Courses Explained
The names of the qualifications Colleges offer might be new to you, but they're recognised by industry and universities, as programmes that will provide
the skills and knowledge they want their future employees or students to have.
Northern Ireland’s Colleges offer courses, from entry to post-graduate level, that combine practical hands-on learning with supporting theory and
knowledge. Consult the tables below to find out more about the courses, and the minimum qualifications you need for entry to each level.
In addition to the entry requirements, you may need to attend an informal interview to secure your place on a course. This is simply a chance to meet the
course staff and to ask all those burning questions you have about the course.
For some courses you will be asked to demonstrate relevant skills, for example a portfolio of artwork or an audition for music or performing arts - more
details on this are in the course profiles.
NVQ
| Course & Duration |
Entry Requirements (UK) |
Entry Requirements (ROI) |
(Level 1 to Level 4)
1 or 2 years
You will undertake practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and
knowledge to do a particular job effectively. |
- NVQ Level 1: Interview
- NVQ Levels 2 to 4: Previous NVQ Level or equivalent
|
- NVQ Level 1: Interview
- NVQ Levels 2 to 4: Previous NVQ Level or equivalent
|
First Diploma
| Course & Duration |
Entry Requirements (UK) |
Entry Requirements (ROI) |
1 year
You will study one career-related subject and gain a qualification worth 4 GCSEs, as well as practical skills, to allow
you to move onto a National Diploma course. |
|
- Interview
- Leaving Cert Applied - Pass
|
National Diploma
| Course & Duration |
Entry Requirements (UK) |
Entry Requirements (ROI) |
2 years
You will gain a qualification related to your chosen career, equal to 3 A Levels. The practical work experience and
skills will prepare you for work or higher level study. This is a popular alternative to taking 3 separate A level subjects. |
- 4 GCSE passes (C or above)
- First Diploma;
- NVQ Level 1 or 2;
- GNVQ Intermediate;
- OCR Qualification;
- City & Guilds Qualification
|
- 4 Ordinary Passes (D1 or above);
- Leaving Certificate Applied
(Merit/Distinction);
- FETAC awards
|
Adult Learner Access
| Course & Duration |
Entry Requirements (UK) |
Entry Requirements (ROI) |
1 year
Designed for adult learners who wish to enhance their qualifications in preparation for higher level study. |
|
|
HND
| Course & Duration |
Entry Requirements (UK) |
Entry Requirements (ROI) |
2 years
In this course you will combine practical skills, work experience and academic study to gain a vocational qualification
that leads to employment or 2nd/3rd year of a degree at university. |
- 1 A level pass & 4 GCSE passes;
- NVQ Level 3;
- National Diploma/Certificate;
- AVCE or GNVQ Advanced;
- Private Secretaries Diploma;
|
- 2 Honours Passes (C1 or above) & 4 Ordinary passes (D1 or above);
- FETAC Awards in 8 subjects
|
Foundation Degree
| Course & Duration |
Entry Requirements (UK) |
Entry Requirements (ROI) |
2 years
You will gain a degree level qualification which combines college study with workplace learning to give you relevant
knowledge, understanding and skills for your career. |
- 1 A level pass & 4 GCSE passes;
- As above (per HND)
|
- 2 Honours Passes (C1 or above) & 4 Ordinary passes (D1 or above);
- FETAC Awards in 8 subjects
|
TfS
| Course & Duration |
Entry Requirements (UK) |
Entry Requirements (ROI) |
1 year
Skills for Work and Pre-Apprentice are designed for 16-18 yr olds offering the chance to gain practical skills in College
in your chosen trade, and prepare for entry into Apprenticeships NI. |
|
|
Apprenticeship
| Course & Duration |
Entry Requirements (UK) |
Entry Requirements (ROI) |
1-2 years
You will be in paid employment with an employer from day one, while gaining nationally recognised qualifications at
College, giving you the skills you need for your chosen career. |
- Interview & Initial Assessment
|
- Interview & Initial Assessment
|