What is Further Education and Training?
Further Education and Training at Carlow Institute offers full-time courses at Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7. The Institute offers qualifications which include QQI, City & Guilds, ITEC, CIDESCO and SETU certification. These awards are easily transferable and recognised on the NFQ Awards Framework, enabling access and progression within education.
Progression to Higher Education
Carlow Institute has progression agreements with KCETB and SETU. Also available is the Higher Education Links Scheme which for a select number of courses places and Round Zero Offers. The Higher Education Links Scheme also offers learners the opportunity to apply to Higher Education using their QQI qualification. Applications for all Higher Education courses are made through CAO. Applicants should check course links and entry requirements prior to embarking on any Further Education course of study.
Progression to Careers
Many of our courses allow direct progression to employment and future careers. For selected career areas, our courses provide direct entry to work with a professional qualification on completion. Many others support pathways to Apprenticeship and other work-based learning while in employment.
Learning
Our courses cover many professional fields and are relevant to professional standards. You complete practical tasks to develop the technical, occupational skills required for work. You learn related theory and knowledge, to gain a thorough understanding of your area. You can develop wider skills including independent learning, teamworking and research techniques as part of your course.
At Carlow Institute, our courses are at Levels 5, 6 and 7 on the National Qualification Framework.
Assessment
You will have many different ways to demonstrate the skills, competencies and knowledge that you develop. These include practical tasks, demonstrations, presentations, assignments, examinations, portfolios and creating items. Assessment takes place throughout the course, and you will receive regular feedback on your work with advice on how best to improve your skills.
Realistic Working Environments
Some of our new spaces are familiar lecture-rooms, but you’ll find Realistic Working Environments too. These are professional standard facilities with real-world equipment.
Some of our Realistic Working Environments include:
- Art Studios
- Music Performance Studios
- Recording Studio
- Science Labs
- Animal Care Studio
- Horticulture Greenhouse
- Engineering and Mechatronics Workshops
- Automotive Engineering
- Hair and Beauty Therapy Suite
- Sports-hall, Gym and Conditioning Studio
We’ve designed the new Institute with the spaces and equipment to develop your skills and talents!
Free Tuition @ Carlow Institute
On application a €20 Charge
On registration – a KCETB Administration Charge – €80
Carlow Institute aims to make education as accessible and affordable as possible.
You are required to pay the application and registration charges, but your tuition, examination and awarding body costs are free.
The costs of PPE, clothing, kits, materials and equipment required for your course are covered.
More details are available on our Costs, Fees and Finance page.
Comparing Irish NFQ Qualification Levels and UK Equivalents
Some courses lead to international qualifications from UK awarding bodies like ITEC, Edexcel and City and Guilds. These qualifications use UK levels, which are different to Irish NFQ levels, but this grid gives you a convenient way to compare:
You can see that even though the levels appear different, they are easily comparable. We offer UK awards especially where there is international recognition in the industry and occupational sector.
