Ireland is a dynamic, lively, modern country with a young population and a successful, technologically-orientated economy. Yet it remains a country where music, conversation, culture, traditions and time to relax, listen and make friends matters; a country with cultured, cosmopolitan cities and beautiful, unspoiled countryside and scenery.
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The higher education system in Ireland is broad and varied; you should research the different types of institutions to decide which is best for you. Higher, or third level, education in Ireland is comprised of universities, colleges of education, institutes of technology and private colleges. The institutions within the first three groups are autonomous and self-governing, but substantially state-funded. There are also a large number of English language schools.
Entry requirements for international students vary between institution and are generally determined by national examination performance and English language ability.
Some Irish institutions are authorised to confer their own awards, including all universities and the Dublin Institute of Technology, along with a growing number of other institutes of technology. The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) is authorised to make awards in the non-university sector, monitoring and setting standards for higher education. A number of institutes of technology and private, independent colleges provide programmes with awards made by HETAC.
Universities
There are seven universities in Ireland. Irish universities tend to be fully incorporated into the life of their cities and regions, and always encourage students to get involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities.
Universities offer degrees at bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate levels, along with undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas in a wide range of disciplines. Irish university degrees are fully recognised internationally, ensuring graduates from Irish universities can make full use of their qualifications across Europe and the rest of the world.
Colleges of education
These provide three-year, full-time courses in primary school teaching, resulting in a recognised teaching qualification.
Institutes of Technology
The technology sector is overseen by the Higher Education Authority (HEA). There are fourteen institutes of technology located throughout Ireland offering programmes at levels six to ten of the National Framework of Qualifications. These involve undergraduate programmes leading to higher certificate awards or bachelor's degrees, and postgraduate awards leading to master’s and doctoral degrees, in a wide variety of subjects. Most institutes have schools of science, engineering and technology, and business. Many also have programmes in other areas such as humanities and languages, art and design, tourism and healthcare.
All institutes can make awards up to Level 9 (master's) and about half of them can award up to Level 10 (doctorate); PhD degrees for the remainder are granted by HETAC.
Private/independent institutions
Along with state-funded institutions, Ireland has a number of private institutions, mainly involved in business and professional education training. Many of the programmes offered by these colleges are validated by the HETAC and some have links with universities and/or professional associations through which the courses on offer are accredited. They usually offer a number of different degrees, certificates and diplomas. Although private institutions may offer better-funded facilities and smaller classes, they are likely to have considerably higher tuition fees.
English language schools
There are currently over 110 quality-assured English language teaching organisations in Ireland that are recognised by the Department of Education and Science. These offer a variety of courses, such as general English and more specialty courses such as Business English. Usually, a language school will offer a package inclusive of tuition, accommodation and other activities. English language schools are quality assured by the Administration and Co-ordination of English Language Services (ACELS), as part of the NQAI.
For the National Framework of Qualifications guide to the qualifications available in Ireland and their levels, click here.
To find out more about qualifications recognition, visit - www.educationireland.ie
Useful links
HETAC
www.hetac.ie
HEA
www.hea.ie
National Framework of Qualifications
www.nfq.ie
ACELS
www.acels.ie
Last updated: 8 September 2011
