Certificate in Networking and System Administration
AWAITING SPRINGBOARD 2025 ANNOUNCEMENT PRIOR TO OPENING FOR APPLICATIONS
Course Overview
This 1-year part-time course provides key foundational knowledge in the areas of Computer Hardware, Systems and Networking. By understanding the concepts and theories underlying modern computer hardware, students will be able to operate and configure computer equipment, make informed equipment choices and use troubleshooting techniques and strategies to identify typical hardware and configuration problems.
The Certificate in Networking and System Administration provides students with basic skills in Computer Hardware, Systems and Networking. The aim of the programme is to provide students with the skills to configure and administer a simple network. In the study of computer hardware, students will additionally experience the closely associated areas of networking and system administration. Learners will be exposed to a variety of computer hardware and operating systems in a modern third-level teaching environment and will also gain basic scripting skills.
This course may therefore be of interest to those wishing to pursue hobbyist or formal interests in emerging Internet of Things devices, which combine a unique blend of simple electronics and controlling software.
Graduates will emerge with sound theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and most importantly, the capacity to continue self-directed learning in the field.
Career Opportunities
Reports show that there is a serious and increasing shortage of Networking personnel in all developed countries, including Ireland, leading to excellent job opportunities in the ICT (Information & Communications Technology) industry for successful graduates of this course.
Course Delivery and Modules
Classes will normally run in fully online mode on Mondays and Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm to 9.00pm over two semesters. Delivery will involve a blend of "live" synchronous classes supported by additional asynchronous contact hours (videos/practical tasks), to be completed within the same week but at a time of the student’s choosing.
Please note that the timetable is subject to change.
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Modules
- Introduction to System Administration: In this module students will learn how to install, configure and setup servers and their services in both Linux and Windows. In addition, they will perform basic configuration tasks using GUI and scripting.
- Computer Hardware: Students completing this module will be able to explain how modern digital devices work and describe how their components interact with each other.
- Introduction to Scripting: Scripting in PowerShell and Bash on Windows and UNIX platforms is introduced in an applied problem-solving environment. Concepts are taught by application to common system administration tasks encountered in development and operations environments.
- Introduction to Networking: The aim of this module is to introduce students to the fundamentals of data communications and networking. Among other topics students will learn how components communicate and exchange data, will be able to identify network components and topologies and configure a Local Area Network.
- Introduction to System Administration: In this module students will learn how to install, configure and setup servers and their services in both Linux and Windows. In addition, they will perform basic configuration tasks using GUI and scripting.
Education Progression
Students can continue their studies here at DkIT, either by:
- Taking another part-time Certificate (Programming)
- Or by upgrading to a full-time degree level course at DkIT.
Fees and Funding
The course fee is €950. The fee is payable as follows:
- Payment 1: Accept Offer Fee = €200 (Non-refundable)
- Payment 2 of €275 is payable by 31st October
- Payment 3 of €475 is payable by 28th February
Fees
€950
Entry Requirements
DkIT standard entry requirements onto a level 6 programme are:
- Five Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate
- AND Mathematics Grade F2, O6 or H7
- AND English Grade O6 or H7
- OR Irish Grade O6 or H7
Mature students are not required to have the minimum Leaving Certificate requirements but should provide any relevant additional information in support of their application. Mature students may be interviewed.
Ask us a Question
If you have a question about the Certificate in Networking and System Administration please ask it below and we will get back to you.
Dr. Fiona Lawless
Head of Department of Computing Science & Mathematics, DkIT
Email: fiona.lawless@dkit.ieDisclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).
