Pre-Teaching & Education Studies
Provides the primary knowledge, skill and competence to engage with the education and training industry and environment gaining an appreciation of underpinning philosophies and requirements.
| 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
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum:
- Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
- Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award.
- Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
- Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
- Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
- Must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course
- Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
Achievement of this award will enable learners to progress to other appropriate programmes leading to awards at the next or higher levels of the National Framework of Qualifications. Learners who have successfully completed this award in the past have typically progressed to a broad range of awards in Further and Higher Education including Education, Arts and Humanities, Psychology, Early Childhood Care, Special Needs Assisting and Montessori Teaching.
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You may apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year. Some examples include:
B.A. (Ord/Hons) Early Childhood Care & Education at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B. Ed. (Hons) Montessori Education at Munster Technological University (MTU)
B. A. (Hons) Education, Gaeilge and Religious Studies at Mary Immaculate College (MIC)
B. Ed. (Hons) Home Economics & Biology- with concurrent Teacher Education at Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
B. Sc. (Hons) Education and Training Dublin City University (DCU)
B.A. (Hons) Arts – Linguistics with TESOL at University of Limerick (UL)
You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Apply online via the Kerry College Website - link above.
Your application will be processed using FETCHCOURSES - the National FET Course Application System.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
You should apply if you have an interest in pursuing a career in Education, are at present uncertain and want to test your compatibility before committing to a three- or four-year degree programme. This one-year course also helps develops college-readiness as there is an emphasis on academic writing, referencing and study skills, collaboration and presentation skills and managing your time and assignment workload in an adult learning environment. All applicants to this course should possess an interest in working with young people as a pre-requisite for pursuing a career based in a school setting.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Education and Training (5M3635).
What will I study?
Communications (5N0690)
Concepts in Education and Training (5N3631)
Interpersonal and Group Behaviour (5N3632)
Psychology of People (5N3634)
Teamworking (5N1367)
Word Processing (5N1358)
Work Experience (5N1356)
5M3635 - Education and Training
Clash Road,
Tralee, Co. Kerry
V92 Y991
Tel: (066) 7121 741
e: clashroad@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm