MSc Advanced Computer Networks

Study Mode Full-time
Year of Entry 2025/26
Student connecting network cables to router

MSc

Advanced Computer Networks

Full-time Computing

Master the design, implementation, troubleshooting and management of the world's largest networks, while transforming your professional career by earning your Cisco Enterprise Professional (CCNP) certification.

Everything you need to know...

  • Pound sign

    What is the fee?

    Home: £10,620 for the course
    International/EU: £17,725 for the course

  • Time

    How long will I study?

    1 Year

  • Location

    Where will I study?

    City Campus

  • Date

    When do I start?

    September 2025


Work Placement Route

For international students wishing to undertake a placement as part of this course, you must apply to the work experience route. Click here to go to the MSc Advanced Computer Networks course page. Transferring to the work experience route later will not be possible due to visa restrictions.

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.


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How you learn

Your lecturer's view
Watch course leader Siavosh Haghighi Movahed talk about this course.

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. 

You learn through: 

  • Engaging small group lectures 
  • Interactive tutorials 
  • Hands-on practical lab work uTesting and troubleshooting complex network models with 
  • Using industry-recognised simulation platforms 
  • Research informed by real-world practice 
  • Individual and group projects
  • Collaborative teamwork in enterprise network projects
  • Industry-focused field trips

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. 

Course leaders and tutors

Siavosh Haghighi Movahed
Siavosh Haghighi Movahed
Senior Lecturer in Computer Systems and Networks, Course leader for MSc Advanced Computer Networks

Siavosh teaches computer networking, network security, network design, network troubleshooting and virtualisation at both MSc and BSc levels

Applied learning

The course is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering a range of opportunities for you to engage with real-world scenarios and industry professionals.

Work Experience

This course also has a work experience route that offers a placement in industry of up to 12 months. For further information, please see MSc Advanced Computer Networks (Work Experience).

Live projects 

We believe in learning by doing, soyou’ll take part in live projects that simulate complex networking scenarios. These projects might involve collaborating with industry partners – or replicate a ‘real-life’ networking scenario – offering you practical insights and problem-solving skills that are directly transferable to your future career.  

Previous students have designed and tested complicated Dual-Home Dual-Cloud Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) solutions, ensuring highly available internet connectivity across multiple sites. 

The research conducted during your dissertation project has the potential to result in publications in well-known conferences and journals, providing opportunities for further education at the PhD level.

Networking opportunities 

The course provides a unique blend of academic and practical exposure by integrating guest lecture talks and networking opportunities within the curriculum. This offers insights into the practical application of cutting-edge networking technologies and best practices. 

In addition to our guest speakers, you’ll have the chance to network with alumni who have developed successful careers in senior roles. They can offer valuable insights and mentorship opportunities to inspire you as the next generation of network professionals.

Field trips

The course features informative field trips, such as data centre visits. Here you’ll observe enterprise networking operations and infrastructure first-hand, with detailed explanations provided by experienced network engineers. 

This enables you to explore new networking and security innovations, understand emerging technologies, and engage with leading industry experts and professionals. 

Competitions

Our course includes a student competition as part of your group working projects. 

Competitions like these are great ways to network, and culminate with a prestigious prize awarded from our industry partners. For instance: CloudMyLab’s award to the best project – recognising and celebrating outstanding achievement in the field of advanced computer networks.


Future careers

We’ll equip you with the skills needed to tackle professional certifications – such as the ‘Cisco Certified Enterprise Network Professional’ certifications – while concurrently advancing your career through a masters degree.

This course prepares you for a career in: 

  • Enterprise networking (routing, switching, wireless and design) 
  • Network automation and assurance  
  • Systems and networking engineering
  • Network virtualisation and cloud 
  • Network infrastructure 
  • Network and IT management
  • Technical solutions architecture
  • Network security 
  • Wireless engineering
  • Cybersecurity 
  • IT consultancy
  • Sales engineering

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for: 

  • Cisco Systems 
  • SHI International Corp 
  • Frasers Group 
  • Sky 
  • NHS 
  • BT 
  • PlusNet 
  • Citrix 
  • CACI 

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

City Campus

City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.

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Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Equipment and facilities

Our specialist networking labs have cutting-edge Cisco equipment available year-round – including modular Cisco Enterprise switches, routers and chassis with line cards, supervisors and network modules. These provide hands-on experience with the latest in switching, routing and security, including: 

  • Catalyst 9300 series switches 
  • Catalyst SD-WAN 8200 series routers 
  • Cisco C9300-NM-8X (10 Gigabit) and NIM-LTEA-EA (Wireless Cellular) 
  • Security appliances such as Cisco Fire Power FW-1120 and ASA-5516 
  • Wireless and VOIP devices such as Cisco Wireless LAN Controller CT-3504 
  • Virtualisation platforms including VMWare Workstation/ESXi 
  • 24/7 remote access to industry-leading simulation/emulator platforms such as Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) and EVE-NG Pro

Entry requirements

All students

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.

Additional information for EU/International students

If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.

For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.


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.

Final year

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Advanced Switching And Routing
Credits 40
Assessment Practical(100%)
Dissertation For Cyber Security And Computer Networks
Credits 40
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Enterprise Network Infrastructure And Troubleshooting
Credits 40
Assessment Practical(100%)
Network Design And Automation
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Network Security And Cyberops
Credits 20
Assessment Practical(100%)
Research Methods And Strategies
Credits 20
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course.

If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.

International students

Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 for the course.

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Postgraduate student loans

Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.

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Additional course costs

The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.

General course additional costs

Additional costs for School of Computing and Digital Technologies (PDF, 136.3KB)

Legal information

Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.

 

How do I apply?

You apply for this course via our online application form.

Apply for September 2025

You can also use the application form above to apply for future years of entry.

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

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Why choose us?

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Teaching

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

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Accommodation

We guarantee to find you an affordable place to live that’s close to campus and comes with all bills included

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Employment

95% of our UK graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey)

Where next?

Find out more about Sheffield Hallam's postgraduate opportunities and community.

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Information for international students

Information for international students including entry requirements by country and funding.

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