Curious about studying Cloud and Network Computingat University of Staffordshire? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
University of Staffordshire (Stoke Campus)
Full Time
Sep 2026
3 Year
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).On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BSc (Hons) Cloud and Network Computing
In this module, you will begin an exciting journey of discovery that will lay the programming foundation for both your academic and professional career. You will focus on designing and developing programs in Python. On the way, you will also learn about algorithms, data structures, analysing problems, modeling solutions, and testing programs.
Computing infrastructure and the data which is stored upon this is essential to businesses from the smallest through to global enterprises. In this module we will be looking at how corporations have adapted to this changing landscape with the increased reliance on the data which is stored. As data is becoming more important, we need to ensure that everything is stored in a manner which makes it accessible within the timeframe defined by the company and to ensure that it remains secure from people both outside and inside of a company. We will look at the transition which is taking place of moving corporate data and infrastructure to a Cloud based environment and ensuring that this meets the requirements of local legalisation and locally defined security requirements. This module will make use of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Academic Learning environment to allow students to build confidence in Cloud computing and cyber security. Additionally, we will focus on the essential concepts of cyber security through understanding Cybersecurity principles applied to services, applications, servers, Cloud, and network devices, the module will also cover incident response management, Access control, basic concepts of network security, Backup, and recovery basics, how to identify vulnerabilities and put in place safeguards, Concepts of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
This module explores the different areas of technology within computing and identifies core elements within the field to make an informed choice for purchasing, designing, and developing systems. In addition to these core skills you will consolidate your understanding of an operating system and will be able to commission and program typically Windows and Unix derivative OS as used within your chosen field. Considering Operating Systems outside of traditional x86 computing is also a key skill for fundamental computing decision making.
Relational databases are extremely common in the IT industry. This module will teach students how to manage a relational database and will provide and discuss issues relating to the management and control of replicated and distributed databases. This module will take both a theoretical and practical focus with assessment requiring you to work on two case studies to explore problems and identify solutions.
In studying this module, you will learn about the fundamental concepts e.g. OSI/TCP suit, TCP and UDP communications, IP addressing, Ethernet, wireless networks, switching, routing, network design, documentation, management and troubleshooting. Upon successful completion of the module, you should become a skilled user who is able to design a network efficiently, can configure network devices e.g. switches, routers etc., can manage and troubleshoot network issues.
In this module, you will continue your journey to build your software development skills by learning more about programming in languages such as Java, as well as designing and developing web applications with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. You will also look at how APIs are created and how they can be consumed by web applications. As part of the whole process, you will create and follow a test-and-deploy strategy to ensure the quality of your application.
On this module you will learn why routing and switching are considered as part of the core of networking. Once the network is designed well for these technologies other features such as security can then be built upon this. This course will look in detail at the choices within routing and switching to see why design decisions are made and for you to understand these choices. The switching will look at multi-layer switching which is now increasingly being used inside of networks due to the throughput and additional features which can be offered over the traditional layer 2 technology. The emphasis of this course will be from the viewpoint of a medium to large scale organisation, which will need to make informed decisions in the design choices
Computing has now become an essential element of any corporate environment. As the technology is increasingly rolled out it is changing to the point where it is difficult to manually carry out changes to the environment. This module will look at various strategies and tools which can be used to automate this procedure within computing. Any changes which are made now need to meet the same requirements as continuous integration and development which we see in software such as Repeatable, Rollback, Reliable and Predictable. Using automation tools, we are reducing the likelihood of downtime and the associate loss of income. We will look at various tools, from ones which automate and monitor, computing, networking, infrastructure, and cloud environments.
The world of computer operations and networking is an ever-evolving field with new technology being developed and rapidly introduced into corporations. One of the disruptor technologies is the introduction of Cloud computing into the cooperate environment. Initially we will teach concepts of on-site infrastructure using VMWare and Open-Source Software, grounding your knowledge in infrastructure before introducing Amazon Web Services (AWS) as an environment to further your understanding. The developments within Cloud have allowed for changes and companies are now adapting to these new models of usage. Any graduate needs to be able to evaluate current and near future technology in context of the requirements of the industry they are working within. This module will look at current and near future technologies and provide the information so that you can further develop lifelong learning skills with being able to evaluate innovative technology in relation to their current understanding. This is relevant in the field of Cloud computing as the technology is changing at a very rapid rate.
This module will enable students to apply their knowledge in small close-to-real world projects emulating real work scenarios which require using domain-specific techniques for applying Data Science to different domains. The module will also focus on why Big Data cannot be simply processed by using standard database management systems.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the established fields of computer science that strives to understand the essence of intelligence to compose a new intelligent machine that responds like human intelligence. In recent years, AI in modern business has not only made operations faster and more efficient but has also produced increasingly competitive products. This module establishes a solid understanding of the characteristics and implications which are inherent in the solution of complex, real-world data science and AI-oriented problems. As a student on this module, you will learn to critically evaluate and apply different ML and DM techniques for exemplifying data patterns, as well as using cloud AI services, and professional ML tools to build your AI software solutions. You will also be studying towards your Cloud AI certification.
This module provides an opportunity for students to take part in a collaborative project during which you will be expected to work professionally and develop your professional practice. You will learn to use project management tools and techniques as well as developing other transferable skills. You will also gain an appreciation of legislation and standards applicable to ICT projects. The module also takes an extensive focus on careers and career pathway planning.
This module will further enhance the students' knowledge and confidence in virtualisation and Cloud computing. We will in this module look at how a company uses these technologies for day-to-day operations and to understand the needs of a corporate environment. In this module we will build on previous modules looking at how to maintain a cloud infrastructure to meet performance and legislative requirements. We will be using the Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment for the practical work to enhance the student's confidence.
This is your opportunity to create something totally unique as the culmination of your course. It is your chance to define your difference, no two projects are ever the same. You will begin by developing an idea into a proposal, outlining the intention of the work. You will then develop this into an artefact suitable for your course, such as a piece of software, a specification or a code of practice by undertaking rigorous, professional academic research techniques and applying the summation of your knowledge and skills from your course, work experience, if possible, and personal development. All of this work will be presented in a professionally produced, academic report detailing your finding and reflections on your achievement. Ultimately, it will give you the opportunity to participate in our end of course Graduate Exhibition where you can showcase your work to industry leaders, offering tremendous career opportunities and maximising your exit velocity as well as being your opportunity to join in a fabulous celebration and maybe join our honour roll of prize winners.
This module enables you to apply your skills in analysing devices as used in IoT systems to a typical industrial graduate project scenario. You will use turn-key products to rapidly design and deploy a secure solution and document this through sound paper based techniques. You will also present your solution in order to show the design and provide the rationale as to how you got to your final design solution.
This module provides an opportunity for you to extend your studies in a direction chosen by you. You will identify whether to study some skills based training, another Level 6 module, or undertake some teaching support of a relevant Level 4 module. You will negotiate a learning contract with a designated supervisor which will then be formally ratified by a panel before you start your study.
This module will look at the security aspects of cloud computing and network communications. As more data is stored in a cloud environment corporations do need to ensure that everything is secured and monitored to ensure compliance with several legal frameworks. In this module we will be using a hybrid cloud example where we will be looking at the secure network infrastructure and the compliant use of resources within the cloud.
4.2
