Computer Network Technician & Cybersecurity -Killester Campus
Cost €390
Our Internship Partners:
The ‘Computer Network Technician & Cyber Security’ Internship programme includes IT Solutions company Onnec, Valeo Foods and Virtual Access. Our Onnec interns are on work placement every Monday and they have arranged trips for the whole class to visit cabling manufacturing facilities, data centres and global technology companies (Kedington and our 4 intern students upgraded the college Wifi – April 2019). Our Virtual Access interns complete their paid work during the summer months, while our Valeo Foods intern completes their paid internship each Wednesday.
Read the students comments:
“The Kedington Internship Program was the best work experience I could’ve hoped for. The Killester course tutor is the best teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from. Future IT students, consider yourselves lucky!” .
“Killester College is fantastic. Having been apprehensive about returning to education after many years, I needn’t have worried. I find the tutors second to none and very supportive, helping my transition into a new career easier. I successfully gained an internship with UniCredit Bank Ireland, learning various I.T. administration roles and engaging with a highly skilled team of staff. Anyone considering a course in I.T. should choose Killester!“
Qualification/Certification
Duration: 2 years
Year 1: QQI Level 5 Award in Computer Systems and Networks 5M0536
Year 1 also includes Fas/Solas Safe Pass and Manual Handling
Year 2: QQI Level 6 Advanced Award in Computer Network Technology 6M0695.
Entry to Year 2 of this programme is subject to students completing and successfully passing all components from Year 1 of this course. Students who have successfully completed Level 5 (or equivalent) elsewhere can also be accepted into Year 2.
Note: This course costs €390 for year 1 and €320 for year 2.
€50-€80 DISCOUNT for medical card holders
Note: Mature students (over 21 years) may be entitled to VTOS funding
What will I study?
Year 1
- 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
Please note the components listed above may vary occasionally
Year 2
- Physical and Logical Networking (CCNA Routing & Switching Essentials)
- Systems Software (Linux Ubuntu, Linux Ubuntu Server, Raspbian)
- Information Technology Administration (Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, Active Directory, Domain Controllers, Raspberry Pi)
- Network Infrastructure
- Team Leadership
- Personal & Professional Development-level 6
- Network Security (Encryption Software, Cisco Wireless Routers, Penetration and Detection Software)
- Virtualisation Support (Virtual Box, VMWare)
Please note the components listed above may vary occasionally
How will I learn?
You will have a mixture of classroom-based subjects, laboratory practicals & independent study. Course work will consist of a combination of onsite & online learning. 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.
What we would like from you!
Familiarity in the use of software applications and an interest in the more technical aspects of IT i.e. networking. A level of Mathematics which equates to Leaving Certificate Ordinary level is also required. As this course has weekly online exams of a technical nature, a willingness to work hard and the ability to invest the time required, outside the classroom, to ensure success.
Career/Progression Opportunities
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 who successfully complete their studies can enter year 2 of B.Sc. degree in Computing in TU Blanchardstown, through Advanced Entry. This applies also to Networking Technologies Degree in TU Dublin & Computing in Dundalk IT. (Dkit) Students may also progress to participating Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s) through the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme. See what our Students say.
“Great College, Great Teachers and Great Atmosphere. I learned a lot of new material, gained practical hands-on knowledge and reviewed things that I already knew. The Computer Networks course is a very good option to prepare for Comptia A+ and N+ exams. It covers all Cisco CCENT material and these are the foundations of any IT job out there. Also this course is a gateway for 3rd level education. Would definitely recommend.” Artur Wachowski, graduated May 2016 (progressed to TU Blanch. to study Computer Science)
“I was a student on the Computer systems & Networks Course from September 2014 to May 2016.
While I was there I learned quite a lot from Ger Whelan and Bernadette Garry. I come from a technical background so this did help but without the support both from Bernadette and Ger I don’t think I would have done so well. And of course the other tutors too which include Kate, Margret, Dave and Joan. I’d also like to thank the canteen ladies (Trish & Pam) who where so nice even when we came in last minute for breakfast!
All in all, I loved every single day of the course from start to finish and wish to say a big thank you to everyone for all their support and kindness.” Peter O’Brien, graduated May 2016 (now employed as support technician in the IT company ‘U Want Networks’)
“I attended Killester College from 2014 – 2016 and studied the Computer Systems & Networks course. The teachers there were very helpful and approachable. As a result of my time there, I have progressed on to third level to continue studying computer science in IT Blanchardstown.” Lee Reid, graduated May 2016 (progressed to TU Blanch.to study Computer Science)
“I’m grateful for those 2 years in Killester College. I learned a lot and found good friends there. I really believe the course is very good. The Server and GNU/Linux modules you teach are very important as well.” Martin Zuber, graduated May 2013.
“I highly recommend the course because of the passionate and committed faculty in the Computing department, who are with you all the way during and after the course. The level of knowledge that you acquire from this course will provide you with the foundation to start your career or take your education even further in the field. After the course, I have been extremely fortunate to find a fantastic job where I put all of my college experience into practice with the IT Group! ” Mikola Bahily, graduated May 2009. (currently employed in IT sector)
“Killester was the best college experience that I had, made some great friends and learned a lot. I went on to Blanchardstown IT and got to skip first year and go through second year without networking due to having the CCNA. I am now working as a systems administrator / network engineer in Openet Telecom. They are an established SMB in the telecoms industry, our customers include Vodafone, Eir and AT&T. Ger and Bernadette were super lecturers they contributed greatly to my current success in the IT industry.” Stephen Walsh, graduated May 2009. (Progressed to TU Blanch. gained degree in Computer Science and is currently employed in IT sector)
Entry Requirements
A student over 16 yrs 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. 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
- 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) They will also be asked to sit a short Maths test at application stage.
Note Students should note that some of the practical work on this course requires some physical effort. Consequently, students with any back problems or other injuries or conditions should discuss this matter with the course coordinator at enrolment.
Enquiries: stefan.weissenmayer@kmcfe.cdetb.ie
Course Code 660