Cisco Partnership Unlocks New Learning Pathways for IT Students
Media Design School has reached a new milestone in our commitment to providing industry-relevant learning for students, becoming both a Cisco Networking Academy and a Cisco Instructor Training Centre.
This dual status opens up a range of advanced learning resources and certification opportunities for our Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) students, with plans to extend this to Bachelor of Software Engineering – AI students in the future.
Cisco Networking Academy, a globally recognised IT educational platform, offers comprehensive courses and industry credentials in networking, cybersecurity, programming, artificial intelligence, and data science. By embedding the Cisco ecosystem directly into the MDS curriculum, BIT students are positioned to gain significant advantages during their studies and career preparation.
Key Benefits for MDS Students:
- Cisco Ecosystem Integration: Students will engage with the Cisco curriculum and resources, gaining hands-on experience with tools and methods used in real-world IT environments.
- Access to Packet Tracer: A powerful network simulation tool, Cisco's Packet Tracer allows students to experiment and build virtual networks, enhancing their practical skills in network design and troubleshooting.
- Cisco Certifications: Alongside their coursework, students have the opportunity to earn Cisco certifications, highly valued by employers worldwide.
Already, BIT students are tapping into Cisco’s Netacad resources, utilising tools like Packet Tracer as part of the CBS131 Cybersecurity Principles course this semester. This early access to industry-standard technology provides MDS students with a competitive edge in the fast-evolving fields of networking and cybersecurity.
In addition to these student benefits, MDS’s status as a Cisco Instructor Training Centre opens new possibilities for external engagement, professional training, and partnerships with industry leaders.
MDS joins a prestigious network of Cisco Instructor Training Centres and is the sole training centre in the North Island. This positions MDS as a key player in IT education, offering top-tier opportunities for both students and instructors.
As MDS continues to build on its innovative educational offerings, the Cisco partnership further strengthens our mission to equip students with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in the global tech industry.
