduates may pursue careers as Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts. SOC analysts monitor network traffic, detect security incidents, and respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time. They analyze security alerts, investigate security breaches, and coordinate incident response efforts to protect organizational assets and data.

Penetration Tester/Ethical Hacker: Graduates interested in offensive security may pursue careers as penetration testers or ethical hackers. Penetration testers simulate cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities in computer networks and applications, assess security defenses, and recommend remediation measures. They conduct penetration tests, vulnerability assessments, and security audits to improve the overall security posture of organizations.

Information Security Consultant: Experienced graduates may choose to work as information security consultants, providing expert advice and solutions to organizations on their cybersecurity needs. Information security consultants assess security risks, develop security strategies and policies, and implement security controls to protect against cyber threats. They may also assist with regulatory compliance, incident response planning, and security awareness training.

Network Engineer/Administrator: Graduates may pursue careers as network engineers or administrators, responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks and communication systems. Network engineers configure network devices, troubleshoot network issues, and ensure the availability, reliability, and security of network infrastructure. They may specialize in areas such as network design, routing and switching, or wireless networking.

Security Consultant/Analyst: Graduates may also work as security consultants or analysts, providing consulting services to organizations on various aspects of cybersecurity. Security consultants assess security risks, develop security policies and procedures, and conduct security assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend security solutions. They may specialize in areas such as risk management, compliance, or security awareness training.

Incident Response Analyst: With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber attacks, graduates may pursue careers as incident response analysts. Incident response analysts investigate security incidents, analyze security logs and forensic evidence, and coordinate incident response efforts to mitigate the impact of security breaches. They work closely with SOC teams, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders to contain and remediate security incidents.

Forensic Analyst/Investigator: Graduates interested in digital forensics may pursue careers as forensic analysts or investigators. Forensic analysts collect, preserve, and analyze digital evidence from computers, networks, and other digital devices to investigate cyber crimes and security breaches. They use forensic tools and techniques to uncover evidence, reconstruct digital events, and support legal proceedings.

Systems Administrator/Engineer: Entry-level positions as systems administrators or engineers are also common in the field of computer networks and security. Systems administrators manage and maintain IT systems and servers within organizations, ensuring the availability, reliability, and security of IT infrastructure. They install, configure, and troubleshoot server hardware and software, and implement security measures to protect against cyber threats.