Cisco: CCNA - Introduction to Networks
Build the foundations in infrastructure networking and boost your career as a network engineer with Cisco and The Open University.
Duration
10 weeksCost
$604
Take the first step to gaining Cisco’s internationally recognised certification
Networked systems form the backbone of modern information systems. They’re rapidly evolving and adapting to changing infrastructure, consumer, and cybersecurity demands.
As networks expand, so has the demand for people with infrastructure networking expertise within computing, digital technologies, and infrastructure engineering.
On this 10-week microcredential from Cisco and The Open University, you’ll lay the groundwork for the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification, building your knowledge and skills in infrastructure networking.
Gain industry-recognised skills to begin your networking career
For digital technologists and network engineers wanting a solid foundation in networking basics, this course will prepare you for a range of technology routes, including the Cisco Certified Network Associate.
You’ll learn the basics of networking, from network fundamentals and technologies to the principles and structure of IP addressing, Ethernet concepts, and network application communications.
Increase your knowledge, skills, and expertise on different networking concepts
By the end, you’ll be able to apply a range of networking concepts, design a simple networking address scheme, experiment with a networking environment, and implement foundational networking technology skills. You’ll also be able to build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes.
You’ll access your learning via FutureLearn and by setting up a free account on Cisco’s NetAcad platform. Throughout the course, you’ll take part in weekly activities to support and consolidate your learning. At the end of the course, you’ll submit an assessment which is marked and graded by subject matter experts.
Learn from the experts at the largest Cisco Academy in the UK
This microcredential is endorsed by Cisco and designed by leading experts and practitioners from The Open University’s award-winning Cisco ‘NetAcad’ academy.
Through guided academic learning in a supportive online learning environment, you’ll have mentor support, share experiences with other learners, and begin your Cisco Certified Network Associate certification journey and futureproof your career in networking.
A unique pathway to obtaining the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification in Routing and Switching
This course is the start of a three-part microcredential pathway, preparing you for the CCNA certification (content formerly covered in the CCNA Routing and Switching certification).
A further two microcredentials are planned to be developed and will explore the extensive range of technologies that form current networks, such as the Internet, corporate networks or domestic broadband, and WiFi connections.
By the end of the three-part microcredential pathway you’ll be fully prepared to take the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification, setting you up for a career in networking.
What skills will you learn?
- IP addressing
- LAN technologies
- Network troubleshooting
- Configuring a network device
- Router technologies
- Network numeracy
What you will achieve
By the end of the microcredential, you’ll be able to...
- Describe the range of network technologies in current use
- Experiment with a practical networking environment
- Design a simple network addressing scheme
- Calculate an address range based on a given scenario
- Apply a range of networking concepts
- Synthesise a range of practical networking technology skills
Are you eligible for this microcredential?
You don’t need any prior experience or qualifications to enrol on this undergraduate microcredential.
The course material does not assume that learners are currently working. Past experiences will be just as relevant.
Please note: From October 2021 some of the content of this microcredential will be duplicated within the longer and more in-depth module, Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1.
Is this microcredential right for you?
This microcredential will benefit anyone currently working in, or wanting to start a career in, a comprehensive range of globally relevant Digital Technologies disciplines including:
- DevOps Engineer
- Infrastructure Network Engineer
- Cloud Technician
- Cyber Security Professional
The course has a global focus and delivers transferable skills for diverse sectors and organisations.
Syllabus
What happens before, during, and after your microcredential
Before learning
You’ll have access to our online welcome area where you’ll be able to read any information relating to your microcredential.
Course
From 25 Mar 2024
Cisco: CCNA - Introduction to Networks
Build the foundations in infrastructure networking and boost your career as a network engineer with Cisco and The Open University.
10 weeks
10 hours per week
After learning
Your submitted assessment will be marked and graded by subject matter experts. You’ll continue to have ongoing access to the course materials.
What you will receive
10 UK credits at Undergraduate level from The Open University and a Certificate
Credits are awarded on passing the final assessment. These will be at undergraduate level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) / level 7 of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework.
Find out how credits work and where you can use them in our FAQs.
A Certificate of Completion and Digital Badge from Cisco Networking Academy
Passing the course with 70% or higher at first attempt will earn you a certificate of completion and a digital badge.
What is a microcredential?
Microcredentials are designed to upskill you for work in rapidly-growing industries, without the time and cost commitment of a full degree. Your microcredential can stand alone as an independent credential, and some also offer academic credit to use towards a degree.
Complete online courses led by experts over multiple weeks with a dedicated group of professionals.
Test your understanding with online tutor-marked assessments and exercises.
Finish your learning and pass your assessments to gain an accredited credential.
Use your microcredential as evidence of your specialised skills and progress further in your industry.
Career-focused learning by The Open University
As the UK’s largest university, The Open University (OU) supports thousands of students to achieve their goals and ambitions via supported distance learning, helping to fit learning around professional and personal life commitments.
Established
1969Location
Milton Keynes, UKWorld ranking
Top 510Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020
This microcredential is endorsed by Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco are a global manufacturer of infrastructure networking and cybersecurity focussed technologies, with their own internationally Corporate Social Responsibility-based education programme (NetAcad).
Delivered by experts
Experienced network engineer, passionate about programming and automation. Interested in finding new methods for developing the knowledge of students.
Dr Amel Bennaceur is an engineer, researcher, and educator in Computing. She is an Associate Professor at The Open University. She published 30+ papers in top journals and conferences.
Enthusiastic about teaching digital, network engineering & cybersecurity - been doing it for a very long time. Also: iconoclast, herder of geeks, nerds & enthusiasts.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
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"FutureLearn courses are always interesting and informative. They bring the classroom right to you and send you on a journey to explore new ideas and offer interesting topics."
When would you like to start?
Enrolment for this microcredential is closed. We aim to run our microcredentials every few months. Register to find out more about this microcredential and future start dates.
Enrolment now closed
Find out more
Not sure if microcredentials are right for you? Fill in your details below and we will send you more information to help you make a decision.
FAQ
We can accept payments made by card (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) or PayPal via our online system.
You will have 14 days from the day the course starts to apply for a refund. If this Microcredential has any non-refundable costs they will be stated in the ‘Overview’ section above. You can find more information in our cancellation and refund policy.
Microcredentials are designed to fit around your life and timezone.
There may be live events as part of your studies, but these will be recorded and can be watched afterwards if you aren’t online for the live broadcast.
No, microcredentials are designed to be taken anywhere in the world. You won’t need the right to study in the country where the university offering the microcredential is based.
Microcredentials are stand-alone courses designed to meet specific learner and employer needs. Those awarded by The Open University have academic credit value at either undergraduate or postgraduate level, and, if appropriate, this may be used towards selected Open University qualifications. For more details, including eligible qualifications, visit The Open University’s Counting microcredentials towards OU qualifications page.
The credit awarded may potentially be used at another university, subject to the agreement of the receiving institution.
Want to know more? Read the microcredential FAQs, or contact us.