Connect Everything. Build the Backbone. Launch Your Network Career.
The comprehensive network engineering program from fundamentals to enterprise design.15 modules. 45+ hands-on labs. CCNA aligned. Career-ready.
Great progress! Ready to configure your first OSPF network?
Network Engineering Certificate
Routing, Switching & Enterprise Design
Full-Time
4-5 months
25-30 hours/weekPart-Time
8-10 months
12-15 hours/weekEntry Requirements
15 Modules. 6 Units.
Complete Network Training.
A structured journey from networking fundamentals to enterprise network design. Hands-on labs with virtual routers and switches throughout.
Introduction to Networking
- What is a computer network and why it matters
- Network types: LAN, WAN, MAN, WLAN
- The OSI model explained layer by layer
- TCP/IP protocol suite fundamentals
- Network devices: routers, switches, firewalls
- Career paths in network engineering
Physical & Data Link Layer
- Network cabling standards and types
- Ethernet fundamentals and frame structure
- MAC addresses and switching basics
- VLANs and trunk ports configuration
- Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) operation
- Hands-on: Configure a switch
IP Addressing & Subnetting
- IPv4 addressing fundamentals
- Subnet masks and CIDR notation
- Subnetting calculations and practice
- Variable Length Subnet Masks (VLSM)
- IPv6 addressing and dual-stack basics
- Hands-on: Design an IP addressing scheme
Routing Fundamentals
- How routing works at Layer 3
- Static vs dynamic routing protocols
- Routing tables and metrics explained
- Administrative distance and route selection
- Default routes and gateway of last resort
- Hands-on: Configure static routes
Dynamic Routing Protocols
- RIP and distance vector routing
- OSPF single-area configuration
- OSPF multi-area design and LSA types
- EIGRP fundamentals and metric calculation
- Route redistribution between protocols
- Hands-on: Build an OSPF network
Advanced Switching
- Inter-VLAN routing methods
- EtherChannel and link aggregation
- Rapid Spanning Tree (RSTP) and PVST+
- Switch stacking and chassis virtualization
- Layer 3 switching and SVI configuration
- Hands-on: Multi-VLAN campus design
BGP & WAN Technologies
- BGP fundamentals and use cases
- eBGP vs iBGP configuration
- BGP path selection attributes
- MPLS overview and labels
- SD-WAN introduction and benefits
- Hands-on: Configure basic BGP
Core Network Services
- DHCP server configuration and pools
- DNS architecture and name resolution
- NAT and PAT concepts and configuration
- NTP time synchronization hierarchy
- SNMP monitoring and MIBs basics
- Hands-on: Deploy core network services
Wireless Networking
- Wi-Fi standards (802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6/6E)
- Wireless architecture and controllers
- SSID, authentication, and encryption (WPA3)
- Site surveys and RF planning
- Wireless troubleshooting techniques
- Hands-on: Configure enterprise Wi-Fi
Security Fundamentals
- Network security concepts and threats
- Access Control Lists (ACLs) configuration
- Port security and DHCP snooping
- 802.1X authentication and RADIUS
- VPN types: site-to-site and remote access
- Hands-on: Secure a network
Firewalls & Perimeter Security
- Firewall architectures and types
- Stateful vs stateless inspection
- Zone-based firewall design
- DMZ and network segmentation
- IDS/IPS fundamentals and placement
- Hands-on: Configure firewall rules
Cloud Networking
- Cloud networking concepts and models
- Virtual networks and VPCs/VNets
- Cloud load balancing and CDN
- Hybrid cloud connectivity options
- AWS and Azure networking basics
- Hands-on: Build a cloud network
Network Automation
- Why automate networks
- Python for network engineers
- APIs, REST, and NETCONF/YANG
- Ansible for network automation
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN) overview
- Hands-on: Automate with Python and Ansible
Troubleshooting & Operations
- Structured troubleshooting methodology
- Network monitoring tools and baselines
- Packet capture and Wireshark analysis
- Performance optimization techniques
- Change management and documentation
- NOC operations best practices
Capstone: Enterprise Network
- Design a complete enterprise network
- Multi-site WAN connectivity
- Redundancy and high availability design
- Security implementation throughout
- Documentation and presentation
- CCNA certification preparation
Ready to build networks?
Begin with the Learn platform and start configuring networks from day one.
Build Real Network Skills
Master the routing, switching, and design skills that network employers are looking for in 2024 and beyond.
Routing
OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP
Switching
VLANs, STP, and EtherChannel
Wireless
Enterprise Wi-Fi design
Security
Firewalls, ACLs, and VPNs
Cloud Networking
AWS, Azure, and hybrid
Automation
Python and Ansible
Monitoring
SNMP, NetFlow, and Wireshark
Network Services
DHCP, DNS, and NAT
Troubleshooting
Systematic problem solving
Enterprise Design
Production-ready networks
All skills are taught through hands-on labs with virtual Cisco equipment and real network scenarios.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for anyone who wants to build a career in network engineering—regardless of background.
IT Support Professionals
Moving into network engineering and infrastructure roles.
Career Changers
Entering the networking field from other industries.
System Administrators
Adding networking expertise to their infrastructure skills.
Help Desk Technicians
Advancing from support to network administration.
Developers
Understanding network infrastructure for cloud applications.
Tech-Curious Beginners
Interested in how networks connect the world.
This course may NOT be for you if:
- You already work as a senior network architect
- You're looking for advanced CCNP/CCIE-level content only
- You want to focus exclusively on one vendor without learning concepts
How We Compare
See how our Network Engineering program stacks up against other learning options.
| Feature | Best Value Network Eng | YouTube Free | University £9,000+/year |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCNA-Aligned Curriculum | Varies | ||
| No Prerequisites | |||
| 45+ Virtual Labs | Varies | ||
| Self-Paced Learning | |||
| Network Automation | Varies | Varies | |
| AI Tutor Support | |||
| Career Support | Varies |
Breaking Into Networking Shouldn't Require a Data Center
The traditional path to a network engineering career is confusing. Certification mazes, expensive equipment, and vendor-specific courses leave aspiring engineers stuck.
Certification Confusion
CCNA, CCNP, Network+, JNCIA... which certifications matter and in what order?
Lab Access Gap
Networking needs hands-on practice, but real equipment is expensive and complex to set up.
Vendor Lock-In
Most courses teach only one vendor. Jobs want engineers who understand multiple platforms.
Experience Paradox
Network jobs want production experience, but you can't get it without access to enterprise gear.
There has to be a better way to become job-ready in network engineering
Your Path to a Network Career
Four integrated platforms that take you from networking beginner to job-ready engineer—all within your 12-month access period.
Learn
Master the Fundamentals
Bite-sized video lessons, interactive quizzes, and AI-powered tutoring. Learn at your own pace with 24/7 support.
- 140+ video lessons
- Interactive quizzes
- AI tutor support
- Mobile-friendly
Labs
Practice in Real Environments
Get hands-on with actual cloud infrastructure. Build projects using the same tools professional AI engineers use daily.
- 24+ hands-on labs
- Real cloud instances
- Portfolio projects
- Code reviews
Exam
Earn Your Credential
UK-recognized proctored exam. Demonstrate your competence and earn a qualification that employers trust.
- Proctored assessment
- Ofqual-aligned
- Digital certificate
- Verification portal
Grow
Launch Your Career
Career coaching, CV reviews, interview prep, and dedicated support to help you land your first AI role within ~12 weeks.
- Career coaching
- CV optimization
- Interview prep
- Job placement support
15 Modules Across 6 Units
540 learning hours with 45+ hands-on virtual labs
A Framework Built
For Your Career
The Qualify Nation Framework takes you from foundation knowledge to expert mastery. Clear progression. Rigorous assessment. Skills employers value.
The AI Job Market Is Exploding
UK businesses are scrambling to hire AI talent. The demand far outpaces supply, creating unprecedented opportunities for certified professionals.
Read the full job market reportUK AI Market Growth
UK AI Employment Growth
Full-time equivalent roles in AI sector (2022-2024)
Source: UK DSIT AI Sector Study 2024
UK AI Sector Revenue Growth
Annual revenue in billions (GBP)
Source: UK DSIT AI Sector Study 2024
Global Salary & Compensation
AI Job Posting Share by Country
Percentage of all job postings that are AI-related (2025)
Source: PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer 2025
AI Wage Premium Growth
Salary premium for AI roles vs non-AI roles
Source: PwC Global AI Jobs Barometer 2025
AI Salary Ranges by Role (UK, 2025)
Salary ranges in £000s by experience level
Source: Indeed Hiring Lab UK, LinkedIn Jobs 2025
The Skills Gap Crisis
AI Talent Supply vs Demand Gap
Global demand-to-supply ratio: 3.2 : 1
For every 100 qualified AI professionals,
there are 320 open positions — a 68.75% talent gap
Source: Gartner CIO Survey 2025, WEF Future of Jobs 2025
UK Skills Gap Crisis
Percentage of UK tech leaders reporting challenges
Source: Gartner CIO Survey 2025
Future Projections
Future AI Jobs Projection (2025-2030)
Global job market impact in millions
Source: WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025
AI Hiring Growth by Sector
Year-over-year AI job growth rate by industry
Source: LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2025
Fastest-Growing AI Roles (2025)
Year-over-year growth in job postings
Source: LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2025
Data Sources
Careers You Can Pursue
AI/ML Engineer
+143%Prompt Engineer
+136%Data Scientist
+38%AI Product Manager
+52%NLP Specialist
+67%AI Content Creator
+135%I was stuck in a retail management job, feeling like the tech industry was completely out of reach. No CS degree, no connections, no idea where to start. Qualify Nation changed everything. Within a year, I had a real qualification, a portfolio of projects, and the confidence to apply for AI roles. The Grow platform helped me land a junior ML engineer position at a fintech startup. My salary jumped from £28k to £52k. This programme genuinely transformed my career.
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about our Network Engineering program. Can't find an answer? Get in touch.
Basic computer skills are helpful but not required. We start from the fundamentals and build up. If you understand how the internet works at a high level, you're ready to start.
This course aligns with Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, and provides foundations for CCNP. You'll receive a QualifyNation Network Engineering certificate upon completion.
Just a computer with internet access. We provide virtual labs with Cisco Packet Tracer and GNS3 environments. No physical networking equipment is required.
While we use Cisco equipment in labs (industry standard), the concepts apply to all vendors. You'll learn transferable skills that work with Juniper, Arista, HP, and others.
The course is 540 hours total. Full-time learners typically complete it in 4-5 months (25-30 hours/week). Part-time learners can spread it over 8-10 months (12-15 hours/week).
You have 24/7 access to our AI tutor for immediate help, plus human support responds within 24 hours. You'll also join our learner community to discuss networking challenges.
Still have questions?
Contact SupportApply for Access
Our programmes are designed for committed professionals. Apply below and a member of our team will be in touch within 24 hours to discuss your goals.
Speak With an Advisor
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30-minute call · No obligation · Available weekdays
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Choose Your Path
Start with Learn and upgrade as you progress, or get everything upfront with the Complete Bundle.
Pay in Full
One payment, 12-month access to all platforms
£244.40 discount applied
Everything included:
- Learn: Full curriculum & AI tutor
- Labs: Hands-on practical exercises
- Exam: Portfolio assessment & certification
- Grow: Career coaching & job support
- 12-month access to all platforms
- One free assessment resit included
- 14-day refund if not started
Pay Monthly
12 monthly payments, full access
£1694.40 total over 12 months
Everything included:
- Learn: Full curriculum & AI tutor
- Labs: Hands-on practical exercises
- Exam: Portfolio assessment & certification
- Grow: Career coaching & job support
- 12-month access to all platforms
- One free assessment resit included
- 14-day refund if not started
Study Network Engineering in your UK city
Our fully online network engineering programme is studied by learners across the UK. Explore local job-market data, salaries and employers for your area.
Ready to Build the Networks of Tomorrow?
Join learners who've already launched their careers in network engineering. Your future connecting the world starts with a single step.