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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. Understand, build and maintain computer systems.
    • Operating Systems. Install, configure, utilise and maintain computer operating systems.
    • Networking Essentials.  Support the operation of typical computer networks. Implement and maintain common network configurations.
    • Distributed Sytems. Learn the fundamentals of distributed systems and how they can be deployed.
    • Virtualisation. Participate in the implementation and maintenance of a virtualised computers and networks. 
    • Maths. Apply a range of mathematical skills and tools related to working with computer systems and networks.
    • Communications. Acquire the competence to communicate verbally and non-verbally in standard everyday tasks and in work-related tasks.
    • Work Experience. Participate in a workplace for a minimum of two weeks, carrying out work-related tasks independently and while under general direction. 
  • CISCO

Cyber Security Essentials.

Core Elements
  • Computer Systems Hardward
  • Operating systems
  • Networking Essentials
  • Distributed Systems
  • Virtualisation
  • Maths
  • 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

"After being made redundant from the precision engineering sector my local FAS office recommended that I re-train. I had an interest in computers but no qualifications, so I applied for an IT course in BFEI. I completed two years in BFEI during which time I got qualifications in computer networking. Going back to learning was a challenge, however, I thoroughly enjoyed my time in BFEI. The course was mostly hands-on which suited me very well. After BFEI I did a start-your-own business course. This course coupled with my newly acquired IT skills, gave me the confidence to register myself as self-employed and begin offering my services as an IT and Networks technician. Initially I took any work I could. I was asked to install a new classroom of PCs in a local primary school. Since then through word of mouth, I have worked in several other schools, with work ranging from installing WiFi systems to troubleshooting printers and interactive white boards. I find the job stimulating and rewarding. I greatly enjoy the independence of working for myself and working in different locations. Without BFEI, I would not be in the position I am in today, working full-time for myself in an expanding sector." 

- Paul Brierton, BFEI graduate -

Support Elements
  • In conjunction with an external Government agency FIT (Fast Track Into Information Technology), BFEI offers participants the opportunity to do practice interviews with industry specialists.
  • 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+.
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 more progression options by downloading the BFEI Progression Pathways Chart at www.bfei.ie

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.

Advisory Meeting

Applicants will 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. 

Fees

It is free to apply to a course in BFEI, once you decide to accept an offer of a place you are required to pay an acceptance fee of €40. At course commencement, students are required to pay for books (€50), QQI exams (€50*), PLC Government Levy (€200*), and a Student Services fee (€150).

Students from outside the EU may be required to pay additional fees.

* Medical card holders, SUSI grant recipients, VTOS, and BTEA students are exempt from QQI exams fees and the PLC Government levy.

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BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin

+353 1 2889717 Get directions

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