Fourth level education in Ireland is offered in all Universities, most Institutes of Technology and a range of private and professional organisations. Qualifications are included in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Fourth level courses (postgraduate) can lead to qualifications at 2 NFQ Levels depending mainly on the type of programme as follows:
- NFQ Level 9 – Masters Degree
- NFQ Level 10 – Doctoral Degree
Currently there is a trend for graduates to continue their education, and some 20% continue to Postgraduate programmes in Ireland. There are a number of different reasons for this, examples include:
- It’s essential for the chosen career (e.g. teaching, law, psychology)
- Converting to another subject (with a conversion course)
- Want to focusing on a career area having initially done a general degree
- Want to develop specialist knowledge in the area
Programmes differ in type and delivery method.
- Postgraduate & Higher Diplomas are conversion courses, usually of one year’s duration, aimed at Honour Bachelor Degree graduates. They are often vocational in nature (thereby providing students with training directly applicable to the labour market).
- Taught Programmes are usually Masters programmes lasting one year and follow a similar timetabled structure to most undergraduate programmes.
- Research programmes can be at Masters or Doctorate level and take from two years to four or more.
Postgraduate courses are not part of the government Free Fees scheme and college fees apply. Fees range (for Irish students) from €2,000 at the lower end of the scale to an average of around €5,000 and up to €20,000+ for some programmes. Detailed information on studying at Postgraduate level is available at:
Postgradireland.com
4thlevelIreland.ie
ResearchcareersIreland.com
Qualifax.ie - Postgrad Course Database
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