Drogheda Institute of Further Education is the largest provider of PLC courses in the north east region. Our aim is to provide Further Education courses which are of the highest quality to school leavers, and adults returning to education. Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) was announced as the overall winner of the “Best Provider of Further Education in Ireland” award at the ‘Education Awards 2020 & 2021.

We offer over 55 courses in a wide variety of disciplines, all of which are fully accredited by QQI and other relevant professional examining bodies.

Highly dedicated and experienced staff are on hand to guide students and modern facilities in every area ensure that students become familiar with the technology of the workplace. Close liaison with employers also ensures that courses are relevant and up to date.

Our diverse courses range across the following faculties: Art, Design & Technology, Business Humanities & IT, Sports, Leisure & Tourism, Community & HealthCare, Applied Science. 

A varied Night Class programme is also provided at DIFE.

Our courses are suitable for all learners and all programmes have excellent pathways to both Higher Education and/or employment. While some of your learners will be fortunate enough to get their preferred degree choice and move directly to Higher Education, some students may need an alternative route including;

• Learners who do not get their preferred degree programme.
• Learners who need the additional supports that a FE college can offer (e.g. location, guidance, small lecture sizes etc.).
• Learners who are unsure about progressing to college at this stage and are deferring their place for the next academic year.
• Learners unsure about what programme is best suited to them and want to complete a one-year programme to confirm their choice prior to progressing to their degree.
• Learners who may have underperformed in their Leaving Certificate examinations and need an alternative route to their chosen career path.
• Learners who are pragmatically minded and learn kinaesthetically through exposure to a work-based learning environment.
• Learners who are looking to gain industry recognised qualifications in a short course and progress directly to employment (childcare, healthcare, beauty therapy, hairdressing, pharmacy, animal care, dental nursing, health and fitness sectors etc).

Our Pre -University Programmes have become an increasingly popular path to assist students to access their preferred degree choice at third level enabling learners to gain a foundation level of knowledge in their chosen field with a focus on progression to degrees.

These university preparation courses have several benefits including;

• Universities have increased programme links and reserved places for QQI learners in recognition of the value of this route to Higher Education.
• Boost leaners skills and confidence before they begin more intensive study as part of degree programme.
• Get learners used to college skills including; research skills, referencing, management of continuous assessment and assignment development.
• Courses are short – typically no longer than one year and contain vocational placements which is beneficial for UCAS applications.
• From a school perspective, learners who transition to college after their study in Drogheda Institute of Further Education will be included in the secondary schools’ statistics with regards to schools' rates of progression for annual School League Tables.