2-Term Pathway - International Foundation Programme - STEM Pathway - Continue to Bachelor of Science - Computer Networks Engineering (Honours)

The STEM pathway enables students who are seeking to join a Solent Undergraduate degree in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) an opportunity to develop fundamental knowledge contextualised to their chosen area of study. This programme is designed with real-life scenarios and practical applications in mind and equips students with the knowledge and confidence to apply scientific and mathematical theory for the purpose of problem-solving in a variety of contexts. Drawing on examples from science, computing, construction, mechanical and electrical engineering, the Pathway demonstrates the relevance of mathematical principles and helps to prepare learners to deepen their study in their chosen degree course. This Pathway teaches the fundamentals of mathematical reasoning and, through the application of this knowledge to increasingly complex problems, develops the learners’ skills in independent problem-solving skills. The aim of the academic pathway-specific modules is to not only develop competencies in mathematics and problem solving but to expose learners to the knowledge and skills that apply to their chosen area of study related to STEM subjects. In partnership with the Cisco Networking Academy, the computer networks engineering degree at Solent University will equip students with the practical skills required to design, implement, secure and manage computer network systems for business and industry – ranging from small businesses to large scale enterprise levels. Throughout their studies, students will be working in Solent's high-tech computer networking labs with industry standard facilities; featuring a wide variety of equipment including Cisco routers and switches, CCNA and CCNP bundles, multi-vendor network devices and high-performance servers. The lab machines are also equipped with a multitude of academic and commercial software including Cisco Packet Tracer, OPNet, VMWare, Open NMS, Wireshark, and GNS3 in Windows and Linux environments. The lab machines can also be configured flexibly to implement and test computer networks, and learn advanced technologies such as software-defined networks, cloud computing, virtualisation and the ‘Internet of Things’. Student's future employability is a key focus, and in addition to professional qualifications there are a broad range of transferable skills such as project management, problem-solving and communication skills embedded throughout – helping you to become highly employable.