New BSc in Cloud Networking Technologies – Part 1. An Overview

BSc in Cloud Networking Technologies

We’re very excited to be launching a brand new BSc in Cloud Networking Technologies  in conjunction with the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown. If you’re interested in learning new technical skills and progressing your networking/cloud career – this could be the ideal course for you.

In this short series of articles, we’re going to explore the course content in a little bit more detail. In Part 1, we’re going to give a brief introduction to the course, provide an overview of some of the key areas covered, discuss who should apply for the BSc and we’ll give a short introduction to the group project that participants will complete in the final semester.

In Part 2 of the series, we’ll look at the key topic areas in a bit more detail.

Needless to say, if you’ve any questions and would like to get in touch with us, please feel free to do so and we’ll get straight back to you with the information you need.

If you would like to apply for the BSc., all you need to do at this stage is to complete this short application form.

Intro to the BSc in Cloud Networking Technologies  

The New BSc is delivered through blended learning which is a mixture of online lectures and labs with certain aspects of the course delivered in person, in a classroom setting. Typically, lectures are delivered 2 evenings per week and occasionally on Saturdays.

The BSc is split up into 3 Semesters:

BSc in BSc in Cloud Networking Technologies semester 1

BSc in BSc in Cloud Networking Technologies semester 2

BSc in BSc in Cloud Networking Technologies semester 3

Semester 1 (Autumn) runs from September 2018 to January 2019 and the two key areas covered are Network Programming and Enterprise Routing and Switching.

Semester 2 (Spring) runs from February 2019 to June 2019 and the main topics participants will learn about include Network Function Virtualisation and Cloud Architecture.

Semester 3 (Spring) is the final semester of the BSc and it runs from September 2019 to January 2019. The focus for this term will be on Software Defined Networking and also the Group Project….. more on this a little later on.

Whilst there is no specific module dedicated to security it plays a central role in the course and each module will cover security issues relevant to the topic.

Vendor Technology

Along the way your lecturers will also be introducing you to some cutting edge vendor technologies including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco Certified Networking professional (CCNP), Microsoft Azure, and other open source vendor certifications.

This will provide you with exposure to different ways of working and it also places you in an excellent position to continue studying selected areas of expertise e.g. by obtaining some specific vendor certifications in an area you find particularly interesting. Please note these vendor exams are not included in the cost.

This is a very exciting time to be considering a course like this. With high profile job announcements in Cloud Computing being announced regularly, Ireland is solidifying its place as a world leader in cloud technology. Experts suggest that almost 10,000 additional jobs may be created over the next five years and this will inevitably lead to a heavy demand for highly skilled Cloud Architects – many of whom will be participants of this course.

Who Should Apply for the BSc

Individuals with a passion for cloud technology are ideally suited to this course. It is designed for technology professionals who wish to develop a deeper understanding and knowledge of cloud computing and the role it will play in the coming years for organisations – and for society in general.

The BSc is perfectly suited to Network Engineers and Devops Cloud Engineers who have a background in technology and have existing relevant skills but who are looking to upskill in the latest tech and progress their careers working with Cloud technologies.

If you’re keen to learn more about Virtualization, Software Defined Networking, Network Infrastructures, Physical and Virtual Storage, Backup and Restore Technologies, Network Security….. then you should

In addition to gaining a whole host of new technical skills on completion of the BSc in Cloud Networking Technologies  you will have honed a variety of your soft skills. These include improving your critical analysis and problem-solving skills, improving your ability to work through teams and developing your presentation skills. And of course, it’s a great chance to network with people in the industry.

Group Project

The group project is really exciting and it’s something we’ve been getting quite a few questions on, so, here’s a little bit more information for you. The project is completed in semester 3 and it’s an industry focused piece of work.

Each group will be required to identify a cloud-based problem within their own organisation and then select one of these projects to come together to work on. Each member of the group will have a specific role and a unique area to focus on. Throughout the project each member will be given access to a mentor and an academic expert in their specific problem area. Examples of project content may include AWS, traditional routing and switching networks, software defined networks, networking programming and security applications for all of the above.

In advance of the project groups will clarify the problem with both their supervisor on the BSc and a supervisor in the workplace to agree the area is suitable for exploration. The group will be able to communicate by using state of the art communication tools.

The group will then work together to design a cloud based solution that can make a real impact and provide real-world benefits for the company.

The project is completed over a 15-week period and research will be carried out in advance. The lecturers will help identify appropriate projects, by discussing a number of industry relevant ideas and problems – to enable you to think about issues that could form the basis of the project from within your own organisation.

If you need any more information you can download the brochure or contact us with your questions.

We are currently accepting applications – apply now to secure your place.