The BSc (Honours) in Networks and System Administration, which will commence in September 2026, is a new four-year Level 8 tertiary degree designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in computer networking, cybersecurity, cloud technologies and enterprise IT infrastructure management.
Developed collaboratively by DDLETB’s Dublin College (Dublin and Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board) and Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) under the National Tertiary Office (NTO) framework, this programme offers a coherent, practice-led pathway from Further Education to Higher Education through a structured 2+2 model.
The programme is designed for learners who are motivated by problem-solving, systems thinking and applied technology. It combines strong technical foundations with progressive specialisation, enabling students to understand, design, secure and manage complex digital infrastructures that underpin modern organisations and public services.
Throughout the programme, students develop both theoretical understanding and hands-on competence across networking, operating systems, virtualisation, programming, cybersecurity and cloud technologies. Emphasis is placed on ethical practice, teamwork, communication and professional development, ensuring graduates are well prepared for both employment and further study.
Special Features
- A fully integrated FE-to-HE pathway, designed to remove barriers to progression.
- Strong emphasis on applied learning, industry-relevant technologies and professional practice.
- Embedded work experience and project-based learning across the programme.
- Small cohort sizes supporting personalised learning, mentoring and academic support.
- During year two, students will spend one day per week on the TU Dublin Grangegorman campus to complete two modules and to support a smooth transition into university life.
How is it structured?
This is a new tertiary degree programme delivered across four years.
Dublin College with the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in TU Dublin have designed the programme together, with the following delivery model:
- Year 1 – Delivered in Dublin College Dundrum
- Year 2 – Delivered in Dublin College Dundrum. Students will spend one day per week on campus at TU Dublin (Grangegorman).
- Years 3 and 4 are based in TU Dublin (Grangegorman).
- Work experience is embedded in Year 1 or 2, with increasing emphasis on applied and industry-aligned learning in later years.
- The programme follows a seamless progression pathway, with clearly defined academic and support structures across Further Education and Higher Education.
Course Content (for all 4 years)
- Year 1 (NFQ Level 5 – Dublin College Dundrum)
- Networking Essentials
- Virtualisation Support
- Maths for Information Technology
- Communications
- Programming Design Principles
- Operating Systems
- Computer Systems Hardware
- Work Experience or Personal Professional Development
Year 2 (NFQ Level 6 – Dublin College Dundrum)
- Network Infrastructure
- Systems Software
- Team Leadership
- Information Technology Administration
- Physical and Logical Networking
- Virtualisation Support
- Network Security
- Work Experience or Personal Professional Development
- Problem Solving with C (Delivered in TU Dublin Grangegorman)
- Python Programming for Networks (Delivered in TU Dublin Grangegorman)
Year 3 (NFQ Level 7 – TU Dublin)
- Web Development
- Programming for Networked Systems
- Networking Integration and Practice
- Data Analysis and Databases
- Technical Writing for System Administration
- Introduction to Ethical Hacking
- Core Network Infrastructure & Design
- Internet of Things 102
- Container-Based Virtualisation
- Fundamentals of Wireless Technology (CCNA W.)
- Network Scripting for Network Administration
- Prompt Engineering for Large Language Models
Year 4 (NFQ Level 8 – TU Dublin)
- Software Defined Networking
- Internet of Things 301
- Mobile Applications
- Secure Network Programming
- Project Management 1
- Cybersecurity Operations
- Cloud and Edge Computing
- Server-side Web Development
- Project
Embedded Awards
This tertiary degree is a comprehensive four-year programme designed to support student success and progression. If a student leaves the programme before completion, embedded exit awards formally recognise learning achieved.
For this degree, upon successful completion of the relevant year, the embedded awards are:
- Awarded after Year 1: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks
- Awarded after Year 2: QQI Level 6 Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks
- Exiting after Year 3: Level 7 Bachelor of Technology in Networks and System Administration (TU Dublin)
- Awarded after Year 4: Level 8 BSc (Honours) in Networks and System Administration (TU Dublin)
Entry Requirements and Eligibility (planned intake 20 places)
Leaving Certificate with five subjects at grade O6/H7
or
Leaving Certificate with four subjects at grade O6 plus LCVP with distinction
or
Leaving Certificate Applied with distinction
or
Hold QQI Level 4 award with a minimum of a grade of distinction
AND
Attend a screening interview, where applicants successfully demonstrate relevant skills, experience, and motivation to ensure suitability for the programme.
Other Qualifications
Applicants may also present, A-Levels or other EU qualifications for Equivalency. Qualifications from countries other than Ireland or the UK should be accompanied with a comparability statement from the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).
Mature Applicants
Applications from mature students aged 23 or over on January 1 of the year of application are welcome and may be called to interview to outline their holistic life and career experience, interest in and aptitude for the field of study, and recognition of prior learning (see below).
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must demonstrate CEFR proficiency at B2 for access. An Irish Leaving Certificate qualification achieved through English meets this requirement. Applicants who have full Level 5 or 6 QQI award obtained in Ireland will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
*NTO – The National Tertiary Office (NTO) coordinates and supports the development of joint further and higher education degree programmes in Ireland, facilitating seamless pathways from Further Education and Training (FET) to Higher Education (HE).
Progression
Graduates of the BSc in Networks and System Administration will have multiple educational progression routes available to them. Typical pathways include advancement to Level 9 postgraduate study in computing, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, or IT management, offered either full‑time or part‑time. Graduates may also progress into specialised professional certifications such as Cisco CCNP, Microsoft Azure Administrator/Engineer, CompTIA Security+, or Linux professional certifications, building on the strong technical foundation developed within the programme. For those seeking further academic advancement, pathways to taught or research Masters degrees provide opportunities to deepen expertise or transition into areas such as cybersecurity operations, cloud engineering, or IT leadership. Together, these options support continuing professional development and lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving technology sector.
