Overview

The CCNA is an entry-level IT certification issued by the multinational digital communication technology company Cisco. This certification prepares you for a variety of networking roles in IT such as entry-level network engineer, network support technician, help desk technician and network administrator. This course would also benefit established IT professionals who would like to gain a deeper understanding of underlying technologies that support the Internet.

The programme covers topics such as Network Fundamentals, Network Access, IP connectivity and services, Security Fundamentals and Automation and programmability. Specific topics include TCP/IP, IPv4, IPv6, VLANS, STP, NAT, ACL, EIGRP,  OSPF, EtherChannel, HSRP, VPNs, device hardening, troubleshooting).

There is a strong emphasis on the practical hands-on elements of the programme with 50% of contact time devoted to working with enterprise networking equipment in the universities’ networking hardware laboratories.  

We routinely enrol students from the full spectrum of regional industries including IT hardware and software companies, cybersecurity, banking, manufacturing and the pharmaceutical industry. Cisco Networking Academy was established in MTU (then CIT) in 1998 and has facilitated thousands of students in the region to build and develop their networking knowledge and skills in the intervening years.

Duration and Delivery

The programme commences in mid-September and run through until mid-May (30 weeks duration). Lectures typically take place on Tuesday nights from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm and labs on Thursday night also from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Students are strongly encouraged to attend on-site for delivery but there is provision for recording of lectures if needs arise. Labs and assessments must be attended in-person.

Admission requirements

There are no formal entry requirements but it is strongly recommended that students have a technical IT background or qualification.  This is a fast-paced and intensive programme and technical knowledge, interest and motivation will be essential for the student to successfully complete the programme.  Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language to be admitted.

Content

The programme is comprised of three separate modules – Introduction to Networks (ITN), Switching Routing and Wireless Essentials (SWRE) and Enterprise Networking, Security and Automation (ENSA). Each of the modules has a separate theory and practical exam, both of which must be passed in order to progress to the next stage. The Cisco Network Academy issues certification for successful completion for each of the modules with additional certificates for high performance. Formal CCNA qualifications are achieved by successfully passing the Pearson-Vue #200-301 CCNA exam at an accredited test centre.

More details available on the modules here.

Fees

€2,250 (excludes VUE exam fee)

Please note that applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €500 online if a place on a course is offered, which is deductable from the overall course fee. You will not be charged for applying for the programme by clicking the 'apply now' button, you are only asked to pay an acceptance fee if a place is offered to you and you wish to accept it.

AWARD

Cisco Networking Academy certificates of completion for successfully passing the examinations associated with the constituent modules.  There are additional certificates awarded for high level of achievement in the examinations.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Department of Computer Science at MTU Cork is one of the largest Computer Science departments in Ireland. We offer a range of modern undergraduate programmes and a host of opportunities at master’s degree and at PhD level. Our industry engaged programmes match the needs of our economy and have an excellent reputation for producing the most employable computer science graduates in the region. These highly skilled graduates are in huge demand and contribute significantly to the development of the region. As technology plays a greater role in our society the growth in the demand for these graduates will continue year after year.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS

Enquiries

Josh Reynolds
Department of Physical Sciences
Josh.Reynolds@mtu.ie

Applications are now open for September 2023. Closing date for applications is 31st August 2023, or whenever the programme is full.