Computer Networks & Cyber Security
There is increased demand for IT professionals who design, implement and troubleshoot computer networks. This advanced certificate course is designed to provide the necessary skills to meet this need, focusing on a higher level of IT specialist skills in the area of network design, installation, configuration and administration, as well as how they can be applied in modern technologies.
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
1 year
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
• Leaving Certificate or its equivalent with relevant experience and minimum entry requirement Ordinary Level Maths. Extenuating circumstances may be considered
• Applicants with an appropriate qualification at QQI Level 5
• Applications from mature learners who do not match these requirements but with comprehensive relevant experience in the area will be considered
• Extenuating circumstances may be considered
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
This course offers a range of skills in networking, programming, app development and operating systems. These are areas that are experiencing skill shortages. Graduates will be equipped with a skill set that will enable them to seek employment or successfully progress to higher education.
Higher Education Progression*
Examples of potential courses include:
• TUD Technological University Dublin:
Digital Forensics and Cyber Security (TU758)
Computing – BSc in Information Technology (TU860)
Computing – BSc in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity (TU863)
BSc in Computing
• SETU - South East Technological University (Waterford Campus):
BSc in Software Systems Development WD151 (Year 2)
BSc in Multimedia Applications Development WD153 (Year 2)
BSc in Information Technology (WD155) (Year 2)
• SETU - South East Technological
University (Carlow Campus):
BSc in Software Development (SE609)
BSc in I.T. Management (SE614)
• Dun Laoghaire IADT:
BSc in Creative Computing (DL 836) (Year 2)
*This is a selection of some of the available progression paths
*Places are not guaranteed in these Institutes and are subject to students meeting certain criteria. Please consult the individual college websites for more information on application. Information available also at www.cao.ie
Further information
Course commences in September 2024.
Enrolment Procedure
Step 1:
Applicants must apply online at www.bife.ie.
Step 2:
In some cases, applicants may be invited to attend for interview at the Institute. Applicants will be selected on suitability and a first come/first served basis. You should bring the following to the interview:
• A copy of Leaving Certificate results (if applicable)
• A brief Curriculum Vitae
• A Portfolio of Work (where necessary)
• References (where necessary)
Step 3:
Successful applicants will be offered a place by post, subject to them achieving the basic entry requirements laid out in the prospectus/website and must secure their place by paying an acceptance fee of €50. All fees must be paid by Friday 30th August 2024. The €50 acceptance fee is non refundable. All other fees will be refunded if the applicant subsequently decides not to take their place before Friday 27th September 2024. Failure to pay the relevant fees may result in a lapse of your offer. All candidates who accept an offer agree to abide by the policies and procedures of the Institute.
Step 4:
All learners must register at the Institute or on-line by the designated registration date.
International Applicants
The Institute welcomes applications from International Learners. Non EA applicants (applicants outside the European Area, i.e. outside EU & Iceland, Norway and Switzerland) must comply with Irish immigration requirements. Such applicants will have to secure a visa from the Immigration Section of the Department of Justice. As all courses are delivered in English, International students will be required to provide a certified qualification of proficiency in English where English is not the applicants first language.
Non-EU students will be required to pay the economic cost of the course as determined by the Department of Education.
International applicants should apply directly to the Institute office for further information.
Mature students are welcome to apply. Formal academic qualifications not required.
Fees
Courses at Bray Institute of Further Education are funded largely by the European Social Fund. Tuition costs are covered for Irish or EU citizens undertaking PLC courses. There is no application fee, however all learners are required to pay the following:
• An Acceptance Fee of €50, to be paid when offered a place on a course.
• A Resource contribution fee of €150 for learner services*, paid annually.
There is also a cost of registration with professional bodies for a small number of courses such as Accounting Technicians Ireland (ATI).
*Resource fees are used as a general fund to provide learner resources for PLC courses including library services
Maintenance Grant
Learners on full-time approved courses at the Institute are entitled to apply for Maintenance Grants. The Grant is means tested. Learners should apply to SUSI, the online grant application system, through www.studentfinance.ie.
Learners in receipt of the maintenance grant must pay all the usual costs of the course.
Back to Education Initiative & VTOS
The Department of Social Welfare and The Department of Education and Skills administer these two schemes. In 2024, these schemes will become fully integrated into the college. These schemes offer unemployed adults an opportunity to return to full-time education while retaining their full social welfare entitlements and in some cases to receive extra benefits. Payments from DEASP normally establish eligibility. Previous educational level can also contribute.
To check your eligibility log onto www.studentfinance.ie or talk to the VTOS Co-ordinator. Some extra benefits may apply.
Yes
You can only apply online on the BIFE website by clicking on the "Apply Now 2024/2025" button at the top of any page on the college website Or
Click on the Application Weblink above.
Applications usually begin in mid December of the proceeding year of application. Early applications are always advisable to avoid classes filling up and increase your chances of getting a position.
You will also acquire the skills to identify security threats and apply appropriate mitigation strategies. The nature of computer networking demands that network specialists are problem solvers with excellent attention to detail as well as having skills in coding and mobile technology development. Suitably qualified graduates may apply via the CAO onto an undergraduate degree programme in a range of third level institutions.
Programme of Study
• Physical and Logical Networking
• Systems Software
• Mobile Technologies & App Development
• Object Oriented Programming
• Information Technology Administration
• Network Infrastructure
• Communications
• Work Experience
• Mathematics
• Security
Components subject to change
6M0695 - Computer Systems and Networks - Level 6 Advanced Certificate
Certification: QQI Level 6 Award in Computer Systems and Networks (6M0695)
Head of Department:
Paul Shortall
Course Co-ordinator:
Paul Shortall
Bray Institute of Further Education,
Tel: 01 282 9668
Email: bifeenquiries@kwetb.ie
Web: www.bife.ie