By now, you’ve probably heard all the New Year’s resolution-related drivel you can take, so here’s some advice you can really use – nine times out of 10, the road to a fulfilling career starts with education. And what better time to start than right now?

Whether you’re a secondary student thinking about the future, a seasoned professional looking to upskill or a budding musician getting ready to follow your dream, picking the right college course is crucial to your success.
From art and design through music performance to business and media, getting ahead in your chosen field very often comes down to what you know – and there’s no better way to start the learning process in earnest than with a course in one of Ireland’s world-class colleges.
With that in mind, we’ve been checking out some of the best degree, diploma and certificate courses currently on offer across the country. Think you don’t have the time or money to invest in education this year? Think again. The schools on this list offer everything from affordable two-day workshops to intensive four-year programmes – so whatever you’re passionate about, you’ll find something that will work for you here.
Of course, the pursuit of knowledge doesn’t stop the moment someone says: “You’re hired.” There are excellent follow-on courses that allow you to fully explore the extent of your skill, and even to meet both experts and like-minded souls to trade inspiration.
Just remember, in the words of WB Yeats, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
And he should know. He spent two years at NCAD, after all.

MUSIC EDUCATION
The music industry is a notoriously difficult beast to slay, but you might be surprised to hear that some of your favourite musicians and producers started with courses right here in Ireland. To name three acts team Hot Press have been known to fawn over, Mick Flannery, O Emperor and Solar Bears boast qualifications from some of the below colleges. Read on if you fancy following in their footsteps.

Kylemore College, Ballyfermot is a City of Dublin VEC college offering full-time Post Leaving Cert programmes in Music Performance and Music Technology. Courses are one academic year in length and certified at FETAC Level 5, making them perfect preparation for further study or for direct entry into the music industry. Music Performance students study all aspects of music and participate in a wide range of activities, from singer-songwriter nights to larger scale events in the Academy and the Helix. The Music Technology course is based around the college’s state-of-the-art studio, where students will be guided by a highly committed team of experts. At Kylemore, tutors encourage each student to explore their own musical personality, not just creatively but through the many technical and personal challenges that music presents. “It’s about finding a voice,” they explain in their online ethos, “and building your musical confidence.” And so say all of us…
To enroll, contact Gerard at 01 623 9187 (Performance), Terry at 01 623 4316 (Music Technology) or apply through the Kylemore College website at kylemorecollege.ie. A PLC Open Day takes place on Wednesday, January 30, from 2pm – 4pm.

Also in Dublin 10, Ballyfermot College Of Further Education offers Higher National Diplomas in Music Management, Music Production, Traditional Music Performance and Contemporary Music Performance (also known as the rock school).
No less than two graduates from the latter appear on this year’s Choice Music Prize shortlist – Wallis Bird, for her eponymous third album and Damien Dempsey for his sixth LP, Almighty Love. One and two-year courses in art, design, media, journalism, graphics, animation, television and film are also popular.
BCFE’s open evening will take place on February 6, from 4pm – 7pm. Applications for courses are now open at bcfe.ie.

Specialising in the areas of music production, film production and gaming development, Pulse College counts some of Ireland’s foremost sound engineers among its alumni. Graduates have gone on to work with many great artists, including Prince, Lady Gaga, Kings of Leon, 50 Cent, Snoop Dog, U2, REM, The Corrs, Kylie Minogue, Van Morrison, The Spice Girls and Elvis Costello. 
The new music production degree at Pulse combines creativity with cutting-edge technology. Based in the world famous Windmill Lane Recording Studios, it allows students to develop industry specific skills in the areas of studio recording, sound engineering, live recording, sound design, computer music production and audio visual work.
To enroll on the CAO, use Code GC455. Pulse College also offers short courses in Audio and Film production. See pulsecollege.eu for more, or check out the open day on February 2, from 11am.

Across the city in Temple Bar, the Sound Training Centre has been setting standards in audio education for over 26 years. With full and part-time fully accredited courses in music production, sound engineering, live sound, lighting and stage management, the college is connected to a very impressive list of facilities, including Grouse Lodge Residential Recording, Apollo, Sun, and Elektra Studios, The Button Factory venue and Temple Lane Rehearsal Studios. A dedicated approach to training and top class facilities provides excellent opportunities for students to progress within the music industry.
Each year, the Advanced Sound Engineering students at the Sound Training Centre produce a high-profile charity album. The 2011 LP, Silver Lining, was a phenomenal success, raising over €60,000 for Headstrong, partially thanks to James Vincent McMorrow’s sensational cover of Steve Winwood hit ‘Higher Love’. The album also topped the Audio/Music production category in The Digital Hub’s Best in Show 2011 Awards.
An Open Day will be held at the Button Factory on January 26 from 12pm – 4pm. For more, contact administrator Maggie Gallagher on 01 6709 033 or email [email protected]. Sound Training Centre are online at soundtraining.com or follow them on Facebook or Twitter at sound_training.

BIMM, the folk behind Ireland’s first four-year modern music degree course, have just announced that they are expanding for the academic year 2013/14. Due to overwhelming demand for its courses, which are accredited by DIT, BIMM Dublin has acquired its second premises, located less than five minutes walk from its headquarters on Francis St.
All BIMM Dublin tutors are experienced music industry professionals who are committed to helping students succeed, and include singer/songwriter Cathy Davey, bass player Paul Moore, guitarist Cormac Breslin, drum and live performance tutor Graham Hopkins, business tutor Jim Lawless (manager of The Coronas), and vocal coach Tine Verbeke, who has worked with the likes of Bono, Glen Hansard and Danny O’Donoghue of The Script.
BIMM Dublin hosts an open day at its HQ, 62 – 64 Francis St., Dublin 8, on Saturday, January 26 from 9am – 5pm. Applications for the BIMM Dublin BA (Hons) in Commercial Modern Music validated by DIT, must be made through the CAO before Friday, February 1, 2013. All successful candidates must complete an audition. For more or to order a BIMM prospectus, go to bimm.co.uk/Dublin.

Based in Cork City, Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa offers courses in humanities, science and technology. However the Leeside college is possibly best known for its Performing Arts qualifications, which cover dance, theatre and music. Popular courses include a one-year, full-time FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Music Management and Sound, and a two-year, full-time BTEC Higher National Diploma in Performance and Production. Currently gracing CSN’s Hall Of Fame are Mick Flannery, O Emperor’s Paul Savage, Finbarr Clancy of The High Kings and front of house engineer Ber Quinn, who counts Villagers and Cathy Davey among his charges.
Students from the BTECH Higher National Diploma have the added bonus of being able to move into courses at Dublin’s BIMM or CIT’s Degree in Popular Music.
“It’s a very practical, hands-on diploma,” says department head Christy Ahern, “with a clear focus on project realisation”. Case in point, the iTunes programme, which has students releasing seven singles by seven artists on March 7 of this year.
For more, email [email protected] or phone 021 4961020 or visit csn.ie. While you’re there, have a look at the selection of part-time and evening courses on offer.
Bray Institute of Further Education offers one-year diplomas in Sound Engineering and DJ Techniques , as well as a two-year higher national diploma in Music Production. On completion of this Higher National Diploma course, Learners can complete an Honours Degree over one additional year in the UK or Northern Ireland.
BIFE also do a wide range of full-time and part-time Further Education (PLC) courses. The College caters for students with a variety of needs, from those who want to do University Degrees (hons) to those who are training for employment. Full-time courses cover the areas of art, business, design, IT, media, performing arts, sports, tourism and more, while the evening classes include cooking, dressmaking, theatre directing, bookkeeping, Indian massage, pottery, tai chi and tap dancing.
For more information, see bife.ie or contact 01 282 9668, [email protected] (PLC), 01 286 6111, [email protected] (Night School) or 01 282 9668, [email protected] (Music).

Finally on the music front, brought to you by Hot Press, MIX 2013 is an 13-week course with lectures by top professionals from the Irish and International music industry. Aimed at those who want to succeed in music, management, media, publicity, promotion, publishing, record labels and lots more, MIX 13 is perfect for those seeking careers in, or already employed in, the music industry or music media. Key Subjects include the role of record companies, music marketing, publicity, image development, record production, songwriting, music publishing, radio, management, finance, touring and digital media. Among the lecturers are industry leaders like Mark Crossinghm (Universal Music), U2 design guru Steve Averill, Crowded House’s Nick Seymour, artist Gemma Hayes – and loads more. The MIX 13 course will include a written examination and those who complete the course successfully will be awarded the MIX certificate.
For more information or to secure your place, contact Liobhan O’Hora at Hot Press on 01 241 1500 or [email protected], or log on to mix.hotpress.com.

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
While Griffith College Dublin (gcd.ie) and Dublin Business School (dbs.ie), DCU and DIT boast some of the city’s best known media studies faculties, there are plenty of other excellent options for anyone looking to get into the writing or broadcasting racket.

The Big Smoke Writing Factory is a Dublin-based creative writing school, providing courses to writers of all levels and in a variety of forms and genres. Maybe you’re just starting off but not sure where to begin; alternatively, you’re mid-way through a novel or play and finding yourself stuck. Either way, if you want to learn more about the art of poetry, about telling a story in original prose, about how to write about your own life experiences in a compelling way, or if you simply want to develop and improve your writing skills, there’s a course for you at Big Smoke.
For more info, see bigsmokewritingfactory.com or phone 087 976 6253.

If you have an interest in public relations, marketing or journalism Rathmines College in Dublin’s Southside cultural hub has a long-established expertise in these intertwined disciplines. This centrally located Dublin college effectively matches student skills with employer needs by offering a range of one, two and three year study options in the key skills areas of Journalism, Media, Marketing, Events, Accounting, Business and more. Rathmines College provides Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Diploma and Professional courses, awarded by the relevant Educational (FETAC and BTEC) and Professional body (PRII, ACCA, and IATI).
The Rathmines College Open Day takes place on Thursday, January 24 from 2pm – 6 pm. As a College of Further Education, Rathmines College courses are all state-funded, meaning that minimum charges apply. For more, contact Rathmines College on 01 4975334 or visit rathminescollege.ie.

ART(S)
The National College Of Art And Design (ncad.ie) and Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (iadt.ie) are among the well established institutions offering visual arts courses of different kinds.

However, successful designers come from all walks of life and backgrounds and, thanks to colleges like the Dublin Institute Of Design, you can excel in the rich and fascinating world of design, regardless of your age, income, work experience or previous education. No matter what level of raw talent, creativity, computer skills or drawing ability you’ve reached, their courses can give you the skills and confidence required to develop as a designer.
Courses are broken down into four main areas: graphic design, interior design, fashion design and web design. The Institute’s course menu includes six-week certificate courses,10-week certificate courses, one-year certificate programmes, two-year diploma programmes and Degree programmes.
Dublin Institute of Design courses cater for all, from Leaving Certificate students looking to pursue professional level qualifications to those with design experience looking to add to their skills. All courses are offered with an option of full time or part time attendance.
For more information see dublindesign.ie or contact 01 6790286 or [email protected].

The BA in Liberal Arts at Mary Immaculate College celebrates its 21st birthday in 2013 – and to mark this special occasion, the Faculty of Arts is planning a series of special events. To start with, the Faculty are holding an Open Evening on January 28, 7pm – 9.30 pm, providing an opportunity for potential students to find out what the BA Liberal Arts at MIC has to offer.
From language to literature, and music to media, Mary Immaculate College provides a wealth of options for Undergraduates, Postgraduates and Mature Students alike. Alumnus Tommy Bulfin, now script editor for Company Pictures (Skins, Shameless, Secret State), had this to say. “I have always been passionate about television and drama and as a Leaving Cert student, MIC’s BA programme in English and Media And Communication Studies seemed like the perfect fit to a career path in this field. The BA in MIC has always had a great reputation, but I didn’t realise when I walked through the doors of the College that I was entering much more than an academic institution. MIC has a community spirit that makes it truly unique and it became a home to me for five years… On a daily basis, I find myself relying on the skills I learned in MIC.”
For more information, please call 061 774775 or email [email protected].

Located right in the heart of the medieval city, Ormonde College of Further Education is Kilkenny’s largest single provider of further education courses. The college has managed to maintain an aura of intimacy, however, helped significantly by its historic location. Bordered by part of the old city walls and one of the wall turrets, OCFE holds its beauty therapy training salons in the magnificent setting of an adjacent, now deconsecrated, Presbyterian church. Similarly, students of the Media Programme take their Radio Production module in the studios of the local Community Radio station.
The college is enjoying a growing reputation for the quality of the courses it offers at FETAC (QQI) Levels 5 and 6. Its academic programme includes Animal Care, Fine Art, Beauty Therapy, Office Administration, Early Childhood Care and Education, Community Healthcare and Nursing, Sport and Recreation, Security and Media Studies.
Details of all programmes, entry requirements and qualifications needed can be found at ormondecollege.ie or contact the college on 056 7763321. Ormonde College will host an Open Evening on February 7 from 4pm – 7pm.

Set in the grounds of a 16th century castle and operating under the tagline of ‘Time, Space and Inspiration’, the Burren College Of Art is a school unlike any other. Offering graduate courses, undergraduate courses and summer workshops in the areas of drawing, painting, photography, ecology, fine art and more, the college philosophy is that liberation from rigid programming provides opportunity for intense focus.
For those considering a postgraduate course in Fine Art, the Postgraduate Portfolio Day Ireland, held in Dublin, is an ideal opportunity to learn more about the range of courses available at Burren College Of Art, and to take a look at what’s on offer at a variety of design-minded institutions. Final year students, recent graduates and emerging artists can meet with faculty from Burren College of Art, as well as CIT Crawford College of Art & Design, NCAD, IADT, University of Ulster, Limerick School of Art & Design, GradCAM, Huston School of Film & Digital Media, Royal College of Art, London and Cardiff School of Art & Design, learn about the different programmes and have their portfolio reviewed. Organisations offering residency opportunities for artists will also be in attendance, including Anam Cara Artist’s Retreat and Cow House Studios.
For more info on Burren College Of Art, visit burrencollege.ie