Dublin College Blackrock in collaboration with the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Technological University Dublin (TUD), is pleased to announce the introduction of a new BSc (Honours) in Networks and System Administration, commencing in September 2026, pending TU Dublin's final validation in May 2026.
This course is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern IT and networked environments. It will provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and practical hands‑on skills essential for managing, securing, and supporting IT infrastructure.
What is a Tertiary Degree?
A Tertiary Degree is a new pathway from Further Education and Training with seamless progression into Higher Education to earn an
undergraduate degree. See www.nto.ie for further information
This Tertiary Degree will be implemented as follows:
- Year 1 will take place at Dublin College Blackrock
- Year 2 will continue at Dublin College Blackrock, with students attending the TU Dublin, Grangegorman campus one day per week
- Years 3 and 4 will be in TU Dublin Grangegorman
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with five subjects at grade O6/H7
- Leaving Certificate with four subjects at grade O6 plus LCVP with distinction
- Leaving Certificate Applied with Distinction
- Hold QQI Level 4 award with a minimum of a grade of distinction
Applicants may also present A-Levels or other EU qualifications for Equivalency. Qualifications from countries other than Ireland or the UK should be accompanied with a comparability statement from the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).
All applicants must attend a screening interview, where they should successfully demonstrate relevant skills, experience, and motivation to ensure suitability for the programme.
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students aged 23 or over on January 1 of the year of application are welcome and may be called to interview to outline their holistic life and career experience, interest in and aptitude for the field of study, and recognition of prior learning.
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must demonstrate CEFR proficiency at B2 for access. An Irish Leaving Certificate qualification achieved through English meets this requirement. Applicants who have full Level 5 or 6 QQI award obtained in Ireland will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Assessment and Certification
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After Year 1, qualified candidates are awarded the QQI Level 5 Certificate - Computer Systems and Networks (5M0536)
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After Year 2, qualified candidates are awarded QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate - Computer Systems and Networks (6M0695)
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After Year 3, qualified candidates are awarded the Level 7 degree - Bachelor of Technology, Networks & System Administration (TU Dublin)
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After Year 4, qualified candidates are awarded the level 8 degree - BSc (Honours) in Networks and System Administration (TU Dublin)
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the BSc (Honours) in Networks and System Administration are well prepared for a wide range of roles in Ireland’s expanding IT and technology sector including:
- Network Support Specialist
- Junior Network Engineer
- NOC (Network Operations Centre) Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- IT Support / Desktop Support Engineer
- Infrastructure Technician
- Server / Datacentre Support Engineer
- Cloud Operations Associate
- Cloud Support Technician
- Virtualisation Support Engineer
- DevOps / Platform Support (entry‑level)
- Field Service Engineer
- Managed Services Technician
Course Structure
Is this course for you?
Do you want to build real‑world IT and networking skills that employers value?
Are you interested in fast‑growing areas like networks, cybersecurity, and cloud computing?
Do you prefer practical, hands‑on learning?
Are you looking for a supported pathway from college into a university honours degree — without CAO points?
Do you want a career‑focused programme with clear progression into TU Dublin and the wider tech sector?
Course Features:
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No tuition fees for years one and two
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CAO points not required
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Seamless progression pathway from Dublin College Blackrock to TUD
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Strong emphasis on real‑world scenarios, problem‑solving, and industry best practice
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Integrated work experience and project-based learning
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Small classes supporting personalised learning, mentoring and academic support
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In year two, students spend one day a week at TU Dublin Grangegorman campus to complete two modules and support transition into university
Year 1 - Dublin College Blackrock |
Year 2 - Dublin College Blackrock |
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* Modules are studied at TUD |
Year 3 - TUD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
Year 4 - TUD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering |
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