FETAC Certificate:

This scheme provides for the scoring of applicants presenting FETAC(QQI) examination results. The scored results will be entered into the CAO system in the normal way. FETAC(QQI) has introduced a new awards system known as the Common Awards System, or CAS. All FETAC(QQI) awards will be part of CAS from 2014. CAS awards will replace existing linked FETAC(QQI) awards. As a result a, new scoring system for FETAC(QQI) awards will apply for entry through CAO to higher education from 2013. This scoring system will apply to all relevant FETAC(QQI) level 5 and 6 awards listed on the CAO and higher education institution website.

The following minimum entry requirement will apply to graduates of FETAC(QQI) seeking admission to courses at Waterford Institute of Technology:

• Higher Certificate (Level 6)

Minimum entry: FETAC(QQI) Level 5 or 6 award.

• Ab-initio Degree (Level 7)

Minimum entry: FETAC(QQI) Level 5 or Level 6 award.

• Ab-initio Honours Degree (Level 8)

Minimum entry: FETAC(QQI) Level 5 or Level 6 award including a distinction grade in at least three modules.

Please refer to the FETAC(QQI) website (www.qqi.ie) for changes to the award structure.

Rules for Eligibility:

1. Progression is on the basis of achieving a Level 5 or 6 major award, with a minimum credit value of 120. Component awards, or achievement of less than 120 credits, will not suffice.
2. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their FETAC(QQI) registered centre applies to FETAC(QQI) for a major award prior to application to CAO.
3. A major award may be achieved over more than one year. Waterford Institute of Technology requires that an applicant’s major award must be achieved and/or scored in a single sitting i.e. over one certification year, between 1 August and 31 July.
4. In addition some programmes in higher education require achievement of specified component awards, specific grades in individual component awards, or additional awards such as mathematics. Applicants are advised to confirm details of any specific requirements with the Admissions Office of the individual higher education institution. Details may also be found in the FETAC(QQI) section of the CAO website.

 

Scoring Process:

Each level 5 and / level 6 component is scored as follows:

Distinction: 3.333 points   Merit: 2.222 points     Pass: 1.111 points

This is then multiplied by the individual component credit value to a maximum 120 credits, a total of 400 points. For components with a credit value of less than 5 credits, multiply the credit value by 15.

Components leading to the best 120 credits are scored and applicants are ranked accordingly. The best 120 credits come from minor awards achieved with the highest grades.

The transcript for major awards lists the award code and title, grade and date of achievement for individual components required for the major award, and for any components achieved in any other certification period. FETAC(QQI) forwards all relevant results achieved by applicants to the CAO.

The scoring system replaces that of the original higher education links scheme and that of the ‘pilot’ scheme, and applies to all results achieved from 2013.

Some applicants will combine components achieved prior to the introduction of CAS with others which are part of CAS. The scoring is managed by CAO according to the systems above. Level 5 and 6 Certificates achieved before the introduction of CAS are also scored according to the system outlined above.

The maximum number of points that can be obtained is 400. FETAC(QQI) results cannot be added to Leaving Certificate points. Where applicants have taken both exams, the higher points will be considered for rating purposes.

Applications must be made through the CAO by the 1^st February.

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) Links Scheme:

Students on certain Further Education courses can apply through the CAO for entry into year one of certain courses at WIT. These include the following FETAC(QQI) Level 5 courses at Enniscorthy Vocational College:

• Business
• Science
• Legal Studies
• Leisure Studies
• Early Childhood Care and Education
• Healthcare Support
• International Travel and Tourism
• Engineering

Please note that there is a contractual agreement between both establishments and this link is only to certain courses in these areas of study. There are also certain other requirements which will be explained by the relevant Course Directors.

Enniscorthy Vocational College of Further Education has also developed links with other third level institutions primarily Carlow Institute of Further Education and Aberystwyth University in Wales.

Note:

The information on this websiteis correct at the time it was put on the website. It is issued on the express condition that it shall not form any contract between Enniscorthy Vocational College and any learner. All matters covered on the website are subject to change from time to time.