VTOS courses

Horticulture QQI Award (4M1994)

This is a QQI level 4 course and is also available to VTOS applicants if eligible. It provides students with a general all-round knowledge in key aspects of horticulture. Students are offered a good balance of practical and theory-based skills including: growing vegetables, horticultural practice, plant care and identification.  This course will enable you to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of horticulture with real hands-on experience.

Course Content

Safe Horticulture Practices (4N0719); Plant Identification (4N1186) & Growing Vegetables (4N0671)

IT and Learning Support is also available to students

Certification

QQI Level 4 Component Certificates in Horticulture (4M1994)

Duration

1 year – September to May (full-time)

Entry Requirements

The course is aimed at mature students and school leavers who have a keen interest in horticulture and/or relevant experience.

• Interview
• Leaving Certificate or equivalent
• Language test for international students.

Third Level Links/Progression

Progression to the QQI Level 5 Horticulture course at Pearse College.

Course Charges

€50 registration fee. BTEI applicants should contact btei@pearse.cdetb.ie

Please note all fees are subject to change.

Woodwork and Furniture Making QQI Award (5M2012)

The aim of this programme is to enable the learner to work independently and under supervision in furniture design and/or manufacturing. On successful completion, learners may also progress to Higher Education courses in Institutes of Technology. This is a VTOS course

Course Content

Work Experience (5N1356); Design Skills (5N0784); Drawing (5N1862); Personal Effectiveness (5N1390); Furniture Making (5N1275); Wood Fabrication (5N1999)

Certification

QQI Level 5 Award in Woodwork and Furniture Making (5M2012)

Duration

1 year – September to May (full-time)

Entry Requirements

• Education: No formal education or qualifications are required although applicants may have participated in primary and secondary education. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a standard of knowledge, skill and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 4 when accessing a Level 5 programme.
• Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
• Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a moderate range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.

Third Level Links/Progression

Progress to Advanced Woodwork with Furniture Making and Design in Pearse College and/or apply through the CAO to Third Level courses via the Higher Education Links Scheme. For more information, click here

Course Charges

€50 registration fee.

Please note that course fees are subject to change.

Horticulture QQI Award (6M4334)

This course has been running successfully for a number of years and provides the student with the opportunity to explore alternatives and up-grades to conventional design practice in order to create a rewarding, resource-rich, environment for generations to come.  Students will be encouraged to examine sustainable horticulture and design techniques, with emphasis on conservation of resources, respect for our cultural and natural heritage, the use of recycled materials and alternative energies.

Course Content

Nursery Stock Production (6N3610); Sustainable Horticulture (6N3626); Tree and Shrub Management (6N3624); Market Gardening (6N3614); Customer Service (6N0697); Supervisory Skills (6N2104)

Certification

QQI Level 6 Certificate in Horticulture (6M4334)

Duration

1 year – September to May (full-time)

Entry Requirements

The course is a natural progression from our Amenity Horticulture Level 5 course. It is aimed at anyone who wishes to become familiar with environmentally-friendly and sustainable design techniques. Applicants onto this course can avail of VTOS if they meet the requirements.

• Interview
• QQI Level 5 in Horticulture, Landscape Design, Construction Technology or related fields
• Level 5 Horticulture would be an asset but not necessarily a must. Applicants with any combination of business, drawing, communications, computer or horticulture skills will be considered.

Career Opportunities

Direct employment opportunities in Horticulture, Forestry, Organic Enterprises, Energy Conservation, Retro-fit Construction and the ‘Green’ Economy. Many of our students have also set up their own business.

Third Level Links/Progression

Further study is available through the QQI links scheme at levels 7 and 8. For more information, click here

Course Charges

€50 registration fee.

Please note that course fees are subject to change.

General Studies QQI Award

This Liberal Arts programme aims to provide a foundation in subjects which students may wish to study at Third Level. The University Access Course is aimed at students who wish to progress to a degree in the Faculties of Arts, Humanities & the Social Sciences. This course also introduces students to methods of study, writing skills and research skills that are required for successful participation in Third Level education.

This University Access Course (UAC) is aimed at mature students who were previously unable to fulfil their educational potential and who now wish to complete a Foundation course in preparation for third level studies.

Students who successfully complete the University Access Course (a complete award with 3 academic distinctions) can avail of the Pearse College link into Trinity College Dublin for a degree course in the Faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Please note students who wish to apply for facilitated entry to TCD must be 22 and over as of 1st January of year of application to our UAC course

Course Content

Research and Study Skills (5N3113); Communications (5N0690); Personal and Professional Development (5N2985); Word Processing (5N1358); Psychology (5N0754); English Literature (5N3249); History (5N3250); Philosophy (5N3506) or Political Studies(5N1837); Statistics (5N2066) or European Studies (5N1444); Academic Writing.

Certification

QQI Level 5 Award in General Studies (5M3114)

Duration

1 year – September to May (full-time)

Entry Requirements

Applicants will be called for an interview.

Third Level Links/Progression

Students who successfully complete the University Access Course (a complete award with 3 academic distinctions) can avail of the Pearse College link into Trinity College Dublin for a degree course in the Faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Please note students who wish to apply for facilitated entry to TCD must be 22 and over as of 1st January of year of application to our UAC course

OR

Apply to any other third level institution as a mature student based on your points from your QQI qualification and an interview with that third level institution.

Please note students who are under 22 can apply for third level courses via the CAO and the Higher Education Links Scheme. For more information, click here

Course Charges

€50 registration fee.

Please note that course fees are subject to change.

Cultural and Heritage Studies QQI Award (5M2154)

The Archaeology, Folklore & Heritage Studies course is particularly suited to school leavers and adults with an interest in cultural and heritage studies who wish to return to education. Students will be introduced to key areas of Irish Archaeology, Folklore, Local History and Heritage studies, enabling them to pursue employment opportunities in the tourist industry. Others may wish to continue onto Higher Education in colleges such as Maynooth.

There will be several field trips to places of archaeological, historical, and cultural interest including museums, ancient sites and areas of archaeological interest.

Course Content

Archaeology (5N0762); Folklore & Ethnology (5N1274); Local History (5N1296); Heritage (5N1453); Cultural & Social History (5N0780); Communications (5N0960); Word Processing (5N1358); Work Experience (5N1356)

Certification

QQI Level 5 Award in Cultural and Heritage Studies (5M2154)

Duration

1 year – September to May (full-time)

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate or equivalent and an interview with the course coordinator. This course is open to mature students and school leavers, especially those with an interest in the areas of culture and heritage.

Career Opportunities

Students can avail of career guidance at Pearse College during their stay and may find employment in their chosen field.

Third Level Links/Progression

Students who achieve Level 5 QQI certification can gain entry to a number of courses in universities such as DCU, TCD, Maynooth and UCD via the CAO application process and the Higher Education Links Scheme. For more information, click here

Course Charges

€50 registration fee.

Please note that course fees are subject to change.