This course focuses on the key skills required to troubleshoot and resolve technical, security and other issues in a computer company or contact centre. The student will learn how to upgrade hardware, how to build a LAN, and will use CISCO’s Packet Tracer to track and resolve network issues, both locally and in the cloud. The student will also learn the key skills in effective communication with a customer. Classroom work will be complemented with relevant work placement (2-week block placement). Students participate in site visits.

View Frequently Asked Questions for this course.

  • Computer Systems Hardware 5N0548 Computer Systems Hardware gives learners the knowledge and skills required to build and/or upgrade a desktop and/or laptop system. It also gives learners information on the latest trends in computer hardware systems.
  • Operating Systems 5N2928  Install and configure a desktop Operating System, and use system utilities to manage faults, system components, and directories. Configure disk partitions, set a multi-boot and learn how to eliminate possible threats to your system.
  • Customer Service 5N0972 – Apply the personal skills, qualities and attitudes required to perform effectively when dealing with customers. Handle a range of challenging situations, demonstrate team or group work in providing customer care. Look at practical examples of organisations with good customer care and their success. Use appropriate communication technologies to include telephone, audio visual, conferencing, email and other interactive media in a range of customer service situations.
  • ICT Security Policy and Technology 5N0583 Identify appropriate software solutions to safeguard network and client devices information to plan and develop investigative strategies and to determine solutions to varied unfamiliar problems. Identify security risks, create data backups and plan for disaster recovery.
  •  Frontline Technical Support Skills 6N2056 Frontline Technical Support gives learners the knowledge to operate effectively in a technical support call centre environment (using Spiceworks). Use CISCO’s Packet Tracer and TeamViewer to troubleshoot and resolve customer telecommunications queries and network issues.
  • Networking Essentials 5N2929 Connect digital devices using private, non-routable IPv4 addressing, and test connectivity using diagnostic tools. Build and deploy a LAN, and implement and manage network resources.
  • Maths for Information Technology 5N18396 Acquire mathematical skill in problem solving and mathematical investigations in the following areas: basic arithmetic and algebra, set theory and Boolean logic, functions and calculus , geometry and trigonometry, probability and statistics, and algorithms and computations.
  • Virtualisation Support 5N2434 Construct and configure virtual components and networks, including client and server virtualisation.
  • Work Experience 5N1356 Planning, preparation and reflection on work placement. Job finding strategies, CV and personal statement preparation, interview skills. Practise employability skills with a view to future planning.
  • Students will be given the opportunity to sit the VMware Certified Associate – Digital Business Transformation (VCA-DBT) exam (optional).

Additional Training/Workshops

  • Manual Handling Training and Certification: Manual handling training is required under Regulation 13 of the 1993 (General Application Regulations) and 1993 Manual Handling Regulations. This training programme is aimed at providing all persons at work with proper techniques when lifting, carrying, loading, pushing and supporting. It provides employees with good work practices such as proper lift Manual Handling Techniques. The course includes being aware of the necessity for safe methods of manual handling to reduce the risk of injury and understanding the need to avoid manual handling by using mechanical aids where possible. Furthermore, assessing the task using the TILE criteria (task, individual, load, environment) and implementing the correct method of lifting ensuring minimal risk to self and co-workers will also be included.  Finally, knowing how to safely execute all relevant workplace manual handling tasks will be demonstrated. A certificate will be issued to learners who successfully complete the course.
  • Data Analytics: This workshop gives learners an overview of data analytics and actionable recommendations, including planning for a bigger focus on Data Analysis as they continue their studies. The workshop examines the essential techniques and methodologies used to gather and assess data and help learners to identify future career paths in Data Analytics. By the end of the workshop each learner will know what Big Data is and identify examples of Big Data in IT.  They will understand the essential techniques and methodologies used to gather and assess data.

Leaving Certificate with at least a pass grade in mathematics or relevant computer experience. Mature students are exempt from Leaving Certificate requirement. CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English. All applicants will undergo a processing stage during which further information will be gathered in relation to their application.  An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements set out here and satisfactory completion of the processing stage.

Excellent progressions including:

  • MTU Cork: IT Management (MT805)
  • MTU Cork: Software Development (MT700 and MT800)
  • UCC: BIS (CK203)
  • UCC: Computer Science (CK401)
  • UCC: Psychology and Computing (CK121)

Excellent progression opportunities to other Higher Education colleges. Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork (CCPS), MTU Kerry and SETU (Waterford & Carlow) for preferential entry for students of Morrisons Island locations. See Progressions for details.

On successful completion of a full award, the student will be well positioned to work in technical support and troubleshooting a range of hardware issues and problems, both local and in the cloud.

  • Duration: September to May
  • Fees: €350 including QQI examination fees. (Medical card holders exempt from €50). See Payment for details.
  • Certification: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks 5M0536
  • Work Experience: Students will undertake a block work placement of 2 weeks in the IT area.

Email: computing@morrisonsislandcampus.ie          Tel: (021) 4223834

Or send us your contact details and your query.

    Your name

    Your email address

    Select a course

    Your telephone number:

    Your message

    I enrolled in College of Commerce in September 2011 doing a Computer Science Level 5 FETAC course and then the following year, I completed the Level 6 Computer Science course. The lecturers and staff members passion and devotion towards their students and their willingness to devote extra time to explain fundamentals in detail were an essential to my success at the college. I am now fully graduated from CIT with a 1st Class Honours degree in Computing.

    Ricardo Varanda, Cloud Developer for Trend Micro

    The Computer Science course in the College of Commerce appealed to me because the modules looked interesting and I would get a qualification after one year and could then seek employment or progress to further studies. Applying for the course was the best decision I made. The teachers on the course are great, they made classes interesting and cared about each student. I would thoroughly recommend the Computer Science to anyone interested in ultimately working in IT.

    Margarita Tsekvava, Java Programmer

    Having attended CCOC I felt it gave me a solid grounding in a diverse range of topics within IT, this diversity helped me to understand the area of IT I would like to pursue and ultimately shaped my career. The work experience arranged by CCOC during my course kick-started my career and I will be forever thankful to the dedicated team. I would highly recommend Cork College of Commerce to any prospective student looking for a start in an information technology career.

    Anthony O Callaghan, Director, Global BI Solution Centre

    The breadth of topics covered in the ICT courses provide a solid grounding in IT and allow for students to be knowledgeable in the fundamentals of development, networking, systems admin and web design. The breadth of the courses certainly help clarify career paths. We continue to accept students from Cork College of Commerce and find them very well prepared for the expectations of employers in today’s market.

    Anthony O'Callaghan, Flex Ltd.