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Master of Science (Network Systems) 

S069     


Study Mode Study Level Duration Campus and Intake Show intake calendar
Full-time
Part-time (day)
Part-time (evening)
Postgraduate 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time. Subject to approval, this course may be taken in accelerated format and completed in 1.5 years. Hawthorn (Semester 1, Semester 2)

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.

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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.

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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 MCITP: Server Administrator*).

* Certification examinations are not part of this program, and in some cases only part of the requirements are covered. 

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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 degree consists of 12 units of study (150 credit points) to be completed over a two year period of full-time study. 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* (5.30pm to 9.30pm) modes, with evening classes 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, and a HED Term 4 (September/October) intake is also available to international students.

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.

Please also note that international student visa holders are required to study full-time.

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Core units (eight) for all the streams

Elective units
 (four)  
HIT7713 Advanced Routing
 
Note: Not all elective units are available in every semester.
Elective units that require approval

 * Prepares students for CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) qualification.
# Prepares students partly for MCITP:SA (Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Server Administrator) 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 for entry into semester 1, alternative sequences are available for entry into alternative teaching period.
Recommended Study Sequences
 
Advanced Networking Stream
Elective
 
Network Security Stream
Semester 3
Elective
 
Future Networks Stream
Semester 1
HET710 Network Administration
Semester 2

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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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The Master of Science (Network Systems) program is accredited at Professional Level with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

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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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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).

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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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The indicative course tuition fee is $17,600 for 2012, based on one year full time load (or 1 EFTSL). The total tuition fee is dependent upon the combination of units of study selected by the student. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a suite of income-contingent loans for Australian citizens and holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas. FEE-HELP is available to eligible fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students. It provides students with a loan to cover their tuition fees (lifetime maximum $85,062 from 1 January 2010). The FEE-HELP limit is indexed on 1 January each year.

Note: New Zealand citizens and holders of other Australian permanent resident visas do not have access to HELP loans. These students must pay their student contributions or tuition fees up front without a discount.

For further information on your support and study options visit the 'Going to Uni' website at:
http://www.goingtouni.gov.au

For information about Swinburne's fees visit:
http://www.swinburne.edu.au/fees 

 

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

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Web: Enquire online

Tel: 1300 ASK SWIN (1300 275 794)
 

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