Progression from QQI Level 5 and Level 6 component certificates
Having completed and gained your level 5 or 6 component certificate you may be planning to continue with your studies to gain a QQI Major Award at Level 5 or 6. There are a number of progression options available. QQI offer a useful qualifications search tool which allows you to located your completed qualification and identify possible Major Award options.
For example, you have recently completed a QQI Level component certificate in Business Management (6N4310). You are considering building on his qualification by completing additional components at level 6 with a view to gaining a major award. Use the QQI Awards – QSearch tool to search for Business Management.
By clicking Business Management you can then see a list of all of the Major awards associated with that component.
Clicking into any of these Major Awards will show you the award specification and components which must be completed to achieve that particular Major Award. You can complete components individually and build towards a Major Award. This flexibility allows you to work at your own pace. Alternatively, you may decide to enrol on a Major Award programme and complete it in a fixed period.
Higher Education
Learners who have achieved a Major Award at level 6 may consider progressing further to Level 7 or 8 (Degree level). There are two primary methods for progressing from a QQI Level 6 Major Award.
1) Higher Links Education Scheme (HELS)
This scheme offers progression opportunities for learners to the first year of higher education programmes on the basis of FET(QQI) Level 5 and 6 awards, through the CAO (Central Applications Office). Full details on the application via this route can be found at this link www.qqi.ie
2) Mature Applicants
Mature applicants are those who are 23 years and over by the 1st of January in the year that they are looking to commence their programme. Mature applicants who wish to be considered on the basis of mature years can apply directly to the following Higher Education Institutes:
- National College of Ireland
- American College Dublin
- College of Computing Technology
- Dublin Business School
- Grafton College of Management Sciences
- Griffith College
- Irish College of Humanities and Applied Science
- Dorset College, Dublin
- Portobello Institute, Dublin
Alternatively, mature applicants who wish to be considered on the basis of their leaving certificate should apply directly to both the HEI and also through the Central Applications Office. Full details and guidelines on mature applications can be found at this link www.cao.ie/mature