University Access Programme - General Studies
The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to build the knowledge, skill and competence required for participation in higher education, including acquiring a broad range of knowledge in an area of personal interest, and key skills for academic research and enquiry.
| 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
36 weeks full-time.
Entry Requirements
Education: NFQ Level 4 or equivalent when accessing a Level 5 programme. CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English Mature learner entry requirements available via the local ETB pathway Additional requirements may apply to non-EU/EEA Applicants and may be subject to full international fees (Please refer to Information for International Learners) *Each provider may have additional requirements, not outlined above.
Aptitude: Applicants 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.
Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.
Careers / Further progression
Employability Statement
On completion of this Applied General programme and acquisition of transversal and employability skills, learners could progress to employment in a wide range of generalist roles in various sectors.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026 End Date: 14/05/2027
For PLC applicants, the registration fee is payable (without exemption) and the exam fee may be payable (exemption for medical card).
PLC applicants may be eligible for Back to Education or Susi Grant.
The aim of this one year full time course is to enable the learner to build the knowledge, skill and competence required for participation in higher education, including acquiring a broad range of knowledge in an area of personal interest, and key skills for academic research and enquiry.
Work placement / work experience may be a core feature/element of programmes in this field facilitating the enhancement of employability and transversal skills.
This course is full-time, however it is family friendly as holidays and class times are in keeping with post-primary school holidays. Course materials are provided.
On successful completion of this course learners will be awarded a 120 credit QQI level 5 Major Award in General Studies
Learning Outcomes
• To facilitate the learner to explore areas of an academic discipline with a view to re-skilling/up-skilling and exploring concepts and subject areas that may interest the learner in future programmes or employment
• To demonstrate a knowledge of an academic discipline of interest to personal progression aspirations.
• To explain key concepts and underpinning theoretical frameworks for areas of personal interest
• To demonstrate a broad range of research and communications skills and tools.
• To utilise a range of academic research, investigate and evaluative skills.
• To apply contemporary academic investigative and research skills.
• To participate effectively in personal and group study context using the tools and strategies of formal higher education.
• To demonstrate the capacity to take responsibility for own learning in a managed context.
• To critically engage with the quality of own and others work.
• To facilitate the learner to participate in, and understand the disciplines of the work environment through practice or experience.
• To provide a programme of learning that is academic in nature and flexible in structure so that the learner has the maximum opportunity to improve his/her academic and vocational literacy, numerical, ICT and planning skills while participating in the programme
• To afford the learner opportunities to enhance his/her confidence and ability to develop the skills to reach his/her full potential
• To facilitate the learner to further develop his/her interpersonal, team working, problem solving and time management skills, as appropriate, so that the learner is enabled to take responsibility for his/her own learning and to support progression including future participation in education and employment
• To provide the learner with academically specific knowledge, skill and competence at this level, thus affording the learner the opportunity to progress to programmes leading to awards at level 6 or above
• To facilitate the learner to reflect on and evaluate his/her performance while participating in the programme.
Work Experience (5N1356)
Mathematics (5N1833)
Communications (5N0690)
Desktop Publishing (5N0785)
Accounting Manual & Computerised (5N1348)
Digital Marketing (5N1364)
Applied Economics (5N1350)
Research & Study Skills (5N3113)
Word Processing (5N1358)
Development of Key Skills
5M3114 - General Studies
Admissions Office College of FET
Phone: 061 578 100
Email: cfet.admissions@lcetb.ie