Inchicore College of Further Education

Inchicore College of Further Education is one of the biggest providers of further education courses in Ireland and has been at the fore front of further education development since 1984. The college offers a wide range of courses in a number of disciplines: Theatre and Dance, Care Services, Child Care, Sports & Leisure,Tourism and Creative Arts.

Facilities at the college include computer rooms, internet access, gymnasium, language laboratory, canteen, two dance studios, recording studio, student library, college theatre, study facility.

The Sports Hall and leisure complex incorporates a P.E. hall, new gym, aerobic studio, crèche and all-weather pitches.

All courses are offered to full FETAC certification allowing further progression though the Higher Education Links Scheme. Many courses also offer BTEC Higher National Diploma certification.

Students participate in many sports and cultural activities throughout the academic year and there are also opportunities for foreign exchanges with students from France, Italy, Spain and other EU countries.

The college offers a friendly and supportive environment and qualifying students are eligible to apply for the PLC Maintenance Grant. A full career guidance service is available as well as counselling, educational and special needs support services. Applications from adults and those wishing to apply to the VTOS scheme are also most welcome.

Further Education (often abbreviated to FE) is education or training, which often acts as a bridge between Secondary Education and Higher Education or the work place. The term ‘Higher Education’ is used to refer to University or Technical Institutes.

Students usually come to Further Education from Secondary school but many students come to Further Education through other routes also.

People who may have left education early may use FE as a route back into education to improve their qualifications, to access higher education or to improve their employment prospects.

Others may choose Further Education as a way to change their career path or to build on skills they already have.

Students who choose Further Education find that the qualifications they can get provide them with many options. Students can use qualifications awarded by FETAC to apply for courses in higher Education, in many cases being able to accumulate points that they did not achieve at Leaving Certificate.

FETAC awards are also widely recognised by employers and greatly improve employment prospects.

Many FE courses also offer the HND (Higher National Diploma) award. Students may use this award to apply for advanced entry to degree courses in the UK.

Many FE courses also offer Certification and Awards specific to the vocational area and these awards are especially valuable additions to a prospective employee’s CV.