Network Engineering - BSc Hons Degree (Top Up)*
Summary
Build on the foundations developed in the Foundation Degree in Network Engineering by progressing onto the BSc (Hons) Network Engineering top-up year. This final year is designed for students who want to deepen their technical expertise and develop the advanced knowledge required to design, manage, and secure modern network infrastructures.
Throughout the course, you will explore enterprise-scale networking technologies, software-defined networking, distributed systems, and the ethical and professional responsibilities associated with modern computing. You'll also undertake a substantial independent project, allowing you to investigate a specialist area of interest while demonstrating the technical, analytical, and project management skills expected of an honours graduate.
The programme combines advanced technical study with practical application, helping you develop the knowledge and confidence required for professional and technical roles within networking, infrastructure, and systems engineering. Upon successful completion, you'll graduate with a full honours degree and be well positioned for specialist industry roles or postgraduate study.
Entry Requirements
To apply for the BSc (Hons) Network Engineering top-up degree, you must have successfully completed the Foundation Degree in Network Engineering at Blackpool and The Fylde College.
Applicants must have:
- Successfully completed all Level 5 modules within the Network Engineering pathway
- Achieved the Foundation Degree in Network Engineering
This top-up year is available only to students progressing from the Foundation Degree in Network Engineering.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration / Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
11 Sep 2028
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
/
£0
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The BSc (Hons) Network Engineering top-up year prepares you for advanced technical and professional roles within the networking and infrastructure sector. Building on the knowledge gained during the Foundation Degree, you'll develop a deeper understanding of enterprise networking, distributed systems, and modern infrastructure technologies.
Graduates are well positioned for roles such as Network Engineer, Infrastructure Engineer, Network Administrator, Systems Engineer, Technical Consultant, or IT Operations Specialist. The combination of technical expertise, project experience, and analytical skills developed throughout the course is valued across a wide range of industries that depend on reliable and secure networked systems.
The honours degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study and professional development, supporting progression into specialist technical, leadership, or research-focused roles within the technology sector.
Next steps at B&FC
After completing the BSc (Hons) Network Engineering top-up year, you'll be prepared to enter professional roles within networking, infrastructure, and systems engineering. You may also choose to continue your academic journey through postgraduate study, professional certifications, or specialist training in areas such as enterprise networking, cloud infrastructure, and network security.
Employment Opportunities
This course prepares you for a range of advanced roles within networking, infrastructure, and enterprise technology environments. Typical job titles include:
- Network Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Systems Engineer
- Network Administrator
- Technical Consultant
- IT Operations Engineer
- Network Support Specialist
- Infrastructure Analyst
These roles focus on designing, managing, supporting, and improving the networked systems and infrastructure that modern organisations rely upon.
Key information
Extra costs and equipment
The software, tools, and technologies required for this programme are available through Blackpool and The Fylde College's specialist computing facilities. Students have access to the same platforms and resources used during taught sessions, workshops, and project work.
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, exhibitions, 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?
In this final year of the Network Engineering degree, you'll build on the knowledge and practical skills developed during your Foundation Degree to explore advanced networking, infrastructure, and systems technologies. The modules you study focus on modern enterprise environments, helping you develop the technical expertise and professional skills expected of a graduate network engineer.
Software Defined Networking – Explore how networks can be managed, configured, and automated through software-based approaches. You'll investigate modern networking architectures and the technologies that support scalable and flexible infrastructure.
Advanced Infrastructure – Develop a deeper understanding of enterprise infrastructure technologies, exploring how complex systems are designed, implemented, and maintained to support organisational needs.
Distributed Systems – Examine how computing resources and services operate across multiple interconnected systems. You'll explore the challenges and opportunities associated with designing and managing distributed environments.
Cyber Ethics & Law – Consider the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities associated with modern computing and networking. You'll explore topics such as privacy, security, legislation, and professional practice.
Final Project – Undertake a substantial independent project focused on a specialist area of network engineering. This module allows you to apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout your studies while developing your research, problem-solving, and project management abilities.
By the end of the honours year, you'll have developed advanced technical knowledge, professional confidence, and the ability to tackle complex networking challenges, preparing you for graduate employment or further study.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
The BSc (Hons) Network Engineering pathway builds upon the professional experience gained during your Foundation Degree, encouraging you to engage with current industry practices, emerging technologies, and professional networking opportunities throughout your final year.
The programme benefits from guest speakers and industry professionals who share their experiences, insights, and advice, helping you understand current trends, technical challenges, and career opportunities within networking, infrastructure, and enterprise technology environments.
Where available, students may also have opportunities to attend conferences, exhibitions, and other industry events related to networking, cloud infrastructure, and systems engineering. These experiences provide valuable exposure to the latest technologies, help you build professional networks, and support your transition into graduate employment or further study.
Your Final Project also provides an opportunity to investigate an area of professional interest, allowing you to develop specialist knowledge and demonstrate your abilities through an extended piece of independent work.
How will I learn?
Your learning on the BSc (Hons) Network Engineering pathway combines advanced technical study with practical, project-based learning. You'll take part in a mix of workshops, laboratories, seminars, and tutorials, with opportunities to apply your knowledge to realistic networking and infrastructure challenges.
As an honours-level student, you'll be expected to take greater ownership of your learning through independent research, critical evaluation, and self-directed study. You'll investigate contemporary technologies, explore specialist areas of interest, and develop the ability to assess complex technical problems using evidence-based approaches. This increased independence reflects the expectations of graduate-level study and helps prepare you for professional and technical roles within the industry.
You'll also benefit from:
- Access to specialist networking laboratories and computing facilities
- One-to-one tutorials and project supervision
- Blended learning using platforms such as Canvas and Microsoft Teams
- Access to industry-standard networking and infrastructure technologies
- Regular feedback and opportunities to refine your work throughout the year
This supportive and practical approach helps you develop both the advanced technical expertise and professional skills required for graduate roles within networking, infrastructure, and enterprise technology environments. The combination of guided teaching and independent study ensures you graduate with the confidence, knowledge, and problem-solving ability expected of an honours graduate.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 0 | 0 | 288 |
| Independent | 0 | 0 | 912 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 0 | 1200 |
How will I be assessed?
The BSc (Hons) Network Engineering pathway includes five modules designed to develop advanced technical knowledge, professional practice, and independent research skills. Assessments are designed to reflect the expectations of honours-level study, combining practical application with critical evaluation, analysis, and independent investigation.
In Software Defined Networking, you'll explore modern approaches to network management and automation. Assessment focuses on your ability to evaluate, implement, and critically discuss contemporary networking technologies.
Advanced Infrastructure develops your understanding of enterprise-scale systems and infrastructure. You'll apply technical knowledge to realistic scenarios while demonstrating your ability to analyse and justify technical decisions.
Distributed Systems examines how services and resources operate across interconnected environments. You'll investigate the design, implementation, and management of distributed technologies through a combination of practical and written work.
In Cyber Ethics & Law, you'll explore the legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities associated with modern computing. Assessment focuses on your ability to critically evaluate issues affecting technology professionals and organisations.
The Final Project is the centrepiece of the honours year, allowing you to investigate a specialist area of network engineering through an extended independent project. You'll plan, research, develop, and evaluate a substantial piece of work, demonstrating the technical, analytical, and project management skills expected of a graduate.
By the end of the year, you'll have produced a portfolio of advanced technical work, research, and professional documentation that showcases your abilities and prepares you for graduate employment, professional certifications, or postgraduate study.
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 0% | 0% | 74% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |