Course Summary
Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College
You will have a mixture of classroom-based subjects, laboratory practicals, mandatory work placement and independent study. You will be expected to complete assignments throughout the year (Continuous Assessment). This course includes an extensive e-Learning programme designed by CISCO Systems to teach students networking skills.
Students receive comprehensive preparation for the CISCO certification. Students will also be exposed to real-life data networking environments through guided tours of IT facilities. Tours in the past have included included St Vincents Hospital, ESB, Dublin Airport, OPW, ITB, DIT and the Dublin Convention Centre.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (Level 5)
Any student over 16 years seeking entry to this programme does not need a previous formal qualification. However, the student must demonstrate at interview the capacity to successfully participate on this programme. This includes both the academic and work experience elements of the programme. Should the student have previous qualifications, one of the following may be advantageous for admission to the programme:
- Leaving Certificate/LCA
- QQI Level 4 Award
- Applicants must have attained a Pass grade in Leaving Cert Ordinary Level Maths or equivalent (in case of Business or Science courses)
- Students who have/are taking LCA or Leaving Certificate Foundation Maths must sit a short Maths test in Cathal Brugha FET as part of the Application process.
- Students who may not have formal academic requirements but who have the ability to successfully participate on the course will be considered. (RPL Recognition of Prior Learning)
- Interview
Course Details
This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:
What will you study?
-
Networking Essentials (CCNA Introduction to Networks)
Computer Systems Hardware
Operating Systems
Programming and Design Principles (Python)
Maths for IT
Virtualisation Support
ICT Security Policy & Management (Cisco CyberSecurity Essentials)
Personal & Professional Development
Communications
Important
- Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
- Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.
Progression to CAO Courses
Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)
This course results in 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 this award provides a direct progression route, click below:
QQI Code
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
Surveys have shown serious and increasing shortages of Networking personnel in all developed countries, including Ireland. This course ensures excellent job opportunities in the ICT (Information & Communications Technology) industry. Students may progress to participating Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme. Progression to DCU, TU, NCI etc Computing degrees.
