Further Education courses are often referred to as PLC or Post Leaving Certificate courses. These courses are valuable qualifications in their own right but can also be used as a bridge or stepping stone between second and third level education.
Most PLC courses offer awards at levels 5 and 6 on the NFQ framework, while others offer equivalent awards by professional bodies or other national or international awarding bodies, e.g. City & Guilds, BTEC etc.
Understanding QQI awards and Progression Routes.
 
Additional FET / PLC Course Searches
The Higher Education Links Scheme
The Higher Education Links Scheme provides 'linked' or connecting pathways from certain named Level 5 and 6 awards through to CAO. Where an award is ‘linked’, it is recognised for application purposes by the particular Higher Education Institution.
The Scheme 'links' specific FETAC Level 5 Certificates and some Level 6 Advanced Certificates to a number of reserved places on higher education courses and the Institutes of Technology. In addition to this, some Higher Education Institutions operate an admissions criteria and scoring system for non-specific FETAC Level 5 Certificate and Level 6 Advanced Certificate applicants.
FETAC publish a document annually showing the progression from Level 5 and Level 6 Certificates to Higher Education courses at third Level [2013 edition pdf].
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Detailed information on the Higher Education Links Scheme is available on here.
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Common Awards System
FETAC has introduced a new awards system known as the Common Awards System (CAS). All FETAC awards will be part of CAS from 2014. CAS awards will replace existing linked FETAC awards.
A copy of the new scoring system for 2013 Progression to Higher Education, for eligible FETAC applicants is available here.
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