Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing in Computer Networks & Cloud Infrastructure (Add-on)

Course Summary

The BSc in Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure will provide the learner with the skills, knowledge, and competencies required to begin a career in Information Technology/Computer Networking. The programme enables the learner to work with computer networks and cloud infrastructure in order to design, analyse, survey, configure, install, monitor, secure, evaluate, and troubleshoot network, server and telecommunications configurations. This programme is mapped onto professional industry qualifications, and helps to prepare candidates for immediate employment using skills gained in the required areas.

Ireland’s success story in the ICT sector generally is impressive: 

• Over 105,000 people are employed in the technology sector in Ireland, with approximately 70% of those employed by FDI companies. 
• ICT Exports are worth €72 billion per annum (40% of total national exports).
• 4 of the top 5 exporters in Ireland are technology companies
• Nine of the world’s top 10 ICT companies are located in Ireland and the IDA supports over 200 FDI firms in this sector.

Practically every business relies on its ICT network – maintaining systems and launching new ones are critical. This role is the responsibility of the network systems administrator. This could be the perfect course for you if you see yourself in a professional position that requires great attention to detail, a high level of technical capability and the capacity to solve problems and think on your feet.

As network systems administrator, your responsibilities include everything from activating accounts and security controls to installing and configuring routers, servers and switchers. You will also monitor network performance and troubleshoot problems. Our aim is to train systems and network experts who can work in virtually any industry that relies on these key business systems.

Based on our discussions with, and feedback from, the Information Technology industry we have embedded a series of key skills in this programme. These include the ability to test and evaluate hardware or software and solve problems with technology; design enterprise networks; secure computer resources; manage digital assets; systems and networking; programming; telecommunications; voice over IP; server management; database management and development; computer forensics; and innovation and teamwork.

This programme is fundamentally a computing programme but one with a clear focus on the infrastructure that powers the movement of data about the Internet. There are a number of distinct features:

• equipment - access to real-world equipment is a must to ensure you have immediate traction when you start work. We have two dedicated labs with networking equipment to let you build a model infrastructure solution to support high-speed communication.
• project - big substantial capstone project to enable you to really grapple with a problem and create a killer solution.
• accreditation - This programme is mapped onto professional industry qualifications in the areas of CompTIA A+, CCNA, CCNA Security, CCNP Routing and Switching.  This helps to prepare graduates for immediate employment both locally, nationally and internationally using skills gained in the required areas.

So, choose this programme if:

• you prefer working hands-on with the ‘plumbing’ of the internet - the equipment that powers data around the globe
• you prefer the tangible connectivity challenges above the more abstract programming tasks
• you want to work with the likes of Cisco, Dell EMC and Vodafone to build capacity in the global data networks.

If you care for more details about this programme and the modules studied, look here.
More information and news on this programme can be found at itsligo.ie/cee or contact the Programme Chair, Paul Flynn for a chat.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 8 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

This programme is offered currently only for advanced entry to Year 4. You will need a Level 7 in a Computer Networking programme or cognate area. Alternatively, we can process advanced entry in some case through an examination of your experiential learning.

Career Opportunities

We believe the core skills in computer systems, networking, cloud and computer security will allow students to take up the many available employment opportunities both locally, nationally and internationally. Students that graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Computer Networks and Cloud Infrastructure will have the necessary skills to work as a Network Systems Administrator, Computer Network Defence Administrator, Wireless Network Engineer, Computer Systems Administrator, Cloud Solutions Architect, Cybersecurity Engineer.

Further Study

Graduates will be well positioned to progress to Masters studies in the computing discipline.

Testimonials

Damian O'Brien:

"Fourth year has offered a great deal of knowledge that I was able to take with me to the workplace. The add-on year offered provided relevant information that is required in today’s workplace, this was backed by knowledgeable lecturers who were always there to help.  I’ve been able to transfer the knowledge gained here to the workplace. It has been of incredible benefit to me and has furthered my knowledge gained in the first three years of the level 7 course immensely.  I’d highly recommend the add-on course to anyone as it is backed by wonderful staff, and an amazing atmosphere and of course the interesting topics covered"

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3