Applied Computer Networks & Security - Online

The delivery is broken into 30 ECTS blocks to enable the learner to select the most beneficial to them enabling continuous professional development (CPD) and progression from post graduate certificate (30 ECTS) to diploma (60 ECTS) or full MSc (90 ECTS). The delivery of classes is on-line, and the timing is suitable to those in full-time employment.

The course modules cover the technical content of a variety of IT industry professional certifications. The certification exams and any membership fees are not included in this programme. Final certification examinations may be taken at a number of national external examination centres.

What modules will I study?
Year 1
Title: Data Centre Design and Networking
Credits: 10
This module aims to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of designing, building and operating Data Centres, including power, cooling, network infrastructure, and health and safety considerations. It also covers network architectures commonly found in Data Centres and provides an overview of equipment, including server and storage technologies.

Embedded industry certification: EPI CDCS

Title: Information Security
Credits: 10
Information is widely recognised as the most important asset of any enterprise and its security should be a major focus. This module aims to allow learners to develop the expertise to manage a best-practice information security system, aligned to globally accepted standards, to ensure that an organisation's information assets are protected.

Embedded industry certification: CISSP

Title: Network Design
Credits: 10
This module will examine the essential aspects of designing and optimising modern computer networks according to industry best practices as appropriate for an IT professional or manager. This module will combine theory and active learning developing essential network professional management capacity.

Embedded industry certification: Cisco CCNA

Title: Network Infrastructure Security
Credits: 10
This module will examine the security concepts and skills needed for the installation, troubleshooting, and management of enterprise network infrastructure devices to maintain their integrity, confidentiality, and availability as appropriate for an IT professional or manager. The learner will develop essential career skills like problem-solving and collaboration.

Embedded industry certification: Cisco Network Security

Title: Penetration Testing and Cyber Operations
Credits: 10
This module will allow learners to develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to plan, carry out, and evaluate penetration testing and ethical hacking including the ethical and legal requirements. Learners identify vulnerabilities using industry-standard tools, leading to an assessment of risk and countermeasures.

Embedded industry certifications: CompTIA PenTest+, Cisco CyberOps

Title: Private Cloud and Software Defined Networking
Credits: 10
This module will examine the essential aspects of designing and optimising private cloud implementations, as appropriate for an IT professional or manager. Additionally, emerging solutions to Software Defined Networking and Automation will be examined. This module will develop essential career skills like problem-solving and collaboration.

Embedded industry certification: VMware VCP

Title: Research Project
Credits: 30
A research project to investigate a chosen aspect of Computer Science. The learner will submit a dissertation describing the research carried out, the developed system (if appropriate), results obtained, and conclusions reached. Learners may be required to give presentations including a final presentation or viva voce examination.

Embedded industry certification: optional e.g., Amazon AWS etc.

What are the entry requirements?
A minimum Second-Class Level 8 Honours Degree (2.2) in an IT related discipline or non-IT discipline with considerable experience and/ or ability evidenced by a portfolio of prior experience and learning. Priority entry will be given to applicants with a higher classification of award.

Special Case Registrations
Prospective participants who do not meet the entry requirements for the programme detailed above but who may qualify for admission by meeting certain other equivalent criteria, should apply to the Admissions Office for consideration under the Institute’s Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

Full-time 1 year, Part-time also available

Contact the college for the next start date.
Email Admissions - admissions.midwest@tus.ie

What are the career prospects?
This programme is designed to enable learners to either progress and develop new skillsets in the their chosen IT career through CPD or start a new career in the IT industry altogether. Industry roles depending on experience could be related to networks, security and or IT management. For example: network engineer, technical support engineer (levels 1-3), Cybersecurity Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst, IT services manager etc.

Are there opportunities for further study?
Post Graduate studies within the department include research Masters and Doctorate studies.