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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

"I cannot overstate the importance of the CNS program. It has been invaluable to me. It is one of the best investments I have made in my life." Sally Wena Makar

"It’s a very well-structured course with great progression opportunities." Bogdan Cimpean 

"I am delighted with the choice I made to go to BFEI, it has opened many doors for me that otherwise would not have been possible." Paul Lynch

"I really enjoyed my time at BFEI and would recommend this college to anyone." Joshua Redmond

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

My Experience at BFEI was great and memorable. I enrolled on the CNS program to switch fields of study and to venture into information Technology. I was unsure if I had what it takes to return to college and study IT given that I had been out of college for some time and that IT can be overwhelming especially for mature students. I had a lot going on in my world at the time given that I was expectant mom coupled with Covid-19 ravaging the world. Although virtual learning was the order of the day, each day I logged in to my laptop, I was full of anxiety because I knew IT was a practical course and having to study it online impossible to me. However, our course instructors were very supportive, understanding, and innovative in the way they dispensed the course content especially the work placement aspect of the course.

The course instructors helped me enhance my academic and interpersonal skills. They made a positive impact on my experience as I was made to feel comfortable and understand my potential on the very first day. Although I am today studying Process Instrumentation and Automation Learn and Work Program at TU Dublin, which might be slightly different from the CNS course, CNS opened a new world of opportunities and paved a pathway to an exciting career for me. I am thankful for the mentoring and guidance that I received from my course instructors at BFEI because it has helped me get to where I am today. I cannot overstate the importance of the CNS program. It has been invaluable to me. It is one of the best investments I have made in my life.

- Sally Wena Makar, Computer Networks & Cyber Security Graduate, 2021 -

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

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

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

Fees

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

Course commence costs, payable in September:

  • Registration fee: €150
  • QQI Exam Fees: €50
  • Books and materials: €50

Medical card holders are exepmpt from the following fees: 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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