The course introduces students to methods of study, writing, research and IT skills. The course is aimed at students who do not have the entry requirement for courses or the English language requirement for access to these courses.

If you are looking for a platform to progress to a wide range of careers in the General Arts, Humanities, Psychology or Sociology, then this course is for you. The course provides a foundation for progression to Higher Education study in general Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. You’ll get a real taste for what’s required at third level before committing to a four-year degree, and it an ideal first step for school-leaver and mature students returning to education.

If you are interested in people, their behaviours and motivations, and how they think and act in a range of situations, then our Psychology course will provide you with an introduction to this fascinating field. Psychology opens doors to our understanding of how people act and interact, and how psychological theories impact not only society and mental health, but also the worlds of business, law, design, education, social research, marketing and communications, and many more.

As part of our Psychology course, you will explore the theories and practices of psychology, learning about the methods used in psychological research, including techniques such as observation, case studies, psychometric tests, surveys and experiments. You will learn how this understanding influences the world at large.

This course will enable you to progress to a wide range of Higher Education options, including degrees in Applied Psychology and will introduce you to the possibility of people-centred careers such as counselling, therapy, behavioural studies and business management amongst many options.

The aim of this one year full time course is to enable the learner to build the knowledge, skill and competence required for participation in higher education, including acquiring a broad range of knowledge in an area of personal interest, and key skills for academic research and enquiry.

Work placement / work experience may be a core feature/element of programmes in this field facilitating the enhancement of employability and transversal skills.

Thinking about an Arts or Humanities Degree in the future? Pre-University Arts offers an effective gateway for students wishing to study Arts and Humanities at Higher Education. Pre-University Arts delivers a broad range of subjects to students which provides them with a deep insight into the variety of options available at third level. This course equips the learner with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and versatile footing, from which they can progress to a suitable degree programme to access their chosen career.

Pre-University Arts with Journalism offers learners a foundation in the skills and knowledge required to progress to higher education within this sector. This course delivers a broad range of modules providing the learner with a great insight into areas such as journalism, humanities, teaching, editing and much more.

Boost your career prospects with our English & IT for Career Development course at QQI Level 5. This course is designed for students looking to enhance both their technical skills and language proficiency, this course covers essential IT concepts while improving communication in professional settings. Learn how to write effective emails, craft resumes, and navigate workplace conversations— all while gaining practical IT knowledge to support your career growth. This course will prepare you for a job in tech and improve your digital and language skills.

Podcasting is a powerful tool for adult learners, especially in the field of journalism. It offers flexibility, allowing learners to engage with content at their own pace and time. For those interested in journalism, podcasts provide real-world examples of storytelling, interviews, and news reporting. Podcasts also create opportunities for discussions on current events, media literacy, and critical thinking. Furthermore, adult learners can experiment with creating their own podcasts, enhancing skills like research, interviewing, and audio editing. This handson experience deepens their connection to the journalistic process, offering an interactive approach to learning.

The E-Business & Office Skills (eBusiness) course is designed to equip students with essential skills to thrive in today’s digital business environment. By combining core office administration skills with the fundamentals of e-business, this course provides a solid foundation for those seeking careers in the modern, tech-driven business world.

NLN runs a number of courses known as Employer-Based Training, which is a rehabilitative foundation programme designed for young adults with mild learning difficulties. These courses can lead to a QQI Level 5 Major Award General Studies.

The courses called ‘Employer Based Training’ in NLN centres run for up to 12 months and are flexible courses that enables students to acquire practical skills with a host company in a skill area of their choice. The course is a combination of on-the-job and in-centre training-usually 60% on-the-job and 40% in-centre. The Employer Based Training instructor supports both the student and the employer. Students choose a training area that interests and suits them and the Employer Based Training instructor finds a suitable company to accommodate them in their locality.

This course in Social Entrepreneurialism gives learners the opportunity to identify socio-cultural, political and economic contexts and challenges, to explore their creativity and developing business acumen to design and implement solutions through practical project work and educational experiences.

This programme enables students to acquire practical skills with a host company in a skill area of their choice. Running as a course in our centre in Tralee called Employer Based training, students partake in a combination of on-the-job and in-centre training.

An Employer Based Training Co-ordinator supports both the student and employer throughout the duration of the course.

The course is designed to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to obtain and retain employment in woodwork and related industries.

This course running at our Tralee centre offers students the opportunity to achieve a City & Guilds Level 1 Award / Certificate / Diploma in Construction Skills.