Expand+This course, accredited by QQI, is the introductory course for young people who wish to take up a career in farming. The course is suitable for people seeking employment on farms or working on their own farms. Graduates of the course are eligible to:...

Hide-This course, accredited by QQI, is the introductory course for young people who wish to take up a career in farming. The course is suitable for people seeking employment on farms or working on their own farms. Graduates of the course are eligible to:
•Transfer to linked courses at Institutes of Technology through the Higher Education Links Scheme
•Gain employment on a farm either in Ireland or Abroad
•Run and manage their own farm enterprise

Practical experience in a farm environment will form an integral part of the course and may take place at a number of locations.

Expand+Applicants are asked to pay €50 on submission of their Application Form. Once you have applied you will be called for an interview within a few weeks. FETAC examination fees cost €50, although Medical Card holders are exempt from paying this fee on...

Hide-Applicants are asked to pay €50 on submission of their Application Form. Once you have applied you will be called for an interview within a few weeks. FETAC examination fees cost €50, although Medical Card holders are exempt from paying this fee on production of a valid medical card. Books and essential class materials may also be required. A €200 Government levy will apply on acceptance of a place on PLC course, but medical card holders and those in receipt of a maintenance grant will be exempt. A €50 Student Services fee also applies.

Expand+Application Process:

You can find a full list of all our Full Time Level 5 and Level 6 Courses on our Course Page along with specific information on each course.

If you are still unsure of which course is right for you (or if you have any queri...

Hide-Application Process:

You can find a full list of all our Full Time Level 5 and Level 6 Courses on our Course Page along with specific information on each course.

If you are still unsure of which course is right for you (or if you have any queries on any aspect of any course) please call the College at 098 50800 and ask to speak to the relevant Course Co-ordinator.

Once you are happy with your course selection you can apply online (see link below).

In order to complete your application, you will need to pay €50 Administration/Application Fee which will be debited by card payment. Your application will be processed and your €50 Administration/Application Fee will be receipted which you can print off for your records. Applicants will then be contacted by the college via text message and email with a date and time for interview.

When you attend your interview you need to bring a copy of your Birth Certificate and a copy of your Leaving Certificate Results (or results of any previous PLC Course) or alternatively you may post them prior to your interview to the College at:

Westport College of Further Education, Westport, Co. Mayo.

Means tested grants are available from SUSI. Please visit http://www.susi.ie/for more information and to make an application.

Following interview, all applicants will be contacted to inform them whether or not they have secured a place on their chosen course. Successful applicants will be informed of when induction takes place, and of the official start date for their course.

To accept your place, students will be asked to pay a €200 Government Levy, as introduced in a recent budget, and €50 for FETAC/QQI Level 5 or €80 for FETAC/QQI Level 6 Examinations. Medical Card holders are exempt from paying both of those fees, but must produce a valid medical card to accept their place. Those in receipt of a Student Grant, a Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) or a Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) allowance may also be exempt, but must provide evidence of same. A student services fee of €50 is also payable by all students to accept your place.

Additional fees may apply and details of these will be displayed on the individual courses online or on Qualifax.

Expand+Career Options - Progression
Progression in Westport College of Further Education to Level 6.

Holders of a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture may progress to further studies at Institutes of Technology/Universities or directly enter employmen...

Hide-Career Options - Progression
Progression in Westport College of Further Education to Level 6.

Holders of a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Agriculture may progress to further studies at Institutes of Technology/Universities or directly enter employment in agriculture, the food industry or associated environmentally sustainable enterprises.


Further Courses of Study
•Bachelor of Business in Rural Enterprise and Agribusiness (Level 7) Galway/Mayo IT (GMIT)
•Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Environmental Management (Level 7) Galway/Mayo IT (GMIT)
•Bachelor of Science in Agriculture – HETAC Level 7 Waterford Institute of Technology
•Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science – HETAC Level 7 Waterford Institute of Technology
•BSc in Land Management in Agriculture/Forestry/Horticulture – HETAC Level 8 Waterford Institute of Technology
•Bachelor of Agricultural Science (BAgrSc) University College Dublin.