Cloud and Network Computing BSc (Hons)

UCAS code I793

Duration

3 Years

4 Years

4 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Most companies rely on networking for their day-to-day work. As every second counts, they can’t afford the technology to fail.

That’s where the specialist skills you’ll learn on our BSc (Hons) Cloud and Network Computing course come into play. We’ll teach you how to create secure, extremely reliable and easily scalable networks, using our own networking equipment.

You’ll be doing things for real, rather than just learning the theory. It will include completing live briefs, taking part in hackathons and setting up your own simulated companies.

Many of our students also opt for a paid placement year, which gives them the chance to work in industry before they graduate. These exciting experiences can be with companies locally, nationally or internationally.

It’s just one of the amazing industry links you’ll encounter. Others include opportunities to gain Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco certifications. And you’ll get to showcase your work to a panel of industry judges at GradEX, our final-year graduate show.

We’ll give you the fundamental skills to become an expert in the configuration, design, implementation and evaluation of networked systems and devices.

The course also has a key focus on cloud technologies. Lots of companies are now using cloud capacity to store vital information and everything has to get to and from the third-party cloud provider.

You’ll delve into databases, serverless technology and how to build cloud infrastructure so you can pursue a career in this rapidly growing field. You can also explore the cloud environment with your own AWS account.

You will cover a range of related disciplines too, including cyber security, programming, software development and artificial intelligence.

Our facilities feature the latest equipment you’ll find in industry. There are two dedicated networking labs and a network “plug and play” rack room. In our Collision Space, we have a video wall and group project desks to give you the feel of a real workplace.

This hands-on experience is one of the reasons why we are ranked in the Top 25 for student satisfaction in Computer Science (Guardian University Guide 2023).

That’s where the specialist skills you’ll learn on our BSc (Hons) Cloud and Network Computing course come into play. We’ll teach you how to create secure, extremely reliable and easily scalable networks, using our own networking equipment.

You’ll be doing things for real, rather than just learning the theory. It will include completing live briefs, taking part in hackathons and setting up your own simulated companies.

Many of our students also opt for a paid placement year, which gives them the chance to work in industry before they graduate. These exciting experiences can be with companies locally, nationally or internationally.

It’s just one of the amazing industry links you’ll encounter. Others include opportunities to gain Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco certifications. And you’ll get to showcase your work to a panel of industry judges at GradEX, our final-year graduate show.

We’ll give you the fundamental skills to become an expert in the configuration, design, implementation and evaluation of networked systems and devices.

The course also has a key focus on cloud technologies. Lots of companies are now using cloud capacity to store vital information and everything has to get to and from the third-party cloud provider.

You’ll delve into databases, serverless technology and how to build cloud infrastructure so you can pursue a career in this rapidly growing field. You can also explore the cloud environment with your own AWS account.

You will cover a range of related disciplines too, including cyber security, programming, software development and artificial intelligence.

Our facilities feature the latest equipment you’ll find in industry. There are two dedicated networking labs and a network “plug and play” rack room. In our Collision Space, we have a video wall and group project desks to give you the feel of a real workplace.

This hands-on experience is one of the reasons why we are ranked in the Top 25 for student satisfaction in Computer Science (Guardian University Guide 2023).

That’s where the specialist skills you’ll learn on our BSc (Hons) Cloud and Network Computing course come into play. We’ll teach you how to create secure, extremely reliable and easily scalable networks, using our own networking equipment.

You’ll be doing things for real, rather than just learning the theory. It will include completing live briefs, taking part in hackathons and setting up your own simulated companies.

Many of our students also opt for a paid placement year, which gives them the chance to work in industry before they graduate. These exciting experiences can be with companies locally, nationally or internationally.

It’s just one of the amazing industry links you’ll encounter. Others include opportunities to gain Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Cisco certifications. And you’ll get to showcase your work to a panel of industry judges at GradEX, our final-year graduate show.

We’ll give you the fundamental skills to become an expert in the configuration, design, implementation and evaluation of networked systems and devices.

The course also has a key focus on cloud technologies. Lots of companies are now using cloud capacity to store vital information and everything has to get to and from the third-party cloud provider.

You’ll delve into databases, serverless technology and how to build cloud infrastructure so you can pursue a career in this rapidly growing field. You can also explore the cloud environment with your own AWS account.

You will cover a range of related disciplines too, including cyber security, programming, software development and artificial intelligence.

Our facilities feature the latest equipment you’ll find in industry. There are two dedicated networking labs and a network “plug and play” rack room. In our Collision Space, we have a video wall and group project desks to give you the feel of a real workplace.

This hands-on experience is one of the reasons why we are ranked in the Top 25 for student satisfaction in Computer Science (Guardian University Guide 2023).

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Cloud and Network Computing

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Cloud and Network Computing

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Cloud and Network Computing

Work placements

Each year, around 200 students from across our computing courses are placed with leading names in the industry, both in the UK and abroad.

Firms include Sky, CERN, BAE Systems, BMW and IBM, along with AWS, Cisco and Juniper. Students have also been placed with companies such as Options IT, which keeps the infrastructure running for the London Stock Exchange.

Destinations have included companies in Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and the US. Closer to home, we also work with firms such as bet365 and TopCashback.

Work placements

Yes this course has a 12-month optional placement year that can be taken between Level 5 and Level 6.

Placement opportunities will be made available through our Careers team and will range from companies based locally, nationally, and internationally.

Placement opportunities will be made available through our Careers team and will range from companies based locally, nationally, and internationally.

Placement opportunities will be made available through our Careers team and will range from companies based locally, nationally, and internationally.

Course content

LEVEL 3 - Addresses study skills, data analytics, networks and cyber, artificial intelligence, programming, hardware, and personal computing projects.

LEVEL 4 - Covers computer architecture, operating systems, algorithms, programming, networks and cloud computing, artificial intelligence and software development, data and databases, and cyber security.

LEVEL 5 - Topics include project management, machine learning and AI, cloud infrastructure, data analytics, advanced networks, and automation.

LEVEL 6 - Includes a dissertation, negotiated certification, cloud technologies, hardware, IoT, and security. 

LEVEL 3 - Addresses study skills, data analytics, networks and cyber, artificial intelligence, programming, hardware, and personal computing projects.

LEVEL 4 - Covers computer architecture, operating systems, algorithms, programming, networks and cloud computing, artificial intelligence and software development, data and databases, and cyber security.

LEVEL 5 - Topics include project management, machine learning and AI, cloud infrastructure, data analytics, advanced networks, and automation.

LEVEL 6 - Includes a dissertation, negotiated certification, cloud technologies, hardware, IoT, and security. 

LEVEL 3 - Addresses study skills, data analytics, networks and cyber, artificial intelligence, programming, hardware, and personal computing projects.

LEVEL 4 - Covers computer architecture, operating systems, algorithms, programming, networks and cloud computing, artificial intelligence and software development, data and databases, and cyber security.

LEVEL 5 - Topics include project management, machine learning and AI, cloud infrastructure, data analytics, advanced networks, and automation.

LEVEL 6 - Includes a dissertation, negotiated certification, cloud technologies, hardware, IoT, and security. 

Professional body accreditation

This course is accredited as 'Tech Industry Gold' by the Tech Partnership Degrees. This identifies courses defined and backed by the Tech industry for quality and relevance to technology careers. Tech Industry Gold degrees blend the technical, business and interpersonal skills most valued by employers.

Professional body accreditation

This course is accredited as 'Tech Industry Gold' by the Tech Partnership Degrees. This identifies courses defined and backed by the Tech industry for quality and relevance to technology careers. Tech Industry Gold degrees blend the technical, business and interpersonal skills most valued by employers.

Professional body accreditation

This course is accredited as 'Tech Industry Gold' by the Tech Partnership Degrees. This identifies courses defined and backed by the Tech industry for quality and relevance to technology careers. Tech Industry Gold degrees blend the technical, business and interpersonal skills most valued by employers.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Networking 20 credits
Automation 20 credits
Cloud Infrastructure And Design 20 credits
Data Analytics 20 credits
Machine Learning And Ai 20 credits
Professional Practice And Project Management 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Cloud Architecture 20 credits
Dissertation 40 credits
Low-Level, Hardware, And Iot Security 20 credits
Negotiated Studies 20 credits
Network And Cloud Security 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Networking 20 credits
Automation 20 credits
Cloud Infrastructure And Design 20 credits
Data Analytics 20 credits
Machine Learning And Ai 20 credits
Professional Practice And Project Management 20 credits
Year 3 compulsory modules
Year 3 compulsory modules
Cloud Architecture 20 credits
Dissertation 40 credits
Low-Level, Hardware, And Iot Security 20 credits
Negotiated Studies 20 credits
Network And Cloud Security 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module where available.

Year 2 compulsory modules
Year 2 compulsory modules
Advanced Networking 20 credits
Automation 20 credits
Cloud Infrastructure And Design 20 credits
Data Analytics 20 credits
Machine Learning And Ai 20 credits
Professional Practice And Project Management 20 credits
Year 4 compulsory modules
Year 4 compulsory modules
Cloud Architecture 20 credits
Dissertation 40 credits
Low-Level, Hardware, And Iot Security 20 credits
Negotiated Studies 20 credits
Network And Cloud Security 20 credits

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer
  • Typical UCAS Offer: 48 points
  • A levels: A, DD, EEE
  • BTEC: PPP

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

International and mature students with different qualifications and experience are also encouraged to apply.

Ideally you will be educated in Maths to grade C (Grade 4) at GCSE or above, however, if you do not have this we recommend you to contact the University so we can advise you.

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

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Facilities

This course will benefit from a range of specialist and non-specialist labs available in the Mellor Building. Specialist labs available are an isolated Cyber Security lab (with Encase, XRY and other Cyber and Forensic tools), Software Engineering lab (with APP development and methods software), Mobile and devices lab (with simulators and physical devices), Web computing lab (with sripting, programming, and creative software), Usability lab (with eye-tracker software and user cameras), Data Analytics lab (with Database and Analytic tools), two Networking Labs (with Juniper, Amazon Web Services, and CISCO technologies), and An Artificial Intelligence and Robotics lab (with robots and robotics arms). In relation to non-specialist labs there 4 available within the Mellor Building. There is also a SMART Zone where students can use a wide array of 3D metal and plastic printers. 

Cyber/Biometrics Lab

Our Cyber Lab contains dual screen PCs bound within a dedicated isolated network. Our in-house developed virtual machines and environment enables several types of cyber protection to be developed, and ethical hacking investigations to take place. Read more

Find out more: Networks and Cyber Security

Software Development Tools

You'll have access to development environments for desktop, mobile and enterprise applications. Plus access to our mobile/smart devices development lab, with a variety of mobile devices for testing.

Careers

Cloud technologies are a major growth area and there is huge demand for skilled networking specialists as well. It means your degree will make you highly employable.

Possible careers include becoming a computer network architect, network administrator, cloud infrastructure analyst or a cloud network engineer.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

This course will predominently teach you through formal lecture session and practical classes. Lectures will deliver theoretical knowledge to you. Practical sessions will be used to take this theory and put it into practice and may take the form of programming or technology related activity, presentations and seminars, and 'live' brief exercises. 

This course will predominently teach you through formal lecture session and practical classes. Lectures will deliver theoretical knowledge to you. Practical sessions will be used to take this theory and put it into practice and may take the form of programming or technology related activity, presentations and seminars, and 'live' brief exercises. 

This course will predominently teach you through formal lecture session and practical classes. Lectures will deliver theoretical knowledge to you. Practical sessions will be used to take this theory and put it into practice and may take the form of programming or technology related activity, presentations and seminars, and 'live' brief exercises. 

Assessment

This course has a rich diet of assessment methods, of which each is chosen to map to the teaching and expected learning. On this course you will undertake assessments of the following: Class tests (up to 1 hour, Examinations (up to 2 hours), Practical assignment work (individual or group-based), Portfolio of work, Report (individual or group-based, and Presentations (individual or group-based)

This course has a rich diet of assessment methods, of which each is chosen to map to the teaching and expected learning. On this course you will undertake assessments of the following: Class tests (up to 1 hour, Examinations (up to 2 hours), Practical assignment work (individual or group-based), Portfolio of work, Report (individual or group-based, and Presentations (individual or group-based)

This course has a rich diet of assessment methods, of which each is chosen to map to the teaching and expected learning. On this course you will undertake assessments of the following: Class tests (up to 1 hour, Examinations (up to 2 hours), Practical assignment work (individual or group-based), Portfolio of work, Report (individual or group-based, and Presentations (individual or group-based)

Learning support

Tutors will support students throughout their modules in class time. Outside of this there will be support surgery sessions, additional class activities, as well as the option to request individual 1-2-1 sessions

Additional support

On joining students with additional needs will have these assessed prior to starting their modules to determine how additional support can be put in place for them. Where possible staff will always make reasonable adjustments to provide the best learning experience possible.

Feedback

Students will receive provisional feedback on each of their assessments within 20-days. Provisional grades are fed into progress and award boards in order that student achievement can be gauged. After each board students will receive formal notification as to how well they are doing and that they have passed all modules. If they do not pass all modules a retrieve opportunity will be presented to them. 

Students will receive provisional feedback on each of their assessments within 20-days. Provisional grades are fed into progress and award boards in order that student achievement can be gauged. After each board students will receive formal notification as to how well they are doing and that they have passed all modules. If they do not pass all modules a retrieve opportunity will be presented to them. 

Students will receive provisional feedback on each of their assessments within 20-days. Provisional grades are fed into progress and award boards in order that student achievement can be gauged. After each board students will receive formal notification as to how well they are doing and that they have passed all modules. If they do not pass all modules a retrieve opportunity will be presented to them. 

Module descriptors will provide you with a clear breakdown as to time spent inside classes and outside of them. The normal mode of module delivery is to have a lecture followed by a practical session. 

Module descriptors will provide you with a clear breakdown as to time spent inside classes and outside of them. The normal mode of module delivery is to have a lecture followed by a practical session. 

Module descriptors will provide you with a clear breakdown as to time spent inside classes and outside of them. The normal mode of module delivery is to have a lecture followed by a practical session. 

Independent learning

For each of your modules you will undertake activities outside of classes to enhance inclass learning. This can include programming tasks, design activity, groupwork, reading, research, and testing activities. 

For each of your modules you will undertake activities outside of classes to enhance inclass learning. This can include programming tasks, design activity, groupwork, reading, research, and testing activities. 

For each of your modules you will undertake activities outside of classes to enhance inclass learning. This can include programming tasks, design activity, groupwork, reading, research, and testing activities. 

Staff

The staff within the Department are all specialist in Computer Science and its attendant sub-disciplines. You will be taught by Professors, Doctors, as well as staff that have a wealth of industrial experience. You will find that staff will hold certifications, and are qualified as instructors (e.g. in AWS - Amazon Web Services, Cisco, XRY, Encase or Microsoft).

Dr David Dyke

Course Director

David's expertise focuses on control engineering, electrical circuit analysis, analogue electronics and hardware-based digital electronics. His research interests focus on social implications of technology and the use of AI for power systems design.

David's profile

Stephen Cahill

Senior Lecturer

Steve is a Networks and Server Specialist who focuses primarily on teaching Virtualisation and Infrastructure Modules. His area of interest is primarily Hardware Platforms and Monitoring Systems.

Fiona Knight

Senior Lecturer

Fiona is a senior lecturer in Computer Science, specialising in web development, user interfaces and mobile application development. She is a second-year leader for Computer Science, and is a specialist on the web and software development routes.

Fiona's profile

Dr Carolin Bauer

Senior Lecturer

Carolin has been working for Staffordshire University for a number of years in her capacity as a senior lecturer. She is currently the Course Leader for the MSc Software Engineering course.

Carolin's profile

Dr Justin Champion

Senior Lecturer

Justin has worked for the University for a number of years as a Senior Lecturer in Networking. He is a member of the university's CISCO teaching team and has a wide set of experiences within this field, and has mostly specialised in the area of…

Justin's profile

Dr Mostafa Tajdini

Senior Lecturer

Mostafa is Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security course at Staffordshire University as well an active researcher in Cyber and Network Security. His main area of the interest is Intrusion Detection/Prevention System in IPv6 and Phishing Attack.

Mostafa's profile

Dr Benhur Bakhtiari Bastaki

Senior Lecturer

Benhur is Course Leader for BSc Artificial Intelligence. His is an active researcher and his current areas of interest are artificial intelligence, machine learning, ambient intelligence, ubiquitous sensing, contextual information and data mining.

Benhur's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,250 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate £16,750 for your first year subsequent years will be charged at the University standard rate

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:

Students should purchase a standard laptop or desktop PC to help with their studies whilst at the university.

Students should purchase a standard laptop or desktop PC to help with their studies whilst at the university.

Students should purchase a standard laptop or desktop PC to help with their studies whilst at the university.

Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Scholarships and additional funding

As an undergraduate student at Staffordshire, you may be eligible for additional financial support through one of our scholarships and bursaries. You can visit our funding page to find out more and check your eligibility.

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BSc (Hons) Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

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