Gain the skills to design, implement and troubleshoot enterprise networks. You'll tackle Cisco certifications while developing your career.
Learn practical and theoretical skills in designing, building, troubleshooting and managing complex secure network systems.
Use networking labs equipped with the latest Cisco switches, routers and security devices.
Learn to develop solutions involving enterprise campus design, switching, routing, internet connectivity and cyber security.

The MSc Advanced Computer Networks is a technical course aimed at networking enthusiasts with a passion for the high-end technologies of enterprise networks. Experience of Cisco CCNA or working in networking is desirable but not essential. An attempt at the latest Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise Core (300-401 ENCOR - Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies) and an enterprise concentration exam (300-410 ENARSI - Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services) is included in the fee.

Live projects

After the successful completion of your taught modules, the dissertation enables you to work on a real project with a company, or research and develop your own complex system for further analysis.

Networking opportunities

Case studies and input from specialists working in the industry and research will provide access to current 'real-world' applications and knowledge.

Employers regularly visit us to recruit our graduates. We have regular presentations from employers and industry experts, and hold workshops where you can get expert advice from recruiters representing leading IT companies.

Work Placement

You will have the opportunity to go on a work placement for up to 12 months to develop your practical skills in the UK or abroad. We help you gain a placement by running employability workshops and have a dedicated work experience team to support you. There are dedicated sessions to support you in CV writing, interview skills and job applications. The placement team has contacts with national and local companies offering placement opportunities.

The placement starts during the summer of your second year and most are paid. Apply for the placement route by selecting the two year course length.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Each of the modules is carefully designed to prepare you for the latest Cisco certification exams and to develop the critical and analytical skills required for the challenges faced in today's enterprise infrastructures. The course is designed in conjunction with our industrial partners, and is regularly updated to include materials to reflect current trends in technology.

You learn through:

• small group lectures
• tutorials
• practical laboratory activities
• hands-on experience with real devices
• designing, developing and implementing enterprise solution
• testing and troubleshooting complex network models with industry-recognised simulation platforms
• practice-informed research
• teamwork
• field trips

There are opportunities to study abroad at one of our partner universities with the possibility of funding through the Erasmus+ programme (until 2023) or the Turing Scheme. 

This course is delivered face-to-face over three semesters - teaching is scheduled based on the length of your course and the academic calendar.

This course prepares you for a career as a

• Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)
• Enterprise networking expert
• Network engineer
• Network architect
• IT consultant
• IT manager

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for

• Cisco Systems
• Sky
• PlusNet
• IBM
• Citrix
• BT
• CACI

 

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. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more

Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An 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.

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.

Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Advanced Network Design	15	Coursework
Advanced Routing	15	Coursework Practical
Advanced Switching	15	Coursework Practical
Dissertation	45	Coursework
Enterprise Network Project	15	Coursework Practical
Network Infrastructure Security	15	Coursework
Network Troubleshooting	15	Coursework
Research Principles And Practice	15	Coursework