Computer Networks & Cyber Security
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 | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | IT Essentials |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | CISCO |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| IT Essentials | CISCO |
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
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
Progression
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 (TU716) Technological University Dublin [Grangegorman]
• BSc in Computing - Digital Forensics & Cyber Security (TU785)Technological University Dublin [Blanchardstown]
• BSc in Cybercrime and IT Security, (SE606)South East Technological University [Carlow]
• BSc in Computer Forensics and Security (SE602) South East Technological University [Waterford]
• BSc in Computer Science, (DN201) University College Dublin – www.ucd.ie *Leaving Certificate Mathematics is a pre-requisite
Further information
Start Date: 14/09/2026.
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.
You can apply online. Click on the “Application Weblink” above. You will need to have your PPS number and an email address to complete the application.
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 Dublin College Blackrock 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.
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.
What will I study?
• 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 (Dublin College Blackrock criteria will apply)
CISCO:
• Cyber Security Essentials
Assessment and Certification
• This course is certified by QQI and Cisco.
• QQI assessment is based on a combination of project work submitted during the year and exams.
• On successful completion of this course, learners will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks (5M0536) and CISCO Cyber Security Essentials
5M0536 - Computer Systems & Networks.
Dublin College Blackrock,
Main Street,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin,
A94 X383
t: +353 1 2889717
e: office@bfei.ie