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Pre-University Arts with Journalism

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M3114

This course is aimed at students wishing to study Arts at Third Level. It introduces them to the methods of study, writing and research skills necessary for successful participation in graduate study.
Irish (Hons Leaving Cert) (Optional)

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
Alternate Provider:
Location:
Drogheda
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider

Duration

1 year full-time.

Entry Requirements

Course Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate with 5 passes or equivalent is the standard entry requirement for all Level 5 courses. Leaving Certificate Applied or QQI Level 4 Award are also acceptable on the majority of Level 5 courses. Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements (e.g. mature learners etc.) for particular courses may be interviewed.

A QQI Level 5 award or equivalent in a relevant subject area is the standard entry requirement for Level 6 Advanced Certificate courses.

Non-Standard Applicants
Non-Standard Applicants may be required to complete an interview and/or other form of assessment to successfully complete their registration on their chosen programme.

English Language
All courses are delivered through English. In addition to the listed entry requirements, applicants whose first language is not English are required to complete and provide evidence of English language proficiency. Where prospective learners first language is not English, the standard minimum entry requirements for all courses is proficiency at B2 on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

School Leavers
Whether you have attended school in Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK or further afield, we have a programme to suit your needs. We have a wide range of suitable programmes with internationally recognised certification that will enhance both your career and further education possibilities.

International Students
DIFE welcomes applications from eligible international students. Help and advice is available for international students at every step of the application process and continues after enrolment onto your chosen programme.

Careers / Further progression

Progression & Career Options
This QQI Level 5 course represents a viable alternative for students who wish to progress to a third level Arts degree or for those (school leavers or mature students) wishing to complete a foundation year before entering higher education. This course is a recognised progression route to Arts and related degrees.

Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
UCD
Arts, Humanities, Social Science, Law, Law and Business.

UCC
Arts, Social Science, Film and Screen Media, Geography and Anthropology, Criminology, Economics.

DCU
Humanities, Post-Primary Teacher Education, Education Religion and English/History/Music Education and Training, Contemporary Culture and Society, International Languages, International Relations, Law and Society.

Marino Instute of Ed.
Education Studies.

Maynooth University
Arts, Social Science, European Studies, Anthropology, Politics. International Development.

UL
Arts, History and English, Politics and international Relations, Politics and Public Administration.

DKIT
Digital Humanities.

Carlow College
Humanities

NUI Galway
Arts

NCAD
Visual Culture

IADT
Applied Psychology

Pontifical University, Maynooth
Theology and Arts.

TU Dublin (City Campus)
Tourism Management, Visual and Critical Studies.

Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology.

This is not an exhaustive list. Applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked Awards, any additional module requirements, application processes and scoring systems with the Admissions Offices of the participating higher education institutions, or visit www.cao.ie.

QQI FET Links to CAO Courses

Course Web Page

Further information

Course commences: September 2026.

Students should apply online through the college website: www.dife.ie (see "Application Weblink").
Further information of the webpage - https://www.dife.ie/application-procedure/

This course is aimed at students wishing to study Arts at Third Level. It introduces them to the methods of study, writing and research skills necessary for successful participation in graduate study.

Learners will also be provided with the opportunity to repeat their Leaving Certificate Irish which may assist with progression to primary teaching.

English Literature
Journalism
Research & Study Skills
Word Processing
History
Communications
Work Experience
Psychology
Irish (Hons Leaving Cert) (Optional)
Political Studies

Additional Language Elective:
• Spanish
• Irish

5M3114 - General Studies

Award: QQI Certificate in General Studies - 5M3114.

Contact Admissions Office or Course Co-ordinator,
Drogheda Institute,
Tel: 041 983 7105
Web: www.dife.ie
email: dife@lmetb.ie

Alternate Provider:
Location:
Drogheda
Attendance Options:
Full time, Daytime
Apply to:
Course provider