The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)

Understanding the certification system of your study destination is crucial. You need to be sure that the award provided by your chosen course meets your academic and career goals. Three years studying in a foreign country is a long time if the qualification at the end of it is not what you were looking for! Irish qualifications meet the highest international standards, and are well received by employers and colleges around the globe.

Ireland has a transparent and easy to understand certification system called the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The vast majority of further and higher education courses in Ireland are recognised by the Irish Dept of Education (make sure yours is too!), thus ensuring the quality of the award and transparency regarding your learning path.

The following is a brief description of awards, based on the ‘one’ to ‘ten’ levels of certification that are outlined in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ):

Certificate (level 5) – Awarded by FETAC
The certificate gives the student a solid grounding in a specific occupation; he/she learns to use the instruments and techniques that come with the job. This award enables the graduate to take a job where he/she works independently, but not in a management or supervisory role.

Higher Certificate (level 6) – Awarded by HETAC and Institutes of technology Advanced Certificate (level 6) - Awarded by FETAC
The Higher or Advanced Certificate equips the graduate with supervisory/management and administrative skills in a specific occupation. There is a particular focus on the ability to learn new skills within a job. Occupations at this level would include supervisor, junior technician, and upper end of craft industry (e.g. textiles, furniture). 

Ordinary Bachelor Degree (level 7) – Awarded by HETAC, Institutes of Technology and Universities
The student learns the laws and principles within a field of study, and how they are critically applied in a job scenario. This award is suitable for the upper end of technical occupations (e.g. electronic engineering), limited roles within the professions (e.g. accountancy) and junior management.

Honours Bachelor Degree & Higher Diploma (level 8) - Awarded by HETAC, Institutes of Technology and Universities
This qualification incorporates a full knowledge of the field of study, with a focus on adaptability, innovation and problem solving. In terms of work, the graduate is suitably prepared for a role as an independent knowledge-based professional (e.g. teacher, solicitor) and positions in management.

Masters Degree & Postgraduate Diploma (level 9) - Awarded by HETAC, Institutes of Technology and Universities
These courses require students to demonstrate their expertise on the subject by researching an area that is related to their course material. Suitable for the senior professions (e.g. actuary) and management with responsibility for worker performance.

Doctoral Degree (level 10) - Awarded by HETAC, Institutes of Technology and Universities
Through intensive research, the graduate will have uncovered and interpreted new findings relating to his/her field of knowledge. The Doctoral Degree is related to occupations requiring specialist skills (e.g. psychologist) and high-level research work.