Network Engineering - Foundation Degree (Progression from CertHE)*
Summary
Build on the foundations developed in the Certificate of Higher Education in Computer Science: Software, Networking & AI by progressing onto the Foundation Degree in Network Engineering. This pathway is designed for students who want to develop the technical skills required to design, configure, secure, and manage modern network infrastructures that support businesses, organisations, and digital services.
Throughout the course, you will explore enterprise networking, cloud technologies, network security, automation, and infrastructure management through a highly practical, hands-on approach. Working with industry-standard tools and technologies, you will develop the knowledge and confidence needed to support complex network environments while gaining experience of how modern organisations deploy and maintain critical digital systems.
Alongside technical modules, you will complete work-based learning activities that help you develop professional skills and gain valuable industry experience. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you can progress to the BSc (Hons) Network Engineering top-up year, further developing your expertise and preparing for specialist roles within the networking and infrastructure sector.
Entry Requirements
To progress onto the Foundation Degree (Year 2) in Network Engineering at Blackpool and The Fylde College, you must have successfully completed the Certificate of Higher Education in Computer Science: Software, Networking & AI (Year 1).
Applicants must have:
- Successfully completed all Level 4 modules within the Computer Science programme
- Achieved a pass in the Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits at Level 4)
This pathway is open only to students who have completed the first year of the Computer Science degree. If you are applying with alternative qualifications or prior learning, your application will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
13 Sep 2027
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
/
£0
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Network Engineering pathway prepares you for a career in one of the most important areas of modern computing. Organisations of every size rely on secure, reliable, and well-managed networks to support their operations, creating strong demand for skilled networking professionals across both the public and private sectors.
Graduates of the Foundation Degree develop practical skills in network design, infrastructure management, cloud technologies, and troubleshooting, preparing them for roles such as Network Support Technician, Infrastructure Technician, Network Administrator, or Systems Support Engineer. These positions provide opportunities to work with enterprise networks, cloud platforms, and digital infrastructure while building valuable industry experience.
The pathway also provides a strong foundation for further study through the BSc (Hons) Network Engineering top-up year, allowing you to develop more advanced technical and strategic skills and progress towards specialist and senior networking roles.
Next steps at B&FC
After completing the Foundation Degree in Network Engineering, you can progress directly onto the BSc (Hons) Network Engineering top-up year at Blackpool and The Fylde College. This final year develops more advanced networking, infrastructure, and enterprise technology skills, preparing you for specialist technical roles or further professional development within the networking and IT sector.
Employment Opportunities
This course prepares you for a range of roles within networking, infrastructure, and IT support. Typical job titles include:
- Network Support Technician
- Network Administrator
- Infrastructure Technician
- Systems Support Engineer
- IT Support Engineer
- Network Operations Technician
- Cloud Support Technician
- Technical Support Analyst
These roles focus on designing, maintaining, securing, and supporting the digital infrastructure that organisations rely upon every day, providing a strong foundation for long-term career progression within the technology sector.
Key information
Extra costs and equipment
The software, tools, and networking environments required for this programme are available through Blackpool and The Fylde College's specialist computing facilities. Students have access to the same platforms and technologies used during taught sessions, workshops, and assessment activities.
It is recommended that you have access to a PC or laptop to support independent study, although this is not a requirement. College facilities, specialist laboratories, and supported workshop sessions are available to ensure all students can access the resources needed to succeed.
There may be opportunities to attend optional industry events, conferences, or visits related to networking and infrastructure technologies. Where these activities involve additional costs, details will be provided in advance, and support may be available depending on the activity.
What will I learn?
The Network Engineering pathway develops the practical and technical skills needed to design, build, secure, and manage modern network infrastructures. You will work with industry-standard technologies and explore how networks support organisations, cloud services, and digital communication.
Enterprise Networking
Develop your understanding of modern network infrastructure, learning how to configure, manage, and troubleshoot networked environments using professional tools and techniques.
Cloud and Virtualised Infrastructure
Explore how organisations deploy services using cloud and virtualisation technologies. You will learn how infrastructure is provisioned, managed, and maintained within modern enterprise environments.
Network Security
Learn how to identify vulnerabilities and apply security measures to protect networks and systems from common threats. You will explore secure configuration, monitoring, and best practice.
Network Automation
Discover how automation is used to improve efficiency and consistency within network environments. You will develop skills in scripting and automated management techniques.
Project Management
Gain an understanding of how technical projects are planned, delivered, and evaluated. You will develop professional skills that support successful project delivery within technology-focused organisations.
Work-Based Learning
Apply your knowledge within a professional context through work-based learning activities. This module helps you develop employability skills, explore career opportunities, and understand how networking skills are applied in industry.
Each module builds your confidence and technical expertise while developing the professional skills employers value. Upon successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you can progress to the BSc (Hons) Network Engineering top-up year or pursue a range of networking and infrastructure roles within the technology sector.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
The Network Engineering pathway includes a dedicated Work-Based Learning module, giving you the opportunity to apply your technical knowledge within a professional context. This may involve a work placement, employer-led project, industry brief, or other work-based activity designed to develop your practical skills and understanding of the networking sector.
Throughout your studies, you will be supported by the delivery team in identifying and securing appropriate opportunities. The programme also benefits from guest speakers and industry professionals who share their experiences, insights, and advice, helping you understand current technologies, career pathways, and industry expectations.
Where available, students may also have opportunities to attend conferences, exhibitions, and other industry events that provide additional exposure to the networking and technology sectors.
How will I learn?
Your learning on the Network Engineering pathway is built around practical, hands-on activities that reflect how modern networks are designed, deployed, and maintained in industry. You will take part in a blend of workshops, laboratories, tutorials, and group sessions, supported by tutors who bring both academic knowledge and real-world experience into the classroom.
Throughout the course, you will work with industry-standard networking, virtualisation, and cloud technologies, developing the skills needed to configure, troubleshoot, and secure network infrastructures. Alongside technical activities, you will build your professional skills through individual projects, collaborative tasks, guided research, and reflective practice.
To support your development, you will also benefit from:
- Weekly drop-in workshops for additional support
- One-to-one tutorials and regular progress reviews
- Online learning resources through Canvas and Microsoft Teams
- Regular feedback and opportunities to improve your work before submission
- A mix of independent study and collaborative learning designed to develop both technical and professional skills
Whether you are configuring networks, troubleshooting infrastructure, exploring cloud technologies, or developing automation solutions, the course is designed to help you learn through practical experience, with support available throughout your studies.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 0 | 288 | 0 |
| Independent | 0 | 912 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 1200 | 0 |
How will I be assessed?
The Network Engineering pathway includes six modules designed to develop your technical knowledge, practical networking skills, and professional confidence. Each module is assessed through a combination of hands-on technical work and written assignments, allowing you to demonstrate both your practical abilities and your understanding of key networking concepts.
Enterprise Networking is assessed through practical configuration activities and supporting written work, where you will design, build, and troubleshoot network infrastructures using industry-standard approaches.
Cloud and Virtualised Infrastructure includes practical projects and written evaluations that explore how modern organisations deploy and manage services within virtual and cloud-based environments.
Network Security is assessed through practical security tasks and written analysis, helping you demonstrate your ability to identify risks and apply appropriate protection measures.
Network Automation combines practical implementation with written reflection, allowing you to explore how scripting and automation can improve efficiency and consistency within network environments.
Project Management is assessed through planning activities and written coursework, developing your understanding of how technical projects are organised, delivered, and evaluated.
Work-Based Learning is assessed through a professional portfolio and reflective activities that demonstrate your experience, employability skills, and career development throughout the module.
These assessments are designed to help you build a portfolio of technical and professional work that showcases your skills, supports future employment opportunities, and prepares you for progression onto the BSc (Hons) Network Engineering top-up year.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 0% | 70% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |