Criminology & Psychology
Criminology and Psychology provides a unique insight into the world of crime, deviance, morality, conflict and justice.
| 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.
Entry Requirements
Standard minimum entry requirements on all courses
• Applicants must be 17+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English required.
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
• A QQI Level 5 award is a prerequisite to access a Level 6 programme.
Careers / Further progression
Progression to degrees
• AIT | Applied Psychology | Level 8
• UCC | Criminology | Level 8
• UCC | Applied Psychology | Level 8
• DCU| Health and Society | Level 8
• TCD| Psychology | Level 8
• UCD| Psychology | Level 8
• NUIM| Psychology | Level 8
• UL| Criminal Justice | Level 8
• UL| Psychology & Sociology | Level 8
• UL | Criminal Justice | Level 8
• NUIG | Law, Criminology and Criminal Justice | Level 8
• NUIM | Law | Level 8
• DCU | Law | Level 8
• UCD | Law | Level 8
• TUD | Law | Level 8
• NUIG | Law | Level 8
Career Opportunities
Criminology and Psychology provides excellent progression to a career in social care, the Gardai, hospitals, research or working in a law practice administration.
Psychology graduates have many options to them as they progress. With a background in psychology, you can work in hospitals, prisons, schools, research, human resources, among other settings.
Further information
PLC Courses begin in September 2026.
Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
A mature applicant route is available for those who don’t meet the minimum educational requirements. To qualify, you must be aged 23 or over on January 1st of the year the course starts. We look forward to meeting at monthly Mature Student Coffee Meetings.
New Low Course Fees for 2026
All courses now have a low course registration fee of €30. Make sure to confirm your place on a course by paying your registration fee.
PLC MAINTENANCE GRANT (SUSI)
SUSI grants are available to eligible students attending full-time approved courses at OFI. Please visit www.susi.ie for eligibility criteria.
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE (BTEA)
BTEA allows qualifying persons getting certain social welfare payments to get a back to education payment while participating in approved full-time courses in further education.
SOLAS FUND FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
FSD provides funding to support students with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical conditions and special needs attending further education courses. To access supports, students are required to declare their disability and provide documentation confirming their additional need. This fund is administered by SOLAS and is disbursed on the basis of applications made by OFI on behalf of qualifying students
Laptop Loan Scheme
All students can apply for the laptop loan scheme. This provides students with the use of a high specification device for the duration of the academic year for a very low refundable deposit. This scheme ensures students have access to a digital device and the opportunity for success.
Sports Scholarships
How to Apply
Students who wish to be considered for a Sports Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year must complete an online Application Form in October 2026. Application forms will be available on our of.ie website. For any further information please contact Martin Corey on the email below.
Email: mcorey.ofi@lmetb.ie
Interviews are held in March/ May/August with places offered on a first come basis
Apply online using the 'Application Weblink' above.
Online application process opens on 1st January. Ensure you apply as soon as possible.
Interview - 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.
College Place - Secure your place
You will be notified of your offer by email and post. Confirm your place by paying your registration fee of €30.
Course Description
Criminology and Psychology provides a unique insight into the world of crime, deviance, morality, conflict and justice. With a specific focus on the psychological, cultural and addiction risk factors associated with crime, this specialist course will provide the learner with the relevant skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress to education or work in forensic settings such as policing or prisons; legal settings such as a courtroom or chambers; or health and justice agencies.
Certification: QQI Level 5 Legal Studies 5M3789
• Psychology
▪ Criminology
▪ Word Processing
▪ Business Law
▪ Legal Practice & Procedures
▪ Communications
▪ Conflict Resolution
▪ Work Experience
▪ Criminal Law
5M3789 - Legal Studies
Ó Fiaich Institute of FE
Dublin Road, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 WK75
Tel: 042 933 1398
Email: info@ofi.ie