Certificate in Networking and System Administration
Four great reasons to consider this course
- This course provides an up-skilling opportunity for those wishing to develop knowledge of Computing Systems;
- It will help you build foundation skills in Computer Hardware, Systems and Networking – participants will learn how to operate and configure computer equipment and develop crucial scripting skills.
- The course is practically focused and will help participants develop critical thinking and analytical skills crucial for the workplace of today.
- It is a good first step for those considering a change of career towards the ICT Sector.
Course Summary
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.
Modules taught include:
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
The course fee is €950. The fee is payable as follows:
- Payment 1: Application Fee = €50 (Refundable if you are not made an offer of a place on the course)
- Payment 2: Accept Offer Fee = €100 (Non-refundable)
- Payment 3 of €325 is payable by 28th February
- Payment 4 of €475 is payable by 31st October
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.
This course would be of interest to those who wish to pursue a career in or with computing, in particular in the fields of hardware, networking or systems administration.
The Certificate in Networking and System Administration is a key enabling qualification for both employment and further study, in addition to providing an integrated self-contained skill set.
Dr. Fiona Lawless (Head of Department of Computing Science & Mathematics, DkIT)
Phone: +353 42 9370200
Email: fiona.lawless@dkit.ie
| Course ID | DK_ICNSA_6 |
| Course Type | Flexible & Professional |
| Study Mode | Part-Time |
| Level | 6 |
| Duration | 1 Year |
| Fees | €950.00 |
| Starting Date | Monday 18th September at 6.00pm - subject to change |
| School | School of Informatics & Creative Arts |
| Department | Computing Science and Mathematics |
| Credits | 20 |
| Awarding Body | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
| Delivery Method | Online |
