Pre-Garda Studies
This one year course provides an ideal foundation for those intending to pursue a career as a Garda by focusing on a number of areas that are of vital importance in the training and career of a Garda.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | First Aid Response |
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
| First Aid Response | PreHospital Emergency Care Council |
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
Career Opportunities
• As a graduate of this course, you will be in an advantageous position to successfully apply for entry to the Garda College in Templemore, subject to meeting the relevant qualification criteria.
Progression
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:
• BSc DNA & Forensic Analysis (TU752) Technological University Dublin [Tallaght]
• Bachelor of Laws (Hons), LLB (SE404) South East Technological University [Carlow]
• BA (Hons) Criminal Justice Studies (SE406) South East Technological University [Waterford]
• BCL (Law and Criminology (MH502) Maynooth University
• BA Forensic Investigation & Analysis (AU859) Atlantic Technological University [Sligo] *Leaving Certificate Maths is a prerequisite
• BSc in Social Science (DN700) University College Dublin
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.
Can you see yourself as a member of An Garda Síochána? Do you want to gain an insight into the real-life challenges faced by the Gardaí? Are you confident, have a positive attitude, good communication skills and enjoy working with people? Then an exciting and rewarding career in the Garda Síochána may be for you. This one year course provides an ideal foundation for those intending to pursue a career as a Garda by focusing on a number of areas that are of vital importance in the training and career of a Garda. Students will get an insight into the real life challenges faced by the Gardaí and will develop an understanding of how to deal with car crashes, court sessions and conflict resolution as well as gain an awareness of the needs of the community and vulnerable members of society. This approach supports the day to day life of operational Gardaí and will equip you with the knowledge and skills to embark on a successful career in this field.
What will I study?
The following modules are covered on the course:
• Legal Practice and Procedures
• Criminal Law
• Conflict Resolution
• First Aid Responder (FAR) awarded by (Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council) PHECC
• Safety and Health at Work
• Exercise and Fitness
• Teamworking
• Work Experience
• Word Processing
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) Courses Training:
• Fire Warden (Fire Safety and Fire Extinguisher Training)
• Breathing Apparatus
• Hazardous Substances
• Manual Handling and Patient Handling
Training Courses are delivered in conjunction with an external provider, currently the Emergency Services Training Institute and take place during term breaks. All optional training courses will incur additional costs paid by the learner.
Assessment and Certification
• This course is certified by QQI
• Assessment is based on a combination of assignments and exams.
• You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
• Additional Training Option: Private Security Authority Ireland (PSAI) Security and Guarding Skills.
• Pre-hospital care courses are certified by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and delivered by PHECC recognised institutes and tutors.
• Training Courses are delivered in conjunction with an external provider, currently the Emergency Services Training Institute and take place during term breaks. All optional training courses will incur additional costs paid by the learner.
5M4468 - Community Health Services.
Dublin College Blackrock,
Main Street,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin,
A94 X383
t: +353 1 2889717
e: office@bfei.ie