Computer Networks Engineering

Computer networks engineering addresses the infrastructure that makes the digital world possible. Every internet connection, every mobile communication, every cloud service and every corporate IT system depends on networks that are designed, built, configured and maintained by engineers who understand the protocols, hardware, security and management systems that make reliable communication at scale achievable. As organisations become more reliant on digital connectivity and as the volume and sensitivity of data flowing across networks continues to grow, the demand for well-qualified network engineers is consistently strong.

At Southampton Solent University, this three-year full-time programme is delivered in partnership with Cisco Networking Academy, providing you with training that maps directly onto the skills and certifications that the computing industry recognises. The foundation year gives students who need it the opportunity to build the technical and mathematical foundations required before the main degree begins, and a sandwich year plus work placement give you sustained professional experience in network engineering environments alongside your academic studies. A typical entry tariff of 88 points makes the programme accessible to a wide range of students, and the combination of academic qualification and Cisco-aligned training gives graduates a distinctive edge in the labour market.

You will develop knowledge and skills in network design and architecture, routing and switching, network security, wireless networks, cloud infrastructure and the management of complex enterprise systems, building the technical competence to work at a professional level from early in your career.

Graduates work as network engineers, systems administrators, network security analysts, cloud engineers and IT infrastructure specialists across technology companies, corporate IT departments, telecommunications providers, public sector organisations and managed service providers. Postgraduate study in computer networking, cybersecurity or information systems offers further pathways for those who wish to specialise, and the Cisco-aligned training provides a strong foundation for professional certification and career development.