In general you need to have a minimum of 5 passes at ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Applications are welcome from students with Leaving Certificate Vocational, Leaving Certificate Applied or FETAC Level 4 qualifications. Exceptions can be made where special circumstances apply on a case by case basis. The Leaving Certificate is not a requirement for mature students and appropriate experience can be considered as meeting the entry requirement for most courses.

We also welcome applications from mature students on all our courses.

• Build a strong broad foundation in Computing: course includes Mobile App Development(Android), Computer Programming (Java, PHP, JavaScript, HTML5/CSS), Virtual Machines / Operating Systems, Computer Networking and Computer Hardware.
• Gain insight into hacking methods such as SQL injection and stealing of user credentials. Also, gain insight into resolving of such issues.
• Access to latest software and technology.
• Become more confident ahead of studying computing degree in ITB, NCI, etc (very significant issue considering very high dropout rate in computing degrees)
• Consider implications with regard to college fees in having to repeat a year at 3rd level.
• Establish if you truly want to pursue a computing career.
• Become more proficient with technologies in general.

QQI Level 5 Mandatory Modules

• Customer Service (5N0972)
• Personal and Professional Development (5N2985)
• Programming and Design Principles (5N2927)
• Computer Systems Hardware (5N0548)
• Mathematics for Information Technology (5N18396)
• Operating Systems (5N2928)

QQI Level 5 Elective Modules

• Mobile Technologies (5N0580)
• Networking Essentials (5N2929)

QQI Computer Systems and Networks 5M0536 NFQ Level 5 and ECDL Cyber Security

Students who qualify in this area can pursue further study and a career in: technical support, networking, computer manufacturing, and customer support, computer sales or marketing. They can also work with financial institutions, call centres and government departments. 

QQI graduates are eligible to apply to technological universities and universities for follow-on courses such as linked courses in places like TU Dublin, Maynooth  University, Technological University of the Shannon, Athlone, TU Dublin Blanchardstown, NUIG (Shannon), Marino Institute of Education, American College, Dun Laoghaire IADT. For example, students can apply for the over 175 places available in first arts in Maynooth University and take computer options.

Gareth Plunket

Thanks to the help and support I received at FET College Íde Finglas, I have secured a scholarship which is allowing me to study for an honours bachelor degree in Computer Applications at DCU.

I decided to return to education at 28 years of age to change my career path. Doing a QQI level 5 course at FET College Íde Finglas allowed me to test my ability while learning the skills I needed to pursue a degree at third level. I loved this course, I found myself immersed in the learning experience. Studying subjects like Java programming, Maths for IT, hardware and operating systems, leaves you with a great understanding of how information technology works on many levels.

Patrick Deenan

Hey my name is Paddy, a former student of FET College Íde Finglas. I believe this college was the foundation of my IT career, the practical labs gave me the skills and confidence to explore new opportunities. I got an  internship through FET College Íde Finglas working in a computer repair shop and now I'm working as a team lead on a Windows Deployment project for bank of Ireland with IBM.

Daniel Moran

I studied the Computing programme in FET College Íde Finglas. It helped a lot and makes the first year of university so stress free since you already have background knowledge on the subjects. I went on to do the Bachelor of Science (Computing) course in ITB.

Dariusz Hanuszewicz

FET College Íde Finglas helped me realise my true potential. The classes were interesting and helped me prepare for for collage. After finishing my course I had no problem whatsoever to get place in National College of Ireland in Computing Course.

Stacey Lynch

I started FET College Íde Finglas with a view to doing a level 5 programme in Computing. As I wasn't working at the time I wanted to get out of the house. Never in a million years did I ever think that I would get a good paying job, never mind a great one. After my Computing course I went on to do a higher cert in computers applications and business support in national college of Ireland. At present I am working as a technology graduate. My plans are to go on in college and do an honours degree in Computing. If I hadn't gone to FET College Íde Finglas, I would never have gone to college and realised my potential.

1 Year

5411 and 5412