What are PLC courses?
Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses are designated as Further Education and Training. As such they offer opportunities to both recent Leaving Certificate graduates and mature students to acquire additional skills and training in various vocational areas. Applicants often choose PLC courses to gain relevant industry experience through the work experience component. To investigate different work practices and gain extensive employment skills and training to enhance their employment opportunities and as a potential progression route to Third level education.
They are designed for people seeking employment and those who wish to progress to third level courses. The programmes currently being offered in this college are categorised as Level 5 and Level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework.
What are the Entry Requirements?
- QQI Level 4, minimum of 17 years of age at time of registration, Leaving Certificate/Leaving Certificate Applied, Equivalent qualifications from other countries, relevant life experiences, relevant work experiences and mature students.
- Applicants for Level 6 courses must attend for interview
- Some course have specific requirements (please read course pages)
How do I apply for a course in Galway Community College?
Applicants should apply on-line at www.galwaycc.ie. Early application is advised, as the number of places on all courses is limited.
What is the deadline for applications?
We open for applications in January each year for courses commencing in September. We accept applications until the end of September, however, we advise you to apply early for your chosen course as places on all courses are limited.
What Certification can I achieve?
- Our full time day courses are QQI Level 5 & 6 certified.
- Some course include secondary certification - ITEC, coaching awards etc
- Students who are successful in the assessments are issued with the relevant certificates.
- Galway Community College reserves the right to hold all certification until all fees are paid.
- All PLC courses in Galway Community College are designed to meet the certification requirements of Q.Q.I. (Quality and Qualifications Ireland).
Can I get the SUSI grant?
All courses in Galway Community College are approved for the SUSI grant.
Students can use this link to check if they are eligible for the SUSI grant.
SUSI grant applications are done online through the SUSI website.
What is a Major (Full) QQI Award ?
Major awards usually comprise of 8 minor awards / modules.
The CAS Specification for each major award lists the mandatory modules which must be completed along with the elective modules which are required to make up the overall specified credit value of the award.
The default credit values for Major awards at Level 5 and Level 6 is 120 credits.
Most modules have a credit value of 15 credits, however some have a double value of 30 credits.
What is a Component QQI Award ?
A minor award is referred to as a Component. A Component Certificate will be awarded to all learners who successfully complete one or more components (i.e. minor awards) but not the full or particular requirement for the certificate.
Component Certificates are not available under the Early Learning and Care Awards.