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MSc in Advanced Networking

Distance learning degree qualification

QUALIFICATION LEAFLET

The postgraduate diploma will provide you with the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to install, configure and maintain local and wide area networks. You will be provided with hands-on experience of configuring networks at day schools and using online tools. If you complete the diploma you will be able to go on and gain the industry recognised certification by taking the CCNP examinations. Following completion of the postgraduate diploma course, the final MSc dissertation module draws together the knowledge and skills you have gained, in a research-based project. Professionals in IT and related fields will benefit from the completion of a dissertation, helping them to develop the skills required for systematically addressing problems in their own organisations. The MSc is also relevant as a basis for further studies at doctoral level or for those working professionally requiring knowledge and experience of advanced networking and research methods.

Career relevance and employabilityCisco Systems are the market leader in the supply of networking equipment for the internet. They also have a

well-established Academy programme aimed at educating network professionals. Cisco qualifications are highly regarded in the networking industry and their position at the leading edge of network development means that their Academy programme is up to date. If you complete this MSc you will be able to go on and gain the industry recognised certification by taking the CCNP examination.

Credit for previous study elsewhereCredit transfer is not permitted for this MSc except for any awarded as part of the postgraduate diploma.

ModulesFor this masters degree you require:

180 credits from the following compulsory modules:

Postgraduate compulsory module CreditsAdvanced routing - CCNP 1 (T824) 30

Network security (T828) 30

Multilayer switching - CCNP 3 (T826) 30

Optimising networks - CCNP 4 (T827) 30

Research project (T802) 60

Qualification detailsThis masters degree course consists of a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Networking and an MSc dissertation. The postgraduate diploma consists of four professional vocational modules, which include the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) materials.

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For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555

For a full list of modules available, please refer to our website, www.openuniversity.edu.

Assessment keyEMA = End-of-module assessment

iCMA = Interactive computer marked assessment

TMA = Tutor-marked assignment

Advanced routing - CCNP 1 (T824)

Credits: 30 at Postgraduate

Assessment: 3 TMAs, 1 Examination

As a Cisco Academy, we can offer you the opportunity to study the Cisco Certified Network Professional course Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE). This course will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to deploy and manage a range of internal and external routing protocols for a large scale internetwork using Cisco equipment. You will also be expected to undertake individual research to contextualise Cisco in the broader networking environment. You will be provided with hands-on lab experience via Netlabs™. If you successfully complete this course you can progress to CCNP ROUTE certification.

Network security (T828)

Credits: 30 at Postgraduate

Assessment: 3 TMAs, 1 Examination

With organisations increasingly dependent on their information systems, there is a greater need to ensure that the underlying network infrastructure being used by these systems is secure. We are a leading Cisco Academy and this Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) Security course will give you a foundation to prepare for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) qualification. It will provide you with the knowledge, understanding and practical experience of managing secure communication across a large-scale internetwork using Cisco equipment. You will also be expected to undertake individual research to contextualise your Cisco study in the broader security management environment.

Multilayer switching - CCNP 3 (T826)

Credits: 30 at Postgraduate

Assessment: 3 TMAs, 1 Examination

As a Cisco Academy, we can offer you the opportunity to study the Cisco Certified Network Professional course ‘Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH)’, the third course in the programme. You will be provided with the knowledge, understanding and skills to deploy reliable, scalable and secure multilayer-switched campus LANs using Cisco equipment. You will also be expected to undertake individual research to contextualise Cisco in the broader networking environment. You will be provided with hands-on lab experience via Netlabs™. If you successfully complete this course you should be able to progress and complete the CCNP SWITCH certification.

Optimising networks - CCNP 4 (T827)

Credits: 30 at Postgraduate

Assessment: 3 TMAs

As a Cisco Academy, we can offer you the opportunity to study this Cisco Certified Network Professional course, ‘Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks’ (TSHOOT), the fourth course in the programme. Cisco Systems are worldwide leaders in networking technologies, for telecommunication, corporate and private networking. You will be provided with the knowledge, understanding and skills to troubleshoot communication on large-scale data networks using Cisco equipment and extend your research skills. You will be provided with hands-on lab experience via Netlabs™. If you successfully complete this course you should be able to progress and complete the CCNP TSHOOT certification.

Research project (T802)

Credits: 60 at Postgraduate

Assessment: 3 TMAs, 1 EMA

This research course builds on your existing postgraduate diploma to enable you to complete your MSc. You’ll design a research proposal by identifying and developing a research problem relevant to your MSc. Your research will involve a literature review, original data collection, data analysis and the drawing of conclusions. You will then communicate the outcome of your research by writing up and submitting your dissertation. Support is available to you at every stage from the study materials, your supervisor and online forums. You will need to complete preparatory work before the course start, therefore early registration is strongly recommended.

Modules

For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555

MSc in Advanced Networking (F56) 2

Can I study in any country?This course is approved for study in most countries. Please use the Course Finder menu at www.openuniversity.edu to see if it is available in your country.

Is an OU qualification recognised in my country?An OU degree is equal in academic standard to a degree from any other British university. The University is subject to the same quality assurance procedures, through the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), as all other British universities, and uses external assessors and examiners to ensure comparability of standard and level in its courses.A leaflet is available on how you can apply for formal recognition in your country. To download the leaflet, please go to www.openuniversity.edu/brochures/recognition.pdf.

What tutor support will I receive?The OU excels in its unrivalled support for students. You’ll have email and online support from a tutor and you will be able to discuss your study in online tutor group discussions, using our customised learning environment. Our community websites Platform and OpenLearn offer a different perspective on your subject, and a huge range of OU resources on YouTube and iTunes U can expand your understanding. In addition, you can tap into a range of enthusiastic and welcoming OU social network groups on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Are there any entry requirements?To gain entry to our postgraduate programmes you’ll normally need an undergraduate degree or equivalent. However, your previous work experience and study, or

qualifications from other higher-education institutions, may all count towards programme entry.As part of the registration process, however, you will be asked to confirm your proficiency in English (if you are unsure, you can take a short online test, please see our website www.openuniversity.edu for more information).

Can I count previous study towards an OU qualification?Credit transfer is not permitted for this MSc except for any awarded as part of the postgraduate diploma.

How do you work towards a qualification? We measure the size of our qualifications in credits - you need 60 credits for the certificate, 120 credits for the diploma and 180 credits for the masters degree.

How long does it take? Our qualifications are designed to be flexible. So if you want to vary the amount of time you spend studying, you can. The table below is a guide on the time required, but call us today to discuss how you can vary the study intensity and therefore the time taken to complete your course.

Postgraduate qualifications

Credits required

Time required to complete1

Certificate 60 1 year part-time studyDiploma 120 2 years part-time studyMasters degree 180 3-4 years part-time study

1For illustrative purposes only – in most cases you can vary the number of credits taken per year and therefore the time taken to complete the course.

FAQs

For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555 For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555

How much will it cost?You pay for your postgraduate studies module by module, rather than for an entire programme up front. Therefore, the total cost of a qualification may vary according to which modules you choose and how long you take to complete your degree. The EU fee for this qualification in 2012/13 is:

£10,425

Please note: prices are approximate and subject to change. Please check our website or call us for latest details.

For information please go to www.openuniversity.edu and view the details on the Courses pages.

When can I start?To give you more opportunities to start, most qualifications have two intakes a year – November and May for this qualification.

Can I meet and network with other students?Definitely – when you start with the OU you automatically become a member of the Open University Student Association (OUSA). OUSA also runs a popular student forum site. For more information, go to www.ousa.org.uk. Once you have gained your qualification, you can join the OU Alumni Association, our vibrant and active alumni community with 280,000 members worldwide. You will enjoy many membership benefits, including regular newsletters, good networking opportunities and access to the alumni website.

How is my privacy protected?We record your personal information when you contact us and use this to manage registration, study, examination and other services. When you register, we’ll tell you more about how we process and use your personal information.

When should I apply?Apply as early as you can – particularly if you wish to claim for credit for previous study. Registration open dates are shown in the Courses section on each qualification page at www.openuniversity.edu.

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Go to www.openuniversity.edu, select the Courses section and the degree you require. You will then be asked to select your first module to register.

Alternatively call us on +44 845 241 6555.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to pay anything at this stage.

As soon as you have registered you’ll get an email confirmation which contains your login details.

What do I need to do next?

It takes just 2 simple steps.Begin the process to secure your place. Here's how easy it is.

Before you start studying you will need to choose and register on your first modules and arrange payment; instructions for this will be emailed to you. Once complete you will officially be an Open University student – welcome!

For more information and to register go to www.openuniversity.edu, or call +44 845 241 6555

2. Choose your first module, make payment to enrol

1. Register now

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The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England and Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302).While we have done everything possible to make sure the information in this publication is accurate, it may change due to regulations or policy, or because of financial or other reasons.

Copyright © 2013 The Open University.

All details shown in this leaflet are correct as at February 2013, but are subject to change. Please call +44 845 241 6555 for the latest details.