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Education Studies with Psychology

PLC Post Leaving Cert
5M3635

This course will be taught in collaboration with Dublin City University (DCU) and Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) with students attending lectures each Thursday on campus in DCU.
This course may be of particular interest, though not limited to, mature students returning to education. The aim of this course is to offer a strong foundation for students hoping to progress to a degree in Education and Training at DCU.

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
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:
A new agreement with DCU has secured 15 reserved college places for DIFE Education Studies with Psychology graduates annually in DCU’s Education & Training programmes.

Graduates who are successful in both the two DCU modules and in attaining a full QQI Level 5 award achieving 3 Distinctions and 3 Merits, may advance to the BSc in Education & Training in DCU.

Level 7 and 8 Courses to which this course is linked:
DCU
Post-Primary Teacher Education, Education and Training, Humanities, International Relations, Law and Society

Marino Institute of Education
Education Studies, Early Childhood Education

University Galway
Arts, Psychology

Maynooth University
Psychology, Social Science, Arts

DkIT
Arts, Humanities | Level 8

UCD
Arts, joint Honours, Humanities, Social Science, Psychology

UCC
Arts | Level 8

St. Patricks College
Theology & Arts, Humanities | Level 8

UL
Psychology & Sociology | Level 8

Entry to a range of other courses in Institutes of Technology and technological universities.

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 will be taught in collaboration with Dublin City University (DCU) and Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) with students attending lectures each Thursday on campus in DCU.

Learners will complete two modules at first year degree level with the remaining modules taught on-site in DIFE. Students will have access to the full range of facilities on both campuses.

This course may be of particular interest, though not limited to, mature students returning to education. The aim of this course is to offer a strong foundation for students hoping to progress to a degree in Education and Training at DCU.

Concepts in Education and Training
Research and Study Skills
Psychology
Interpersonal & Group Behaviour
Communications
Personal and Professional Development
Information & Communication Systems
Word Processing

Additional Language Elective:
Spanish
Irish

DCU Modules:
Social & Personal Development
Concepts in Education and Training

5M3635 - Education & Training

Award: QQI Level 5 Certificate in Education and Training - 5M3635.

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

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