Horsemanship - Advanced
The course aims to provide learners with knowledge and skills to work in a supervisory, coaching or managerial role in a range of sectors in the Equine Industry or the opportunity to progress to higher education.
| Award Name | Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 6 Advanced Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 6 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Special Entry Requirements:
• QQI Level 5 Certificate in Horsemanship (Distinction in Sport Horse Riding module) / British Horse Society Stage 2
• Successful completion of an interview and practical riding assessment.
Under 23 years of age
If you are under the age of 23, the college may require the following as a condition of enrolment:
• Five ‘O6’ and / or ‘H7’ grades in the Leaving Certificate examination. Grades at Foundation level are acceptable in some circumstances.
• Applicants who have completed the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme should hold at least a minimum pass level.
• A pass grade in the LCVP link module is acceptable as equivalent to a pass in one of the five required Leaving Certificate subjects as defined above.
• Successful completion of a relevant Level 4 programme will be considered as an alternative to the Leaving Certificate.
• To access programmes leading to a Levels 3 or 4 award, the learner should have reached the standards of knowledge skill and competence associated with the preceding level of the NFQ. This may have been achieved through a formal qualification or through relevant life and work experience.
• Some courses may have unique requirements e.g. a pass grade in a specific subject or the presentation of work samples. Information relating to specific programme requirements will be contained on individual programme information pages.
Special Considerations
• Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to demonstrate that they have a proficiency in English language to permit them to participate in the course and may be required to complete an English language assessment.
• Garda vetting will be required for programmes with work experience in settings that involve working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This includes the Early Learning and Care, Special Needs Assisting, Nursing, Community Care, Health Service and Youthwork programmes. Learners enrolling on other courses may require Garda Vetting if the placement is in specific settings that involves working with the groups identified above.
Careers / Further progression
Progression:
• Opportunities in the industry working with horses in a variety of settings including competition yards, riding schools, livery yards, sales, in Ireland and Abroad.
• Opportunities to progress to Higher Education e.g. Equine Business in NUI Maynooth Co Kildare or BSc in Equine Management offered by the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise at Enniskillen Co Fermanagh. Contact the relevant higher education institute for further information.
Further information
Over 23 years of age
Mature learners are welcome to apply for all courses at College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny.
These applications will be evaluated on previous experiences.
Student Maintenance Grant - Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
Learners attending Further Education/Post Leaving Certificate programmes may apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). All applications for grants in respect of new enrolments will be made online for the 2025/2026 academic year.
It is not necessary to have received an offer of a college place or to be enrolled at the College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny in order to apply. The closing date is the end of August each year, but you should apply as soon as possible once the 2025/2026 applications are open. Early application is advised.
These grants are means-tested and payable monthly. Payment of grants may be subject to attendance in accordance with the Department of Education and Skills regulations. The college is required to make monthly reports on your attendance to the grants authority.
Applications for maintenance grants can be made online through www.studentfinance.ie or www.susi.ie
Shortlisting Process: Interviews are held in March / May / August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.
Award Title: QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Horsemanship / British Horse Society Coach in Complete Horsemanship (based on sign off)
Award Code: 6M3505
Course Code: 499354
Programme Description:
This is one-year, full-time programme designed to meet the demands of a wide and expanding equine industry. The course aims to provide students with knowledge and skills to work in a supervisory, coaching or managerial role in a range of sectors in the Equine Industry or the opportunity to progress to higher education. Students that successfully complete this course have fulfilled the requirements for the purpose of meeting the educational criteria for Young Trained Farmer scheme, i.e. Green Cert Status.
Component Awards:
• Sport Horse Riding (6N3481)
• Sport Horse Riding Instruction (6N3393)
• Equine Nutrition (6N3368)
• Equine Anatomy and Physiology (6N3388)
• Work Experience (6N1946)
• Communications (6N1950)
• Equine Conformation and Evaluation (6N3389)
• Equitation Theory (6N3386)
6M3505 - Horsemanship
T: 056 776 3321
E: info@cfet.ie