The Pre-Teaching Level 5 course is a foundational program tailored for school leavers and mature students aiming for a career in primary, post-primary, or further education. The curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of the Irish education system while fostering essential professional traits such as critical reflection, interpersonal communication, and instructional skills. A unique feature of this course is the academic flexibility it offers, including the option to study Higher Level Leaving Certificate Irish and QQI Level 5 Mathematics, both of which are critical for meeting the entry requirements for Bachelor of Education degrees. 

This full-time one-year programme is aimed at those who wish to pursue teaching as a career. It will concentrate on skills and knowledge essential to a teacher. It mainly prepares students for entry into Arts Degree programmes for second level teaching. Having completed this course students can apply for a Level 8 degree and then progress to a Professional Masters in Education Primary, subject to achieving the required grade in Irish.

* It should be noted that there is no direct link from a QQI Level 5 Award into Primary Teaching in Ireland at present.

If you have a flair for numbers or enjoy working with finance, then this course is for you. It is designed to deliver the skills, knowledge and competencies required to assist in financial and human resource management. This specialised certificate can be used to gain direct employment within public service or private organisations, as well as to gain entry to third level degree courses at Universities and Institutes of Technology.

The aim of this programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to progress to a University Programme in the area of Veterinary Nursing/ Animal Science/ Science/ Agricultural Science. Students can also progress to Advanced Animal Science & Care course.

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.

This full-time one-year programme is ideal for anyone wishing to pursue further study in the form of an Arts Degree. The range of modules allow for a taste of different areas such as English, Psychology, Social Studies and History. This will give the learner a broad skillset and a breath of knowledge within this area.

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.

This course will prepare learners to study in the field of the Arts and Social Sciences at University level. The course will give students a foundation in writing and research skills as well as introduce them to a wide range of academic subjects in the Arts and Social Sciences.

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.

The aim of this course is to assist learners gain an understanding of biological principles and biomedical concepts.

This course fosters critical thinking and laboratory skills, preparing students for further studies in health sciences, biomedical, biological sciences, pharmaceutical or environmental science.

This one year course is designed to provide an excellent foundation for students wishing to advance to business degree programmes in third level Institutes of Technology or Universities. Modules such as Accounting, Economics, Mathematics and Business Administration are core to this course and will give students who gain a place on a degree programme a distinct advantage.

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in both business management and the dynamic field of sport and exercise. This programme combines essential business principles with specialised knowledge in sports and exercise science, offering a unique blend of theoretical understanding and practical skills.

Students will explore key business concepts such as marketing, finance, and management, tailored specifically to the sports industry. This holistic approach not only equips students with a solid business background but also prepares them for diverse roles in the ever-growing sports and fitness sector.

Pre-University Computing students gain a blend of skills that is essential in supporting, developing and maintaining IT infrastructure. This course includes a broad range of concepts computing including; programming, software applications, web design, databases and cyber security. This equips the learner with the necessary skills and knowledge required to progress to a degree programme in this area.

This course is designed to provide the learner with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of computer systems, hardware and software maintenance, networking, virtualisation and programming. Surveys have shown serious and increasing shortages of networking personnel in all developed countries, including Ireland. This ensures excellent job opportunities in the ICT areas.

This course has been designed to meet the needs of a variety of students wishing to study Environmental Science, specifically those who did not satisfy the entry requirements for direct entry to a degree course, and adult returnees to education.

Pre-University Sports Science introduces students to the broad and expanding area of Sport and Exercise Science. This challenging course provides students with the skills, knowledge and qualifications necessary to continue into higher education as well as lay the foundations for employment in the fitness and leisure industry.

It is important for prospective students to know that it is a theory-based course with some elements of practical, mainly preparing students for progression to university.

This course is oriented to those wishing to pursue a career in design. It provides you with a strong foundation in spatial design and combines creative ability with technical skills. This course is based on project work with an emphasis on learning by doing. The work produced will be presented as a portfolio to enable you to progress onto further studies in the design field.

This course has been designed to meet the needs of a variety of students wishing to study Engineering and Construction at third level. Core competencies in Engineering are studied giving students an excellent foundation to their studies.

This is a practical based course where learning takes place primarily in workshops and drawing rooms.

This one-year course introduces students to the core science modules Physics, Chemistry and Biology along with Mathematics and Environmental Science. The skills and knowledge gained, while studying these subjects, will be invaluable to those seeking to pursue a career in renewable energy, environmental consultancy, waste management, wildlife trusts, nature reserves and parks. It is an excellent introduction for students who wish to progress to third level courses in this area.

This one-year course introduces students to the core science modules chemistry and biology along with mathematics, environmental studies and practical laboratory experience. The skills and knowledge gained, while studying these subjects, will be invaluable to those seeking to pursue a career in renewable energy and a wide range of areas in environmental studies. It is an excellent introduction for students who wish to progress to third level courses in this area.

The purpose of this award is to enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently and under supervision and / or to progress to further and or higher education and training.

Graduates will gain the skills and competence to work in film production crew roles or in single camera crew roles in a managed environment in a range of film production contexts.

Students who undertake this one-year course in Business, Finance and Accounting will gain an excellent foundation for progression to degree courses or to go directly into the work-place. This practical course will enable students to gain skills in accounting, book-keeping, payroll, marketing, communications and information technology.

Pre-university Law will equip you with a basic understanding of a wide range of legal concepts along with the administrative skills required in any legal secretarial role. The focus is on Irish law but aspects of European Law are also highlighted and discussed. You will be studying the importance of law to the operation of businesses in Ireland and where these laws originated. You will be able to identify, discuss and apply sources of law including the relevance of EU law. You will explore the nature and structure of the Irish legal system, essential aspects of the law of contract and the necessary features of the law of negligence.

If the focus of this course for you is in gaining employment in legal administration or secretary, you will be in demand. Otherwise you may progress to higher education to study Law or courses where Legal Studies are combined with other subjects.

This one-year Pre-University Law course will provide the ideal starting point for learners who are keen to progress to third level education to study for a law degree or any degree including a law subject.

This full-time one -year programme is for those interested in working in law. It is an excellent taster programme, with emphasis on a basic introduction to the primary areas of Irish law and the Irish Legal System. The principal pathways for further study are into Arts, Business or Law degrees. It is also a useful course for anyone seeking to apply to join the Defence Forces or An Garda Síochána.

The purpose of this course is to give a solid introduction to Law and Criminology for students wishing to obtain a legal or other qualification at Universities and Institutes of Technology. It introduces students to the methods of study, writing and research skills necessary for successful participation at Third Level.

This course is a viable alternative route to Third Level College entry for students (school leavers or mature students) who wish to complete a foundation year before progressing. This course also provides learners with knowledge and skills for employment.

This one year course, similar to our other arts programme, aims to prepare participants for entrance into Arts programmes in Irish universities and colleges. The Liberal arts option attributes more of a focus on The Arts, English Literature and European languages.  It will aim to prepare participants for entrance into Arts programmes in Irish universities and colleges as well as preparing students to work in a European environment both in Ireland and abroad. Students will have the option of taking a language, Irish or Spanish, along with European Studies or can focus on a more English Literature based course, which will lead to a general studies option.

Marketing businesses online in Ireland has seen remarkable growth since Covid 19 as more customers are shopping online. You will learn the latest social media, design, marketing and AI skills on this course as more businesses shift to online payments and digital advertising for products and services. Land a career as a sought-after Digital Marketing Executive, shaping the online and social media presence of diverse businesses, agencies and charities.

This one year course is an ideal entry level qualification for all aspects of the Marketing and Business world. There is a large demand for people with marketing and business skills in the world of work. This course gives students the opportunity to progress directly to employment or third level.

The Music Performance & Production course has been designed to prepare learners for opportunities in the Music Industry. This is achieved by providing learners with essential music theory, an introduction to recording skills, music practice, event production and a broad insight into the Music Industry.

Are you looking for an alternative pathway to a degree in Networking Technologies?

The Pre University Networking Technologies course will teach you how to build and configure computer networks, you will also acquire the skills to identify security threats and deploy appropriate mitigation strategies.

The course will teach learners the fundamental skills to work in the Media industry across a variety of platforms. The course keeps pace with the ever evolving media landscape. It incorporates the practical skills and tools that allow learners to successfully pursue a career in media and journalism, including researching and writing, radio production, and technical skills. The course is designed for students who specifically want to progress onto a L6, L7 or L8 Media, Journalism or Communications course. Media graduates will have the appropriate level of academic writing and research methodologies to successfully complete a L8 degree.

The course provides students with a solid foundation in nursing theory and practice and allows students to assess their suitability for a career in nursing. Students achieving the required grades during this course can apply to gain entry to nursing degree courses.

Applications are also invited from mature students wishing to pursue a career in nursing.

This is a one-year foundation course for students wishing to train as Nurses both here in Ireland and in the UK. Students achieving the required grades during this course can apply to gain entry to Nursing Degree courses through the QQI entry system. This course provides students with a solid foundation in Nursing theory and practice and allows students to accurately assess their suitability for a career in nursing. Applications are also invited from mature students wishing to pursue a career in nursing.

The Pre-University Nursing Studies with Midwifery Option is a one-year course for students wishing to train as nurses both here in Ireland and in the UK. Students can use this QQI level 5 programme to gain entry to Nursing Degree courses in university.

It provides a solid foundation in Nursing theory and practice and allows students to accurately assess their suitability for a career in nursing. Students will go on work experience in a hospital or nursing home where they will practice their skills. Applications are also invited from mature students wishing to pursue a career in nursing.

This course is aimed at learners who love the challenge of problem solving and helping people in practical ways to complete Activities of Daily Living. The specialist programme will guide learners to work as an assistant in an Occupational Therapy Department or as part of a Multi-Disciplinary Team. The role provides support to older, injured, ill or disabled patients to enable them to partake in everyday activities.

The Occupational Therapy Studies course will focus on developing the students understand­ing of impaired mobility and its impact on human occupational performance and ability, and of the role of occupational therapy in current healthcare services. Students will obtain work experience in general hospitals, homes for the elderly, disability schools/homes, rehabilitation centres and respite care centres for a two-week period. The practical aspect of the course will give students a good understanding of hos­pital life and the qualities and characteristics required for a successful career as an oc­cupational therapist. Students will develop an awareness of how to assist the OT in the implementation of therapeutic programmes.

This course provides learners with knowledge and practical skills of the sports, fitness and science sectors to enable progression to higher education in these fields. Learners will engage in a range of both theory and skills based activities to gain the fundamental knowledge of these subject areas.

This is a one year course designed to prepare students for a career in the sports and leisure industry, or provide a pathway to further study. The course aims to encourage students to engage in a range of sports both practically and theoretically.

This one-year course will equip learners with the relevant knowledge and experience to work as a pharmacy counter assistant or pursue a pharmacy technician qualification in the future. From dispensing over-the-counter medications, helping clients choose medical aids and appliances to demonstrating and selling products, this course covers the most relevant skills. This course will also focus on a range of health related subjects relevant to employment as a pharmacy assistant. Work experience is within a retail pharmacy where, as a pharmacy assistant, you can work as part of a team of health professionals in order to help customers achieve the best possible health outcome.

This interdisciplinary course combines the study of Politics, Economics and Social Science and gives an understanding of the interactions between economic, social and political processes. This course covers how governments, policies and international relations work, learning to understand people and businesses, markets and governments, and how to respond to national and global changes, whilst understanding society, human behaviour and relationships.

This one-year course aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and practical skills to work in the rapidly growing construction and renewable energy industries. It gives students a taste of all the main construction trades. Students will also gain significant on-site experience with some of the largest construction companies in the area. The course also provides progression opportunities into further and higher education.

This comprehensive course aims to provide students with both the knowledge and practical skills necessary to access science based Degree programmes (including Sports Science) in both Institutes of Technology and Universities.

The Pre-University Science course includes core subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Laboratory Skills. Students also study Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Nutrition, building a solid foundation for higher education. The course develops key skills including scientific analysis, problem-solving, extensive laboratory skills, research techniques, and IT competence. The Mathematics module is accepted for entry to many third-level science programmes. The vast majority of graduates progress to further study in Ireland and abroad.

Learners with an ambition to study Science at Third Level, a love of science & maths and a willingness to work hard can apply for this course.

This course gives students a broad base in Science with a wide range of modules covered. It includes Animal Anatomy and Physiology for those students who may be interested in applying to Veterinary Nursing.

The Pre-University Science / Sports Science program is an academic foundation course designed to prepare students for the rigorous transition into third-level science and health degrees. The curriculum focuses heavily on the core scientific disciplines—chemistry, physics, and mathematics—forming the exact academic basis encountered in the first year of university science frameworks. Additionally, the integration of practical modules in exercise and fitness, alongside anatomy and physiology, ensures students develop a well-rounded, firm foundation tailored for advanced studies in sports science, physical therapy, and human health.