The Graphic Design Level 6 course is an advanced program designed for students with prior experience in art and design who wish to elevate their technical and conceptual expertise. The curriculum focuses on refining design thinking, illustration, and typography while introducing modern digital competencies like motion graphics and web development. A standout feature of the course is its professional orientation, where students engage with real-world clients, deliver design pitches, and participate in industry workshops and conferences. 

This one-year course will aim to offer participants an introduction to the world of graphic design which is one of the fastest growing areas in the industry. Graphic design is a way for communication as well as self-expression. This course will provide the introduction to careers in the graphic design industry but will also provide an important stepping stone to third level courses leading to exciting careers in the computer design area.

This is a teacher education programme which aims to provide you with the opportunity to become a successful teacher of technology subjects at second level. These subjects include; Junior Certificate (Wood Technology, Graphics) and Leaving Certificate (Construction Studies, Design & Communication Graphics).

The programme is four years in duration and includes a number of school based teaching practice placements. These include a six week placement in the spring semester of year two and a further ten week placement in autumn semester of year four. These placements are designed to provide you, the student teacher, with a genuine opportunity for professional development under the supervision of faculty members of the University.

This degree with specialism in the teaching of Metalwork and Technology, is designed to produce graduates with technological and engineering skills to satisfy the needs of the Irish second level school system in relation to teaching Metalwork, Technical Graphics and Technology at Junior Cycle, and the subjects Technology, Engineering and Design & Communication Graphics at Leaving Certificate

If you are seeking to build a career as a Gym-based exercise Fitness Instructor, then this course if for you. You will achieve an internationally recognised award that qualifies you as a Fitness Instructor, and this can lead you directly to work. You will study the principles and practice of Gym-based Exercise, learning with qualified Fitness Instructors in a professional standard Fitness Studio and sports Hall.

This programme is also underpinned by a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Exercise, that offers you options to progress to Further and Higher Education.

The principal aim of the ITEC Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Gym based exercise) is to provide the learner with the knowledge and practical skills as an introduction into the Fitness sector. The ITEC Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training enables the learner to gain the practical and theoretical skills necessary to provide personal training, advice and assistance for active leisure and recreation.

This course offers a broad introduction to Sport, Exercise and Recreation studies, providing learners with the necessary skills to take up employment at entry level in the leisure industry.

Learners will improve their knowledge, competence and understanding of physical fitness and sport both practicallyand theoretically.

This one year course will prepare students for work in the Sports & Leisure Areas. It consists of theoretical and practical training which will enable the students to work in Gyms & Fitness Centres. The course leads to internationally recognised qualifications and students supplement their studies with work experience in a relevant area.

This programme enables learners to obtain a range of practical and theoretical skills en route to attaining the QQI Level 5 Major Award in Hairdressing.

The overall aim of the programme is to provide the learner with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence in hairdressing theory, practice and skills to work independently and under supervision in a hairdressing environment and/or to progress to further or higher education or training.

This is year one of a two-year course. The course is aimed at those who would like to pursue a career in hairdressing. Subjects within the course are tailored to suit the hairdressing industry and include cutting, styling, colouring, perming, shampoo and condition and barbering techniques. Students will learn and practice their skills in the onsite hairdressing salons and will have the opportunity to work on models. Work experience is an integral part of the course enhancing employability skills.

This is a one-year, full-time NFQ Level 5 course designed to equip learners with the essential vocational skills, academic knowledge, and technical competencies required to succeed in a professional salon environment. This program acts as a direct preparatory bridge for entering the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship or transitioning smoothly into the commercial workplace. 

The Hairdressing industry is a dynamic working environment, with opportunities for many different careers. This Level 5 course leads to internationally recognised qualifications in the art of hairdressing. You will learn the practical skills of hairdressing and styling, and the underpinning theoretical knowledge that will enable you to pursue a career in hairdressing business.

This is a one-year, full-time programme that enables learners to obtain a range of practical and theoretical skills en route to attaining the QQI Level 5 Major Award in Hairdressing as well as the Department of Education and Skills Junior Trade Certificate.

This course aims to prepare students for employment in the Hairdressing Industry. The overall aim of this programme is to provide the student with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence in hairdressing theory, practice and skills to work independently and under supervision in the dynamic hair industry and/or to progress to further or higher education or training. Students will be given training and confidence to secure an apprenticeship in a hairdressing salon. All practical training takes place in a fully equipped hair salon.

This Hairdressing & Beauty Specialist Level 5 Certificate offers both practical and theoretical skills to help you develop the confidence and knowledge necessary to pursue further study in the hair or beauty field. This course is an ideal launchpad for students wishing to embark on a career in Hairdressing or Beauty

This Barbering and Hairdressing course will lead to Level 5 Award on the National Qualifications Framework. The overall aim of this is to equip the learner with the vocational skills and knowledge to the world of the Barbering and Hairdressing Industry/Environment.

Hairdressing is an intensive, hands-on, course leading to recognised qualifications in hairdressing and related skills. Students interested in progressing to a second year where they gain higher qualifications in Senior Trades and a City & Guilds Diploma in Ladies Hair Dressing are selected on a competitive basis. Training is provided in the fully equipped college hairdressing salons. Work experience offers students the opportunity to further develop their skills in selected and approved hairdressing salons.

The National Hairdressing Apprenticeship programme is designed to ensure that the apprentice receives training both on and off the job over a minimum of three years.

With a blend of on-the-job training (80%) in full time employment, and one day a week off-the-job training (20%) at Portlaoise Institute, we provide apprentice with all the necessary skills, techniques, theory, and confidence in assisting them to become a fully qualified Hairdresser.