Options leading to recognised qualifications
If you are interested in formal learning, then it is good to know which level is appropriate for you. Formal qualifications in Ireland can be divided into ten levels on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
It can be useful to think of it as a ladder system; entry at the bottom is at Level 1 and Level 10 is at the top.
If you choose a course that makes awards on this framework, your award can be used to help with your employment opportunities, or to allow you to select more courses further up the 'ladder'. Your awards will also be recognised internationally.
To help understand the relationship between courses and careers, we assign both to Career Zones. You will see from the diagram below that courses in each Zone are related to careers described by that zone. The 10 levels on the Framework are on the left column.
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In practical terms, if a job or occupation is classified as Zone 3, then it typically requires a person to have qualifications in Zone 3 also (Level 6 on the NFQ - see diagram above).
The level you should study will depend on your previous qualifications and experiences, and your personal goals. Use the links on the NFQ Levels to find out more.
NFQ Levels 1 and 2
For who?
- Adults with no, or few qualifications
- Adults who want to progress and stay in education, and those who just want to upskill in one area (e.g. reading and writing)
What subjects?
- Most courses at level 1 and 2 teach fundamental and basic skills, such as literacy and numeracy
How long?
- Learners can often study part-time at their own pace. Adults can take different length of time to complete level 1 and 2 courses, anything from a few weeks to much longer.
Where?
- Most courses at level 1 and 2 are provided by ETBs.
- In local community projects and centres (Community education)
- Search for courses here
NFQ Level 3
For who?
- Adults with or without junior certificate
- Those who want to progress to level 4, and those who just want to upskill in one are
What subjects?
- Most courses at level 3 involve learning for everyday life, specific personal skills and practical skills, such as Employability skills and Computer skills.
How long?
- Learners can often study part-time at their own pace, but usually complete a level 3 course over one year.
Where?
- Typically provided by ETBs.
- Also in local community projects and centres (Community education) and in Youthreach centres
- Search for courses here
NFQ Level 4
For who?
- Adults with junior certificate or level 3 (or equivalent)
- Those who want to progress to level 5, and those who just want to upskill in one area
What subjects?
- Most courses at level 4 involve vocational and personal skills, such as computer skills and communication skills.
- There are also traineeships offered at this level – see http://www.traineeship.ie.
How long?
- Learners can often study at their own pace, but usually complete a level 4 course over one year
Where?
- Most courses at level 4 are provided by ETBs.
- In local community projects and centres (Community education)
- Search for courses here
NFQ Levels 5 and 6
For who?
- Adults with Leaving Certificate or level 4 (or equivalent)
- Adults who have not completed the Leaving Certificate may be able to access Level 5 or 6 PLC courses if they have relevant work experience (contact the course co-ordinator to find more about a specific course)
- Those who want to progress to third level education (university), and those who just want to upskill in one area
- Level 5 and 6 PLC courses are for both school leavers and adults of all ages. Most courses will have people of many ages.
What subjects?
- You can study a wide range of subjects, such as business, childcare, computing and technology, horticulture, multimedia production, sport and leisure and tourism.
- Many courses at level 5 and 6 are vocationally specific ‘Post Leaving Certificates’ (PLC) courses. PLC courses are designed as a step towards employment and are closely linked to industry.
- A level 6 course in a Technological University (TU) generally leads to a ‘Higher Certificate’, whereas a level 6 from a PLC course is called an 'Advanced Certificate'
- There are apprenticeships offered at levels 5 and 6 – see our apprenticeship area for more information
- There are traineeships offered at these levels – see http://www.traineeship.ie
How long?
- Level 5 and 6 courses are usually full-time and are typically one (level 5) or two
(level 6) years in duration. - Many level 5 courses lead on to level 6 courses in the same subject area.
Where?
- Most courses at level 5 and 6 are provided by ETBs and Colleges of Further Education
- Some courses offered in local community projects and centres, NLN etc.
- Some level 6 Higher Certificate courses are delivered in Institutes of Technology and Technological Universities, and are applied to through the CAO application system
NFQ Levels 7 to 10
For who?
- Individuals with Leaving Certificate, or Level 5 or 6 qualifications (or equivalent)
What subjects?
- You can study a wide range of subjects, both theoretical and vocational.
- There are also apprenticeships offered at these levels
How long?
- Bachelor degrees: Level 7 courses are usually three years in duration (Full-time)
- Honours Bachelor degrees: Level 8 courses are usually four years in duration (Full-time)
- Masters degrees: Level 9 courses are one or two years in duration (Full-time)
- Doctorate degrees: Level 10 doctorate studies are a minimum of 3 years in duration (Full-time)
Where?
- Courses at levels 7-10 are provided by Colleges, Universities, Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology.
- Search for courses here