Computing - Networking Technologies (Learn and Work) Ríomhaireacht - Teicneolaíochtaí Líonraithe (Foghlaim agus Oibrigh)

What is…Learn+Work?

The Higher Certificate in Science in Computing - Networking Technologies (Learn+Work) is an industry‑aligned, work‑integrated computing programme designed to fast‑track you into a technology career. This course blends rigorous academic study with a strong practical focus, combining classroom learning with extended industry placement so you graduate with both knowledge and real‑world experience.

Delivered through TU Dublin’s Learn+Work model, you spend around five months in full‑time study each year and seven months working with a tech employer. During placements, you develop in‑demand skills as a network technician and engineer, working four days per week in professional environments and one day on academic study. This integrated structure means you earn while you learn and build a professional portfolio of experience by graduation. 

Note: Students who are not successful in obtaining work placement will complete taught modules, professional projects and professional qualifications. 

You build foundational expertise in computer systems infrastructure, routing and switching, network defence and management, system and server administration, virtualisation and IoT fundamentals, with practical learning in dedicated labs using the tools and equipment found in industry. The course also offers the opportunity to gain industry certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, Linux LPIC‑1, Microsoft Certified Systems Expert (MCSE) and VMware Certified Associate - Cloud (VCA), giving you recognised credentials that enhance employability. The foundational skills you develop in networking, systems and cloud environments form a critical building block for engaging with AI‑enabled technologies, automated systems and future digital infrastructure roles as your career evolves.

This programme prepares you for careers in key technology areas including network deployment and support, cloud‑based systems, cybersecurity fundamentals and IT infrastructure management. Graduate employers include major Irish and multinational organisations such as Eir, Vodafone, Microsoft, Citrix, Liberty IT, Equinix and others - many of which host students on placement each year.

On successful completion, you can also progress into related degree pathways at TU Dublin, such as the Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security or the Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Computing in Cloud Networking Technologies, allowing you to build further specialisation and career flexibility.

Course Structure

Professional Accreditation

You can also avail of the opportunity to gain Industry Certified Awards, including;

• Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)
• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Security+
• Linux Professional Institute (LPIC-1)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Expert Server Infrastructure (MCSE)
• VMWare Certified Associate – Cloud (VCA-Cloud)

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Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at TU Dublin QQI FET Applicants.

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants (i.e. those who are aged 23 years or more on 1st January in the year of entry) are not required to meet the leaving certificate or QQI requirements above. You will be required to submit a CV. See information below under additional requirements for all applicants.

Additional Requirements

1. Applicants will be shortlisted for interview based on the information provided in their CV.
2. Applicants will be requested to upload their CV at time of online application.
3. CV’s generated by AI will not be considered.
4. Shortlisted applicants must undertake an Interview with the course team.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

International Applicants

This course is not open to applicants from outside the EU due to visa requirements which are not supported by this course.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Network Technician working in industries such as:

• Networking
• Data Centers
• Cloud-Based Disciplines
• Cyber Security

Graduate Employers:

• Eir
• Vodafone
• Citrix
• Cisco
• Liberty IT
• Equinix
• Microsoft

Learn and Work programmes involve a large degree of work-based learning. Applicants should be able to verify their eligibility to legally work in Ireland. This course is not open to applicants from outside the EU due to visa requirements which are not supported by this course.

Our industry partners hire and mentor our Learn+Work students 7 months each year so that they have the relevant experience, skills and competencies required to work full-time in the industry and high-tech companies after graduation.

Please note:

Work placements are allocated through a competitive process, so a placement cannot be guaranteed for every student. If a student is unable to secure a placement with TU Dublin–approved companies, they are encouraged to seek an appropriate placement independently. Students who are not successful in obtaining work placement will complete taught modules, professional projects and professional qualifications.

Industry partners where our students are on work placement:

• Auxilion
• Citrix
• Concern
• Eir
• Emerald Park
• Equinix
• Fujifilm
• Lantech
• Liberty IT
• Macro Evolution Services
• Microsoft
• MJ Flood
• Netspeed
• TU Dublin
• The Collaboratory
• Viatel
• Vodafone
• WiLine

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications are now open via the TU Dublin website, not via the CAO.

• Apply Now - Please choose Intake Autumn 2026 when applying. 

Closing date for applications is 1 May 2026 at 5:00pm.

Note: There is a €50 non-refundable application fee to apply to this course.

International Students (Non-EU)

This course is not open to applicants from outside the EU due to visa requirements which are not supported by this course.

I chose this course because it gives you both the knowledge to work in IT and also a work placement where you can enhance your skills. Going into the work placement was a bit daunting but everyone was really nice and helpful and I settled in straight away. It has given me the hands on experience needed to go into a career in IT. I know IT is seen as a male dominated industry but if you are passionate and dedicated you will succeed.  

Jane Johnson, Year 2

What our industry partners say...

The course has enabled eir Business to build the right skills, competencies and loyalty in a low risk way to ensure we develop a talented candidate who will strive within eir.” – Adam Williams, Head of Service Design & Assurance, eir Business, eir

“At Citrix we have engaged with several different apprenticeship courses in the past and we definitely feel that the Learn+Work Course has had the most success in producing Work ready candidates for the Tech sector.

Kevin Macken, Lead Manager, Technical Support, Citrix Systems Ireland

On successful completion, you’re eligible for progression to:

• Year 2 of the full-time TU863 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security
  
  
• Year 3 of the part-time TU765 Bachelor of Science in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security
  
  
• Year 3 of the full-time TU767 Secure Networking and Cloud Technologies (Learn and Work)