About the course
Course content
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