CompTIA A+
This course leads to the CompTIA A+ certification, which has very wide recognition nationally and internationally. The programme teaches computer maintenance and software support skills as well as networking skills. In addition to the A+, some vital QQI components are also certified on this programme.
| Award Name | A Plus |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | CompTIA |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Minor |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Plus | CompTIA | ||
| Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ) | Minor | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year
Entry Requirements
One of the following:
• Leaving Certificate or its equivalent with minimum entry requirement Ordinary Level Maths. Extenuating circumstances may be considered
• Leaving Certificate Applied with a Merit profile
• QQI Level 4 Certificate with Merit profile
Careers / Further progression
Career Opportunities
• Computer and networks maintenance
• Programming,
• App development
• Operating systems
Higher Education Progression*
Most degrees in computer science and related fields will become accessible to this course’s graduates. Qualified and accurate guidance on how to move to HE is available.
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.
Programme of Study
• CompTIA A+
• 5N2929 Networking Essentials
• 5N2928 Operating Systems
• 5N0548 Computer systems Hardware
• 5N18396 Maths for Computing
Components subject to change
• 5N2929 Networking Essentials
• 5N2928 Operating Systems
• 5N0548 Computer systems Hardware
• 5N18396 Maths for Computing
Certification:
CompTIA A+
QQI Component awards
• 5N2929 Networking Essentials
• 5N2928 Operating Systems
• 5N0548 Computer systems Hardware
• 5N18396 Maths for Computing
Head of Department:
Paul Shortall
Course Co-ordinator:
Roger Kavanagh
Bray Institute of Further Education,
Tel: 01 282 9668
Email: bifeenquiries@kwetb.ie
Web: www.bife.ie