CNet Training is giving people with an interest in the industry, a chance to become part of the elite group of worldwide data centre professionals. Its Masters degree program in Data Centre Leadership and Management intends to expand existing skills and knowledge of talented technical managers to business leadership.
Data centres are complex facilities that are expected to deliver faultless service and financial results in a world of rapidly changing technologies, business pressures and environmental expectations.
In order to achieve this, data centres need highly capable leaders and managers – individuals who are capable of dealing with business complexity and technological change with the knowledge and skills to ensure their teams deliver against consistently challenging objectives.
In addition to being the global leader in technical education for the data centre sector, CNet is an Associate College of Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, UK and is therefore approved to design and deliver the content of the prestigious level 7 Masters degree in Data Centre Leadership and Management.
The Masters degree program launched in 2015 and the first graduation took place in October 2018. The three-year Masters degree has proven very popular and gone from strength to strength among senior managers working in data centre facilities wishing to form the elite group of worldwide data centre professionals.
Previous graduates come from companies including Unilever, Microsoft, IBM, Capital One, Newmark Knight Frank, Schneider Electric, Time Warner Cable, Sudlows Limited, Digital Realty Trust and Wirewerks, to name a few. Each graduate committed to the three-year programme centred around leadership and business management within a data centre environment.
Andrew Stevens, President and CEO, CNet Training, discusses the detail of the program and how to apply.
An overview of the program
The Masters Degree in Data Centre Leadership and Management was created out of the need to expand existing skills and knowledge of talented technical managers to business leadership. Arming them with contemporary knowledge and capability to manage business imperatives and therefore have a more significant impact on the business itself to contribute to growth, innovation and insight.
The Masters Degree never stands still, the CNet team are continually enhancing and developing the program to match the fast-paced nature of the data centre environment to make sure the program continues to accurately reflect the needs of the data centre and business leadership. The program content is written by the CNet team in consultation with industry leaders from all over the world. The content of the Masters is re-written each year to ensure it reflects the constantly evolving nature of the sector.
Year one of the program enables the learner to develop their expertise in three key themes that are at the heart of any business: leadership; sustainability; and financial management.
Year two takes the learner’s experience and expertise to the next level. The key topics include: data centre issues of infrastructure management, security and disaster recovery; human resource management; organisational behaviour; and strategies for maximising performance and decision making in critical services.
Year three goes into further depth, giving the learner the chance to develop their thought leadership and address specific business issues. Firstly, in the’Contemporary Issues in Leadership and Management’ module, learners will explore themes in the data centre sector and gain an in-depth understanding of issues that are important to them. Finally, learners will put all of their learning over the three years into practice by developing and delivering a major project (‘dissertation’ or ‘thesis’).
The program objectives
The main objectives from the Masters degree program are to combine the existing skills and knowledge the learners already gained from their career within the data centre sector, with the new academic learning surrounding business leadership and management within a data centre environment.
On completion of the Masters program, learners will gain a Masters degree in Data Centre Leadership and Management (MA), a level 7 qualification. They will also be able to use the MA post-nominal letters after their name as well as have access to their unique Masters degree in Data Centre Leadership and Management (MA) Digital Badge.
All graduates will also be invited to the graduation ceremony held in Cambridge, UK.
Masters degree target audience
The degree is suited to leaders and senior managers working in data centre facilities wishing to form the elite group of worldwide data centre professionals.
Duration of the program
The Masters degree is a three-year supported online distance learning program via a learning management system providing support, flexibility and guidance to learners every step of the year.
On average, learners are expected to commit 7-10 hours of study to the program per week during the trimesters, however, due to the online learning aspect, there is flexibility to work at times most suited to the learner and to fit around work/family life. It is essential to note that the deadlines provided by the university are strict and must be met in order to complete the degree.
Distance learning and how it works
The online distance learning via CNet’s Learning Management System, Moodle, provides flexibility and complete interaction every step of the way. All of the online discussions (video, skype, etc.) are recorded and there are bulletin board-style bases for live messages and support.
Online learning is mostly asynchronous and therefore learners must make time to interact with the online materials and activities. It is an expectation that learners will actively engage with discussions and online activities.
From time to time, guest lectures and live sessions will be available and learners are expected to attend. Every effort is made to schedule the times of live sessions to accommodate global time zones.
As distance learners, individuals will need a suitable computer with an Internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use of word processing, Internet and email.
How learners are supported
There is always an opportunity to interact with the module tutor. All learners on the Masters program are supported by the passionate CNet team, the specialist academic staff and industry specialists. All are on hand to provide guidance, support and mentoring throughout the program to enrich the learning experience.
Exam queries
There are no exams with the Masters degree program. All of the assessments have been carefully designed to provide value beyond the program and will usually be based on the learner’s place of work, previous industry experiences or on a business that the learner may already be aware of.
How to apply
The deadline for 2020 applications is August 14, 2020.
CNet considers all applications individually, taking into account each applicant’s experience and qualifications. We encourage individuals to apply if they have experience working in a data centre facility and ideally have at least two years at middle or senior management level in a data centre context. It is advantageous if individuals have a first- or second-class degree from a UK university or equivalent from an overseas university.
Those applicants for whom English is not a first language will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
Once the application has been submitted, it will be reviewed by the Higher and Further Education Principal which can take three to five days. If successful, individuals will be notified by email and sent an acceptance form.
Talk to a tutor/graduate
CNet has recently introduced an option for prospective learners to have the opportunities to ‘Talk to a Tutor’ and ‘Talk to a Graduate’. This provides those who are interested in the program with the chance to speak directly to graduates who have completed the program, to learn more about their personal experiences or to talk directly to a tutor from the Masters degree who can answer any specific queries relating to program content and eligibility.
To find out more, email [email protected] and they will be able to arrange a suitable date and time to speak with a graduate/tutor.
