Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,620 for the course
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How long will I study?
2 Years
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
Course summary
- Learn practical and theoretical skills in designing, building, troubleshooting and managing complex secure network systems.
- Use networking labs equipped with the latest Cisco switches, routers and security devices.
- Learn to develop solutions involving enterprise campus design, switching, routing, internet connectivity and cyber security.
The MSc Advanced Computer Networks is a technical course aimed at networking enthusiasts with a passion for the high-end technologies of enterprise networks. Experience of Cisco CCNA or working in networking is desirable but not essential. An attempt at the latest Cisco Certified Network Professional Routing and Switching (CCNP R&S) exams is included in the fee.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
Your lecturer's view
All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.
Each of the modules is carefully designed to prepare you for the latest Cisco certification exams and to develop the critical and analytical skills required for the challenges faced in today's enterprise infrastructures. The course is designed in conjunction with our industrial partners, and is regularly updated to include materials to reflect current trends in technology.
You learn through:
- lectures
- tutorials
- lab activities
- hands-on experience with real devices
- simulation environments
- developing, testing and troubleshooting enterprise solutions
- research
- design
This course is delivered face-to-face over three semesters - teaching is scheduled based on the length of your course and the academic calendar.
Course leaders and tutors
Siavosh Haghighi Movahed
Senior Lecturer in Computer Systems and Networks, Course leader for MSc Advanced Computer NetworksSiavosh teaches computer networking, network security, network design, network troubleshooting and virtualisation at both MSc and BSc levels
Applied learning
Live projects
After the successful completion of your taught modules, the dissertation enables you to work on a real project with a company, or research and develop your own complex system for further analysis.
Networking opportunities
Case studies and input from specialists working in the industry and research will provide access to current 'real-world' applications and knowledge.
Employers regularly visit us to recruit our graduates. We have regular presentations from employers and industry experts, and hold workshops where you can get expert advice from recruiters representing leading IT companies.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career as an
- enterprise networking expert
- network engineer
- network architect
- IT consultant
- IT manager
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work for
- Cisco • Sky • PlusNet • IBM • Citrix • BT
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 moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- Specialist hardware and software
- Networking labs comprehensively equipped with the latest Cisco switches, routers and security devices (available 8am-midnight during term time and not limited to your tutorial sessions)
- Campus LAN Access/Distribution/Core Switches (Such as Cisco Catalyst 2960, 3560, 3750 and 6500 Series)
- Modular Switch Chassis with Line Cards/Supervisor Engines (Such as Sup720 for Virtual Switch System)
- Enterprise and ISR Routers (Such as Cisco 2800, 2900 Series)
- Security Appliances (Cisco ASA 5510, IPS 4240)
- Cisco wireless and VOIP devices
- ADSL connections
- VMWare virtual computing platforms
- Industry-Leading Network Modeling/Simulation/Emulation Platforms such as VIRL/CML and Riverbed
Entry requirements
All students
You typically need
• a good level of general education with good analytical skills
• a degree 2.2 or above in computing or a closely-related discipline
• Cisco CCNA certification or equivalent networking experience
You will also be considered for entry if you do not have the standard entry qualifications, but can provide evidence of necessary knowledge and skills to successfully enter and complete the course. You may be asked to attend an interview. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
Overseas applicants from countries whose first language is not English must normally produce evidence of competence in English. An IELTS score of 6.0 with 5.5 in all skills (or equivalent) is the standard for non-native speakers of English. If your English language skill is currently below an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English level.
Additional information for EU/International students
This course is not open to international students who require a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK. If you are an international applicant but do not require a Tier 4 (General) student visa, email our Admissions Team to find out whether you’re eligible to apply.
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.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Advanced Routing
Advanced Switching
Enterprise Network Project
Network Troubleshooting
Final year
Compulsory modules
Advanced Network Design
Dissertation
Network Infrastructure Security
Research Principles And Practice
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Computing coursesLegal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
