Irish Education System
This study abroad Ireland information is provided by the International Education Board. The Board has representation from all interested sections of Irish education- Universities, Institutes of Technology, Independent Colleges and Language schools as well as from other Government Departments and agencies.
IEBI is actively supported by Enterprise Ireland, Embassies and the Irish Tourist Board (Board Failte) network of offices.
Study Abroad Ireland
Ireland has a long and honourable tradition in education. As a result of a sustained investment in this area Ireland now has one of the highest educational participation rates in the world - 81% of Irish students complete second-level and approx 50% go on to higher education.
This dynamic, educated population has made its mark at home and abroad with international companies looking to Ireland again and again when hiring graduates for top class positions.
Responsibility for education lies within the Department of Education and Science. It administers all aspects of education policy including curricula, syllabi and national examinations.
Attendance at full time education is compulsory in Ireland from six to fifteen years of age and is free in the majority of schools, and at undergraduate third-level. Education is considered a fundamental right under our constitution.
The Irish Education System was traditionally divided into three basis levels: Primary (8 years), Secondary (5 or 6 years) and third level which offers a wide range of opportunities from post-secondary courses, to vocational and technical training, to full degree and the highest post-graduate levels.
In recent years the focus has expanded to include pre-school education and adult and further education as the concept of lifelong learning becomes reflected in the education opportunities available within the Irish education system.
Third Level Institutions
The third level education system in Ireland is broad in scope and encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the colleges of education and private, independent colleges. The first three groupings, which comprise 34 institutions, are autonomous and self governing, but are substantially state funded.
The numbers participating in higher education in Ireland have increased significantly in recent decades with an estimated 55 percent of second level students now going on to higher education - one of the highest participation rates in the world.
Entry to third level education for Irish students is based upon performance in the final secondary school examination, the Leaving Certificate.
Entry requirements for oversea students are determined individually by each institution and are generally based on national examination performance and English language aptitude
The Universities in Ireland and the Dublin Institute of Technology confer academic awards on successful students in their own colleges. Most non-university colleges receive academic qualifications from the Higher Education and Training Awards Council HETAC which was established by the Government in June 2001, under the Qualifications (Education and Training)Act 1999.
Hetac awards qualifications and sets and monitors standards at all levels of higher education and training up to PhD level.The quality and standard of Irish educational awards is fully recognised globally.All Irish awards are included in the national framework of qualifications maintained by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland
The following academic awards can be achieved at Irish third level institutions:
- One-Year Certificate: One year full-time course
- National Certificate: Two year full time course
- National Diploma: Once year after National Certificate/ 3 years in total
- Bachelors Degree: Normally a three or four year course
- Graduate Diploma: Designed for graduates seeking a vocational reorientation - usually a one year course
- Masters degree: Either by research or through a taught programme. Normally one-two year(s) duration
- Doctorate (PhD): Usually takes a minimum of three years of original research
The academic year typically runs from September to June and is divided into either two or three semesters with holidays in December (Christmas) and April (Easter).
Most universities run a semesterised system and modularisation has been introduced in the majority of colleges to allow greater flexibility for students. Teaching at undergraduate level generally involves a programme of lectures supplemented by tutorials, practical demonstrations and laboratory work (where relevant).
