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Computer Networks and Cyber Security
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Introduction

Computer Networks and Cyber Security Course - Dublin

At BFEI located at Blackrock village, Co.Dublin we offer a one year QQI Level 5, Certified Computer Networks and Cyber Security course.

"This is a very hands-on course." Matthew Shanley

"The facilities and equipment in BFEI are of a high standard." Jean Maltese

"I found this course to be a great stepping stone to the career I wished to pursue." Pierce Galligan

Are you interested in acquiring the skills to build and defend computer networks?

Are you looking for an alternative pathway to a degree in information technology?

Do you want to build a career in Ireland’s expanding computing industry?

The Computer Networks and Cyber Security course in BFEI will teach you how to build and configure computer networks, you will also acquire the skills to identify security threats and deploy appropriate mitigation strategies.

Do you want to get hands-on practice in building and troubleshooting networks? Are you interested in learning the skills to defend networks against cyber attacks? By doing this course, you will be able to build and configure local area networks (LANs) to enable the sharing of computing resources among users. Protection of data is now a priority for all businesses. As well as learning the fundamentals of computer network security, this course will equip you with the skills to identify security threats and appropriate mitigation strategies.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this course, you can pursue careers in the IT industry including:

• Technical Support Specialist

• Field Service Technician

• IT Security Technician

• Help-desk Technician

Course Structure

  • QQI (Computer Systems and Networks certificate):
    • Computer Systems Hardware. This module will give students an understanding of the key concepts, terminology and functionality associated with computer hardware including current technologies. This module is graded as follows: Skills Demonstation(s) 70%, Examination 30%.
    • Operating Systems. Install, configure, utilise and maintain computer operating systems. This module is graded as follows: Skills Demonstation(s) 70%, Examination 30%.
    • Networking Essentials.  Support the operation of typical computer networks. Implement and maintain common network configurations. This module is graded as follows: Skills Demonstation(s) 70%, Examination 30%.
    • Distributed Sytems.  Compare distributed computer networks with centralised systems. Discuss different types of computer networks including parallel, cloud, grid and cluster computing. Learn the fundamentals of distributed computer networks and how they can be deployed. This module is graded as follows: Skills Demonstation(s) 70%, Examination 30%.
    • Virtualisation. In this module students will be introduced to the key concepts of virtualisation, including client virtualisation and server virtualisatoion. Students will build virtualised systems. This module is graded as follows: Skills Demonstation(s) 70%, Examination 30%.
    • Maths. Apply a range of mathematical skills and tools related to working with computer systems and networks.This module is graded as follows: Assignments 60%, Examination 40%.
    • Communications. Acquire the competence to communicate verbally and non-verbally in standard everyday tasks and in work-related tasks. This module is graded as follows: Skills Demonstation(s) 50% Portfolio/Collection of Work 50%.
    • Work Experience. Participate in a workplace for a minimum of two weeks, carrying out work-related tasks independently and while under general direction. Skills Demonstation(s) 40% Portfolio/Collection of Work 60%.
  • CISCO Cyber Security Essentials. Understand security controls for networks, servers and applications. Learn valuable security principals and how to develop compliant policies. Implement proper procedures for data confidentiality and availability.
Core Elements
  • Computer Systems Hardware
  • Operating systems
  • Networking Essentials
  • Distributed Systems
  • Virtualisation
  • Maths for IT
  • Communications
  • Work Experience

  • Course Code

  • CNS

  • Duration

  • 1 Year – full time September to May

  • Number of Places

  • 30

  • Number of contact hours per week

  • 25

  • Timetable contact

  • 5 days
Testimonial

“I found the Computer Networks course in BFEI to be genuinely fantastic. I already had an interest in computers and cybersecurity so this course was perfect for me.  Before doing the course, I didn’t do well in the Leaving Cert and I had dropped out of my previous course so I was feeling a little lost but I decided to give my education one more shot and enrolled at BFEI.  After successfully completing it, I can say my only regret is not doing the course sooner.  The learning environment was excellent and so were all of the Lecturers.  The smaller class size meant I could ask more questions and had more one to one attention from the Lecturers.  As well as being great for my studies, BFEI also provided me the opportunity to meet a mix of fun and interesting people.  I’m delighted to say that I’m now studying Computer Science at UCD and it wouldn’t have been possible without this course and the great teachers behind it.  Thank you BFEI for providing this opportunity”.  

- Myles McManus, Computer Networks & Cyber Security, Graduate, 2020 -

Support Elements
  • In conjunction with an external agency FIT (Fast Track Into Information Technology), BFEI offers participants the opportunity to do practice interviews with industry specialists, www.fit.ie.
  • Career Advice and CV Preparation.
  • Office 365 Licences are provided free of charge for use on personal devices.
  • Students have the opportunity to complete the work placement in a location in Europe, in conjunction with Erasmus+. Futher details on Erasmus+ in BFEI can be found here: https://www.bfei.ie/showcase/erasmus.
Assessment and certification

Progression

Students may apply through the CAO system for entry to degree courses via the Higher Education Links Scheme. The following are some of the courses that can be applied for upon successful completion of the Computer Networks and IT Security course at BFEI:Entry to degree programmes is based upon a competitive assessment of results.

PROGRESSION TO FURTHER STUDIES

If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:

BTech Networking Technologies or Bachelor of Engineering Technological University Dublin [City] - www.tudublin.ie

BSc in Computing - Digital Forensics & Cyber Security Technological University Dublin [Blanchardstown] - www.tudublin.ie

BSc in Cybercrime and IT Security Institute of Technology Carlow – www.itcarlow.ie

BSc in Computer Science University College Dublin – www.ucd.ie

Check out the updated BFEI CAO Progression Pathways Chart with new progression options included for TCD, NUI Maynooth and University of Limerick.  CAO data shows that many BFEI graduates from 2019/2020 secured excellent CAO offers.

Further information on the Higher Education Links Scheme can be found on the following web pages:

http://www2.cao.ie/fetac/fetac_search.php

https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=scoring&s=fetac

Entry Requirements
  • Leaving Certificate

You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.

  • Mature Applicants

Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.

Application Process

Students apply for a place on the course via the BFEI website, https://cms.enrol.ie/bfei2020/.

Applicants may be invited to attend an advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Information on course costs and the registration/induction process will also be provided at this meeting. 

Places will be offered, on a first come basis, subject to the applicant meeting the entry requirements and subject to a place being available. 

A non-refundable acceptance fee of €40 must be paid to accept a place.

Registration/Induction will take place at the end of September 2020, further details will be issued in due course.

Fees

Acceptance fee: €40. Payable within two weeks of receiving offer of place.

Course commence costs, payable in September:

  • Registration fee: €150
  • PLC Government levy: €200
  • QQI Exam Fees: €50
  • Books and materials: €50

Medical card holders are exepmpt from the following fees: PLC Government levy (€200), QQI Exam Fees: (€50).

Students on VTOS, BTEA or in receipt or grants may also be exempt from fees listed above. Further details are available here: https://www.bfei.ie/about-bfei/support-services/student-financial-support/

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BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin

+353 1 2889717 Get directions

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