Pre-Garda - Legal Studies
An ideal foundation for those interested in pursuing a career with An Garda Síochána.
| 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
38 weeks.
Entry Requirements
Minimum:
- Applicants must be 16+ 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 (CEFR B2 or Higher).
- Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
Additional:
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.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You may apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year. Some examples include:
B.A. (Hons) Criminology at University College Cork (UCC)
B.CL. (Hons) Law & Irish at University College Cork (UCC)
B.A. Applied Policing at The Garda College
B.Sc. (Ord/Hons) Cybercrime & IT Security at South East Technological University (SETU)
B.A. (Hons) Criminal Justice at University of Limerick (UL)
LL.B. (Hons) Law Plus at University of Limerick (UL)
You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses.
There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results.
What are the employment opportunities?
This course is also an ideal starting point for those wishing to gain employment in a legal setting, such as the Irish Army and Prison Service, as well as a variety of community and social justice organizations.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Apply online via the Kerry College Website - link above.
Your application will be processed using FETCHCOURSES - the National FET Course Application System.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
Why should I apply?
An Garda Síochána are currently recruiting substantial numbers and this course has proven to provide successful preparation for that recruitment process. The learning obtained has equally proven to be of benefit to those applying to the Irish Prison Service and the Irish Defence Forces.
What's the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Legal Studies (5M3789).
What will I study?
Business Law (5N2091)
Communications (5N0690)
Conflict Resolution (5N0692)
Criminal Law (5N3787)
Health Related Fitness (4N2666)
Legal Practice and Procedures (5N1394)
Libel and Defamation (5N3784)
Personal Professional Development (5N2985)
Word Processing (5N1358)
5M3789 - Legal Studies.
Clash Road,
Tralee, Co. Kerry
V92 Y991
Tel: (066) 7121 741
e: clashroad@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm