Higher Education Links Scheme ...

Progression from FETAC Level 5 & 6 courses to Higher Education.

Graduates with full FETAC Level 5 & 6 awards (i.e. all 8 modules) are eligible to use their qualification to gain access to higher education in Universities and Institutes of Technology.
The level 5 or 6 award can be used to access higher education through one of the following schemes
:

• The Higher Education Links Scheme
• The Pilot Scheme

 

The Higher Education Links Scheme

This scheme is operated by the Universities and the DIT. It also includes all nursing degrees with the exception of Trinity College. Progression to courses in these colleges is by completing specific FETAC award (for certificate titles and codes see www.fetac.ie). Under the scheme a number of places (usually between 5-10%) are reserved for FETAC graduates. Application for these courses is through the CAO system. The minimum entry requirements are as follows:

• A full FETAC level 5 or 6 award. The best 8 modules are scored and applicants are ranked accordingly.

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For some courses including nursing there may be specific module and award requirements. Please refer to the 3rd level college prospectus for more information.

 

The Pilot Scheme

This scheme is operated by the Institutes of Technology (with the exception of DIT) and allows FETAC graduates to apply for their higher certificate (HETAC level 6), ordinary degrees (HETAC level 7) and honours degrees (HETAC level 8). Under this scheme FETAC graduates compete for college places with Leaving Certificate students based on points. FETAC (level 5) students can achieve a maximum of 400 points. Points are calculated as follows:

• Distinction - 50 points
• Merit - 35 points
• Pass - 20 points

Application for these courses is through the CAO system

Some courses may have specific FETAC modules or award requirements. See the individual 3rd level college prospectus for more information.

 

The minimum entry requirements are as follows:

• A full FETAC level 5 or 6 award
• Higher certificate (HETAC level 6) courses and ordinary degrees (HETAC level 7) any full FETAC award is accepted.
• Honours degree (HETAC level 8) courses (excluding Nursing) is a FETAC Level 5 or 6 award in a cognate area and including a distinction in at least 3 modules.