Irish Qualification Levels
Level 5 Certificate
The Level 5 Certificate enables learners to develop a broad range of skills, which are vocationally specific and require a general theoretical understanding. Qualification holders are enabled to work independently while subject to general direction. The majority of certificate/module holders at Level 5 take up positions of employment. They are also deemed to meet the minimum entry requirements for a range of higher education institutions/programmes.
The Level 5 Certificate is 120 FET credits.
QQI is the awarding body for further education awards at Levels 1 – 6. QQI sets the standards for QQI awards and validates programmes of education and training providers, such as Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and other community, voluntary and independent providers.
Level 6 is offered in both higher and further education.
Advanced Certificate
An Advanced Certificate award enables learners to develop a comprehensive range of skills, which may be vocationally specific and/or of a general supervisory nature and require detailed theoretical understanding. Modules include advanced vocational/occupational skills, enabling certificate holders to work independently or progress to higher education and training. The majority of Level 6 qualification holders take up positions of employment, some of whom may be self-employed.
The Advanced Certificate is 120 FET credits
QQI is the awarding body for further education awards at Levels 1 – 6. QQI sets the standards for QQI awards and validates programmes of education and training providers, such as Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and other community, voluntary and independent providers.
Higher Certificate
The Higher Certificate is normally awarded after completion of an accredited programme of two years’ duration (120 ECTS credits) in a recognised higher education institution/provider. Entry to these programmes is generally for school leavers and those with equivalent qualifications.
The Higher Certificate is 120 ECTS. ATU makes awards at Level 6.
Ordinary Bachelor Degree
The Ordinary Bachelor Degree is normally awarded after completion of an accredited programme of three years’ duration (180 ECTS credits) in a recognised higher education institution/provider. Entry to a programme leading to an ab-initio Ordinary Bachelor Degree is typically for school leavers and those with equivalent qualifications. In addition, there are one-year add-on Ordinary Bachelor degree programmes (60 ECTS credits) for holders of the Higher Certificate.
The Ordinary Bachelor Degree is 180 ECTS. ATU makes awards at Level 7.
Honours Bachelor Degree
The Honours Bachelor Degree is normally awarded following completion of a programme of three or four years’ duration (180-240 ECTS credits) in a recognised higher education institution/provider. Entry to a programme leading to an ab-initio Honours Bachelor degree is typically for school leavers and those with equivalent qualifications. In addition, there are typically programmes of one year’s duration (60 ECTS credits) leading to Honours Bachelor Degrees available to holders of the Ordinary Bachelor Degree.
The Honours Bachelor Degree is between 180 and 240 ECTS.
Higher Diploma
The Higher Diploma is normally awarded following completion of an accredited programme of one year’s duration (60 ECTS credits) in a recognised higher education institution/provider. Entry to a programme leading to a Higher Diploma is typically for holders of Honours Bachelor Degrees but can also be for holders of Ordinary Bachelor Degrees. It is of note that the Higher Diploma is typically in a different field of learning than the initial award.
The Higher Diploma is 60 ECTS
ATU makes awards at Level 8.
Masters Degree
There are two types of Masters Degree in Ireland: taught Masters Degrees and research Masters Degrees.
The taught Masters Degree is awarded following the completion of an accredited programme of one to two years’ duration (60-120 ECTS credits). Entry to a programme leading to a taught Masters Degree is typically for holders of Honours Bachelor Degrees. Also, in some cases, entry to such programmes can be permitted for those with Ordinary Bachelor Degrees or equivalent who have some relevant work experience. Furthermore, in some cases, entry to such programmes is permitted for people with extensive experience in a relevant area.
Research Masters Degree programmes are typically of two years’ duration, although they are not credit rated. Entry to a programme leading to a research Masters Degree is typically for holders of an Honours Bachelor Degree, with a high classification, i.e. first or second class honours.
The Masters Degree is between 60 and 120 ECTS, although a Research Masters Degree is not credit rated.
Postgraduate Diploma
The Post-graduate Diploma is normally awarded following completion of a programme of one year’s duration (60 ECTS credits) in a recognised higher education institution. The award is usually made in a field of learning different from that in which a learner is already qualified. Entry to a programme leading to a Post-graduate Diploma is typically for holders of Honours Bachelor Degrees but can also be for holders of Ordinary Bachelor Degrees.
The Postgraduate Diploma is 60 ECTS.
Postgraduate Diploma
The Post-graduate Diploma is normally awarded following completion of a programme of one year’s duration (60 ECTS credits) in a recognised higher education institution. The award is usually made in a field of learning different from that in which a learner is already qualified. Entry to a programme leading to a Post-graduate Diploma is typically for holders of Honours Bachelor Degrees but can also be for holders of Ordinary Bachelor Degrees. The Post-graduate Diploma is an intermediate qualification within the Bologna Second Cycle.
The Postgraduate Diploma is 60 ECTS.
ATU makes awards at Level 9.
Doctoral Degree
Entry to a programme leading to a Doctoral Degree is typically for holders of Honours Bachelor Degrees. The general model is that a holder of an Honours Bachelor Degree with a high classification enters initially a Masters research programme, and transfers to a Doctoral programme after one year on the Masters research programme. In total, the number of years in the programme would generally be at least three. There is also direct access to Doctoral Degrees for holders of Masters Degrees, whether taught Masters or research Masters. Various models for Doctoral Degree programmes now exist, ranging from the traditional research doctorate to professional and practitioner doctoral programmes, which have substantial taught components. Most doctoral programmes are now structured to include some taught components.
There is no credit volume associated with doctoral degrees, though they typically last at least 3 years. ATU has the authority to make awards at Level 10 across many disciple areas.