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Accessibility statement
A image to illustrate Network security module
With organisations increasingly dependent on their information systems, there’s a greater need to ensure that these systems’ underlying network infrastructure is secure. We’re a Cisco Academy and offer the opportunity on this module to study two current Cisco vendor awards as part of your studies. You’ll study Cisco CyberOps Associate and Ethical Hacker courses. These courses allow you to develop knowledge, understanding and practical experience of how organisations manage their cybersecurity operations and how they develop strategies for identifying and mitigating against attackers. You’ll also undertake individual research to contextualise your Cisco study in the broader security management environment.
Cisco is a worldwide market leader supplying networking equipment for the internet to large, medium and small organisations and the home user. It also has a long-established international networking academy programme to educate networking professionals. Cisco certifications are highly regarded in the networking industry, offering certification holders and their employers a commercial and technical advantage.
In this module, you’ll study the latest versions of the Ethical Hacker and CyberOps Associate curriculum using an online virtual learning environment provided by Cisco through its academy programme (NetAcad), making you eligible for Cisco course completion certificates.
On completing this module, you’ll have a foundation upon which to complete your preparation for taking the 200-201 CBROPS Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals certification examination. You can take CyberOps examinations at many test centres internationally, by your arrangement. But you’re not obligated to take career certification exams as part of the module.
This module focuses on advanced practical skills development: you’ll undertake a range of activities in the context of cybersecurity operations and ethical hacking.
For example:
For further queries about the module content, you may contact the module team.
You can find additional information about the CyberOps certification programme on the Cisco website.
From February 2026, Cisco are improving the CyberOps certification and changing it to become the CCNA Cybersecurity. As part of your continued study, we’ll provide you with any updated/alternative content as Cisco releases it.
Upon completion, you’ll be in a position to gain course completion certificates for Ethical Hacker and Cybersecurity Operations Associate, internationally recognised advanced work-based qualifications.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Although there are no formal tutorials, there's plenty of opportunity for you to engage with your tutor.
There's also a postgraduate induction session before the module starts, where you'll be introduced to the Module Chair.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to the Cisco material required for the module and additional supplementary material supplied via the dedicated website, online materials covering the CyberOps Associate core body of knowledge (including CyberOps Associate exam practice software) and access to the University library and extensive collection of online journals. The learning materials will reflect the latest content on the Cisco Networking Academy.
The study material contains active content, so your browser and/or firewall must allow pop-ups from the Cisco and OU sites.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
T828 is a compulsory module in our:
T828 is an option module in our:
Sometimes you cannot count a module towards a qualification if you have already counted another module with similar content. To verify any excluded combinations with this module, check with an adviser before registering.
Network security (T828) starts once a year – in November.
It will next start in November 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in November 2028.
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.
There are no entry requirements for this module.
Although this module has no entry requirements, we recommend you have relevant academic, employment or commercial certification experience. The module provides additional Cisco-specific access material based on cyber security. However, if you’ve completed the discontinued module Cisco networking (CCNA) (T216), Cisco networking (CCNA) part 1 (TM257), or have experience of the CCNA as a commercial certification or at another Cisco academy, you’ll be at an advantage.
The study material is online, so you’ll spend considerable time using a computer and the internet.
Some components might not be fully accessible using a screen reader.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our disability support pages.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
01 Nov 202630 Apr 202708 Oct 2026£1,865
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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