Pre-University Arts & Social Science
This course is designed as a transition year to studying at third level to maximise your potential for success. It provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required for success in a broad based Arts/Social Science programme.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time. 5 days per week.
Entry Requirements
• You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/ H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.
• Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.
Careers / Further progression
Progression to Further Studies
If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:
• BA Arts or BA Humanities or BSc in Social Sciences or BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology University College Dublin – www.ucd.ie
• Bachelor of Religious Education and English (Post Primary Teacher Education) or BA in Contemporary Culture and Society or BA (Joint Honours) Politics Dublin City University – www.dcu.ie
• BA or Bachelor of Social Science in Social Policy & Sociology Maynooth University – www.nuimaynooth.ie
• Bachelor in Science (Education Studies) or Bachelor in Science (Early Childhood Education) Marino Institute of Education – www.mie.ie
Check out more progression options by downloading the BFEI Progression Pathways Chart at https://www.bfei.ie/faqs (under progression)
Further information
Start Date: 14/09/2026.
Student Financial Support
The range of schemes and measures available to assist students in Further Education Colleges include the:
Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS)
Back To Education Allowance (BTEA)
Maintenance Grant Scheme
Fund For Students With Disabilities
Other Funding
PLC Bursary for Displaced Persons (Ukraine) Scheme 2023
www.studentfinance.ie provides comprehensive and user-friendly information on the range of financial support schemes and programmes available to full-time further and higher education students.
You can apply online. Click on the “Application Weblink” above. You will need to have your PPS number and an email address to complete the application.
Are you curious about how people and societies interact and would like to discover more? Are you interested in pursuing a degree in the Arts or Social Sciences or just unsure about what direction to take at 3rd level? This course is designed as a transition year to studying at third level to maximise your potential for success. It provides the fundamental knowledge and skills required for success in a broad based Arts/Social Science programme. It also offers the mature learner who has an interest in understanding the political environment, an opportunity to explore and evaluate issues in a dynamically changing European social context.
What will I study?
Learners are required to complete 8 Modules: The 5 Mandatory Modules and any 3 out of the 4 Elective Modules listed below:
• Social Studies
• Political Studies
• Statistics
• Research & Study Skills
• European Studies
• Word Processing
• Communications
• Work Experience
Assessment and Certification
• Assessment is based on a combination of assignments and exams.
• You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in General Studies (5M3114).
5M3114 - General Studies (Community).
Dublin College Blackrock,
Main Street,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin,
A94 X383
t: +353 1 2889717
e: office@bfei.ie