Entry Requirements

Unless otherwise stated, the basic entry requirement to all full-time Level 5 courses is as follows:

• Over 18 years of age and/or successful completion of the Leaving Certificate
  (or equivalent international qualification)
• Over 18 years of age and /or successful completion of a Level 4 major award
  (or equivalent international qualification)

For Level 6 courses:

• The basic entry requirement to all full-time Level 6 programmes is the successful completion of a Level 5 major award (or equivalent international qualification)

Where a course is part of a jointly managed Tertiary programme, any specific admissions arrangements associated with that programme, which may sit outside this policy, will be clearly indicated.

Some programmes may require specific subjects or skills.

Our teachers will assess if the course is the right option for you at an interview. All reasonable efforts are made to facilitate diversity and to support learners with additional needs. See the section Open Learning and Students with Additional Needs for more information.

English Language Requirement

Applicants whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency in communication through English to Literacy Grade B standard or higher for Level 5 courses, or higher.

Applicants who are unable to demonstrate adequate proficiency will be referred to Kilkenny and Carlow Education Training and Board Literacy Services to develop these skills to support later progression to Carlow Institute.

Mature Students

Mature students (over 23 years old) are welcome to apply for all courses at Carlow Institute.

Mature applicants who don’t meet the minimum entry requirements, but who have acquired skills or experience, are welcome to apply, and we make sure the course is suitable at an interview.

Students aged between 18 and 23 years who do not have the minimum entry requirement or RPL will be referred to career guidance.

Garda Vetting (Clearance)

Garda Vetting (police / criminal records clearance) is a requirement on courses where students have access to children or vulnerable adults. Students must be vetted for clearance by the Gardaí prior to attending work experience. It is your responsibility to obtain Garda Vetting Clearance / criminal records clearance.

Students who have lived outside the jurisdiction of Ireland /Northern Ireland, and for whom Garda vetting / clearance is unavailable, are required to provide verifiable evidence of criminal records clearance from the relevant police authorities.

We will provide you with information about making an application for clearance, but it is your responsibility to complete any necessary application and to obtain clearance. If you are offered a place on a course, you will be issued with information at registration.

Your Interview

Interviews take place from March to late August – see course information pages for details.

Our staff will guide you through questions to make sure that you are in a position to succeed on the course. You will be able to ask about the course and opportunities available.

It is essential to attend an interview – it is your opportunity to see if the course is the right choice for you.

After Your Interview

If the course is the right choice for you, you will be offered a place. As courses are popular, this operates on a first fully registered basis with fees paid in full. We cannot keep places for students who do not pay full fees.

If you aren’t ready to undertake a course, or need more time to develop skills, you will be guided to step-up options, including:

• Preparatory Level 4 courses, including Literacy and Numeracy
• Other alternative courses, including work-based learning and apprenticeships
• Career Guidance Counsellor advice on alternative courses

It is an advisory interview to help you to understand what is involved on the course. It is aimed to make your transition to college as smooth as possible and you should be confident that you will be successful.

Top Tips For The Interview

Here are some ideas to help you prepare. Remember, we want to make sure the course is right for you!

• We’ll ask about your interests and how these relate to the course
• We’ll ask about what you want to do in the future
• We’ll ask about your achievements – these could be academic, or events that you have participated in
• We’ll ask what you think your skills are
• Above all, let us find out about you

Remember that like all professional interviews, some personal preparation will really help boost your confidence!

Only the applicant attends the interview, third parties are not permitted to attend.