Blackrock Further Education Institute – New BA (Honours) in Politics, Society and Media

We’re excited to share some big news!  Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board (DDLETB) is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new tertiary programme at Blackrock Further Education Institute (BFEI): A Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Politics, Society and Media, commencing this September. This innovative four-year degree is the result of a collaboration between DDLETB, City of Dublin ETB, and Technological University (TU) Dublin, and is part of the National Tertiary Office’s mission to create seamless progression pathways from Further Education to Higher Education. 

This course is suitable for students interested in how politics, society, and media shape the world around us. It’s designed to give students a mix of academic knowledge and hands-on experience, helping them build a portfolio of skills and competencies to thrive in the political landscape as advocates, civic society activists, political administrators and advisors.

Students will begin their journey at BFEI, where they will build a solid foundation in Communications, Political Studies, Media Analysis, and Social Studies. Following two successful years in BFEI, they will then move on to TU Dublin (Grangegorman Campus) where they will deepen their expertise in areas such as Political Marketing, Digital Journalism, Advocacy, and Public Affairs. The programme also includes a semester abroad and a work placement, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges. 

Benefits to the students of this new route to third level education include: 

• No CAO points
• No fees (students will pay a €50 acceptance fee to accept their offer of a place – this fee will subsequently be fully refunded)
• Certification available on successful completion of each year
• Small classes in FET provision 
• HEA SUSI grants for eligible applicants
• Dual registration in both Colleges, i.e. BFEI and TUD 
• Dedicated teaching team – a collaboration between FE and HE

While studying in BFEI, students will visit the TUD GrangeGorman Campus and will benefit from having guest lectures and other activities associated with TUD.

Successful students will receive the following certification:

• First Year – Level 5 QQI General Studies Award 5M3114
• Second Year – Level 6 CAS Minor Modules and TUD higher certificate
• Third Year – TUD, Level 7 Pass Degree

Students can avail of a third year Erasmus+ placement with TUD and / or work placement with the Oireachtas

• Fourth Year – TUD, Level 8 Hons Degree with progression opportunities for a Master’s Degree programme at Level 9

Graduates will be equipped for impactful careers in politics, civic society, media, and beyond, with skills in communication, research, digital media, and public engagement that are highly valued across sectors. 

For more information and to apply, check out www.bfei.ie.   You can also call BFEI on 01 2889717 for further information. Alternatively, you can visit the National Tertiary Office website, www.nto.ie.