Computer Science - Pre-University
If you are looking for a comprehensive grounding in computing, then this is the course for you. Pre-university Computer Science will help you towards a career in technical support, networking, cyber security, computer maintenance, sales and/or marketing and customer support. This course is an excellent choice for progression to higher education – Level 7/8 qualifications in Computer Science and related spheres.
Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
NFQ Classification | Major |
Awarding Body | QQI |
NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
The basic entry requirement to all Level 5 courses is as follows:
•Over 18 years of age and/or successful completion of the Leaving Certificate (or equivalent international qualification)
•Successful completion of a Level 4 major award
(or equivalent international qualification)
The basic entry requirement to all Level 6 courses is as follows:
•Successful completion of a related Level 5 major award
(or equivalent international qualification)
Some programmes may require specific subjects, or skills.
If you have completed a Level 5 course and wish to study at Level 6, please remember that you need to complete a new application.
Our teachers will assess if the course is the right option for you at an interview. All reasonable efforts are made to facilitate diversity and to support learners with additional needs. See the section Open Learning and Students with Additional Needs for more information.
Mature applicants who don’t meet the minimum entry requirements, but who have acquired skills or experience, are welcome to apply, and we make sure the course is suitable at an interview.
Students aged between 18 and 23 years who do not have the minimum entry requirement or RPL will be referred to career guidance.
Garda Vetting (Clearance)
Garda Vetting (police / criminal records clearance) is a requirement on courses where students have access to children or vulnerable adults. Students must be vetted for clearance by the Gardaí prior to attending work experience. It is your responsibility to obtain Garda Vetting Clearance / criminal records clearance.
Students who have lived outside the jurisdiction of Ireland /Northern Ireland, and for whom Garda vetting / clearance is unavailable, are required to provide verifiable evidence of criminal records clearance from the relevant police authorities.
We will provide you with information about making an application for clearance, but it is your responsibility to complete any necessary application and to obtain clearance. If you are offered a place on a course, you will be issued with information at registration.
Careers / Further progression
Progress to further study and careers including:
IT Technical Support
End User Support
Computer Sales and Marketing
QQI FET Links to CAO Courses
Course Web Page
These means-tested maintenance grants are available to eligible students attending approved full-time courses of further education, in approved Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) centres.
Applications are made online to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie www.susi.ie
You will be invited to an interview – this is to make sure that you’ve made the right choice!
Applications will be open online for 2025 entry at the end of January 2025. Students may apply online at www.carlowinstitute.ie
Through a combination of practical and theoretical learning, you will gain experience of computer maintenance, hardware, software, and network management as well as programming systems and ICT security. This course encourages you to develop transferrable skills which can be employed across a wide discipline of areas. Skills such as problem-solving, communication and team working underpin this course.
What Makes This Course Special
Step-up to HE
Learn with expert staff
Get ‘hands-on’ experience
Apply ICT theory to practical tasks
Lead your own practical projects in problem solving and solutions
Direct to work options
Computer Systems Hardware
ICT Security Policy and Management
Maths for IT
Programming and Design Principles
5M0536 - Computer Systems & Networks
QQI Level 5 Certificate in Computer Systems and Networks 5M0536
PLSS Code: 415211
Coordinator: Mary Collins
Course is subject to minimum enrolment. The programme content shown is indicative and is subject to change according to Awarding Body requirements as well as enrolment and resources.
Phone: 059 913 4230
Email: Email: firstname.lastname@example.org