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Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2

The Open University is a Cisco Networking Academy Support Centre. We offer the current Cisco Certified Networking Associate version 7 curriculum, which provides the foundational knowledge, understanding and skills to configure larger LAN/WAN using Cisco equipment. As part of your studies, you’ll complete CCNA 3 Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation along with DevNet and gain simulated hands-on experience configuring networks through online activities. We ensure that the content we deliver each year reflects Cisco’s current certifications.

Modules count towards OU qualifications

OU qualifications are modular in structure; the credits from this undergraduate module could count towards a certificate of higher education, diploma of higher education, foundation degree or honours degree.

Browse qualifications in related subjects

Module

Module code

TM357

Credits

Credits

  • Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.
  • One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.
  • You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.
  • For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
30

Study level

Across the UK, there are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications, the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (FHEQ) and the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). These define a hierarchy of levels and describe the achievement expected at each level. The information provided shows how OU module levels correspond to these frameworks.
Level of Study
OU SCQF FHEQ
3 10 6

Study method

Distance Learning

Module cost

See Module registration

Entry requirements

See Entry requirements

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What you will study

The full Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) curriculum consists of three parts, sometimes called CCNA 1 to 3. This module covers CCNA 3 along with DevNet.1

Part 1: Enterprise Networks, Security and Automation (CCNA 3)
This part describes the architecture, components and operations of routers and switches in a small network. You’ll learn how to configure a router and a switch for basic functionality. By the end of this part, you’ll be able to configure and troubleshoot routers and switches and resolve common issues with RIPv1 and RIPv2; single-area and multi-area OSPF; virtual LANs; and inter-VLAN routing in both IPv4 and IPv6 networks.

Part 2: DevNet
Following on from the CCNA Routing and Switching content, you will explore how coding is used to automate the management of infrastructure networking technologies via the DevNet associate certification content. You will explore how application development and coding applies within the context of network automation, use a range of developer tools and environments to solve automation challenges, apply API’s to automate network device management and set up an automated solution for a given problem.

Each part consists of ten or more modules. The modules are grouped, with checkpoint exams that count towards your module result. Each of the two parts also has a final online exam that also counts towards your result.

1Module Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257) covers CCNA parts 1 and 2.

You will learn

This module will:

  • make you understand to a greater level of detail, the concepts and algorithms underlying switching and routing protocols
  • provide you with further practical skills for implementing switching and routing protocols in real-world scenarios
  • make you aware of best practices for securing LAN (Local Area Networks) and WAN (Wide Area Networks)
  • teach you the fundamental and systematic processes for troubleshooting larger networks
  • teach you the fundamental and systematic processes for network automation
  • provide you with an opportunity to go on and gain two industry-recognised qualifications (CCNA and DevNet certifications).

Vocational relevance

You’ll learn both theory and practical elements of network addressing and management, router configuration, switch management, securing a local area network and network automation.

In addition, this module will prepare you for the industry-standard DevNet examination, and CCNA examination when taken with Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257).

You must make your own arrangements to sit the CCNA and DevNet certifications.

Professional recognition

Those within the networking technician and engineering discipline consider Cisco certification professional recognition and personal accreditation. Cisco CCNA and DevNet certifications are invaluable entry accreditations for the network engineering profession.

Teaching and assessment

Support from your tutor

You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.

They’ll help by:

  • marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
  • providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
  • guiding you to additional learning resources
  • facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.

Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.

Assessment

You can find the assessment details for this module in the facts box.

Virtual day school

This module has a compulsory virtual day school.

The virtual day school (offered over a period of at least a month and 100% online) provides practical experience with Cisco Networking technologies using University-provided remote lab technologies. Your work on the virtual day school will contribute to your end-of-module assessment.

Future availability

Cisco networking (CCNA) part 2 (TM357) starts once a year – in October.

This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.

We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

Course work includes:

2 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
End-of-module assessment


Entry requirements

You must have passed one of the following modules:

We may allow you to study TM357 without passing TM257 or T216. You must have other relevant knowledge/experience, such as:

  • equivalent work at another university
  • relevant experience as an IT professional
  • evidence of taking Cisco NetAcad Introduction to Networks (CCNA 1) and Routing and Switching Essentials (CCNA 2) since 2019.

Preparatory work

The Cisco DevNet course, the second part of TM357, requires you to be familiar with coding but not an expert. The module website will include a link to this free short Python Coding Course. You can revisit your coding skills, complete a refresher, or become familiar with concepts that you might have found challenging in the past.

Register

Start End England fee Register
04 Oct 2025 Jun 2026 £1946.00

Registration closes 11/09/25 (places subject to availability)

Register
This module is expected to start for the last time in October 2029.

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In the meantime, explore our overview of Fees and funding.

Can you study an Access module for free?

Depending on eligibility and availability of places, you could apply to study your Access module for free.

To qualify, you must:

  1. be resident in England
  2. have a household income of not more than £25,000 (or be in receipt of a qualifying benefit)
  3. have not completed one year or more on any full-time undergraduate programme at FHEQ level 4 or above or successfully completed 30 credits or more of OU study within the last 10 years

How to apply to study an Access module for free

Once you've started the registration process, either online or over the phone, we'll contact you about your payment options. This will include instructions on how you can apply to study for free if you are eligible and funded places are still available.

If you're unsure if you meet the criteria to study for free, you can check with one of our friendly advisers on +44 (0)300 303 0069, or you can request a call back.

Not eligible to study for free?

Don't worry! We offer a choice of flexible ways to help spread the cost of your Access module. The most popular options include:

  • monthly payments through OUSBA
  • part-time tuition fee loan (you'll need to be registered on a qualification for this option)

To explore all the options available to you, visit Fees and Funding.

What's included

Access to the Cisco study materials, and additional supplementary material, via the website.

Computing requirements

  • Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
  • Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
  • Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
  • Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. We advise against using a mac with an M1 chip as you could experience issues with the module software. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
  • Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
  • Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.

If you have a disability

The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying TM357 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.

To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.