Further Education
Further Education (post-leaving certificate) courses are offered in the following Colleges:
Ballsbridge College of Further Education
Ballyfermot College of Further Education
Cabra Community College
Kylemore College
Whitehall College of Further Education
St. Kevin's College
Colaiste Dhulaigh - College of Further Education
Crumlin College of Further Education
Inchicore College of Further Education
Colaiste Ide - College of Further Educaiton
Killester College of Further Education
Liberties College
Marino College of Further Education
Plunket College
Rathmines College
Ringsend College
Pearse College of Further Education
Further Education Courses
Further Education courses prepare people to enter employment at a level where particular knowledge and the ability to perform a range of tasks to a high standard is required. In addition, Further Education courses give the opportunity to acquire skills that will be of life long benefit.
CDVEC provides over 300 Further Education courses at FETAC Level 5/6 for students with Leaving Certificate standard of education (or equivalent qualification). The FETAC Level 5/6 awards offer the opportunity of progression into further third level studies. Currently there are over 2,000 University and Institute of Technology places reserved for holders of FETAC level 5 awards.
Further Education courses are usually of one or two years in duration and offer FETAC certification to successful candidates. Where applicable, CDVEC provides its own certification, which has wide acceptance among employers. Additional certification for specific courses has been obtained from many national and international examining and professional bodies.
It is important for a student enrolling on a particular Further Education course to check with the school or college if the course leads to a FETAC award and if it meets with the student's progression requirements.
What is FETAC?
FETAC is the Further Education and Training Awards Council, the national awarding body for further education and training in Ireland. It was set up as a statutory body on 11 June 2001 by the Minister for Education and Science under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act, 1999. FETAC reports to the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) who manage the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
FETAC gives people the opportunity to gain recognition for learning in education or training centres, in the work place and in the community. It has responsibility for making awards previously made by BIM, Fáilte Ireland (CERT), FÁS, National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA) and Teagasc. Programmes leading to FETAC awards are offered nationwide by a wide range of providers in diverse settings. Further Education and Training Programmes are accredited by FETAC at six levels.
To find out more about FETAC click here
Entry Requirements and Selection Process
Further Education courses are open to those with a Leaving Certificate or an equivalent qualification. It is recommended that you check individual course entry requirements. Some courses require a basic level in English and Maths and/or in school subjects related to the course. Art and Craft and some Media courses require applicants to submit a portfolio of work. Performance courses may audition applicants as part of the selection process. Further Education courses are also open to mature students subject to Leaving Certificate standard of education or suitable life/work experience. All Further Education courses interview for places. The interview is generally short and not too formal.
Any information that might enhance your application should be sent to the course co-ordinator prior to the interview. At interview you are given the chance to talk about yourself and why the course interests you. Enthusiasm and commitment are often as important as examination results.