There are lots of smaller colleges around Ireland offering Fetac courses – these are usually one or two year courses and can be used to progress on to particular third level colleges. These courses are also good stand alone qualifications and can be a useful way of spending a year out if you are not sure you want to commit to a three or four year course. Fetac courses are outside the points system – to get on to theses courses you apply to the college directly. In most cases, it’s not too late to apply now and there is usually a short interview as part of the application process. In Cork there are three main colleges that offer Fetac courses:
Some of the Fetac courses can be used to progress to third level courses in the universities and ITs provided that your Fetac grades are high enough. For example, the Nursing Studies Fetac Course offered by Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai and the College of Commerce will allow you to apply for nursing in UCC and other third level colleges, e.g. IT Tralee. if you do you use the Fetac route, keep in mind that you need to achieve high grades in your nursing studies course and that UCC, like most colleges, keep a small number of places for Fetac applicants. Still, it’s worth a shot if you don’t have the points for nursing.
From the UCC brochure on Fetac Links
The Business Studies Fetac Course (often called secretarial courses) is also good one to consider as they also allow for progression to third level, again once your Fetac grades are high enough. All of the ITs offer entry to their own business studies courses through Fetac and UCC have a small number of places in Commerce and Law for Fetac applicants. The Business Studies course if offered in Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai and in many of the Cork Colleges. Even leaving aside third level progression, the business studies is a good stand alone course and is a good preparation for third level if you decide to take a year out.
From the UCC brochure on Fetac links to Law
UCC also allow Fetac applicants on to the Sports Studies and Physical Education (PE teaching) course through the Sport and Recreation Course. At the moment, this course is offered by Tralee Community College. A similar course is offered by Colaiste Stiofain Naofa in Cork, however this is not Fetac certified, so I am not sure if this is accepted by UCC for entry on to the PE course.
From the UCC brochure on Fetac links
The UCC brochure on Fetac links to their various courses can be found here.
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