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Master of Science (Network Systems)

Postgraduate course

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Overview

The Master of Science (Network Systems) is a 12 unit masters program concerned with the design, management, maintenance and service provision of private and public networks.
Duration2 years full-time or equivalent part-time. Subject to approval, this course may be taken in accelerated format and completed in 1.5 years.
Campus and intakes  Calendar
Hawthorn -Semester 1, Semester 2
Study modeFull-time
Part-time
Course codeS069
Fees
The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Career opportunities

Industry-certified skills are highly valued, and there is a need for professionals with a solid understanding of the design, management and maintenance of modern networks. Graduates will be well-equipped with the practical and theoretical skills to gain access to a career as a network specialist, internet applications engineer, manager of internal corporate networks and security engineer.
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Course in detail

On this page: course description, course structure and units of study.

Course description

The Master of Science (Network Systems) is intended for new graduates or experienced graduates who wish to update their skills or change their area of specialisation. The convergence of computing and telecommunications is creating a new kind of networking technology based on IP networks and multimedia applications. IP networking is expected to be everywhere and to offer multimedia services of all types. There is an increasing demand for mobility and seamless access to global networks. Within corporations, intranets support the interaction of people and the linking of people to information systems.

Course structure

The Master of Science (Network Systems) is part of a nested suite of programs, which also includes the  Graduate Certificate of Science (Network Systems) , the Graduate Diploma of Science (Network Systems) and the Master of Engineering Science (Network Systems and Telecommunications). There are a number of entry points depending on previous academic studies and work experience.
The Master of Network Science (Networks Systems) degree consists of 12 units of study (150 credit points) to be completed over a two year period of full-time study, or eqivalent part-time. Students may complete the program over one and a half years of full-time study, with the permission of the Program Coodinator. The program comprises eight core units (100 credit points) and four elective units (50 credit points). A maximum of four exemptions (50 credit points) is available in this program.
The program is available in both full-time and part-time* modes, with evening classes (5.30pm to 9.30pm) available in most units of study. Part-time mode includes the possibility of studying one unit of study at a time. Entry is possible in both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Please note that some units of study are subject to quotas and minimum enrolment requirements. Not all units of study are available every semester, and changes in program structure occur from time to time.
*International student visa holders are required to study full-time.

Units of study

Core units (eight) for all the streams
HET706 Networks and Routing*
HET708 Internetworking Technologies *
HET710 Network Administration (Microsoft 1)
HIT7702 Enterprise Network Server Administration  (Microsoft 2)# or
HIT7703 Enterprise Services and Security  (Microsoft 3)#
HET715 Network Computing
HET755 Introduction to Network Programming
HIT8044 Professional Issues in Information Technology
HIT8071 Professional Project or
HIT9326 Internship Project

Elective units (four)  Refer to streams below
HIT7713 Advanced Routing
HIT7714 Advanced Switching ^
HET717 Simulation of Networks
HET718 Mobile and Personal Networking
HET729 Design and Management of Networks
HET736 Broadband Multimedia Network
HET753 Secure Remote Access Networks ^
HET758 Networking and Online Games
HIT6323 Web Programming
HIT7702 Enterprise Network Server Administration (Microsoft 2) #
HIT7703 Enterprise Services and Security (Microsoft 3)#
HIT7717 Advanced Security
HIT7720 Secure Networks
HIT8163 Unix for Telecommunications
HIT7715 Troubleshooting IP Networks ^
Elective units that require approval:HIT9010 Research Methods **
HET724 Research Paper **
HET725 Research Report **
Note: Not all elective units are available in every semester.
 * Prepares students for CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) qualification.
# Prepares students partly for MCSA certification.
^ Prepares students partly for CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) qualification - each subject covers one quarter of CCNP.
** Research units ( HIT9010, HET724, HET725) are available only for approved project proposals. Approval is decided on a case-by-case basis by the Program Coordinator.
Students who successfully completed the CCNA certificate with the Cisco Networking Academy can substitue the CCNA units (HET706, HET708) with two of the CCNP units (HET713, HET714,HET753 and CCNP4) or other approved elective units.
Recommended Study Sequences
Note: Recommended Study Sequences provided are for entry into semester 1, alternative sequences are available for entry into alternative teaching period.
Advanced Networking Stream
Semester 1
HET706 Networks and Routing
HET710 Network Administration
HET755 Introduction to Network Programming
Semester 2
HET708 Internetworking Technologies
HIT7703 Enterprise Services and Security
HET715 Network Computing
Semester 3
HIT8044 Professional Issues in Information Technology
HIT7713 Advanced Routing
HIT7714 Advanced Switching
Semester 4
HIT8071 Professional Project
HIT7715 Troubleshooting IP Networks
Elective
Network Security Stream Semester 1
HET710 Network Administration
HET755 Introduction to Network Programming
HIT7720 Secure Networks
Semester 2
HET706 Networks and Routing
HIT7703 Enterprise Services and Security
HET715 Network Computing
Semester 3
HET708 Internetworking Technologies
HIT7702 Enterprise Network Server Administration
HIT7717 Advanced Security
Semester 4
HIT8044 Professional Issues in Information Technology
HIT8071 Professional Project
Elective
Future Networks Stream
Semester 1
HET710 Network Administration
HET755 Introduction to Network Programming
HIT7720 Secure Networks
Semester 2
HET706 Networks and Routing
HET715 Network Computing
HET718 Mobile and Personal Networking
Semester 3 HET708 Internetworking Technologies
HIT7702 Enterprise Network Server Administration
HET729 Design and Management of Networks or HET736 Broadband Multimedia Network
Semester 4
HIT8044 Professional Issues in Information Technology
HIT8071 Professional Project
Elective
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Graduate outcomes

On this page: aims and objectives, career opportunities, professional recognition and graduate attributes.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this program is to provide excellent career opportunities by offering high-level coverage of networking principles and an appreciation of the emerging issues and technologies in networks, together with specific competencies (industry certification material such as Cisco CCNA* and CCNP* and Microsoft MCSA*).
* Certification examinations are not part of this program, and in some cases only part of the requirements are covered. 

Career opportunities

Industry-certified skills are highly valued, and there is a need for professionals with a solid understanding of the design, management and maintenance of modern networks. Graduates will be well-equipped with the practical and theoretical skills to gain access to a career as a network specialist, internet applications engineer, manager of internal corporate networks and security engineer.

Professional recognition

This course has been accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at Professional Level (the highest level).

Graduate attributes

The graduate attributes that relate to this program help to produce graduates who:
  • Are capable in their chosen professional areas
  • Are adaptable and manage change
  • Operate effectively in work and community situations
  • Are aware of environments
  • Are entrepreneurial in contributing to innovation and development within their business or community
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On this page: entry requirements and recognition of prior learning

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Admission to the Master of Science (Network Systems) program normally requires a recognised bachelor degree in engineering, science, information technology, or in business or commerce with an emphasis on information technology. Applicants not holding a relevant tertiary qualification, but with substantial relevant network industry experience may be admitted to the Graduate Certificate of Science (Network Systems).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process where a student may be granted credit or partial credit towards a qualification in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training.

Further details for students considering higher education courses: http://www.swin.edu.au/corporate/registrar/ppd/files/stuinf.htm
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Apply

On this page: how to apply, course fees and find out more.

How to apply

Application forms can be downloaded from the website at: http://www.swinburne.edu.au/postgrad/apply/

Course fees

The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year.
For information about Swinburne's fees visit the Fees website.

Find out more

Web: Enquire online
Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
 
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