Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,940 for the course
International/EU: £18,600 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2026
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.
Student satisfaction
This course scored 100% for overall student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Student Satisfaction Survey 2025.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
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 testing 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.
Your lecturer's view
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.
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
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
This module develops the skills and knowledge necessary to create, support and implement advanced interior gateway protocol solutions and switched campus network infrastructures within an enterprise network. The module also develops the conceptual knowledge and skills required for the latest Cisco enterprise professional certifications.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Fundamental of Packet Forwarding (Layer2/Layer3) and IP Routing in an Enterprise Network
- Interior Gateway Routing Protocols (IGP)
- Advanced EIGRP and OSPF in both IPv4 and IPv6 environment
- Advanced Switching Operation and Configuration
- Advanced Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and STP Tuning
- First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP)
- VLANs and VLAN Trunking Protocol
- Aggregating Switch Links with EtherChannel (Layer2 /Layer3)
This module enables you to identify a cyber security and computer network research problem, investigate the requirements and/or background work, analyse results of research undertaken and design, develop and evaluate a solution to that problem, within the parameters of an individual project scenario, using appropriate tools, techniques, and methodologies.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Information gathering and literature reviews
- Appropriate selection of tools, techniques, and methods
- Testing and user evaluation
- Critical reflection – evaluating the project deliverables and project success/failure
- Structuring presentations and academic papers, including referencing and citation techniques
- Legal, social, and ethical considerations in the design and development of computer networks and cybersecurity-based projects
- Security, confidentiality, and sustainability
This module develops the skills and knowledge to implement and troubleshooting core enterprise network technologies. It covers topics including, enterprise routing and switching technologies, infrastructure services and network troubleshooting techniques. This module also develops the conceptual knowledge and skills required for the latest Cisco enterprise professional certifications.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Infrastructure Services (such as NTP/ PTP, multicast, NAT/ PAT, QoS, VoIP)
- Overlay Technologies (VPN, DMVPN, VRF, GRE, mGRE, MPLS, VXLAN)
- Virtualisation Technologies (such as Docker containers)
- Enterprise Layer 2 and Layer 3 Technologies and Protocols (such as BGP, policy-based routing, route redistribution, route filtering, route maps, RSTP, MST)
- Network Assurance (such as NetFlow, SPAN/RSPAN/ERSPAN, IPSLA)
- Network Management Protocols and Tools
- Troubleshooting Techniques for Layer 2 and Layer 3 Technologies and Infrastructure Services (such as troubleshooting OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, STP, EtherChannel, NAT)
This module develops knowledge and practical skills in network design and automation, aligned with industry standards and guidelines. This module also develops the conceptual knowledge and skills required for the latest Cisco enterprise professional (design) and DevNet certifications.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Network Automation and Programmability Tools and Techniques (Python, Ansible, Puppet and Chef)
- Application Programming Interface (RESTful API request and response)
- Data Formats (XML, JSON, and YAML)
- Software Version Control Using GIT
- Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Fabric Technologies (SD-WAN, SD-Access)
- Model-driven Programmability (YANG Model, RESTCONF and NETCONF)
- Advanced Enterprise Campus Wired LAN and Wireless Design Principles and Architecture
- Green and Sustainable Network Infrastructure Design (such as advanced cooling techniques and power management)
This module will develop practical and academic skills in network infrastructure security and cyber operations. This module also develops the conceptual knowledge and skills required for the latest Cisco enterprise professional (security) and Cyber Ops certifications.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Cybersecurity concepts
- Securing infrastructure devices
- Security monitoring and network intrusion analysis
- Secure management techniques and protocols
- Layer 2 / End-point attacks and mitigation
- Firewall techniques and implementation
- Virtual private networks
- Security policies and procedures
This module covers research and effective presentation skills. It will develop a robust foundation for critically identifying and evaluating research materials and publications and an understanding of the methods, techniques, and tools used in conducting impactful research projects in cybersecurity, digital forensic, computer networks and network security based on their degree.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Research Definitions and Types
- The Research Process - Stages of a Research Study
- The Research Question, Aims and Goals
- Planning Your Research
- Searching and Evaluating Literature
- Research Methods
- Research Tools and Techniques
- Research Analysis, Validity and Evaluation
- Writing and Presenting Your Research
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
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
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
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEntry 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.
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'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 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 2026/27 is £18,600 for the course.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
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, 600.1KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
