Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £16,385 per year (£1,500 for placement year)
Course summary
- 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.
This course offers a two year work experience route including a placement of up to 12 months.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
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.
Course leaders and tutors
Siavosh Haghighi Movahed
Senior Lecturer in Computer Systems and Networks, Course leader for MSc Advanced Computer NetworksSiavosh teaches computer networking, network security, network design, network troubleshooting and virtualisation at both MSc and BSc levels
Applied learning
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.
Future careers
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
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.
City Campus map | City Campus tour | Keeping safe on Campus
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
Our networking labs are comprehensively equipped with the latest Cisco switching, routing and security devices (available 8am - midnight during term time and not limited to your tutorial sessions).
On this course you work with
- Specialist hardware and software
- Campus LAN Access/Distribution/Core Switches (Such as Cisco Catalyst 2960-X, 2960-XR, 3560, 3750, 3850, 6500 and 9300 Series)
- Modular Switch Chassis with Line Cards/Supervisor Engines (Such as Sup720 for Virtual Switch System with Catalyst 6503)
- Enterprise and ISR Routers (Such as Cisco 2900 and 4300 Series)
- Security Appliances (Cisco ASA 5510, ASA 5516, IPS 4240)
- Cisco Wireless and VOIP devices (Such as Cisco Wireless LAN Controller CT-3504 and 1850 Access Points)
- Enterprise Internet Connections
- VMWare virtual computing platforms such as VMWare vSphere, Workstation and ESXi
- Industry-leading network modeling/simulation/emulation platforms such as Cisco Modeling Labs (CML), Cisco Virtual Internet Routing Lab (VIRL) and Riverbed
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
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
| Module | Credits | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Module: Advanced Network Design | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Advanced Routing | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Advanced Switching | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Dissertation | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Enterprise Network Project | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework Practical |
| Module: Network Infrastructure Security | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Network Troubleshooting | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
| Module: Research Principles And Practice | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2023/24 is £9,910 for the course. If you chose to study the 2 year work placement route, the tuition fee for 2023/24 is £11,410 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
† 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 2023/24 is £16,385 for the course. If you chose to study the 2 year work placement route, the tuition fee for 2023/24 is £17,885 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Computing courses (PDF, 238.9KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
