Information Technology COURSES

Certificate in Fundamentals of Networking & Cloud Technologies

Overview

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Awarding Body:	Higher Education & Training Awards Council
Duration:	1 Academic Year (September – May), 2 evenings per week
Course commencing:	September 2012
Award Level:	Level 6 Special Purpose Award
ECTS Credits:	20

Introduction

Dublin Business School (DBS) together with Microsoft Ireland have developed a Level 6 Special Purpose Award for a Certificate in Fundamentals of Networking and Cloud Technologies. This programme is specifically designed to assist Springboard participants in embarking on a career in Network Administration and Server Administration.

Programme Aims and Objectives

According to the Global Knowledge TechRepublic 2010 Salary Survey two of the top 10 technical skills in demand in 2010 are Network Administration and Windows Administration. Many organisations will upgrade their existing networks to Windows Server 2008 and perhaps install Exchange Server 2010 and SharePoint 2010 as well. This Certificate is designed for Springboard participants to gain exposure and experience working on Windows Server 2008, this is the core technology used to deliver the MTA Networking Fundamentals Certification. The Microsoft Technology Associate certification will provide participants with an entry-level certification, specifically developed by Microsoft to provide the basic cloud computing skills targeting Software as a Service (SaaS).

The modules on this programme have been designed specifically to provide the targeted skills needed to keep pace with employers. Two of the top 10 skills in demand are addressed in this programme and job opportunities in Network Administration and Server Administration are ideal for participants on this programme. Project management skills are also covered in the modules below which is a key skill needed in all ICT environments. Operating Systems & Networks Business Computing MTA Networking Fundamentals

Programme Content

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Operating Systems & Networks

Business Computing

MTA Networking Fundamentals

Teaching & Assessment

The proposed teaching, learning and assessment methodologies are intended to facilitate springboard participants to take ownership of, and responsibility for, their own learning in partnership with the academic faculty.

Specific methods adopted will include:

Conventional lectures
Lab practical sessions
E-Learning
Workshops
Tutorials
Projects
Seminars
Assignments
Analysis of case studies
Group research and project work
Guest lectures

Students will be actively encouraged and assisted to manage their own studies outside of lectures. This is facilitated by the teaching styles and methods adopted and by placing greater emphasis on practically focused assessment. A particular focus of this programme will be for students to work in collaborative teams with their tutors on a variety of projects. Through this process they will learn key life skills of good teamwork towards achieving a common goal. In addition, the E-learning platform, Moodle, will also provide lecturers and students with a virtual learning environment to complement and enrich the more traditional learning environment.

Assessment Methods

The programme assessment strategies have been developed in order to provide learners to demonstrate the opportunity to apply transferrable skills relevant to the workplace. These include working as part of a team, report writing, presentation skills etc. These assessment methods will include:

Problem solving exercises
Practical projects incorporating a variety of competencies and skills
Case studies
Research based projects
Individual assignments
Management reports (e.g. Finance, Strategy)
Group projects
Group and individual presentations
Exams and other time constrained assessments (open and closed book)

Dedicated Programme Leader

From the outset, students will be provided with an array of academic and IT supports to ensure that the varied academic and learning needs of participants are being attended to. All students will be informed of the support mechanisms available throughout their induction and will be provided with the relevant contact details of their dedicated programme leader and level manager.

Structure

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The course duration is one Academic Year (September – May). Typically students will attend classes on two evenings per week from 6pm. Course timetables will be available in due course.

Eligibility

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To be eligible for a place on a Springboard 2012 programme a person must be:

Unemployed with a previous history of employment AND satisfy one of the following three criteria:

1. Be in receipt of one of the following payments from the Department of Social Protection:

Jobseeker’s Benefit
Jobseekers Allowance
Back to Work Enterprise Allowance
One Parent Family
Disability Allowance
Qualified Adults of Working Age
Carers Allowance
Farm Assist/Fish Assist
Widow(er)s Contributory or Non-contributory Pension
Blind Pension
Deserted Wives Allowance

There is no requirement to be in receipt of a payment for a particular period of time prior to the commencement of the programme. Participants in receipt of an eligible payment at the time the Springboard course commences are eligible to apply for a place on that course. However, providers will be required to give priority to applications from people who are long term unemployed.

OR

2. Be signing for social insurance contribution credits

OR

3. Be previously self-employed AND be actively seeking employment

Entry Requirements

Holders of a Level 5 NFQ award or equivalent, or
If you are over 23 years of age at time of application and do not meet the minimum course entry requirements you may apply as a Mature Student. Mature students are assessed on the basis of age, work experience, general education standard, motivation and commitment to the programme.

Next Steps

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Apply online via the Springboard portal on www.springboardcourses.ie

Career Opportunites

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This Certificate programme has been designed jointly by Microsoft Ireland and Dublin Business School. Microsoft is one of the leading software companies in the world and is one of the companies taking the lead in the cloud computing arena, by moving organisations from their existing operations and services to the cloud. Microsoft products include offerings for the three cloud service types: software as a service, platform as a service and infrastructure as a service. This programme has been developed to provide participants with the building blocks needed to begin a career working in the database and PaaS environment.

Industry specific guest speakers both from the Digital Hub in Dublin, Microsoft and other companies have been secured to deliver in class seminars to students on this course which will present an opportunity for students to network with professionals in the industry.

In addition DBS has engaged with a large network of employers in particular Microsoft Ireland and their Partner Network, who regularly offer internship options to our students, and following preliminary discussions with these employers many are interested in participating with DBS on the Springboard programmes.

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The Admissions Office
Dublin Business School
13/14 Aungier Street
Dublin 2, Ireland
T: + 353 (0) 1 4177500
F: + 353 (0) 1 4177543
E: admissions@dbs.ie

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MEET OUR STUDENTS

“Having not being able to obtain more than part-time work for any period over the last four years I realised I was stuck in a professional rut and would need to upskill to have any chance of securing a full-time job. I seen a leaflet at the Social Welfare office about the Springboard “Database and Cloud Technology” course at DBS. Since the early 1980’s, I had been interested in computing, so I applied and was delighted to be accepted. My proudest achievements on the course have been creating my own website and passing the Microsoft Technology Associate exam. Taking part in the course has given me a new sense of purpose. I am now applying for jobs that I would not have applied for a year ago. I now have the confidence and belief that I deserve, and will find, a better job.”

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