BSc in(Hons) Computer Network and Security (4 Years with Placement)

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Students should have completed their secondary education with a minimum overall percentage of 60% or above in a relevant qualification equivalent to the UK's General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or A-levels.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6, with no individual component score below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 80, with with no band less than 10.
• PTE: A minimum overall score of 61, with no individual score below 59.

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.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan):

Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship awarded to high-achieving international students. This scholarship provides a significant tuition fee reduction for the duration of the student's program. The selection is based on academic merit, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at UCLan.

International Excellence Scholarship: The International Excellence Scholarship is aimed at international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. This scholarship offers a tuition fee reduction for the first year of study and is available for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The selection criteria include academic achievements, personal statements, and references.

Country-Specific Scholarships: UCLan offers scholarships specifically tailored to students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships aim to promote cultural diversity and encourage international students from specific regions to study at UCLan. The eligibility criteria and award amounts vary depending on the specific scholarship.

Sports Scholarships: UCLan recognizes the achievements of talented student athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and sporting pursuits. These scholarships are available for international students who demonstrate outstanding sporting ability and academic potential. The scholarships provide financial support, mentoring, and access to sports facilities and training programs.

Alumni Loyalty Discount: UCLan values its alumni and offers a tuition fee discount to international students who have previously completed a full degree program at UCLan and wish to pursue further studies at the university. The discount is applied to the tuition fees of eligible postgraduate programs.

External Scholarships and Funding: In addition to the scholarships offered by UCLan, international students can also explore external scholarship opportunities and funding options. Various organizations, foundations, and governments provide scholarships for international students studying in the UK. UCLan's International Office can provide guidance and information on external scholarship opportunities.

It is important to note that the availability, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines for scholarships may vary each year.

The BSc (Hons) Computer Network and Security program at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) offers graduates excellent career prospects in the rapidly expanding field of information technology, with a specific focus on network administration and cybersecurity. This four-year degree, which includes a placement year, equips students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to pursue rewarding careers in various sectors. 

1. Network Administrator: Graduates can pursue roles as network administrators responsible for designing, implementing, and managing computer networks within organizations. They oversee network infrastructure, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and ensure network security protocols are in place to protect data and systems.

2. Cybersecurity Analyst: With a strong foundation in cybersecurity principles, graduates can work as cybersecurity analysts, specializing in detecting and preventing cyber threats. They monitor network traffic, conduct vulnerability assessments, and implement security measures to safeguard against cyberattacks and data breaches.

3. Information Security Consultant: Graduates can become information security consultants, providing expert advice to organizations on best practices for securing their IT infrastructure. They assess security risks, develop security policies, and recommend solutions to mitigate cybersecurity threats.

4. Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst: SOC analysts monitor and respond to security incidents within organizations. They analyze security alerts, investigate potential threats, and take action to mitigate risks. Graduates with hands-on experience in security operations are well-suited for this role.

5. Penetration Tester (Ethical Hacker): Ethical hackers, or penetration testers, simulate cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications. Graduates proficient in ethical hacking techniques can work in penetration testing firms or within organizations to assess and strengthen their security posture.

6. Network Security Engineer: Network security engineers focus on designing and implementing secure network architectures. They configure firewalls, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to protect networks from unauthorized access and cyber threats.

7. Cloud Security Specialist: With the growing adoption of cloud computing, graduates can specialize in cloud security. They ensure the security and privacy of data stored in cloud environments, implement cloud security controls, and address unique security challenges associated with cloud platforms.

8. Digital Forensics Investigator: Graduates interested in cybercrime investigation can pursue careers as digital forensics investigators. They use forensic tools and techniques to gather evidence from digital devices, analyze data breaches, and assist in legal proceedings related to cyber incidents.

9. IT Auditor: IT auditors assess the effectiveness of IT controls within organizations to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and industry best practices. Graduates with a strong understanding of network security and risk management are well-suited for this role.

10. Further Studies and Research: Some graduates may choose to pursue postgraduate studies in cybersecurity, computer forensics, or related fields to deepen their knowledge and specialize in specific areas of interest within the broader field of information security.