Your Options

Higher education institutes include universities and technological universities. These institutions typically offer QQI level 7 or 8 qualifications to undergraduate students, such as school leavers. These are commonly called Bachelor's Degrees and Honours Bachelor's Degrees and are typically 3 or 4 years long. You can apply to a higher education course via the Central Applications Office. 

Higher education might be a good choice for you if…. 

• You feel comfortable in a large class group. 
• You like lecture-style classes. 
• You feel ready for a longer course. 
• You have a career in mind that requires a higher education degree. 
• You meet the entry requirements (get enough CAO points with or without DARE and meet other requirements such as a maths grade). 

Further Education Institutes are often called FET centres or colleges of further education. They typically offer 1 or 2 year courses at QQI level 5 or 6. You might hear these referred to as PLC (Post Leaving Certificate) courses! Further Education Institutes usually have less students per centre and smaller class sizes. You typically apply to further education courses directly with the provider, usually online. Some FET learners may choose to apply to study at a Higher Education Institute after completing their studies, and others enter the workforce with their new qualification.  

Further education might be a good choice for you if…. 

• You prefer a smaller class size. 
• You prefer more direct interaction with teaching staff. 
• You want to try studying for a shorter period of time. 
• You don't get enough CAO points to do the higher education course of your choice directly after your leaving cert. 

Apprenticeships are where you work and earn as you get your qualification. 50% or more of apprenticeship learning happens on the job! Apprenticeship programmes are available in many areas, including engineering, social care, mechanics, finance, construction, and hairdressing. The Generation Apprenticeship website lists a wide variety of different apprenticeships. These programmes are typically 2-4 years long. You usually apply directly to your potential employer for an apprenticeship. 

An apprenticeship might be a good choice for you if…. 

• You prefer to learn by doing. 
• You want to get experience in the workforce. 
• You want to earn while you get your qualification.   

A growing number of colleges and universities in Ireland offer third-level education programmes specifically designed for students with intellectual disabilities. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes intellectual disability, referred to in ICD-11 as disorders of intellectual development, as involving significant limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. Adaptive behaviour includes the conceptual, social and practical skills used in everyday life, with these difficulties arising during the developmental period.

These programmes provide students with intellectual disabilities with opportunities to experience third-level education in an inclusive college or university environment. They are usually one or two years in length, with many offering qualifications between Levels 3 and 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Other models also exist, including local partnerships offering programmes at Levels 2 and 3.

Entry requirements vary, but students will typically be aged 18 or over and be required to provide evidence of an intellectual disability. Some programmes may also require students to travel independently and to manage themselves with an appropriate level of independence within a college or university environment.

Learning is typically designed for a diverse group of students, with Universal Design for Learning (UDL), flexibility and student-centred approaches at its heart. What students study varies across programmes and can include arts and drama, sport and leisure, science, technology and maths, business and entrepreneurship, employment skills and personal development.

Many programmes also provide opportunities for students to learn alongside students from other courses in the college or university. Preparing for employment is another important element, with some programmes offering structured work placements and opportunities to progress to internships after completing their course.

As programmes differ in their content, qualifications, entry requirements and progression opportunities, students should explore the different options available and consider which programme best matches their interests, goals and support needs. You can find a list of programmes on the Inclusive National Higher Education Forum (INHEF) website.

(Content provided by Des Aston, INHEF)