An ideal course for anyone seeking a career in the emergency services, this one-year course will equip learners with all the vital skills needed to work in this fast-paced environment. Not only will you learn about skills needed in the healthcare sector, you will also gain a good foundation if you wish to progress further in your studies.

This course is designed to introduce learners to the challenges and opportunities of working in emergency services. If you want an exciting and challenging practical course that can lead to a career in the emergency services, this course is for you.

Before starting the course, it is advisable to work towards obtaining a Driving Licence as this will enhance your employment prospects.

Can you see yourself as a Firefighter, Paramedic, or working in the emergency services? Are you calm, work well under pressure and have a desire to help people? Do you want to work in a caring environment? Are you currently a member of the many volunteer organisations and enjoy the experience? Or would you like to progress to study for a degree? If Yes, then this is the course for you.

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 course is designed for aspiring Speech and Language Therapists, this program explores diverse communication styles and clinical codes essential for professional practice. Students learn to navigate the complexities of assessing, diagnosing, and treating communication disorders across various settings, such as hospitals, schools, and health centers. By blending core healthcare values with practical skills in client care and patient handling, the course ensures graduates meet HSE standards and are fully prepared to support therapy programs in a clinical environment.

This 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.

* 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.

Pre-University Accounting and Finance is one year course designed to help you develop essential accounting skills and financial knowledge. These skills form the basis for a career in the following sectors accounting, finance, retail, and IT.

The course will give you an understanding of both manual and integrated accounting software. The course focuses on the functional areas of accounting, bookkeeping, taxation, communications, law and economics.

This one-year introductory course provides a comprehensive foundation in agricultural and animal sciences, exploring the biological and anatomical principles of the sector. Through core modules such as Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, and Laboratory Skills, students develop essential technical expertise and scientific literacy. The program also offers flexible elective modules, allowing learners to customize their studies and gain the academic grounding necessary for successful entry into higher education science degrees.

This programme is designed for students wishing to study Animal and Agri-Science at University. Students will receive a solid foundation in Biology and basic Agri-Science principles and practices which will allow progression to a wide range of veterinary, science, animal and agricultural degree programmes

Learners will gain a fundamental understanding of content related to animal and agri-sciences, while also getting the opportunity to provide direct care to animals within the programme and in the work setting.

Learners will study animal-related subjects to gain an understanding of key principles including; animal behaviour, biology, reproduction and breeding..

This course offers you introduces you to the fundamentals in agriculture with a strong specialism in animal science. Learners will study aspects of the agricultural industry as well as developing a sound understanding of animal welfare, reproductive physiology, animal health, animal breeding and animal science.

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.

This course introduces learners to research skills, academic writing skills and methods of study that are necessary for successful participation at third level. The course also incorporates research into suitable avenues of progression for those wishing to continue their studies upon successful completion.

Pre-University Arts is about giving students choice and flexibility while providing a variety of essential skills that will benefit their progression on to university and ultimately their chosen career.

This one year course provides the ideal starting point for learners who are keen to progress to third level education. It is suitable for those who may be undecided at present as to what they would like to study in the future. It also provides an alternative pathway to third level for some learners. Pre-University Arts is also an ideal programme for those who wish to return to education.

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 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.

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 full-time course provides students with the practical skills and knowledge necessary for the dynamic world of business. This course is designed to help students develop the essential skills and techniques which form the basis for a career in industry, commerce or the public service. The course comprises both theoretical and practical modules, and students will gain an understanding of both manual and integrated bookkeeping.

This practical one-year business accounting course is designed to provide an excellent foundation for learners wishing to progress to Level 7/8 Business Degree Programmes at Third Level. This course will allow the learner to build skills in accounting, bookkeeping, marketing, communications and information technology. This course also provide learners with the core business skills required to entry the workplace.

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.

The programme will introduce learners to the core principles of Law and the Irish legal system combined with Business Studies. You will get the opportunity to study several different branches of Law and Business to discover the area that interests you most to pursue at degree level.

Pre-University Law with Business is designed to provide learners with an in-depth knowledge of concepts relevant to business/legal environments, with an emphasis on Business Law.

This course in Pre-University Business with Sport and Exercise, 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. With experienced instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, this course promises an engaging and dynamic learning experience for those aspiring to pursue a successful career at the intersection of business and sports.

The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently and under supervision providing business services and support in a range of business contexts and or to progress to further and or higher-level studies.

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.

This course has been designed to meet the needs of a variety of students wishing to study the scientific discipline of microbiology. It is specifically designed for 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 may be of interest to students who are considering pursuing a degree in Engineering. It is also of particular relevance to those who require a science subject or Mathematics to progress to further study. This course is designed to Common measuring and inspection techniques used in engineering industry.The properties of engineering materials and be aware of common machining methods.The use of a range of tools and equipment (e.g. milling machine, lathe, drilling machine as well a variety of other measuring and hand tools).

This one-year Pre - University Engineering 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.

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.

This one-year course prepares the learner to explore Food Science and the principles of food processing with a view to gaining employment or progressing to further education or training in science, as a food scientist and in the agriculture sector. This course gives a solid introduction to Food Science and Technology for students who wish to pursue a Food Science Degree in Universities and Institutes of Technology.

This foundational program is designed for individuals seeking to enter the teaching profession or for trainers looking to reskill within the education and social care sectors. The curriculum explores the core principles of educational, social, and psychological studies, providing students with a broad knowledge base and essential academic writing and critical thinking skills. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, students participate in a two-week work placement as a classroom assistant or workplace trainer, ensuring they are well-prepared for the rigors of higher education.

The Pre-University Humanities program offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary academic foundation designed for both school leavers and mature students preparing for higher education within the arts, humanities, and social sciences.This program operates as an essential access course to university, arming learners with critical writing, research, and analytical reasoning methodologies.Students can customize their academic journey by selecting from a diverse suite of elective modules, including Psychology, Classical Studies, English Literature, Philosophy, Social Studies, and Folklore & Ethnology.

This course is designed for the learner to explore many aspects of the law and related subject areas that may interest them in future programmes or employment.  This course is often used by students as a preparatory course for progression to third level.

This pre-university course equips students with a foundational knowledge of key legal concepts alongside the administrative skills required for high-demand legal secretarial and administration roles. The curriculum covers the origin of Irish laws, the impact of EU law, the structure of the Irish legal system, and essential components of both contract law and the law of negligence. Featuring integrated practical work experience, the program provides clear pathways either directly into professional legal employment or toward higher education degrees in law and legal studies.

Pre-university law is a one year programme designed for those who wish to obtain a foundation knowledge of Irish law and legal processes. The course equips the learner with an introduction to the core principles of Irish law and the Irish legal system. This course is particularly relevant for students who wish to pursue a Level 6 Legal Studies course in the Institutes of Technology or business/law degrees in university.

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 one-year course will prepare participants for entrance into Law and Arts programmes in Irish universities and colleges. As well as preparing students to work in a legal environment both in Ireland and abroad. By progressing to a Law degree, and then on to a post graduate qualification, students can access the many opportunities available to those with a legal qualification. This course lays the foundation for those who know Law is their first choice and supports those who are planning to study Law at degree level. Graduates of this course have successfully qualified as solicitors.

This 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 course will prepare participants for entrance into Law and Arts programmes in Irish universities and colleges. It will also prepare students to work in a legal environment both in Ireland and abroad. This law course option is available with political studies. Law and politics are two distinctive disciplines that are often intrinsically connected. Students will have the opportunity to explore legal and political theory while developing critical research and communication skills. Graduates with a degree in this area have a broad range of career options such in law, consultancy, public sector roles, political roles, public affairs and advocacy.

This course will introduce you to the core principles of law and the Irish legal system. You will get the opportunity to study several different branches of law and discover the area that interests you most to pursue at degree level.

Alternatively, you could use this qualification to gain employment in areas where a background in law is an asset such as the regulatory bodies, citizens advice, and human rights advocacy agencies.

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.

Pre-Uni Marketing is an introduction to so many areas of marketing – both traditional and digital. The course covers key areas of marketing to include digital marketing, marketing practice, PR and IT modules that further enhance skills needed to work in so many areas of marketing and communications.

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 Pre-University Mechatronic and Electronic Engineering course also covers many of the theoretical aspects of mechatronics, but students also gain hands-on experience in the use of the latest technologies in this area. Through the Engineers Ireland accreditation process, Cavan Institute engineering programmes benefit from objective evaluation and approval, thereby ensuring they stand up to the best standards worldwide.

Mechatronics is the combination of mechanical, electronic, robotic and software engineering systems that are used in modern manufacturing industries, renewable energy, biomedical, pharmaceutical and food processing. It is also of particular relevance to those who require a science subject or mathematics to progress to further study. 

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.

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.

Students on this one-year programme will gain practical experience in healthcare clinical settings which, combined with an insight into theories relating to the nursing profession, will enable them to deliver high standards of care. Furthermore, this course will facilitate progression to third-level Nursing and Healthcare programmes.

This one-year Nursing Studies program prepares students for professional roles in healthcare, including hospitals, respite care, and community settings. By blending academic theory with practical work experience, the course develops the essential communication and clinical skills required for modern nursing. Ideal for both school leavers and mature learners, this program provides a comprehensive foundation for those seeking entry into formal nurse training or human-centered social care careers.

This course will prepare learners for a career in nursing or midwifery. The course will provide students with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for pursuing a career in nursing and midwifery. Students will gain the practical and clinical skills necessary to provide safe, compassionate, and effective patient care. including training in patient assessment, basic nursing procedures, and maternal and new-born care.

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.

If you are interested in how athletes achieve success from a human body and movement point of view or how the human body responds to physical activity, then this course is for you. Pre-University Sports Science course is engaging, and it will develop your knowledge, skills and confidence in the area.

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 one-year introductory course explores the core principles of rehabilitation and the therapeutic techniques used to treat injury, illness, and disability. Students gain a deep understanding of human anatomy and the impact of impaired mobility on physical performance, learning practical skills such as therapeutic exercise, massage, and taping. By blending clinical insights with patient handling and care implementation, the program ensures graduates meet HSE standards, equipping them to effectively support therapy plans and help clients restore their mobility and overall function.

This course is designed to equip students with a range of practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to work under supervision in the Complementary Therapy and Physiotherapy Assistant industry. Students may progress to further education in this specialist area or in the health sciences. Students receive hands-on experience in treatments which encourage general health and well-being in an applied learning environment.

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.

It is an academic foundation course designed for aspiring educators, including school leavers and mature students looking to transition into a teaching career. Rooted in the pursuit of excellence in pedagogy, learning, and research, this course provides a strong foundation for the holistic education of children and young people within a changing Ireland. The curriculum features a diverse range of modules that optimize entry paths into both concurrent (direct) and non-concurrent (consecutive) Level 8 education degrees at universities across Ireland, the UK, and the EU.

This course serves as a pre-university pathway for both primary and post-primary teaching, catering especially to individuals aspiring to embark on a career as educators in these levels. It will also be beneficial for mature students seeking a career change towards teaching. It is designed to equip participants for their educational journey, moulding them into compassionate and inspirational teachers and educators.

This one year full-time course aims to enable the learner to design, develop and test software components and systems in a workplace environment, working as a team member under supervision, while contributing to the workflow for the finished product and leading to employment in a range of sectors.

This course introduces the core principles of psychology – the scientific study of mind and behaviour and supports the development of critical thinking, analytical and research skills in preparation for third-level study.

This course is a first step towards a meaningful career in psychology, mental health, education, or other people-focused professions.

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.

This one-year introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of various scientific disciplines, allowing students to explore the field while building a strong academic foundation. A key focus is placed on mathematics, ensuring learners reach the competency levels required for advanced third-level studies. With flexible module options, students can tailor their qualification to meet the specific entry requirements of their chosen degree or career path, making it an ideal stepping stone for further scientific education or employment.

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.