Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) Apply directly to College
This is a one-year, full-time course designed to equip learners with the practical vocational skills and technical knowledge required to install, configure, and maintain modern computer systems and basic network infrastructures. Operating within the college's dedicated PC Maintenance Lab, students receive comprehensive hands-on training in building and customizing desktop computers and deploying diverse operating systems across multiple hardware platforms. The curriculum introduces foundational coding concepts and teaches learners how to design, secure, and manage small business network architectures using both physical equipment and virtual environments. This course serves as an ideal launchpad for technical roles or advanced studies in network administration, software development, cybersecurity, and tech support.
On successful completion of this course learners will be awarded a 120 credit NFQ level 5 Major Award in Computer Systems and Networks.
Course Details
What will you study?
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course leads to a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.
To view CAO courses to which any Major Award (including this one) provides a possible Progression route, click below:
| CAO with Any QQI Major Award |
| Old FETAC Code | New QQI Code |
| 5M0536 |
To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.
The Student - Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Further Research
National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)
The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.
Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
Career Progression
IT specialist jobs including Helpdesk Support, Network Technician and Customer Support.
College Profile
