Expanding your horizons: Further Education, Higher Education and other inspiring courses and programmes

The opening of a new academic year provides the perfect opportunity to weigh up your options, and start plotting a learning journey that’s right for you. Thankfully, there’s a huge variety of opportunities out there for people who are passionate about developing new skills and expanding their horizons through education…

We all know that, in life, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t cut it. So why should it be any different when you’re planning for your future? From disappointments on Leaving Cert Results Day, to the sudden realisation that your chosen course – or job – isn’t all that you had hoped it would be, finding yourself at a crossroads, or grappling with big questions about the future, is a normal part of life.

The good news, however, is that there’s no reason to panic. Nothing in this life is set in stone – and there’s no shortage of ways to make your mark on the world in 2025...

Students at Pulse College

First of all, it’s crucial to shake off the common misconception that the Leaving Cert-to-university route is the only real road to success – life is far more interesting than that! Whether you’ve already got your dream job in mind, or are still exploring your options, there are many pathways to a fulfilling, exciting and worthwhile career. And you never know what bright new opportunities that journey might open up before you, by exploring an option off the beaten track…

In this special feature, we’re exploring the diverse learning opportunities available to you – across Further Education, Higher Education, and other enlightening programmes.

There’s a huge variety of smart learning options available through Further Education & Training (FET). Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses, which are usually one to two years in duration, have become the preferred option for many. The courses cover a wide range of subjects, and serve as brilliant routes for direct entry into employment, or as a stepping stone into university. They’re also handy ways for students to try out a subject that they’re interested in, before committing to a four-year degree. The newly launched Tertiary Degrees are also a great option – providing diverse and progressive pathways from Further Education to Higher Education, outside of the traditional Leaving Certificate points-based system

Film & Television Production at DkIT

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and the City of Dublin FET College’s Ballyfermot Southwest Campus (BCFE) are just some of the colleges involved in Tertiary Degree pathways – while also offering a thrilling range of other courses and programmes.

Apprenticeships and traineeships also come under the umbrella of FET – and are perfect for those looking for hands-on experience in the workplace. More recent years have seen the launch of apprenticeships in areas like biopharma, engineering, finance, hospitality, and sales – in addition to apprenticeships in sought-after trades such as plumbing and electrical. Traineeships, meanwhile, combine classroom education and on-the-job learning, and can launch you straight into exciting careers in business, tourism, hospitality, media, finance, engineering and more.

For those who wish to follow a creative path, Ireland is home to countless in-demand courses – including bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate degrees, and short courses at The Lir, the National Academy of Dramatic Art. BCFE, DkIT and Pulse College also offer a range of innovative courses for those serious about pursuing a creative career.

The new academic year is also the perfect time to develop your language skills, with acclaimed Spanish courses available at Instituto Cervantes Dublin, and French courses at Alliance Française Dublin.

Clearly, everybody’s needs, wants, dreams and passions are different – so embrace the diversity, and start exploring the exciting opportunities awaiting you…

Former BCFE student Richie Baneham is a multi-Academy Award-winning VFX Supervisor, renowned for his work in Avatar and its sequel, Avatar: The Way Of Wate

Ballyfermot Southwest Campus, City of Dublin FET College

bcfe.ie
Tel: (01) 629 8500

In an ever-changing world, being able to adapt, upskill, and stay at the cutting edge of your chosen industry are essential skills, no matter what career you’re pursuing. City of Dublin FET College’s Ballyfermot Southwest Campus (BCFE) continues to stand out from the pack by putting that emphasis on embracing change at the forefront of its learning programmes, allowing you to shape your own thrilling path into the future.

Uniquely, BCFE offers courses from Level 4 to Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications – meaning there’s space for everyone to follow their passions, and continue to progress, in this inspiring and supportive learning environment.

The Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses at BCFE cover a wide range of areas, from Education & Learning, Business and Health, Community & Social Care, to creative subjects like Illustration, Art & Design, Music, Animation, and Film, Television and Visual Effects.

For those who want to gain relevant work experience during their studies, BCFE also offers a range of cutting-edge traineeships – in Logistics, Certified Accounting & Payroll, Visual Effects, and Traditional Music & Instrument Making.

There’s fascinating tertiary degree courses to choose from too – in areas like Immersive Media Production; Politics, Society & Media; and Business & Psychology. These innovative courses allow students to begin their journey in BCFE, before seamlessly progressing on to a Higher Education Institution, and gaining a BA (Hons) degree.

There’s been no shortage of Ballyfermot success stories over the years. Former student Richie Baneham is a multi-Academy Award-winning VFX Supervisor, renowned for his work in Avatar and its sequel, Avatar: The Way Of Water. His other credits include work on the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, the Chronicles Of Narnia films, and The Iron Giant.

Other creatives who’ve attended the college include the founders of the award-winning production studio Cartoon Saloon, as well as musicians Damien Dempsey, Lisa O’Neill, Junior Brother, and Róisín Barrett of The Mary Wallopers.

• BCFE’s upcoming Open Days take place on November 12 and January 20.

Dundalk Institute of Technology

Dundalk Institute of Technology

dkit.ie
(042) 937 0200

Located between Dublin and Belfast, Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is home to an innovative range of programmes – with undergraduate, part-time, apprenticeship and postgraduate options across a wide range of subject areas.

Those interested in pursuing a creative path will find an exciting selection of courses, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, in creative media, film & TV production, music, theatre and game design. This year, DkIT also launched new Level 7 and Level 8 programmes in Audio Development, Sound Design, and Music and Performance Technologies.

Students at DkIT have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including TV and recording studios, performance spaces, and specialised computer labs – which you’ll be able to check out for yourself at their upcoming Open Day…

• DkIT’s Undergraduate Open Evening takes place on November 19. Their Undergraduate Schools open Day Event (open to school groups) is on November 20.

The Lir Academy

The Lir Academy

National Academy For Dramatic Art At Trinity College Dublin
thelir.ie
Tel: (01) 896 2559

The Lir Academy is Ireland’s National Academy of Dramatic Art at Trinity College Dublin. If you’re looking for a career in theatre and performing arts, whether it’s on stage or behind it, the Lir is definitely worth exploring.

There is a range of courses to choose from, including bachelor’s degrees in Stage Management & Technical Theatre, as well as Acting. There are also a number of postgraduate degrees and short courses, and a very popular Foundation Diploma in Acting and Theatre, which is a great option for aspiring actors.

Whatever course students embark on, the Lir Academy opens up an array of brilliant options. With an impressive success rate of graduates going to work in theatre, film, TV and more, Lir offers the highest standards of training to aspiring performers.

• The Lir’s Open Day takes place on November 29, as part of the Trinity College Dublin Undergraduate Open Day.

Pulse College

Pulse College

pulsecollege.com
Tel: (01) 478 4045

If you’re serious about exploring a career in Audio, Film, Animation or Gaming, Dublin’s Pulse College offers a cutting-edge blend of both academic perspectives and practical skills – with courses designed and delivered by experienced industry professionals.

Based in the iconic Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Ringsend and in Smithfield, Dublin 7, the college runs a thrilling range of courses, from part-time diplomas and certificates to full-time certificate and undergraduate degree programmes.

Their BA (Hons) degree programmes – in Music Production and Audio & Music Technology all kick off on September 22, and will see students obtain and develop the skills they need to succeed in the modern industry.

For those who want to fast-track their Audio & Music Technology knowledge, Pulse College also offers a one-year Diploma course option, starting on October 11th.

• For more, see pulsecollege.com

Alliance Française Dublin

Alliance Française Dublin

alliance-francaise.ie
(01) 676 1732

Widely regarded as Dublin’s top spot for a truly French experience, Alliance Française kicks off a brand new academic year this September – featuring general French courses, conversation classes, refreshers, specialised workshops, intensive programmes, preparation for exams, and more.

The school offers group and one-to-one tuition for people of all ages and abilities, available both on-site and online throughout the year. So, as colleges across the city reopen after the summer months, Alliance Française offers a great way to expand the scope of your studies, and embrace a second language – a vital skill in a highly competitive job market.

In addition to providing internationally recognised French diplomas, Alliance Française is also a well-respected cultural centre, and is home to the multimedia French Library, the AF Gallery, and the brand-new café Madeleine.

Instituto Cervantes Dublin

Instituto Cervantes Dublin

dublin.cervantes.es
Tel: (01) 631 1500

If you’re looking to prepare for your next big adventure – whether that’s college, a new job, or travels overseas –  honing your Spanish language skills has become increasingly vital. Thankfully, you can immerse yourself in the language right here in Ireland, at the Instituto Cervantes Dublin.

You’ll find affordable classes to suit a wide range of needs and abilities, including specific courses for teenagers and children. Teens can also boost their language skills with October midterm camps, with options for Third Years up to Sixth Years.

Students will benefit from small class sizes and highly qualified teachers – as well as the use of the extensive library. Their autumn term kicks off soon, with an exciting range of on-site and online courses.

Music Industry Xplained

mix.hotpress.com
Tel: (01) 241 1500
Email: [email protected]

Another great way to expand your horizons is through the Music Industry Xplained (MIX) course. Brought to you by Hot Press, the acclaimed series of lectures is aimed at ambitious individuals who want to make their mark in the music industry – or anyone who wants to build their knowledge, expertise and networking experience…

At Hot Press, we know just how fiercely competitive the entertainment industry can be to break into – so, we’ve ensured that MIX is delivered by the top specialists from the Irish and international music industry. The next edition of the 12-week course (one evening per week) kicks off in autumn 2025.

Read the full Student Special in the current issue of Hot Press: