Expand+Minimum Number of:
Subjects 5

Minimum Grade in:
Maths *03/H7
English or Irish O6/H7

Other Requirements
At least 04/H7 in one of; Physics, Chemistry, Physics & Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Home Economics, Applied Mathematics or ...

Hide-Minimum Number of:
Subjects 5

Minimum Grade in:
Maths *03/H7
English or Irish O6/H7

Other Requirements
At least 04/H7 in one of; Physics, Chemistry, Physics & Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, Home Economics, Applied Mathematics or Engineering. * Or Applied Maths

Important Information
Students will be required to undergo Garda Vetting. Students must complete the required documentation, including a full list of all previous addresses, in order for clearance checks to be made. Currently Irish addresses are vetted by the Garda Vetting Bureau at no cost to the student.

Information On Eligibility And Selection
To be eligible for consideration for a programme an applicant must possess the minimum entry requirements for that programme.

Where a programme requirement is 2 or 3 honours, grade H5 or better on Higher Level Leaving Certificate papers is needed to meet such a requirement.

Where a specific grade is required in a subject (H4, O3 etc) an applicant must achieve that grade or better in order to be eligible for consideration (H = Higher Level; O = Ordinary Level).

In the case of both Higher and Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate results, grades lower than H7 (Higher) or 06 (Ordinary) are not acceptable for eligibility purposes or for points calculation.

For the purpose of meeting minimum entry requirements, results from any number of sittings of the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination may be combined.

An applicant’s examination score will be calculated by adding together the points scored in the best six subjects in a single sitting of the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination.

Matriculation Examinations will not be accepted either for the purpose of meeting minimum entry requirements or for calculating examination scores.

Selection for entry to DIT programmes will be determined on the basis of examination score except in the case of programmes which involve suitability tests, interviews and other assessment procedures. All suitability tests/interviews/auditions/portfolio reviews etc will generally be carried out during the period March - May each year.

Demand usually exceeds the number of places available and therefore examination results better than the minimum entry requirement are likely to be required.

When a number of applicants have the same points score, a random number is attached to the score for each course preference. This will then determine the position of each applicant on the waiting lists for offers.

Bonus Points Maths (Irish Leaving Certificate)

25 bonus points will continue to be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 grades and above. The bonus points will only be relevant where that subject is scored as one of the applicant’s best six subjects for points purposes.

Foundation Level Mathematics

The Institute will accept Foundation Level Maths for the purposes of entry requirements in the case of any programme where Higher or Ordinary Level Maths is not a requirement.

Points will not be awarded.

Foundation Level Irish

The Institute will not consider Foundation Level Irish for the purposes of entry requirements or for points.

Expand+Mature Students

Whatever your reason for coming back to education, updating your skills, gaining a new qualification, achieving a personal goal or ambition, DIT welcomes all mature students.

Mature Students / Thinking of returning to study?

...

Hide-Mature Students

Whatever your reason for coming back to education, updating your skills, gaining a new qualification, achieving a personal goal or ambition, DIT welcomes all mature students.

Mature Students / Thinking of returning to study?

Whatever your reason for coming back to education, updating your skills, gaining a new qualification, achieving a personal goal or ambition, DIT welcomes all mature students.

We know it can be daunting, but you are not alone and DIT has a range of supports in place to help you decide what course to take, get through the application process and get settled into college life.

To be classified as a mature student and wishing to enter the 1st year of any undergraduate full time course in DIT you must be 23 years of age or older on or before 1st January 2018 and be an Irish/EU citizen. You make your application for admission to the 1st year of any undergraduate full time course through the Central Applications Office (CAO)

Submitting an Application

Applying as a Mature Student is different to those who are applying directly from School. As part of your application you will be asked to include:

•Courses you are applying for
•Details of your schooling
•Any further education you may have completed*
•Details of any current studies (if you are currently studying)*
•Information about your work and life experience &
•A personal statement about how these relate to your current application

*If you have any documents you think will support your application (transcripts, certificates etc.) you can send these by post, clearly marked with your Application Number directly to the CAO. Documents are scanned and added to your application online. DIT staff can assess them there.

CAO Applications must be submitted before the 1st of February each year.

Late applications will be accepted on behalf of DIT through the CAO up to the 1st of May (subject to the payment of a late fee). Please note that places are limited and there is no guarantee late applications will be considered especially in popular courses. No late applications will be accepted for restricted programmes where candidates are expected to attend suitability test, audition or submit a portfolio.

Part-time Study: Applications for part-time courses are made directly to the relevant School here in DIT. Applications can be accepted much closer to the starting date for the part time programmes, but you are advised to make contact as early as possible and to request course details and an application form. dit.ie/studyatdit/part-time/

Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20th January 2019 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1st February 2019 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1st May 2...

Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20th January 2019 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1st February 2019 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1st May 2019 at 5:15 pm

Change of Mind - restrictions apply: Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1st July 2019 5:15 pm

Exceptional online late application - see page 14 of the 2019 CAO Handbook: Fee €60 Closing Date: 22nd July 2019 at 5:15pm

You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.

LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5:15pm on 1st February 2019 and will be accepted up to 5:15pm on 1st May 2019, subject to the restricitions listed on page 3 of the 2019 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5th March 2019 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.

Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the Timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22nd of July at 5:15pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2019 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system.

If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.

Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.

Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, Maynooth University and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.

Refer to page 21 of the 2019 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.

Restricted-category Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2019 at 5:15pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature.

Applying for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes – to be considered for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1st February 2019 at 5:15pm. To apply to DARE, you must anser YES to Question 1 ('Do you wish to be considered for DARE?) on Section A of the fully completed Supplementary Information Form (SIF) by 5:15pm on 1 March 2019.

To apply to HEAR, you must indicate on your CAO application that you wish to apply for HEAR and fully and correctly complete all elements of the online HEAR form by 5:15pm on 1 March 2019.

Supporting documents for DARE and/or HEAR applicants must be sent to CAO offices before 1 April 2019 at 5:15pm

Expand+What is Ophthalmic Dispensing?
Dispensing Opticians are eyecare professionals who are trained to interpret prescriptions issued by optometrists or ophthalmologists and to dispense spectacles and other optical aids. They advise patients on the most a...

Hide-What is Ophthalmic Dispensing?
Dispensing Opticians are eyecare professionals who are trained to interpret prescriptions issued by optometrists or ophthalmologists and to dispense spectacles and other optical aids. They advise patients on the most appropriate spectacle frames, lenses or other optical aids based on their individual needs taking into account the prescription, occupation and lifestyle of the patient. They are trained to take the measurements required for the fitting of such optical appliances. Dispensing Opticians also check spectacles and other appliances to ensure they match the patient’s specification and meet the required standards. They advise patients on how to get the best from their eyewear and play an important role in aftercare and the maintenance of such appliances.

Dispensing opticians play a vital role in providing the best low vision aid for partially sighted patients and the best fitting frame and lens design for children. They are also trained to advise on sports and protective eyewear. Subsequent to further qualification they may fit contact lenses. Dispensing opticians are often involved in optical practice management.

A career as a dispensing optician is extremely rewarding. It offers great variety and will deliver a high degree of job satisfaction to those attracted to a career in a healthcare setting, who have an interest in maths and science, relish problem solving and enjoy interacting with the general public.

The profession of ophthalmic dispensing is regulated in Ireland
under CORU (the Health and Social Care Professional’s Council).
Further information is available at www.dit.ie/optometry/
ophthalmicdispensing/

Learning Outcomes: What will I Study?
This programme is 3 years in duration. The first two years of the programme are delivered in the laboratories and lecture theatres on campus. The third year of the programme is a structured work placement. The first year focuses on the relevant science maths and introduction to optical dispensing necessary for your training. The second year’s practical and theoretical work is more tailored towards the specific skills and knowledge required of a Dispensing Optician. You will learn about spectacles lens and frame, design and manufacture. You will also learn how to take frame and facial measurements, how to interpret prescriptions and carry out a detailed task analysis to ensure patients receive the most appropriate optical aid. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of optical practice management. Your work placement in year three allows you to learn how to apply your knowledge and skills in a practice setting.

Expand+Year One
• Geometrical Optics
• Physical Optics
• Quantitative Methods for Dispensing
• Vision Science
• Cell Biology
• The Human Body and Disease
• Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing
• Physics for Health and Science
• Mathematics for Optical ...

Hide-Year One
• Geometrical Optics
• Physical Optics
• Quantitative Methods for Dispensing
• Vision Science
• Cell Biology
• The Human Body and Disease
• Ophthalmic Optics and Dispensing
• Physics for Health and Science
• Mathematics for Optical Professions
• Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye

Year Two
• Vision Science
• Professional Development
• Optical Dispensing
• Case Analysis and preparation for placement
• Contact Lens Practice and Anterior Eye Disorders
• Occupational Vision
• Introductory Vision Rehabilitation
• Optical Practice Management
• Physiology of Vision
• Intercultural Health Communication for Eye Care Professionals & Professional Studies

Year Three
• Optical Dispensing Case Studies
• Ophthalmic Dispensing Practice Placement

Expand+What are my Career Opportunities?
This is a new and unique programme in Ireland but there are currently almost 200 dispensing opticians working in Ireland who have gained their qualifications abroad. Dispensing opticians are in high demand so job pr...

Hide-What are my Career Opportunities?
This is a new and unique programme in Ireland but there are currently almost 200 dispensing opticians working in Ireland who have gained their qualifications abroad. Dispensing opticians are in high demand so job prospects are excellent. Most dispensing opticians work in private practice, often in a management capacity. However there are a diverse range of employment opportunities. Dispensing opticians often set up their own practices or enter joint ventures with large multiples. At present in Ireland dispensing opticians are also employed with spectacle lens manufacturers, frame manufacturers, glazing houses, hospital eye departments, practice management software providers and as college lecturers.

What options do I have after completion?
Dispensing Opticians can gain additional qualification by means of further study in the UK. Subsequent to further qualification they may fit contact lenses. Further study is also available in the areas of low vision management, workshop practice, lens design and geometric optics. Most of this further study can be undertaken via distance learning while working in practice. As mentioned above this course is new to DIT and it was set up to fill a gap in the Irish education system and because there is a shortage of dispensing opticians. The profession of ophthalmic dispensing is growing and developing and with that will come further opportunities for advanced qualification.