Computer Networks & Cyber Security
Is this course for you?
Do you want to get hands-on practice in building and troubleshooting computers and computer 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.
| Award Name | IT Essentials |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | CISCO |
| NFQ Level | |
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Essentials | CISCO | ||
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time. 5 days per week.
Entry Requirements
• 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 (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Job 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
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 & IT Security
South East Technological University [Carlow] - www.setu.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/faqs
Further information
Classes will commence in mid-September 2025.
Course Registration takes place in late August.
You will be invited to the College to attend an induction session prior to class commencement.
Non-EU Citizens
If you are a non-EU National, then you should be in compliance with Irish Visa requirements in advance of applying to BFEI.
Application is free! Once you have been offered a place on your chosen course, you will have to pay an acceptance fee of €50 to confirm that you are accepting the place. It is advisable to apply early as many courses fill up quickly. Other costs (books, kits, optional training etc) vary depending on the course you choose. Specific details regarding costs will be confirmed prior to course commencement
Student Financial Support
The range of schemes and measures available to assist students in Further Education Colleges include the:
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
Back To Education Allowance (BTEA)
Maintenance Grant Scheme
Fund For Students With Disabilities
Other Funding
PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme 2023
www.studentfinance.ie provides comprehensive and user-friendly information on the range of financial support schemes and programmes available to full-time further and higher education students.
For September 2025 Intake BFEI is open for applications on Wednesday 8th January 2025 at 8:30am. All applications must be made via our website (www.bfei.ie). - View Application Weblink above.
What skills will I have when I finish?
You will have gained the knowledge and skills to:
• Setup and troubleshoot networks.
• Respond to customer technical support queries in a professional manner.
• Implement mitigation techniques to secure networks.
What will I study?
QQI Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks
• Computer Systems Hardware
• Operating Systems
• Networking Essentials
• Distributed Systems
• ICT Security Policy & Management
• Maths for IT
• Communications
• Work Experience
• Maths for STEM (BFEI criteria will apply)
CISCO:
• Cyber Security Essentials
Office 365 Licences are provided free of charge for use on personal devices.
Will I do anything additional on the course?
• In conjunction with the agency FIT (Fast Track into Information Technology), you will do workshops on CV’s, LinkedIn and interviews and you will get the opportunity to do a practice interview with industry specialists.
• You will use the e-learning platform Moodle
Assessment for the QQI Award is based on a combination of assignments and exams. CISCO certification is awarded following successful completion of online testing.
5M0536 - Computer Systems & Networks.
What qualifications will I get when I finish the course?
You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks (5M0536) and CISCO Cyber Security Essentials.
Blackrock Further Education Institute BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin
Tel: 01 288 9717
email: office@bfei.ie
Web: www.bfei.ie