Academic Awards at Irish Institutions
The following academic awards can be achieved at Irish institutions:
Higher Certificate:
Two year full-time course
Bachelors Degree:
Three year full time course (NQF Level 7)
Honours Bachelors Degree:
Normally a three or four year course (NQF Level 8)
Graduate Diploma or HIgher Diploma:
Designed for graduates seeking a vocational reorientation – usually a one year course (NQF Level 8)
Masters degree:
Either by research or through a taught programme. Normally one-two year (s) duration (NQF Level 9)
Doctorate (PhD):
Usually takes a minimum of three to four years of original research (NQF Level 10)
NFQ = National Framework of Qualifications
Higher Education System in Ireland
The higher education system in Ireland consists of the university sector, institutes of technology and private independent colleges. The entry requirements for international students to higher education are determined individually by each institution and are generally based on national examination performance and English language aptitude.
University sector – Universities in Ireland
Universities in Ireland are State-funded, but they are generally autonomous. There are 8 universities in Ireland. These include:
- The National University of Ireland (NUI) which is the umbrella university covering University College Dublin (UCD), National University of Ireland, Galway, University College Cork, and Maynooth University.
- The University of Dublin, which is generally known as Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
- The University of Limerick (UL)
- Dublin City University (DCU)
- Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) formerly known as Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT)
The State-supported universities all award their own degrees and other awards. University students qualify with Ordinary Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 7) or Honours Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 8). Universities also offer Masters (NFQ Level 9) and Doctoral (NFQ Level 10) postgraduate degrees
Technological sector – Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology in Ireland
The technological sector includes technological universities (TUs) and institutes of technology (ITs). The Technological Universities Act 2018 allowed institutes of technology to apply to become a new type of higher education institution with technological university status. TUs and ITs provide programmes of education and training in areas such as business, science, engineering, linguistics and music to certificate, diploma and degree levels.
There are 11 institutes of technology in Ireland located around the country. In the Dublin area there is Dun Laoghaire. Outside Dublin they are Cork, Waterford, Tralee, Dundalk, Athlone, Galway and Mayo, Sligo, Letterkenny, Limerick, and Carlow.
On 1 January 2019, Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), Institute of Technology Tallaght and Institute of Technology Blanchardstown joined together to form Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin).
Technological universities (TUs) make their own awards. Institutes of technology (ITs) grant degrees, diplomas and certificates, which are validated by QQI. Students of TUs and ITs generally qualify with Higher Certificates (NFQ Level 6) or Ordinary Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 7). Honours Bachelors degrees (NFQ Level 8), Postgraduate Diplomas (NFQ Level 9) and Higher Doctorate (NFQ Level 10) are also available
Colleges of education and Other colleges
Several colleges of education in Ireland provide specialised training for primary school teachers. They offer a 3-year Bachelor of Education degree and an 18-month postgraduate diploma. Post-primary teachers generally do a primary degree, followed by a postgraduate diploma
In addition to State-funded colleges, a number of fee-paying third-level educational institutions offer courses, mainly in professional vocational training and business. Some of these colleges are linked to universities or professional associations and their qualifications may be accredited accordingly.
The other State-supported colleges generally grant awards that are validated by QQI. The private colleges make awards, some of which are validated by foreign universities and some of which are validated by QQI. Some of their awards are not validated by any outside body.
Some independent colleges are Dublin Business School (DBS), National College of Ireland (NCI), Griffith College Dublin (GCD).
To answer some of your immediate questions (for Indian students):
- You could do a Bachelors in Ireland either 3 years or 4 years (mostly all degree programmes are 4 years in Ireland)
- Ireland accepts 15 years of education to apply for their Masters / MBA (from India). For Engineering programmes, 16 years education (ie. 4 years Indian engineering degree) is required eg. With a BSc IT, a student cannot study a Masters directly. However, instead the student can apply for the 4th year of the undergrad degree (Honors year) in Ireland and then progress onto to Masters
- In general, most Masters level programmes in Ireland are of one year duration. Some programmes that come with internship and/or work placement component may have to be done over two years
- On declaration of results, you will be able to stay back in Ireland for TWO year to seek employment once you finish your Masters or MBA. Once you get your job (and are earning Euro 30000 annually), you can apply for a Green Card/Work Permit
Why Study in Ireland
For detailed understanding of why you should study in Ireland, read our Why Study in Ireland section
Study in Ireland
If you are interested in studying abroad in Ireland, arrange a free consultation with ILW Education Consultants today. Our Study in Ireland application experts can help you successfully apply to all Irish Universities and Colleges.
We’ve got some really top students studying at several Irish Universities. They’d be happy to help with your questions too.
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