To study Computer Networking and security at uni?

Ever since a taster day at college i have been interested in networking, and now i am at the stage as to thinking of studying computer networking and security at university

Can someone who has done the course or is studying the course provide me with some information?

I am going to an open day soon so will be talking to tutors etc

I literally know nothing about computer networking other than knowing how to connect 1 computer to another.

I am really focused and am a top student at college at the moment, received awards for great progress.

Should a student (me) pick such a specialised subject whilst i hardly know anything about it?

Reply 1

Iqbal007

Original post by amsw380

A specialist subject is better than just doing computer science by itself, I often found that the general course can be well too broad and general, and in fact doesn't teach you enough in a specific area. So you end up having very basic skills, when you do apply for graduate jobs in this area or that, tends to be specialist and well you got to specialise in your spare time.

So it could definitely work towards you, although if you change your mind, it could cause a problem.

Reply 2

amsw380

Original post by Iqbal007

Ah right i see, The course that i want to study at Uni from Sept 2015 is Networking and security bsc, the lecturers, they would go over the basics of the subject and everything else?

Reply 3

Iqbal007

Original post by amsw380

Ah right i see, The course that i want to study at Uni from Sept 2015 is Networking and security bsc, the lecturers, they would go over the basics of the subject and everything else?

Yeah, but with your course they'll be more specific in that area compared to doing a normal computer science degree which looks into multiple areas. So you'll learn more into that specific area.

Reply 4

amsw380

Original post by Iqbal007

Yeah, but with your course they'll be more specific in that area compared to doing a normal computer science degree which looks into multiple areas. So you'll learn more into that specific area.

Cool, the entry requirements are

280 UCAS points which equates to a Distinction Merit Merit

You only need a Grade C In English & Maths.

Nothing else is needed, i was expecting it to be atleast a B in maths or is that just computer science?

Reply 5

101lewis

I'm starting Computer Science in a week, and I had a similar thought about a year ago as to what I wanted to study. With regards to networking and security I read an excellent book (Secrets and Lies: Digital Security in a Networked World - Bruce Schneier) which gave me an insight into the subject. I too was looking at studying the same course as yourself, so I decided to read up on the it before committing to it through a degree to see if it was for me. To be honest after reading the book (mentioned above) I realised I was more into the theoretical side than the actual application and maintenance of such systems. Therefore I decided to go for Computer Science and will specialise in security through module choices at a later date. What I'm trying to say is; read into the subject a bit to see if you like it. Watch videos on networking lectures/ tutorials and if you get bored, then perhaps it's not for you. Also think about job prospects and future careers, statistically most people with this degree become IT technicians or System Administrators, is this a job you would like? Hope this helps.

Reply 6

Iqbal007

Original post by amsw380

Just a heads up, universities do not see Btecs at the same level as A-level, so often the requirements are higher for Btec grades.
I thought the same...........for the maths side of things just need to be good with basic maths, algebra and statistics in particularly generally speaking.

Reply 7

amsw380

Original post by Iqbal007

I checked a uni website and for btec extended diploma a DMM is required.

Oh yeah that should be fine, thanks :biggrin:

Reply 8

Iqbal007

Original post by amsw380

I checked a uni website and for btec extended diploma a DMM is required.

Oh yeah that should be fine, thanks :biggrin:

Check here and there, different unis have different requirements. QM is one where you can get in with 280 ucas points for comp sci, but need much more in terms of Btec grade.

I do recommend you practice up on your algebra and statistics in particular

Reply 9

amsw380

What is QM?

Btw can you list me some good computing uni's that do networking and security? 😋

Reply 10

Iqbal007

Original post by amsw380

What is QM?

Btw can you list me some good computing uni's that do networking and security?

Queen Mary.......................I honestly have no idea, thats more of a specialist degree, hard to find undergrad degrees in that area unless you look. Try using the ucas course search featuire