Program Overview

The use of computers and online services continues to evolve at a rapid pace. So the power and complexity of computer systems, peripheral equipment and support have to keep pace with user demand. This course will give you the ability to specify requirements, design systems and commission and test computer and network technologies – sought-after skills in today’s technology-driven job market. You’ll also learn specific skills in digital electronic systems, network design and management, distributed systems, microcomputers, digital signal processing tools and techniques, software design methodology, and data communication techniques.

Why choose this course?

• Learn in state-of-the-art facilities in the University's Smart Systems laboratory
• Develop the skills required by employers
• Gain an edge in a career exploiting technological advancements to drive changes in modern living
• Create great apps and distribute contents to a variety of new digital platforms
• Specify requirements, design systems and commission computer and network technologies
• Explore embedded devices, from standalone smart sensors, fully interconnected, mobile, wireless and wired, multi-platform systems with modern user interfaces
• Gain an in-depth appreciation of the multimedia systems behind advances in web technology, satellite and cable broadcasting
• Students from the School of Engineering and Technology have previously completed work placement years at companies including: BMW (UK) Manufacturing Ltd, Bosch Thermotechnology, and Microsoft
• Recent Engineering graduates have gone on to work at organisations including: Dyson, Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu.

More about the course

Across the globe, modern computer systems are linked together via a variety of communication infrastructures, including telephone and cable connections, trans-Atlantic optical fibre and satellite links. The knowledge and skills required to specify requirements, design systems using standard subsystems, and commission and test computer and network technologies are paramount in today's job market.

In the first year of your BSc Honours degree course in Computer and Network Technology you will develop an understanding of relevant opportunities, how to exploit them and the associated responsibilities. You will gain hands-on experience of programming using Java, and of software development through extensive laboratory work. You will also learn about fundamental technical concepts - including computer architecture using packages especially for games and PDA tools to investigate digital subsystems; sound and image conversion to digital form; the functionality of RAM and Flash memory, magnetic and optical media; and data transmission networks.

In your second year you will broaden your knowledge of the technologies, standards and techniques relevant to designing and implementing multimedia communication infrastructures.

In your final year you will cover a variety of modern networking environments, you will become familiar with the practical issues and capable of working within a professional environment. For example, you will be able to understand different systems and rapidly assimilate the information needed to satisfy particular requirements, both from a purchaser's and a developer's viewpoint. You will also extend your knowledge and skills in programming and multimedia techniques to include animation and virtual reality, with time spent on laboratory-based exercises in 3D graphics.

The popularity of home computing and the growth in online services have exploded in recent years, which is why this fascinating subject has become so important, successful and popular.

The power and complexity of computer systems, peripheral equipment and support is evolving rapidly to meet the demands of today’s users. Computer systems rely on efficient global networks, ranging from household phone and cable connections to transatlantic optical fibre cables and geostationary satellite links.