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Advanced Computer Networks (Work Experience) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Course summary

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course Summary

  • Gain practical and theoretical skills for advanced computer networks.
  • Design, implement, secure and manage enterprise networks.
  • Use the latest networking and security devices in our specialist labs.
  • Follow the latest Cisco Networking Academy requirements.
  • Prepare for the latest CCNP certification.
MSc Advanced Computer Networks is a technical course aimed at networking and security enthusiasts aspiring to work with the high-end technologies of enterprise networks. Experience or working in computer networking is desirable but not essential. You’ll be preparing to tackle the challenges of the ever-evolving world of computer networking and security. An attempt at the 300-401 ENCOR: Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies) is included in your course fee – as well as the Enterprise Concentration exam 300-410 ENARSI: Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services. How You Learn At Sheffield Hallam, all our courses are designed to engage you with the world and challenge you to think in new ways. You’ll get to collaborate with others, and you’ll be taught in a supportive environment where you can thrive. As a Cisco Networking Academy, our MSc Advanced Computer Networks course has been specially designed and is regularly updated to include materials to reflect current and evolving trends in computer networks and security. You’ll develop hands-on practical skills in designing, implementing, managing and troubleshooting enterprise networks. We’ll emphasise network security and cyber operations, preparing you to protect and secure infrastructures. The course also covers network automation and software-defined networking (SDN). You’ll further develop your understanding in the field through a research-based dissertation – on either an industry project or a network infrastructure case study. This will allow you to further specialise your expertise in the discipline, with support from an academic supervisor. Key themes A key focus of the course is to prepare you for the latest industry-standard Cisco certification exams while you develop the critical and analytical skills required for the challenges faced in today's complex enterprise network infrastructures. This includes developing your knowledge and applied skills in topics such as advanced switching, routing and core enterprise technologies, network troubleshooting, network design and management, network automation and software-defined networking, network security and cyber operations. For example, as part of core enterprise technologies, you’ll learn how enterprise networks use multiple service providers to achieve high availability and scalability of internet access. This is done by learning how border gateway routing protocol (BGP) works and can be optimised to a particular scenario. You’ll also learn how to implement path control using policy-based routing (PBR) and IP Service Level Agreement (SLA). During another key element of the course, you’ll create your own complex enterprise-scale network from the ground up to mirror or solve a real-world enterprise network challenge. You’ll be using industry-recognised platforms, including EVE-NG (provided by our industry partner CloudMyLab) and CML (Cisco Modelling Lab). You’ll build the network – we’ll then break it and you’ll need to troubleshoot and fix it. Work experience You’ll have the opportunity to go on a work placement for up to 12 months. This hands-on experience will enhance your professional development and help you to make informed career choices after graduation. We’ll support you to source a placement that is relevant to your course.

Modules

Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page. You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information. Year 1 Compulsory Modules Advanced Switching And Routing | Practical (100%) Enterprise Network Infrastructure And Troubleshooting | Practical (100%) Network Design And Automation | Coursework (100%) Network Security And Cyberops | Practical (100%) Postgraduate Work Experience Applied Professional Diploma - Final Year Compulsory Modules Dissertation For Cyber Security And Computer Networks | Coursework (100%) Research Methods And Strategies | Coursework (100%)

Assessment method

Coursework | Practical

Entry requirements

You typically need: • A good level of general education with good analytical skills. • A degree 2.2 or above in computing or a closely-related discipline. • Cisco CCNA certification or equivalent networking experience. You will also be considered for entry if you do not have the standard entry qualifications, but can provide evidence of necessary knowledge and skills to successfully enter and complete the course. You may be asked to attend an interview.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6An IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English.

If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/Computing/MSc-Advanced-Computer-Networks-Work-Experience/Full-time

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Our postgraduate fees vary depending on course, level and mode of study. Each postgraduate course page tells you how much the tuition fees are, and what additional costs you might have to budget for during your studies. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees for both full-time and part-time postgraduate study options.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Advanced Computer Networks (Work Experience) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS