Networked computing is the fastest growing area of computing, with recent surveys suggesting that by the year 2003 there will be over 65,000 unfilled networking vacancies in the UK alone. With over 85% of the market share, Cisco Systems is seeking to address this shortfall by establishing the Cisco Academy Programme.

Hosted by the School of Computing and Technology, the Cisco Networking Academy at the University of Sunderland is based in the award winning David Goldman Informatics Centre on the St Peter’s Campus, one of the most modern and best equipped computing environments in the UK.

We offer Cisco Networking Academy Courses in two primary formats -- as stand alone industry certified programmes and as modules integrated into the academic curriculum. The advantage of taking Cisco courses at the University of Sunderland is unique to the North East of England in that each format complements the other, providing dual benefit to all those completing the course. Academic students gain Cisco Certification to go with their qualification and, in addition to their Cisco Certificates, Academy trainees achieve Higher Educational Certificates and credits that can be used as a basis for further educational studies. Academically, the programme is offered at Foundation Degree as well as both under and postgraduate level.

The University of Sunderland is a Certified Cisco Academy for both Associate (CCNA) and Professional (CCNP) levels.