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A network engineering student seated at a desk inspects cables, with a global network map visible on the screen behind him.

Network Engineering (Systems Administration) - BSc Hons Degree (Top Up)

Summary

The BSc Network Engineering (Systems Administration) provides a variety of routes into some of the best paid areas in contemporary computing. The programme will help you develop technical and professional skills with which to meet the current expectations of industry. These include the ability to:

  • Apply networking and hardware skills that will enable the connection, control and configuration of various devices, using both traditional and wireless connectivity
  • Protect individual systems and corporate infrastructures from unauthorised and illegal hacking and industrial espionage
  • Configure, maintain and recover server based solutions to SMEs and larger corporations
  • Develop specialist Systems Administration skills to prepare Network Professionals for a range of in-demand industry roles
  • Work independently and as part of a team, the ability to take instruction and work to deadlines, communication and adaptability
  • Be creative, use initiative and develop problem solving skills
  • Undertake a work placement and apply the full range of technical and professional skills acquired during the foundation degree in a real world context

Enrolling on the programme will allow you to take the first steps to becoming a computer networking professional.

You will engage with the latest technologies to understand how networks work in our state of the art, CISCO approved labs which are equipped with the latest and best routers and switches. You'll have the chance to explore other contemporary technologies in virtualisation and cloud computing to understand how future systems administration will develop. Remote access to our bank of dedicated VM infrastructure provides opportunities to develop skills beyond what is taught in the classroom.

With businesses becoming more reliant upon interconnected systems and networked infrastructures, your newly acquired skills will increasingly be in demand as the number of job roles in computer networking continues to grow.

  • Course code DP1HE003
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Monday and Tuesday
  • Time 09:00 - 16:00

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
University Centre
1 Year

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

  • £37,100 average annual salary
  • Rapid progression to Senior Management and Consultancy roles
  • 59,103 annual job openings in the North West

What Uni Reviews

Teachers are knowledgeable and very supportive. Equipment is top notch. ****
- Steven Dickson
Good community brilliant tutors and a good course. *****
- Jakub Kosiec
Excellent support and tutors. *****
- Afreen Hussain
Black and white logo for Lancashire & Cumbria Institute of Technology.
Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) logo, representing high standards in technical training.

Higher Technical Qualification

This in an approved Higher Technical Qualification and is alligned with the occupation - Network Engineer.
More on HTQ

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This Degree programme is designed to create graduates who possess a combination of network engineering and softer, transferable skills which together produce extremely well qualified individuals with broad, commercially desirable skill sets and qualifications.

Employment Opportunities

On completing programme, you will become a self-directing IT professional with a wide range of career pathways available to you. 

Successful graduates could access any of the following exciting career opportunities:

  • Network Engineer
  • 1st, 2nd 3rd Line Support
  • Network Technician
  • Network Security Technician
  • Cloud Networking Architect
  • Virtualisation Engineer
  • Wireless Infrastructure and Mobility Specialist
  • Systems Administrator

 

Key information

Entry Requirements

Only applicants that have successfully completed the Foundation Degree in Network Engineering (Systems Administration) with Blackpool and The Fylde College can progress to this top up programme.

Qualification obtained

BSc (Hons) Network Engineering (Systems admin)

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

Resources required to achieve the learning outcomes of the programme are available while working in college, with many resources available through remote services.

However, we do recommend that you have access to a computer with internet connectivity for completing work outside college times and accessing these resources.

You should also be aware that there may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

During the latter part of this course, you will need to complete 96 hours of related work experience.

This will involve finding a suitable work placement, which we will encourage you to do yourself. If, for some reason, you’re unable to find a placement, our workplace coordinator will arrange interviews with employers; we may even find you an internal placement with our own IT Services Department.

Your work-based activity also includes timetabled sessions, which will involve creating CVs, learning about professional guidelines and legislation, and exploring how to apply your new-found skills to the workplace.

  • Modules at level 6

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Dissertation DP6MD015 40 No
    Internet of Things DP6MD016 20 No
    Cyber Ethics and Law DP6MD017 20 No
    Distributed Systems DP6MD018 20 No
    Advanced Communications DP6MD019 20 No

Learning Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

Student case study - Jonathan

Why did you choose B&FC?
The enthusiasm of the staff is infectious. The facilities and equipment here are in a class of their own, giving me hands-on experience with the kit I will go on to use in industry.

What have been the benefits of studying here?
The tutors have a wealth of experience and knowledge that comes through in their lessons. All the staff here have been very supportive and helpful with any issues I've raised.

How will I learn?

Scheduled Learning

Scheduled time relates to the time you spend in directed study with the guidance and support of our academic tutors. Scheduled learning can take a variety of forms and will vary from one course to the next, but may include lectures, seminars, tutorials, project supervision, demonstrations, studio or workshop time, fieldwork and external visits.

Independent Study

Higher education courses rely on students undertaking work outside of formal, scheduled sessions and this is generally categorised as independent study. Independent study might include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks and revision.

Expert tutors

All staff involved in the delivery of higher education courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

The approval process ensures that staff delivering a given programme are appropriately qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice.

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
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

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How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 0% 0% 86%
Exam 0% 0% 14%
Practical 0% 0% 0%