Masters Degrees (Cisco)

This highly technical course is aimed at networking professionals who already have Cisco CCNA or equivalent networking skills and experience (CCNA certification is recommended but not required). Each of the modules are 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 ability to provide scalable, integrated, flexible and secure networks is critical for modern enterprises. Graduates from this course gain the skills and knowledge to become valued experts in their field.

You learn both practical and theoretical skills in the areas of designing, building, troubleshooting and managing complex secure network systems. The course complements your academic achievements by funding a single attempt at each of the latest Cisco Networking Professional Routing and Switching Certification exams.

Our networking labs are comprehensively equipped with the latest Cisco switches, routers and security devices. You work on different platforms including • Campus LAN Access Switches (Cisco Catalyst 2960, 3560 Series) • Campus LAN Compact Switches (Cisco Catalyst 3560-CX Series) • Campus LAN Core and Distribution Switches (Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches) • Security Appliances (Cisco ASA 5510, IPS 4240)• Enterprise and ISR Routers (Cisco 2800, 2900 Series) • Cisco wireless devices • VOIP devices • ADSL connections • VMWare virtual computing platforms. Your lab facilities are available from 8am to midnight during term time and are not limited to your tutorial sessions.

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.

The course has been designed with industry in mind. The theoretical and practical learning you engage with is directly related to the latest trends in industry. The timetabling arrangements are specially designed to be suitable for both part-time and full-time study.

This course helps prepare you for exams in • Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP R&S) • Cisco Certified Design Architect (CCDA) • Cisco Certified and Networking Associate Security (CCNA Security). A single attempt at the latest CCNP R&S exams is included in the fee.

Course structure

Full time - September start - typically 12 or 16 months

Part time - September start - typically 36 months

Core modules

• Advanced switching and enterprise switching
• Advanced routing and enterprise routing
• Network troubleshooting
• Cloud technologies
• Network Security
• Advanced Network Design
• Research principles and practice
• Dissertation

Assessment

Modules are assessed using coursework. Assignments are typically individual pieces of work but some modules involve group work.Assessments are most often completed through practical work, supported by reports or presentations.

Employability

Graduates from this course have the skills and knowledge to work in most areas of IT, particularly as a network engineer, IT consultant or IT manager.

You are well placed to fast-track into the more technical areas of network engineering. Our graduates work in companies as diverse as Cisco, Sky, PlusNet, IBM, Citrix and BT in roles which range from network engineer through to network architect.

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The Cisco Networking Academy awards internationally recognised professional qualifications in computer networking. The programme is designed to teach you the skills needed to design, build and maintain small to medium sized computing networks. It will provide you with an opportunity to enter the workforce or further your education and training in computer networking.

The academy combines instructor-led ad online learning with hands-on laboratory exercises, giving you the opportunity to study at your own pace with an emphasis on the development of your skills. These sessions are challenging and give the opportunity to develop your critical thinking,problem solving and collaboration skills, as well as your practical knowledge.

The course includes a module on embedded 'E-doing'. This allows you to complete interactive activities that stimulate learning and improve knowledge retention. E-doing involves rich multimedia and addresses a variety of learning styles, increases comprehension and provides a deep learning experience. 

Key Course Features

• Combination of learning methods: instructor-led and online learning with hands-on laboratory exercises
• Study at your own pace
• Emphasis on skill development
• In-depth theory. Challenging labs to help you develop critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration skills, as well as practical knowledge
• The programme includes a module on embedded E-doing. This allows you to complete interactive activities that stimulate learning and improve knowledge retention. E-doing involves rich multimedia, including flash-based activities, videos and interactive quizzes. These address a variety of learning styles, increase comprehension and provide a rich learning experience.
• Once all four modules have been completed over 2 years, student will be appropriately prepared to sit the CISCO Networking exam. 

What Will You Study?

The Academy programme combines instructor-led, online learning with hands-on laboratory exercises, where you can apply what you learn in class while working on dedicated computer networks. Study the theoretical aspects of the programme at your own pace. Each of the modules involves a practical element, so practical sessions, along with tutorial support for the theoretical material, are scheduled throughout the year.

 

• Network Fundamentals
• Routing Protocols and Concepts
• Local Area Network (LAN) Switching and Wireless
• Accessing the Wide Area Network (WAN)
• LAN and WAN Technology
• Network Management
• Network Configuration and Troubleshooting
• Internet Technology; TCP/ IP, ISDD, Hubs, Switches, Routers and Gateways
• Routing protocols include RIP, OSPF, EIGRP
• Networking protocols include IPv4 and IPv6

 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Assessment and Teaching

The course will be taught over six months minimum. It is made up of four modules each taking around six months.

Each award consists of four modules that are studied in sequential order. 

After completing all 4 modules students will be suitably qualified to be able to sit the CCNA - Routing and Switching examination.

These comprise of two exams the 100-105 ICND1 and the 200-105 ICND2. These exams are external to Wrexham Glyndwr University, and will not form part of the course delivery. 

Career Prospects

Computer networking professionals are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, computer networking careers are expected to grow 30% from 2013 to 2018.

 

The Cisco CCNA is a globally recognised qualification across the IT and telecommunications industry. A variety of government organisations, training institutions and corporations around the UK recommend or require the CCNA certification for their staff or channel partners.

 

These includes Staples, BT, AT&T and the Cabinet Office. Within the UK, the average salary of a CCNA certified professional is £38,600pa with more than 84% being offered a salary of more than £25,000pa. The average salary for a CCNA graduate is estimated to be £22,900pa.

 

After graduation, you could find work such as a Network Engineer or a Support Engineer with relative ease. Below are examples of the starting range of career opportunities offered to CCNA Professionals:

 

• Network Support
• Network Engineer
• Network Consultant
• Support Analyst
• Support Engineer
• Cisco Team Leader
• Field Network Technician

The Careers & Zone at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

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This course is designed for those wishing to develop the ability to design and manage robust networking and cyber security systems and at the same time, gain Cisco accreditation. Security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. The MSc provides knowledge of the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT security laboratory, and an understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack. Guest speakers from industry will complement the teaching staff and work experience opportunities are available in a relevant working environment before you undertake your final project. This additional and crucial element will provide a unique student experience that will enhance your employability after graduation.

More about this course

This course offers a unique opportunity for students to blend networking technologies with Cyber Security and at the same time gain Cisco accreditation. Such a combination will attract employers increasingly seeking graduates and post graduates within this area. The practical 10 sessions will be housed in specialist laboratories including a specialist IT security laboratory. Guest speakers from industry will complement the teaching staff.

The Communications Technology group is one of the first in UK to be awarded the "Cisco Networking Academy" in 1998. The academy has been running short/evening courses in Cisco CCNA and CCNP certification since. These are two of the most prestigious vocational certifications valued by Networking and related industries. Some of the modules in both CCNA and CCNP are currently embedded in the above two existing MSc courses and students follow the relevant Cisco curriculum. The courses are supported by three major laboratories equipped with some of the most up to date Networking technology equipment and it is taught by qualified Cisco instructors.

Security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. There is an international consensus that the level of security skills will have to be increased in order to respond to the number and sophistication of threats we face. It is impossible to ignore the importance of cyber security which is recognised by governments, large and small organisations as a priority. Cyber Security provides knowledge of the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT Security laboratory and understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack.

Although each of the modules taught in the above courses have a significant hands-on practical workshops the idea of introducing actual "Work Experience" in a relevant working environment is unique and we believe this additional and crucial element will provide a unique student experience that will help their employability after graduation. The course team will guarantee a paid employment opportunity for all students taking the Computer Networking and Security With Work Experience. The Cisco Academy manager has built a network of relevant employers in the past 15 years through the Networking Academy and its contacts. The academy has currently 18 smaller academies providing continuous technical and academic support as well as training their instructors according to Cisco’s regulations. These academies are mainly local and range from schools to technical colleges. It is hoped that students on this course will be able to be placed in these academies for their work experience part of the course.

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. The method of assessment for each module is clearly described in the individual module guide which is made available to the students at the start of the semester. Every module has dedicated Web site providing students with comprehensive learning/teaching material including workshop exercises. Module leaders use this site regularly to communicate with their students including providing general feedback, guidelines on how to write technical report/effective presentations and keeping logbooks. Modules employ a combination of the following forms of assessments:
-Case study reports and presentations
-Laboratory workbooks/logbooks
-Unseen examinations
-Part seen examinations
-Individual vivas

Professional accreditation

This course offers a Cisco accreditation.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Cyber Security Management (core, 20 credits)
-Cybercrime and Cyber Security (core, 20 credits)
-MSc Project (core, 60 credits)
-Network Routing Protocols (core, 20 credits)
-Switched Networks (core, 20 credits)
-Work Experience (core, 20 credits)
-Digital Forensics (option, 20 credits)
-Hardening Network Infrastructure (option, 20 credits)
-Network Troubleshooting (option, 20 credits)
-Security Auditing and Penetration Testing (option, 20 credits)

After the course

The employment market has an abundance of posts which incorporate the key areas of this course:for example in Networking, Network Security and Cyber Security, IT Security, Computer Forensics. Careers range from the traditional Network and Network Security professionals to network design engineer, secured network developer, and marketing and technical support. There are many exciting graduate employment opportunities available including:
-Network Engineer
-Network Management
-Network Security and Cyber security Consultant
-Crime and Computer Forensic

[Moving to one campus]]
Between 2016 and 2020 we're investing £125 million in the London Metropolitan University campus, moving all of our activity to our current Holloway campus in Islington, north London. This will mean the teaching location of some courses will change over time.

Whether you will be affected will depend on the duration of your course, when you start and your mode of study. The earliest moves affecting new students will be in September 2017. This may mean you begin your course at one location, but over the duration of the course you are relocated to one of our other campuses. Our intention is that no full-time student will change campus more than once during a course of typical duration.

All students will benefit from our move to one campus, which will allow us to develop state-of-the-art facilities, flexible teaching areas and stunning social spaces.

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The programme is to educate our students in the design, implementation and troubleshooting of Computer Networks and high performance cluster computing scenarios. The programme includes material required for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) qualification, and students can work towards this internationally recognised qualification alongside their MSc degree.

Course Overview

This programme aims to provide in-depth knowledge and skills in the specialist area of networking. It has been developed in response to the need for personnel equipped with the skills needed to design, implement and troubleshoot an enterprise computer network infrastructure

The course is designed primarily for science and technology graduates who have some prior knowledge of computing and/or networking and who wish to specialise in computer networking.

The School is a Cisco Academy, an Academy Support Centre and an Instructor Training Centre. The School has been delivering Cisco Networking Academy programme since 1999. The Master’s programme is blended with Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) curriculum. Cisco is the world’s leading network device manufacturer and the CCNP is a prominent professional qualification in the networking industry.

Modules

Part 1:
-Emerging Network Technologies(20 credits)
-Implementing IP Routing (20 credits)
-IP Switched Networks (20 credits)
-Leadership and Management (20 credits)
-Network Security (20 credits)
-Research Methods and Data Analysis (20 credits)

Part 2:
-Major Project (60 credits)

Key Features

The Internet has now become part of our day-to-day life and is growing rapidly even during recessions. An expanding mobile communications backbone (as evinced by the number of smartphones being projected to rise from 500 million in 2011 to 2 billion by 2015) has led to greatly increased mobile internet traffic.

To take advantage of this opportunity, companies will require staff who are skilled in network design, implementation, administration, management and analysis. Students on this programme will also be given an opportunity to study towards industrial qualifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professionals (CCNP).

Assessment

Student works are assessed through combination of coursework, lab-based practical exams and written examinations. The final mark for some modules may include one or more pieces of course work set and completed during the module. Project work is assessed by a written report and oral presentation. Part 2 requires the student to research and prepare an individual project/dissertation of a substantial nature.

University students who are unable to successfully complete all aspects of the Part 1 may be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploman (120 credits) or Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).

Career Opportunities

The programme emphasises four key themes within Computer Networking: routing and switching, emerging network technologies, network design, and security. Graduates will undertake a range of tasks associated with networking in organisations, and will be capable developing sophisticated solutions to networking problems. It is anticipated that graduates in the field of computer networks would be able to find employment in a number of different areas, including routing and switching, network design, VoIP, and security.

It is expected that graduates would seek positions such as:
-Network Administrators
-Network Associates
-Network Engineers
-Senior Network Engineers
-Network Support Engineers
-Security Engineers
-Systems Engineers
-Network Specialists
-Network Analysts

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The MSc Computer Networking and Cyber Security is designed for those wishing to pursue in a career Computer Networking and Cyber Security. In this course, you will develop the ability to design and manage robust networking and cyber security systems and at the same time, gain Cisco accreditation. Security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. The MSc provides knowledge of the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT security laboratory, and an understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack. Guest speakers from industry will complement the teaching staff and enhance and challenge your knowledge of computer networking and cyber security.

More about this course

This course offers a unique opportunity for students to blend networking technologies with Cyber Security and at the same time gain Cisco accreditation. Such a combination will attract employers increasingly seeking graduates and post graduates within this area. The practical 10 sessions will be housed in specialist laboratories including a specialist IT security laboratory. Guest speakers from industry will complement the teaching staff.

The Communications Technology group is one of the first in UK to be awarded the "Cisco Networking Academy" in 1998. The academy has been running short/evening courses in Cisco CCNA and CCNP certification since. These are two of the most prestigious vocational certifications valued by Networking and related industries. Some of the modules in both CCNA and CCNP are currently embedded in the above two existing MSc courses and students follow the relevant Cisco curriculum. The courses are supported by three major laboratories equipped with some of the most up to date Networking technology equipment and it is taught by qualified Cisco instructors.

Security of our systems is one of the most challenging topics of our time. There is an international consensus that the level of security skills will have to be increased in order to respond to the number and sophistication of threats we face. It is impossible to ignore the importance of cyber security which is recognised by governments, large and small organisations as a priority. Cyber Security provides knowledge of the very latest security principles, tools and techniques taught by specialist staff in a dedicated IT Security laboratory and understanding of the principles underpinning effective approaches to cyber defence in response to a cyber attack.

A range of assessment methods is employed throughout the course. The method of assessment for each module is clearly described in the individual module guide which is made available to the students at the start of the semester. Every module has dedicated Web site providing students with comprehensive learning/teaching material including workshop exercises. Module leaders use this site regularly to communicate with their students including providing general feedback, guidelines on how to write technical report/effective presentations and keeping logbooks. Modules employ a combination of the following forms of assessments:
-Case study reports and presentations
-Laboratory workbooks/logbooks
-Unseen examinations
-Part seen examinations
-Individual vivas

Professional accreditation

This course offers a Cisco accreditation.

Modular structure

The modules listed below are for the academic year 2016/17 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.

Year 1 modules include:
-Cyber Security Management (core, 20 credits)
-Cybercrime and Cyber Security (core, 20 credits)
-MSc Project (core, 60 credits)
-Network Routing Protocols (core, 20 credits)
-Switched Networks (core, 20 credits)
-Digital Forensics (option, 20 credits)
-Hardening Network Infrastructure (option, 20 credits)
-Network Troubleshooting (option, 20 credits)
-Security Auditing and Penetration Testing (option, 20 credits)

After the course

The employment market has an abundance of posts which incorporate the key areas of this course, for example in networking, network security and cyber security, IT security, computer forensics. Careers range from the traditional network and network security professionals to network design engineer, secured network developer, and marketing and technical support. There are many exciting graduate employment opportunities available including:
-Network Engineer
-Network Management
-Network Security and Cyber security Consultant
-Crime and Computer Forensic

Moving to one campus

Between 2016 and 2020 we're investing £125 million in the London Metropolitan University campus, moving all of our activity to our current Holloway campus in Islington, north London. This will mean the teaching location of some courses will change over time.

Whether you will be affected will depend on the duration of your course, when you start and your mode of study. The earliest moves affecting new students will be in September 2017. This may mean you begin your course at one location, but over the duration of the course you are relocated to one of our other campuses. Our intention is that no full-time student will change campus more than once during a course of typical duration.

All students will benefit from our move to one campus, which will allow us to develop state-of-the-art facilities, flexible teaching areas and stunning social spaces.

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Companies are becoming ever more dependent on their information networks for mission-critical operations. They want highly trained networking professionals to keep them operational, available, resilient and efficient.

The myriad of threats towards these networks are changing constantly. Security polices and mitigation techniques have to keep pace with these threats in order to allow genuine traffic out of and into our corporate networks whilst controlling the malicious users.

This course will give you the knowledge, lifelong learning skills and enthusiasm needed to support and manage both corporate networks and security systems. As part of the award you will participate in the CISCO Networking Academy Programme and you'll prepare for the widely accepted industry CCNA Security and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certifications.

We encourage you to complete a one-year industrial placement as part of this course. You could work with small enterprises or large companies like Cisco, Amazon and Thomson Reuters. We even send our students on placements to Cisco's European HQ in Brussels, we are the only UK University that currently does so.
We encourage International students on the Tier 4 visa , once enrolled, to apply for a placement. Students who are successful with finding a placement will be provided with help and advice with their visa extension application (subject to the University deadlines and Immigration requirements).

Course content

In your first study stage, the PgC, you will study five modules - a mix of award cores and networking or networking and security options. In the second stage the PgD you will study a further four modules. (Upon successful completion of 4 modules you will be eligible for a PgC in Computer Science) On finishing the PgC and before starting the dissertation you have the opportunity to undertake a work placement of 12 months. You will finish your award by completing a dissertation on a network related topic.

Core modules
-Networking Concepts (Two weeks pre-enrolment)
-Research Methods
-Professional Switched Networks
-Network Security
-Computer Security: Low-Level
-Virtualisation
-Advanced Quality of Service Techniques over a Converged Network
-Professional Routed Networks
-Maintaining a Converged IP Based Network
-Dissertation

Graduate destinations

Graduates from our Computer Networks and Security award join large and small organisations within graduate programs and as direct employees. Our graduates are in high demand by the networking industry. Companies include Cisco, Meraki, GCHQ, BT, Amazon and Layer3.

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Advanced Networking focuses on design and development, covering enterprise topologies, wireless configurations, network security and forensics, cloud computing, internet of things and server infrastructures. Based on leading-edge network research, we provide you with the techniques to constantly extend and update your knowledge and thinking on networking theory, practice and research, helping you to keep up to date well into your future networking career.

Blending hands-on technical knowledge with theoretical understanding, this course uses our well-equipped labs to provide you with direct access to advanced routers, switches, ISP emulators, VoIP telephony systems and wireless devices. Learn the techniques associated with current networking practices, enabling you to develop and implement effective systems.

What you'll learn

The course blends postgraduate level understanding with significant elements of Cisco CCNA, CCNP and Cisco security curriculums. This offers you a strong basis to extend your CV and obtain related certifications.The Cisco Certification Exams themselves are not included in the MSc course but during your time here you will be offered additional support to obtain them, by qualified CCNP Cisco Certified Academy Instructors. Learn the techniques associated with current networking practices, enabling you to develop and implement effective systems.

Modules

• Advanced network technology
• Network security
• Host-based forensics
• Routing technology
• Switching technology
• Advanced cloud and network forensics
• MSc dissertation

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Careers

With its emphasis on technical and hands-on network technologies, this course will leave you well equipped for a career in practical networking, ready to address real-life networking situations and problems. As computer networks are in use in almost every industry and workplace, networking professionals are in demand. You will have the opportunity to work in a wide range of areas across research, education and training.

Study mode

This is a full-time course studied over one year. It requires an intensive period of study, involving lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study. As a full-time student you'll take three 20 credit modules per trimester for the first two trimesters, and then complete a Project. This course is also available part-time, with one or two modules studied per trimester.

See the website for full-time http://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/mscpgdippgcert-advanced-networking-postgraduate-fulltime
See the website for part-time http://www.napier.ac.uk/courses/mscpgdippgcert-advanced-networking-postgraduate-parttime

How to apply

http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply

Fees and Funding

We have lots of funding options available such as the postgraduate tuition fee loan for Scottish & EU students, specifics scholarships for students from North or South America, Asia and Africa, as well as bursaries & grants for those closer to home in England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Please see our website for up-to-date information about fee and funding and what you could be eligible for.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding

Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more: http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses

Information for International Students

For applications whose first language is not English, the following is generally required: minimum IELTS 6.0, with no individual component score of less than 5.5 or equivalent. We also offer a range of pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme. Please see our website for up-to-date information.
http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/international-students/english-language/english-language-requirements

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Sunderland offers the only MSc Telecommunications Engineering in the North East of England.

Course overview

Are you looking to build a career in a specialised niche in the technology sector? This Masters extends your knowledge of IT networks and provides hands-on training in telephony and high-speed data services. This will equip you for well-paid roles as a specialist telecommunications engineer, as well as for more general roles in developing network systems.

Modern telecommunication services rely heavily on network technology and, consistent with this, there is a high level of overlap between this course and Network Systems MSc. However, this course is distinctive because it includes a module on ‘Digital Telephony’. In addition, your Masters project will be on a topic that is specifically related to telecommunications.

An important benefit of choosing Sunderland is the quality of our equipment. For example, we have invested heavily in Cisco equipment. Sunderland is in the top 10 universities in the UK for ‘spend per student’ for computer sciences, according to The Guardian University Guide 2013.

Our academic team includes Cisco Certified Academy Instructors and we make sure that the course is continually aligned with the real-world needs of employers.

The research aspects of the course are supported by Sunderland’s on-going research programme. The specialisms of our Digital Innovation Research Beacon include intelligent systems, internet technologies, information retrieval and interaction design.
This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional.

It is also accredited by BCS on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

Course content

The course mixes taught elements with independent projects. We support you with guidance and inspiration, and you will negotiate a final project that matches your personal interests. Modules on this course include:
-Network Simulation (15 Credits)
-Research Skills and Academic Literacy (15 Credits)
-Wireless Communications (15 Credits)
-Local and Wide Area Networks (30 Credits)
-Network Security (15 Credits)
-Broadcast Systems (15 Credits)
-Digital Telephony (15 Credits)
-Masters Project (60 Credits)

Facilities & location

Sunderland’s outstanding IT facilities include the David Goldman Informatics Centre, which has hundreds of computers so it’s easy to find a free workstation with the software you need. We are an accredited Cisco Academy and have two laboratories packed with Cisco networking equipment including routers, switches, terminals and specialist equipment for simulating frame relay and ISDN links.

We host high-performance computing platforms, including a Big Data machine and a High Performance Computing Cluster system, for concurrent processing of complex computational tasks. We also have the equipment and licences for our own public mobile cellular network.

University Library Services
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on computing topics, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles.

Some of the most important sources for computing students include:
-British Standards Online which offers more than 35,000 documents covering specifications for products, dimensions, performance and codes of practice
-Association of Computing Machinery digital library, which includes full-text articles from journals as well as conference proceedings
-Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier
-Archives of publications from Emerald, including over 35,000 full-text articles dating back to 1994 on a range of subjects including technology
-Business Source Elite from EBSCO Publishing which covers hundreds of journals and includes articles on topics such as e-commerce and information management

The course is based at our Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s. The Campus is on the banks of the River Wear and is less than a mile from the seaside.

Employment & careers

The average lifetime earnings of those with a Masters degree exceed £1,750,000 and are 15% higher than the lifetime earnings of those with a first degree (Source: Sutton Trust, 2010).

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The award will provide the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, able to use ‘information’ as a defensive or offensive weapon.

Today, Cyber-Operators are required to have an ‘enriched’ background drawing elements of practical experience from fields as diverse as sociology, psychology, networks and network security, computer science and computer security, information management and information security, software engineering and reverse engineering, and of course, the law.

We have a diverse number of placements with companies from the security industry, high tech crime units and government organisations.

In January 2014 Staffordshire University announced exciting plans to create one main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent. This is to confirm this course will move from our Stafford Campus to Stoke-on-Trent Campus from Summer 2016.

Course content

Throughout the course you will be invited to attend guest lectures delivering workshops and conducting seminars with the students. Our visiting tutors are national and international security experts.

You will also have an opportunity in achieving industry recognised certification in Certified Ethical hacking.

Our purpose-built state of the art security laboratory offers each student a unique experience in enhancing your skills and knowledge in Cyber Security. As a result of winning a recent £5 million STEM bid, you will benefit from state of the art hardware resources, which will enhance your learning.

You will gain:
-Sound understanding of the computer science.
-Sound understanding of TCP-IP networks, the TCP-IP suite and its supporting protocols.
-Sound understanding and practical knowledge of digital forensics incidence response.
-Understanding and practical knowledge of managing information at all levels.
-Practical knowledge of the different types of computer crime.
-Ability to use with competency cyber-security toolkits.
-Ability to follow strict policies and procedures with meticulous record keeping.
-Good understanding of people and their motivational catalysts.
-Knowledge of evidence law and legal procedures.
-Ability to write reports on technical issues in a non-technical manner.
-Ability to address large audiences in a formal manner and affect their decision making process.

Core Modules
-Computer Security – Low Level
-Cyber Operations
-Malware analysis and Reverse Engineering
-Research Methods
-Operating Systems Security
-Digital Forensics & Incidence Response

Option Modules*
-Network Security with CISCO
-Network Security
-Penetration Testing
-Computer Security – High Level

*If you have CCNA certification (or an equivalent CISCO background), there will be the option of doing Network Security with the CISCO curriculum. Those of you who are not CCNA certified (or without an equivalent CISCO background), will do a less practical module of similar learning outcomes. After Teaching Block 2 you will have an option, again based on your prior knowledge on ethical hacking (and/or background, qualifications), for doing either Computer Security – High Level, which focuses on ethical hacking, or a more technical module on Penetration Testing.

Graduate destinations

The award will provide you with the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, equipped with the skills to work in the security industry.

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MSc in Advanced Networking

This MSc course is ideal for professionals needing knowledge and experience of advanced networking and research methods, and is also an excellent basis for further studies at doctoral level. It consists of four professional vocational modules, which include Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) materials, and either a final research project or a professional project combined with study of digital forensics – drawing together the knowledge and skills you have gained and developing the skills required to address problems systematically.

Key features of the course

•Offers a choice of research or professional routes
•Develops your skill set with the largest Cisco Networking academy in the UK
•Draws on the latest CCNP, CISSP and CCNA-S curriculum
•Provides the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to install, configure and maintain local and wide area networks
•Includes hands-on experience of using online tools and configuring networks.
This qualification is eligible for a Postgraduate Loan available from Student Finance England.

Modules

To gain this qualification, you need 180 credits as follows:

Stage 1

Advanced routing – CCNP Route (T824) is the foundation module and should normally be studied first. You can study the remaining modules in any order, but if you are taking one module each presentation, we recommend that you study them in the order shown.
Note: you can take the Cisco components of T824 (Route), T828 and T826 (Switch) in any order. You must successfully complete both Route and Switch (or their predecessors BSCI and BCMSN) before taking the Cisco component of T827 (TShoot).

Choose 120 credits from the following compulsory modules:

• Advanced routing – CCNP 1 (T824)
• Network security (T828)
• Multilayer switching – CCNP 3 (T826)
• Optimising networks – CCNP 4 (T827)

Completion of Stage 1 will entitle you to claim the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Networking (E51).

Plus

Stage 2

This MSc offers a choice of routes after you have completed Stage 1. The research route involves producing a dissertation to develop your academic research skills; while the professional route is a more discipline-oriented qualification combining study of digital forensics with an investigative project in advanced networking.

Choose 60 credits from either the Research route or the Professional route:

Research route

Compulsory module:

• Research project (T802)

Professional route

Compulsory modules:

• Digital forensics (M812)
• The MSc professional project (T847)

The modules quoted in this description are currently available for study. However, as we review the curriculum on a regular basis, the exact selection may change over time.

Credit transfer

If you have already completed some successful study at postgraduate level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards this Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible as it may affect your choice of OU modules. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us. Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.

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As organisations and government departments become increasingly reliant on virtual environments, cyber security has become an important part of day-to-day life. Southampton Solent University’s essential cyber security engineering conversion degree is well suited to students from a wide range of backgrounds, helping you to develop new skills and gain an advanced knowledge of computing, networking and information security.

Southampton Solent’s cyber security engineering master’s conversion degree will help equip students with the essential skills and knowledge to become cyber security specialists, learning how to tackle cybercrime and manage security systems. 

As well as gaining a firm grounding in web and software development, students on this course will learn the necessary skills to become ethical hackers, penetrate test networks, and prevent and eradicate malware. Students will also develop their problem-solving skills and explore research methods.

The course curriculum is developed with input from a variety of sources, including an industrial liaison panel, to ensure students are studying the latest technology and working practices employed by industry experts.

To aid study, students have full access to the University’s specialist networking labs equipped with industry-standard networking equipment from Cisco, Fluke and HP, as well as high-fidelity simulation systems, including the market-leading Opnet. Using Alienware computers and CISCO Packet Tracer, students can practice their software development skills and test their web applications.

What does this course lead to?

Graduates from this course could consider roles in: IT project management, security management. 

The course comes to a close with students conducting their own research projects. This can be an excellent way to specialise knowledge, or act as a springboard for PhD study.

Who is this course for?

This conversion master’s course is ideally suited to students from a number of academic backgrounds who have a strong interest in tackling cybercrime and managing security systems.

The course is also suited to those with extensive industry experience in IT or data systems, and who wish to gain an academic qualification.

What you will study

Core units and CATS points:

• Research Methods (15)
• Professional Issues and Practice (15)
• Pilot Project (15)
• Research Project (45)
• Computer Fundamentals (15)
• Cyber Security (15)
• Cyber Security Management (15)
• Networking (15)
• Security (15)
• Web Technologies (15)

Facilities

We have up-to-date IT laboratories and a usability lab with eye-tracking facilities, used to test and refine interfaces. Students also have the opportunity to learn to program robotic devices, and can develop apps for android devices.

You will also have access to modern computer labs set up for various programming languages and using the latest design and development software, including Adobe Creative Cloud and GNS3.

We also have specialist networking labs with a wide variety of real-world networking equipment from Cisco, Fluke and HP, plus high-fidelity simulation systems, including the market-leading Opnet.

You’ll use Alienware computers, CISCO Packet Tracer, and test your web applications in our new device laboratory. This is a special test area integrated within one of our existing software development spaces. It consists of a range of mobile devices mounted on flexible tethers. This arrangement allows you to test your website designs and apps on real equipment, ensuring they perform as expected on the target platforms.

Industry links

Course content is developed with input from a variety of sources, including an industrial liaison panel, making sure that your studies include the latest technology and working practice from industry experts.

You’ll also have the chance to work directly with real-world companies on live briefs, events and projects, while regular BCS meetings hosted at the University are your chance to build professional connections and secure valuable work experience opportunities.

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This sandwich course will provide knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, able to use ‘information’ as a defensive or offensive weapon.

Today, Cyber-Operators are required to have an ‘enriched’ background drawing elements of practical experience from fields as diverse as sociology, psychology, networks and network security, computer science and computer security, information management and information security, software engineering and reverse engineering, and of course, the law.

We have a diverse number of placements with companies from the security industry, high tech crime units and government organisations.

In January 2014 Staffordshire University announced exciting plans to create one main city campus in Stoke-on-Trent. This course will be based at our Stoke-on-Trent Campus from Summer 2016.

Course content

Throughout the course you will be invited to attend guest lectures, the guest will also be delivering workshops and conducting seminars with the students. Our visiting tutors are national and international security experts.

You will also have an opportunity to achieve industry recognised certification in Certified Ethical hacking.

Our purpose-built state of the art security laboratory offers each student a unique experience in enhancing your skills and knowledge in Cyber Security. As a result of winning a recent £5 million STEM bid, you will benefit from state of the art hardware resources, which will enhance your learning.

You will gain:
-Sound understanding of the computer science.
-Sound understanding of TCP-IP networks, the TCP-IP suite and its supporting protocols.
-Sound understanding and practical knowledge of digital forensics incidence response.
-Understanding and practical knowledge of managing information at all levels.
-Practical knowledge of the different types of computer crime.
-Ability to use with competency cyber-security toolkits.
-Ability to follow strict policies and procedures with meticulous record keeping.
-Good understanding of people and their motivational catalysts.
-Knowledge of evidence law and legal procedures.
-Ability to write reports on technical issues in a non-technical manner.
-Ability to address large audiences in a formal manner and affect their decision making process.

Core Modules
-Computer Security – Low Level
-Cyber Operations
-Malware analysis and Reverse Engineering
-Research Methods
-Operating Systems Security
-Digital Forensics & Incidence Response

Option Modules*
-Network Security with CISCO
-Network Security
-Penetration Testing
-Computer Security – High Level

*If you have CCNA certification (or an equivalent CISCO background), there will be the option of doing Network Security with the CISCO curriculum. Those of you who are not CCNA certified (or without an equivalent CISCO background), will do a less practical module of similar learning outcomes. After Teaching Block 2 you will have an option, again based on your prior knowledge on ethical hacking (and/or background, qualifications), for doing either Computer Security – High Level, which focuses on ethical hacking, or a more technical module on Penetration Testing.

Graduate destinations

The award will provide you with the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in purpose-built cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, equipped with the skills to work in the security industry.

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The award will provide the knowledge of the latest cyber security principles, practices, tools and techniques, taught by a team of specialist staff in state of the art, purpose-built, online cyber security laboratories. Graduates will be Cyber-operators, able to use ‘information’ as a defensive or offensive weapon.

Today, Cyber-Operators are required to have an ‘enriched’ background drawing elements of practical experience from fields as diverse as sociology, psychology, networks and network security, computer science and computer security, information management and information security, software engineering and reverse engineering, and of course, the law.

Course content

This course builds upon our experience in successfully delivering distance learning modules to students from the MOD in our undergraduate courses. Throughout the course you will learn with a combination for synchronous and asynchronous delivery integrated with Blackboard, which will remain your main learning environment. You will also have an opportunity in achieving industry recognised certification in Certified Ethical hacking.

Our purpose-built, state of the art, online security laboratory offers each student a unique experience in enhancing your skills and knowledge in Cyber Security. As a result of winning a recent £5 million STEM bid, you will benefit from state of the art hardware resources, which will enhance your learning.

You will gain:
-Sound understanding of the computer science.
-Sound understanding of TCP-IP networks, the TCP-IP suite and its supporting protocols.
-Sound understanding and practical knowledge of digital forensics incidence response.
-Understanding and practical knowledge of managing information at all levels.
-Practical knowledge of the different types of computer crime.
-Ability to use with competency cyber-security toolkits.
-Ability to follow strict policies and procedures with meticulous record keeping.
-Good understanding of people and their motivational catalysts.
-Knowledge of evidence law and legal procedures.
-Ability to write reports on technical issues in a non-technical manner.
-Ability to address large audiences in a formal manner and affect their decision making process.

Core Modules
-Computer Security – Low Level
-Cyber Operations
-Malware analysis and Reverse Engineering
-Research Methods
-Operating Systems Security
-Digital Forensics & Incidence Response

Option Modules*
-Network Security with CISCO
-Network Security
-Penetration Testing
-Computer Security – High Level

*If you have CCNA certification (or an equivalent CISCO background), there will be the option of doing Network Security with the CISCO curriculum. Those of you who are not CCNA certified (or without an equivalent CISCO background), will do a less practical module of similar learning outcomes. After Teaching Block 2 you will have an option, again based on your prior knowledge on ethical hacking (and/or background, qualifications), for doing either Computer Security – High Level, which focuses on ethical hacking, or a more technical module on Penetration Testing.

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The programme intends to develop your competence in using tools and techniques for producing computer systems solutions from a sound mathematical and scientific base while appreciating the professional responsibilities and quality needed by industry.

What's covered in the course?

The course is designed to cover the advanced concepts of computer science in the first semester, including service-oriented architecture, advanced HCI techniques and advanced mobile computing.

In your second semester, you will consolidate your first semester learning by studying further advanced subjects that emphasise Semantic Web technologies, advanced data science, and Research and Project Management. In addition, you will complete an individual project that provides opportunity to demonstrate technical and general employability skills in preparation for career progression. More specifically, the individual project simulates typical graduate workplace tasks that require in-depth knowledge and skills in a specific area of computer science. This will include consideration of wider issues and the ability to manage activities and resources, as well as generate, implement and report on solutions to meet task objectives.

Throughout your studies, you’ll be supported by our expert teaching staff, all of whom have a wide range of research and industrial experience in areas such as intelligent systems, mobile computing, Semantic Web, machine learning and software engineering, which they use to enhance the curriculum.

Why choose us?

-You’ll have access to dedicated industry-standard facilities in our own fully equipped laboratory. Based within our £114 million Millennium Point building, you’ll be able to undertake work such as artificial intelligence, human computer interaction, mobile and web application development, and data science.
-We are home to a Cisco Systems and a Microsoft Academy Centre – one of Microsoft’s top UK university-based academies – and we are a member of the Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance. We are also a Cisco ASC (Academy Support Centre) and Cisco Instructor Training Centre (ITC) – one of only 10 such instructor training centres in the UK.
-The course is supported through the activities of the Innovations in Computing Education research group, designed to keep teaching and assessment updated to match international trends.
-We have strong links with companies such as Oracle, LPI, Microsoft, AWS and Apple, which ensure that the course is relevant and respected by employers.

Course in depth

Knowledge and understanding are acquired though a mixture of formal lectures, tutor-led seminars and practical activities, with other independent learning activities at all stages.

Emphasis is placed on guided, self-directed and student-centred learning with increasing independence of approach, thought and process.

The course provides access to effective commercial development environments and ensures students have practical awareness of computer systems requirements. You are required to meet strict deadlines, and to manage and plan overall workload.

Knowledge is assessed formatively and summatively, by a number of methods, including seminars, course-work, viva, presentation, and project work.

Assessment criteria are published both at a generic course level and to provide guidance for individual items of assessment.

You will undertake a major project involving research and application of that research in the solution of appropriate systems problems.

Semester One
-Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) 20 credits
-Advanced Mobile Computing 20 credits
-Advanced HCI 20 credits

Semester Two
-Research Methods and Project Management 20 credits
-Advanced Data Science 20 credits
-Semantic Web and Knowledge Engineering 20 credits

Semester Three
-Master’s Project 60 credits

Enhancing your employability skills

We know that employers are looking for graduates who have a good balance between in-depth academic knowledge and technical and practical expertise, which is why our course is geared towards employability.

What you learn on our course will help you to stand out when you look for your first professional role.Because you’ll know how to use sophisticated, industry-standard software, you will be able to demonstrate that you can put into practice your deep theoretical knowledge.

We will also prepare you for a career by equipping you with a range of transferable skills, such as complex problem-solving expertise, the ability to analyse in a careful and considered manner, and working as a team member.

In addition, our specialist industry links with the Linux Professional Institute, the Oracle Academy, Cisco, and Microsoft, plus our world-class facilities, will mark you out as a highly employable graduate.

This is why our graduates have gone on to pursue computing and software development and designer careers in a wide range of industries, from SME software companies, to industry, government, banking and healthcare. Furthermore, many graduates continue their studies to Doctorate level.

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This course is accredited by the British Computer Society. Successful completion fulfils part of the requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer / Chartered IT Professional.

Course overview

If you already have a degree related to computing, this Masters gives you additional expertise in network systems. Employment in IT is forecast to grow more than three times faster than for UK employment as a whole, according to e-skills UK.

You will gain hands-on experience of building and testing networks in our specialist labs, which are packed with Cisco equipment. Sunderland is among the UK’s top 10 universities for ‘spend per student’ in IT, according to The Guardian University Guide 2013.
Our Department has been a Cisco partner for over 10 years and our team members have relevant instructor certifications. As part of the course, we will prepare you for certification as a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).

This course is accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT for the purposes of fully meeting the further learning academic requirement for registration as a Chartered IT Professional. It is also accredited by BCS on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for a Chartered Engineer.

Your Masters project will involve a real-world project that is supported by a sponsor. It will include both a research and a practical element. The outcome will demonstrate your expertise not only to academic assessors but also to potential employers when you are applying for rewarding and fulfilling jobs.

The programme has recently been rewritten to include new modules and new networking topics. It has been designed to enhance the skills and career opportunities of those students with existing qualifications in a science or engineering discipline. It aims to provide graduates with a sound understanding of how to design and deploy complex networks.

Course content

The course mixes taught elements with independent research and supportive supervision. At Masters level, responsibility for learning lies as much with you as with your tutor.

Modules on this course include:
-Research Skills and Academic Literacy (15 Credits)
-Client Server Networking (15 Credits)
-Network Infrastructure (30 Credits)
-Network Design (15 Credits)
-Network Security (15 Credits)
-Digital Telephony (15 Credits)
-Virtualisation and Cloud Computing (15 Credits)
-Masters Project (60 Credits)

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