Monaghan Institute Student's Journey: From Hesitation to Honours

For Daniel Farrelly, the decision to return to education after a year-long break following secondary school was not an easy one. But in 2018, he took a leap of faith and enrolled in the Level 5 Applied Social Studies and Psychology course at Monaghan Institute — a decision that would shape the course of his academic and professional life.

“After taking a year out, it was pretty daunting deciding to get back into education,” Daniel recalls. “But I was put completely at ease once I started at Monaghan Institute.”

From the outset, Daniel found Monaghan Institute to be a welcoming and supportive environment. With dedicated staff and state-of-the-art facilities, the institute provided him with the ideal platform to explore the world of social studies and social care.

“The incredibly helpful staff and top-notch facilities gave me the perfect opportunity to learn and grow,” he says. “Monaghan Institute helped me develop skills both personally and academically that have stuck with me since.”

Daniel’s passion for the field only deepened as he progressed to the Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Applied Social Studies at the same institution. His hard work and dedication paid off, earning him Distinctions and the confidence to pursue further education.

He continued his academic journey at TÚS Athlone, where he completed both a Level 7 and Level 8 degree in Applied Social Studies in Social Care. In 2024, he graduated with First Class Honours (1:1), a testament to his perseverance and the strong foundation laid at Monaghan Institute.

Looking back, Daniel is unequivocal about the impact Monaghan Institute had on his life. “Deciding to start my journey at Monaghan Institute was the best decision I’ve made,” he says. “I would recommend it to anybody thinking about doing a PLC course before progressing further.”

Daniel Farrelly’s story is a shining example of how adult education can open doors, build confidence, and lead to academic and personal success.

If you are interested in studying at Monaghan Institute, please consult our website for all full list of courses available or contact us on [email protected].