MSc in Advanced Internetwork Engineering

If you're already a successful networking professional who wants to advance your career to the next level, this unique one-year master's programme is designed for you. The only programme of its kind in the world, GCU's MSc Advanced Internetwork Engineering will prepare you for the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) exam.

The programme offers a structured, supported path so you can develop expert-level network engineering skills and achieve CCIE certification. With this elite credential, you'll be a competitive candidate for senior-level and leadership roles in network engineering.

We partnered with Internetwork Expert Inc. (INE), the leaders in CCIE preparation, to develop this programme. Students learn about INE's CCIE Routing and Switching Workbook and remote rack management systems, the global gold-standard in CCIE prep materials.

Lectures and labs bring together theory and practice, integrating hands-on demonstrations and experiential learning using the live equipment. With GCU's career-focused atmosphere and supportive environment, you'll have an ideal opportunity to build valuable skills.

• Develop your ability to complete increasingly complex networking challenges
• Master the workings of networking technologies at an expert level
• Practise taking on the large-scale, full-day scenarios you'll encounter in the CCIE lab exam

With its focus on real-world relevance and skills, you can use in your career today, this programme supports GCU's broader mission of producing graduates who are both successful and socially driven. We encourage graduates to harness their abilities to make real change and support the common good. We hope you'll find new ways to excel in your field - and new ways to make a positive impact in your workplace and your community.

Graduate prospects

Graduates of GCU's MSc Advanced Internetwork Engineering programme develop the technical, commercial and presentation skills needed for a successful senior-level career in the networking industry. You'll find opportunities in network engineering, network consultancy design and network operations centres.

International student start dates

For new international students, orientation events start on 14 September 2018. This time is specifically designed to assist new international students in settling into the UK and GCU prior to the start of general student induction and teaching.

There will be a whole host of fun and informative activities taking place during this period, including campus and city tours, as well as welcome events where you can meet other international students.

Why choose this programme?

This programme builds the confidence and knowledge needed to take on the kind of large-scale, full day scenarios encountered in the CCIE lab exam. For full programme, details visit the MSc Advanced Internetworking Engineering microsite. The MSc tackles the design and configuration of a number of technologies. Increasingly complex assignments are introduced as new technologies are added during the duration of the course. Lectures, labs and tutorials are used to give you a secure practice environment in preparation for the CCIE lab.

GCU has partnered with the leaders in CCIE preparation, Internetwork Expert Inc. (INE) to bring you a unique opportunity to develop the excellent hands-on skills valued by employers and needed for the CCIE lab exam. Using the renowned INE CCIE Routing and Switching Workbook and remote rack management systems, we use world leading materials in the most flexible environment to develop your skills.

Mode of study

The postgraduate diploma (PgD) takes nine months to complete full-time and the masters (MSc) takes twelve-months full-time. Part-time study is also available on a day release basis, this will take two years to complete. Modules can also be studied individually.

Assessment methods

Taught modules are assessed on a mix of coursework and practical class tests. Practical networking skills form a significant part of the assessment. Modules also include formal examinations where appropriate.

What you will study

Learn the workings and behaviour of technologies at an expert level. Discover the methods of verifying their correct operation and begin troubleshooting with confidence. With the help of this unique syllabus, you can begin to predict the behaviour of technologies and develop an expert knowledge of the interactions between them.

Layer 2 Technologies

The theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to determine appropriate design choices for layer 2 network solutions, implement them and verify their operation. This module covers both campus (LAN) and wide area network technologies.

Layer 3 Technologies 1

The theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to determine appropriate design choices for layer 3 network solutions, implement them and verify their operation. This module covers IPv4 addressing issues, interior routing protocols e.g. static, RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, ODR; Layer 3 design issues e.g. address summarization and filtering.

Layer 3 Technologies 2

The theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to determine appropriate design choices for layer 3 network solutions, implement them and verify their operation. This module focuses on exterior routing (BGP); IPv6 routing and large-scale Layer 3 design issues e.g. address aggregation, filtering and traffic engineering through the implementation of routing policies in a multi Autonomous System environment.

Multicast and WAN Technologies

IP multicast technologies including multicast addressing, IP multicast routing using PIM (sparse mode, dense mode, static and dynamic RP assignments etc), the relationship between unicast and multicast routing, the importance of RPF checks, Anycast RP, Source Specific Multicast. The provision of multicast services to end hosts (IGMP v1/2/3). WAN technologies are covered with a focus on PPP.

VPN and Security Technologies

The knowledge/skills needed to design and implement virtual private network solutions, either for the purpose of solving routing issues, security issues or both. This module covers tunnelling technologies designed to enhance connectivity e.g. MPLS, GRE, 6 to 4 and security (IPSec). Methods of securing infrastructure devices and data networks are also examined.

Infrastructure Services

A wide range of system management techniques (e.g. SNMP, remote management, logging, event monitoring), network services, and performance optimization (quality of service) technologies which depend upon a solid core network for their operation.

Integrating Network Technologies

Draws scenarios from the other technology modules, accordingly, you will develop the ability to integrate and troubleshoot progressively more complex internetworks as the year progresses. Students undertake activities which help them develop the kind of customer facing skills and commercial awareness needed for a high-level career in the networking industry.

Research and Project Methods

Background knowledge and skills that, in combination with the technical skills acquired in other taught modules will enable you to carry out a successful MSc Dissertation. By the end of the module, you will have produced a viable proposal for a dissertation project.

MSc Project

A vehicle for extending the knowledge and understanding of the student and the technical community in a chosen specialist area. It serves, through its length, complexity and rigour, as a suitable vehicle for extending a range of personal, interpersonal and communication skills.