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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) - Foundation Degree

Summary

The FdSc 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. As well as employment opportunities, this programme also provides the academic stepping stone leading to our BSc Hons Network Engineering (Systems Administration) topup degree.

  • Course code DP1HE006
  • UCAS code GH46
  • Duration 2 Years
  • Day/s of week Monday and Thursday
  • Time 09:00 - 16:00

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
University Centre
2 Years
  • £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

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

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 Foundation 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.

Key information

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 96 UCAS points (excluding Functional Skills) in an appropriate discipline:

  • MMM from Extended Diploma or DD from Diploma in any level 3 Computing/IT course
  • We will strongly encourage and support those who do not hold GCSE Maths/English at grade C/4, or equivalent qualification, to pursue a Maths/English qualification alongside the main programme.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are expected to achieve a minimum 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component

Applicants who are able to demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge will also be considered on an individual basis.

Qualification obtained

FdSc Network Engineering (Systems Administration)

Fees and funding

Please click here to find out more about tuition fees for this course.

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

Read our full terms and conditions 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 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Network Disaster Recovery DP4MD013 20 Yes
    Network Principles DP4MD014 20 No
    Network Programming and Scripting Concepts DP4MD015 20 No
    Switching Routing and Wireless Essentials DP4MD016 20 No
    Introduction to Systems Security DP4MD017 20 No
    Professional and Academic Skills Stem DP4MD032 20 No
  • Modules at level 5

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Work Based Learning DP5MD007 20 No
    Contemporary Project DP5MD008 20 No
    Virtualisation and Cloud Computing DP5MD009 20 No
    Introduction to Sdn DP5MD016 20 No
    Enterprise Networking Security and Automation DP5MD017 20 No
    Systems Configuration and Management DP5MD018 20 No

Study Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group study support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT 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 240 273 0
Independent 760 897 0
Placement 0 30 0
Total 1000 1200 0
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?

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 70% 60% 0%
Exam 6% 5% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%