Courses Explained

The names of the qualifications we offer might be new to you, but they're recognised by industry and universities, as programmes that will provide the skills and knowledge they want their future employees or students to have.

We offer courses, from Level 1 to Level 5, that combine practical hands-on learning with supporting theory and knowledge. Consult the table below to find out more about the courses, and the minimum qualifications you need for entry to each level.

In addition to the entry requirements, you may need to attend an informal interview to secure your place on a course. This is simply a chance to meet the course staff and to ask all those burning questions you have about the course.

For some courses you will be asked to demonstrate relevant skills, for example a portfolio of artwork or an audition for music or performing arts - more details on this are in the course profiles.

NVQ
Course & Duration Entry Requirements (UK) Entry Requirements (ROI)
Progression
NWRC
UNI
JOBS
(Level 1 to Level 4)
1 or 2 years
You will undertake practical, work-related tasks designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge to do a particular job effectively.		 • NVQ Level 1: Interview
• NVQ Levels 2 to 4: Previous NVQ Level or equivalent		 • NVQ Level 1: Interview
• NVQ Levels 2 to 4: Previous NVQ Level or equivalent		 √ √
(L3 & L4)		 √
(L2 - L4)
First Diploma
Course & Duration Entry Requirements (UK) Entry Requirements (ROI)
Progression
NWRC
UNI
JOBS
1 year
You will study one career-related subject and gain a qualification worth 4 GCSEs, as well as practical skills, to allow you to move onto a National Diploma course.		 • Interview • Interview
• Leaving Cert Applied - Pass		 √    
National Diploma
Course & Duration Entry Requirements (UK) Entry Requirements (ROI)
Progression
NWRC
UNI
JOBS
2 years
You will gain a qualification related to your chosen career, equal to 3 A Levels. The practical work experience and skills will prepare you for work or higher level study. This is a popular alternative to taking 3 separate A level subjects.		 • 4 GCSE passes (C or above)
• First Diploma;
• NVQ Level 1 or 2;
• GNVQ Intermediate;
• OCR Qualification;
• City & Guilds Qualification		 • 4 Ordinary Passes (D1 or above);
• Leaving Certificate Applied
(Merit/Distinction);
• FETAC awards		 √ √ √
Diploma Foundation Studies Art & Design
Course & Duration Entry Requirements (UK) Entry Requirements (ROI)
Progression
NWRC
UNI
JOBS
1 year
You will study specialist disciplines of art & design to enhance your portfolio, in preparation for application to HND & degree courses.		 • 5 GCSE passes (C or above) including Art & a portfolio of work of A2 standard.
• Equivalent qualifications
- see National Diploma		 • 2 Honours Passes (C1 or above) & 4 Ordinary passes (D1 or above) including Art & a portfolio of work 
• Leaving Certificate Applied
(Merit/Distinction);
• FETAC Awards in 8 subjects		 √ √ √
Adult Learning Access
Course & Duration Entry Requirements (UK) Entry Requirements (ROI)
Progression
NWRC
UNI
JOBS
1 year
Designed for adult  learners who wish to enhance their qualifications in preparation for higher level study.		 • Aged 19 & over
• Interview		 • Aged 19 & over
• Interview		 √ √ √
Higher National Diploma (HND)
Course & Duration Entry Requirements (UK) Entry Requirements (ROI)
Progression
NWRC
UNI
JOBS
2 years
In this course you will combine practical skills, work experience and academic study to gain a vocational qualification that leads to employment or 2nd/3rd year of a degree at university.		 • 1 A level pass & 4 GCSE passes;
• NVQ Level 3;
• National Diploma/Certificate;
• AVCE or GNVQ Advanced;
• Private Secretaries Diploma;		 • 2 Honours Passes (C1 or above) & 4 Ordinary passes (D1 or above);
• FETAC Awards in 8 subjects		   √ √
Foundation Degree
Course & Duration Entry Requirements (UK) Entry Requirements (ROI)
Progression
NWRC
UNI
JOBS
2 years
You will gain a degree level qualification which combines college study with workplace learning to give you relevant knowledge, understanding and skills for your career.		 • 1 A level pass & 4 GCSE passes;
• As above (per HND)		 • 2 Honours Passes (C1 or above) & 4 Ordinary passes (D1 or above);
• FETAC Awards in 8 subjects		   √ √
Training for Success
Course & Duration Entry Requirements (UK) Entry Requirements (ROI)
Progression
NWRC
UNI
JOBS
1 year
Skills for Work and Pre-Apprentice are designed for 16-18 yr olds offering the chance to gain practical skills in College in your chosen trade, and prepare for entry into Apprenticeships NI.		 • Interview • Interview √    
Apprenticeships NI
Course & Duration Entry Requirements (UK) Entry Requirements (ROI)
Progression
NWRC
UNI
JOBS
1-2 years
You will be in paid employment with an employer from day one, while gaining nationally recognised qualifications at College, giving you the skills you need for your chosen career.		 • Interview & Initial Assessment • Interview & Initial Assessment     √

Please note: Students applying to a National Diploma or NVQ Level 3 courses are expected to hold GCSE English at Grade C or above. If you do not already hold this, you will be expected to achieve this qualification during your first year at the College. Students may also be required to take Essential Skills courses in Literacy & Numeracy.