Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Networks and Security with Foundation Year

at Wrexham Glyndwr University - Wrexham Campus United Kingdom

This exciting course is specially designed for those wanting to work positively with children, young people, marginalised groups and communities. It has been ranked first in Wales for overall satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2020.

• Learn youth work methods, values and engagement skills for working to support individuals and groups with their personal, social and political development
• Gain a professional youth work qualification endorsed by Education Training Standards Wales
• Spend over a third of your time in placement activities
• Be able to register with the Education Workforce Council in Wales as a Youth Worker upon successful completion of the course
• Have opportunities for a part-funded placement through the Erasmus programme
• Enjoy the benefits of studying in a department with 43 years’ experience, links with employers across North Wales, North West England, and the Midlands, and partnerships with organisations across the statutory, voluntary and third sector
• Have the option to study a faith-based route in the first year and exit with a Certificate in Higher Education Youth and Community Work (faith-based), or to top up to the full degree and JNC Qualification*.

You can also choose to study this course as a foundation year BA (Hons) Youth and Community Work (JNC) (with foundation year)

Key Career Features

• A degree programme with professional endorsement, and course content aligned with National Occupational and Professional Standards in the sector.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development through additional training opportunities and professional networking on a course with strong links with employers and local training providers.
• Learn and gain experience with 800 hours of supervised fieldwork practice, with a placement in each year of study. This can be in a variety of settings either in the UK or internationally.
• Start the academic year with a learning experience with a partner project to see youth work skills in action.
• 1st in Wales for learning community, (WGU analysis of National Survey of Students 2019)
• Option to study a faith-based route in the first year of study by completing an additional module
• Develop skills in team work, positive communication, working with groups and individuals, reflective practice and leading others.
• Develop knowledge and core skills for youth work practice and informal education that are transferable to work with children, young people and adults in a range of different settings.

This degree in Illustration will help you develop both your illustrative style and flair for creative image-making. The course covers the practical, professional and artistic sides of working as an illustrator with an individual artistic voice. The programme will equip you for a successful career in the creative industries.

You will

• learn how to create compelling images, work to professional standards and understand how your work fits into the industry
• be introduced to a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style
• be introduced to professional creative processes and encouraged to expand your abilities through workshops and practical projects
• learn how to interpret a brief, identify and solve problems, develop creative individuality and produce a professional portfolio
• gain personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills including working as a freelance artist: from marketing and self-promotion to contracts, invoices and working with clients
• be encouraged to work on live briefs and competitions

Key Course Features

• You will be part of a vibrant and creative community of commercial artists including children’s book artists, illustrators, animators, game artists and designers.
• You will be taught by a teaching team with a broad range of experience working professionally in the illustration and creative industries.
• We encourage our students to self-publish and learn how to produce high-quality production prototypes to pitch to the publishing industry through the use of our in-house Bindery.
• Our students have won illustration prizes and awards such as the Oxford University Press Illustration competition, the Macmillan Children’s Book competition, the Caldecott Society and D&AD awards and been nominated for prestigious Eisner and Silver Reuben Awards.

Mechatronics is a modern fusion of electrical and electronic, mechanical and software engineering.

The interface between electrical and mechanical environments is the role of a Mechatronics engineer. It combines precision engineering, automatic control and real-time computing to produce innovative products, such as smartphones, the manufacture of semiconductors, electron microscopes and medical equipment. Robotic manufacturing processes, automatic vision based and vehicle navigation systems also use Mechatronics principles.

There is increasing industry demand for graduates who can work in this interdisciplinary engineering environment. International companies such as Siemens, Volkswagen, and Micron Semiconductors etc. all recruit graduates with a Mechatronics profile.

To develop Mechatronics graduate skills, the programme covers design and modelling of electromechanical systems such as positioning of robotic arms, pick and place technology using vision, recognition and feedback sensing.

The programme also includes real time control system modelling and embedded systems design, development and implementation. Programming includes both high and low level languages such as Python, C or C++, and VHDL for FPGA applications.

Key Course Features

There is increasing industry demand for graduates who can work in this interdisciplinary engineering environment. International companies such as Siemens, Volkswagen, and Micron Semiconductors etc all recruit graduates with a Mechatronics profile.

Today’s businesses demand the ability to have computer systems and networks, which operate on a global scale – so there is a high demand for people with the skills to make this happen.

This is a technology-infused course that includes a mix of technology, security and networking modules with many hands-on practical opportunities.

Developing critical skills that are looked for in this industry is an emphasis throughout the course and is put to the test through practical hand-on projects. These help to ensure that your thinking remains cutting edge and gives you the confidence that you are going to be able to keep up with the fast pace of change in this field.

As well as developing technical knowledge our computer network and security course also develops key skills, which are critical in this industry such as team working, communication and business skills. These are developed through opportunities to work on real life projects.

There is an emphasis on the installation, operation security, and maintenance of computer systems and networks used in business and industry and you will learn the fundamentals of data communications and how to apply your knowledge to manage, design, implement, configure and operate secure networks on a professional footing as well as how to identify a range of significant threats to network security and formulate and implement defence strategies.

You will have the opportunity to complete the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) qualification whilst studying for your degree and Cisco Systems state-of-the-art equipment is used in practical sessions.

Key Career Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• Extensive PC and networked computer facilities with Internet access.
• A specialist computer laboratory dedicated to computer networking.
• The computing subject area is a recognised Cisco Academy. You have the opportunity to complete the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) qualification whilst studying for your degree.
• Accreditation is being sought for the honours degree from the British Computer Society (BCS), which would mean that you would gain exemption from part 1 and part 2 of the Society’s Professional Examinations.
• This course responds to identified skills gaps and you will develop the critical understanding, knowledge and skills needed for successful employment.
• The University is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of Computing and Computer Science.

You can also choose to study this course as a three year programme (without the foundation year) BSc Computer Networks and Security

This Applied Art course focuses on the high-quality craft skills needed to be a professional maker. Develop your material and design skills through Ceramics, Metal, Jewellery and mixed media.

Students will

• Be able to understand the importance of high-quality making, originality and how to generate personal responses to materials and processes.
• Develop creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial skills
• Be able to combine their conceptual and technical skills in applied arts with the professional skills needed to be a successful maker.
• Develop interpersonal skills through collaborative projects and teamwork
• Study on a course in a subject area rated 94.4% for satisfaction with learning opportunities (WGU analysis of unpublished National Student Survey data 2020)

Key Course Features

• Excellent gallery and commercial links, with the focus on craft skills to enable you to become exceptional makers.
• 1st in Wales and 6th in the UK for overall satisfaction in the area of creative arts and design (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data).
• Focus is placed on developing your business skills in areas such as pricing, publicity and marketing; we are consistently praised by external examiners for how well prepared our students are for professional life.
• You will be taught by a dedicated team of research-active practitioners who exhibit their own work both nationally and internationally.
• Work on live projects, exhibitions, competitions and commissions for public and private clients; this will give you confidence for your future career, for example, when approaching galleries and retail outlets with your work.

You can also choose to study this course as a foundation year BA Hons Applied Art (with foundation year)

Digitally enabled technologies and services support most aspects of modern life. Ensuring information is safe and services are kept running is the responsibility of cyber security practitioners and computer security experts.

The subject area is first in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

This course

• Addresses the advances in cyber security through an in-depth understanding of IT security, hacking, forensics, and the future and emerging technologies associated with this rapidly changing field
• Provides opportunities to undertake real-life projects, preparing you for work within the industry
• Provides opportunities to build and configure computer and networked systems, as well as the necessary support systems, to enable them to work effectively in a range of employment environments
• Explores the issues associated with managing these types of systems and in particular the necessary aspects of network security

Key Course Features

• Hands-on teaching of a range of cyber security skills, techniques and tools, such as: cryptography; authentication; access control; viruses and malware; penetration testing; risk management; and forensic investigation.
• The optional Industrial Placement Year gives students the opportunity to experience the workplace first-hand and gain valuable employment experience for the future.
• Extensive PC and networked computer facilities with Internet access.
• The course team have strong links to the North Wales Cyber Security Cluster, an industry-led forum for cyber security practitioners and employers, and students on the programme have opportunities to attend and be involved with their meetings and events.
• The University is home to ARCLab, which specializes in research in the field of Computing and Computer Science.
• Subject area is 1st in Wales for learning opportunities and academic support (WGU analysis of unpublished 2019 NSS data).

You can also choose to study this course as a foundation year BSc (Hons) Cyber Security (four years including foundation year) or as a degree apprenticeship route.

Studying Social and Cultural History at Wrexham Glyndwr University will introduce you to themes such as family, fashion, crime, art, politics and propaganda – from the Roman era through to the modern age. 

Alongside regular class-based teaching, there are also visits to country houses, historical archives, and sites of historical importance.  These provide a strong practical element to the degree and encourage engagement with a wide range of sources and experiences. We also offer a work placement module in a historical setting of your choice. 

Our degree is designed to be diverse and enjoyable, with a focus on the investigative and analytical elements of historical study.  This focus opens up a wide range of careers.  Our students have gone on to work as teachers, writers, researchers, financial analysts and members of the legal profession. 

Key Course Features

• Our history subject area is rated 1st in Wales and in the UK top ten for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2021.
• Our history subject area rated 1st in the UK for overall satisfaction, National Student Survey 2020.
• Wide-ranging degree – from Ancient Rome to Modern Britain - connected by important social and cultural themes
• Work experience opportunities - Placements are available in archives, libraries and heritage centres
• A blend of theory and practice -  Visits to aristocratic homes and other sites compliment class-based learning
• Develop your research, analysis, interpretation, communication and presentation skills
• Analyse primary documents from the past
• Study local, national and international history

Learn and work in a real production environment – this Professional Sound and Video course is developed in close collaboration with the BBC, Skillset and leading industry experts.

The course, which focuses on exploring current and emerging technologies applicable to still and moving image production, also sound design for installations, and is different to many as students can engage in the day-to-day operation of the television studio and audio production facility, extending student participation beyond the lecture theatre.

Students will also develop a theoretical and practical understanding across a range of skills in pre-production, production, post-production, audio design and live sound.

The course centres around the use of the university’s audio recording and television studio where students explore single and multi-camera filmmaking in addition to lighting and acquisition for audio visual effects work. It is designed to teach and develop skills across disciplines and covers a broad range of technologies that will help in the development of your own portfolio.

As well as the television studio, the course is built around the practical use of the university’s Centre for the Creative Industries and its wide range of facilities.  The centre is home to BBC Cymru Wales in North East Wales.

You can also choose to study this course as a foundation year BSc (Hons) Professional Sound and Video (four years including foundation year)

Key Course Features

• The Centre for the Creative Industries supports work across a range of creative disciplines using the latest in television production technology.
• Wrexham Glyndwr’s Television Studio, which features 4K and High Definition cameras and equipment and multi camera control room.
• Post-production facilities both Mac and PC based with grading and finishing suite
• Students lead Glyndwr.tv live sessions, streamed live and featuring a mixture of high profile as well as local bands and performers.
• There are two audio post-production studios in the Wall Studio and TV studio respectively.
• Calon FM Community radio station is based in the creative industries building and offers volunteer and collaboration work. The University is one of only three higher education institutions to have such a facility on campus.
• Our graduates have collaborated with a range of local companies including NHS Wales, Wales Rugby League, Clwyd Theatre Cymru and numerous local organisations and productions.
• Past graduates have gone on to work with media companies such as the BBC, Universal Music, QVC and Technicolor and other students have taken on freelance roles and formed their own production companies.
• Previous Creative Industries events at the University have included Ffresh Student Moving Image Festival of Wales and an annual Creative Futures networking event.
• The IT facilities form a core part of course delivery, introducing a range of Non Linear Editing software such as Final Cut, Premiere and AVID as well as colour correction, compositing and 3D packages. The audio is catered for by use of Logic, Protools, MAX, MSP, Jitter and various bespoke packages. These IT facilities are also open access and are available to students in order to develop their skills.

You will gain experience and develop knowledge of a broad range of graphic design and multimedia techniques throughout the course enabling you to successfully fulfil roles within this fast expanding industry.

Areas covered will include advertising, typography, editorial, packaging, branding, web design, installation design, mobile communications and motion graphics. As the course advances there will be opportunities to work on ‘live briefs’ through our industry contacts enabling you to develop your problem solving skills fto fulfill a client. 

You can also choose to study this course as a three year programme (without a foundation year) BA (Hons) Graphic Design or  or as a four year integrated Masters MDes Graphic Design

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study
• Experience a wide variety of learning opportunities throughout your study.
• Opportunities to visit design exhibitions and museums, attend conferences such as Offset in Dublin and visit design companies throughout the UK.
• Opportunity to enter your work for national and international design competitions, like the D&AD, YCN, The Roses and ISTD.
• State of the art facilities in our new Centre for the Creative Industries
• Small, friendly community of students and lecturers at our own campus in Regent Street
• Teaching staff who are knowledgeable practitioners and research-active in the Creative Industries.

With its special focus on comics, this degree will provide you with the technical and creative skills to develop both your illustrative style and flair for storytelling. The programme introduces a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style.

Students will

• Work with experienced and industry active staff, learn how to write stories, draw comics and produce a professional portfolio
• Have opportunities to explore visual sequencing, narrative imagery, anthropomorphism and character development
• Gain personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills, learning about the business of working as a freelance artist
• Be encouraged to working on live briefs and competition

Key Course Features

• You will be part of a vibrant and creative community of commercial artists including children’s book artists, illustrators, animators, game artists and designers.
• You will be taught by a teaching team with a broad range of experience working professionally in the comics and illustration industries.
• We encourage our students to self-publish and learn how to produce high-quality production prototypes to pitch to the publishing industry through the use of our in-house Bindery.
• Our students have won illustration prizes and awards such as the Oxford University Press Illustration competition, the Macmillan Children’s Book competition, the Caldecott Society and D&AD awards and been nominated for prestigious Eisner and Silver Reuben Awards.