Alternatives to the CAO application process as a route to career advancement

Thu, Jul 13, 2023

by Brian Mooney
Ireland was transformed as a society by the introduction of free second-level education more than 50 years ago. It enabled children to build careers based on the pen rather than the shovel, but left in its wake an unhealthy focus on the third-level academic pathway through the CAO application system as the preferred option of the vast majority of parents for their children.

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board announces tertiary degrees in partnership with ATU

Thu, Jul 13, 2023

New access routes for four-degree courses in the West have been announced by Minister for Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris.

Apply now for University of Galway MBA scholarships

Thu, Jul 13, 2023

Obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can often be a costly endeavour, and many aspiring professionals may find it challenging to follow their dreams to pursue an MBA, purely on account of the financial element, despite knowing the huge return on investment and gains to be received, when one completes an MBA degree.

Careers in law

Thu, Jul 06, 2023

Law can be studied in most universities in Ireland including University of Galway, Galway ATU, Athlone TUS. University of Galway offers a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL), law and business, law criminology and justice, as well as a BA in law which is offered through general arts. Athlone TUS offers a Bachelor’s in law and a Bachelor of business and law. All of these courses provide a comprehensive basis in the core law subjects such as company law, criminal law, constitutional law, law of contract, property law, tort and European law. These are the subjects that are required to sit the solicitor and bar exams.

Many of these university degree courses also offer a work placement or study abroad option which provides an enriching learning experience for the student while also making them more employable. Traditionally, many of those who studied law, went on to study for their solicitor (FE exams) or barrister (Bar entrance) exams and carved out a career either as a barrister or a solicitor. Nowadays, however, there are a lot more alternative law careers available. Becoming a solicitor can take anywhere from three to seven years, depending on the degree a person studied and how a person progresses through their exams. Becoming a barrister is more costly and also involves a one-year work placement commonly known as ‘devilling’ after you have a completed a one-to-two-year Bar course in King’s Inn, Dublin. More information on these pathways can be found on the Law Society webpage for those considering a career as a solicitor, and for those wanting to purse a career as a barrister, they can check out the King’s Inn website.

Innopharma launches new MSc in medical device techology and business

Thu, Jul 06, 2023

Innopharma Education has announced a new QQI-accredited Master's in medical device technology and business, providing learners with the opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills in this high growth sector.

Kick-start a career in art at Galway Community College

Thu, Jul 06, 2023

Do you want to create a portfolio to help you with your next step to getting into art college? Do you just want to spend a wonderful year in Galway studying and enjoying the life of an artist? Then Galway Community College of Further Education is the place for you.

Careers in Law

Tue, Jul 04, 2023

Law can be studied in most universities in Ireland including University of Galway, Galway ATU, Athlone TUS. University of Galway offers a Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL), Law and Business, Law Criminology and Justice as well as a BA in Law which is offered through general Arts. Athlone TUS offers a bachelor’s in law and a Bachelor of Business and law. All of these courses provide a comprehensive basis in the core law subjects such as Company law, Criminal law, Constitutional law, law of contract, Property law, Tort and European law. These are the subjects that are required to sit the solicitor and bar exams. Many of these University degree courses also offer a work placement or study abroad option which provides an enriching learning experience for the student while also making them more employable.

Traditionally, many of those who studied law, went on to study for their solicitor (FE exams) or Barrister (Bar entrance) exams and carved out a career either as a barrister or a solicitor. Nowadays, however there are a lot more alternative law careers available. Becoming a solicitor can take anywhere from 3-7 years depending on the degree a person studied and how a person progresses through their exams. Becoming a barrister is more costly and also involves a 1-year work placement commonly known as ‘devilling’ after you have a completed a one-to-two-year Bar course in King’s Inn, Dublin. More information on these pathways can be found on the law society webpage for those considering a career as a solicitor and for those wanting to purse a career as a barrister, they can check out the King’s inn website.

Are you thinking of changing your CAO course choice selection?

Thu, Jun 29, 2023

Many applicants use the initial CAO application in January as a holding exercise, and it will soon be time to submit a definitive list of options.

GTI launches new media production traineeship

Thu, Jun 29, 2023

Galway Technical Institute has announced the launch of its new Media Production Assistant Traineeship, based in the institute's Spiddal campus commencing September 2023. This traineeship is for anyone with a real passion for film and TV, who hopes to build a career in the screen sector. The traineeship aims to produce the kind of technically and creatively multi-skilled individuals required in a rapidly developing industry.

The cost of going to college

Thu, Jun 29, 2023

The deadline to make changes to your course choice is fast approaching - the Change of Mind facility remains open until July 1 at 5.15pm. It’s still not too late for you to sit and double check that you have fully researched your course choices. Sit down with your parents/guardians not just regarding your choices, but also at the actual costs of going to college. Looking at options where you can live at home is always a worthwhile option.

Costs

Thinking of changing your CAO course choice selection?

Mon, Jun 26, 2023

Many applicants use the initial CAO application in January as a holding exercise and it will soon be time to submit a definitive list of options.

It’s time to decide on your college course choices

Thu, Jun 22, 2023

Whether you are a current year Leaving Cert student or sat your school leaving exams at another time or in another jurisdiction, and have applied to the CAO in 2023, now is decision time.

It’s time to decide on your college course choices

Tue, Jun 20, 2023

Whether you are a current year Leaving Cert student or sat your school leaving exams at another time or in another jurisdiction, and have applied to the CAO in 2023, now is decision time.

A career in education/primary and post primary, is it for you?

Thu, Jun 15, 2023

Careers in education can be very rewarding, and have been seen as a secure pensionable job for life, with lots of free time. However, you need to ask yourself, “Is this the career for me?”

Are you looking for a job that offers security, stability and flexibility?

How can parents help at exam time?

Thu, Jun 15, 2023

The radiant sun illuminates Galway with a warm, golden hue, while the distant hum of lawn mowers resonates in the air. The smell of freshly cut grass serves as a reminder to some that exams are on the horizon.

I have often heard parents say, “I feel like I am studying for the exams as well!” Parents too feel stressed and overwhelmed when their children are preparing for exams. There is a certain responsibility to ensuring their child is successful and happy. These feelings are not uncommon as parents play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging their children at this time. Here are some ideas as to how parents can help prepare their children for the upcoming exams in June.

How to become a psychologist in Ireland

Thu, Jun 15, 2023

Psychology is the study of behaviour and mental processes. Psychology is a very popular course choice both at undergraduate and postgraduate level in Ireland. There is a Bachelor of Science in Psychology available at University of Galway, ATU Galway, and TUS Athlone. All of these courses are four year (Level 8) degree courses, offering work placements in a variety of settings in year 3, which will improve any student’s employability.

Oscar-nominated film director Lenny Abrahamson sends personal message to GCC film students

Thu, Jun 08, 2023

The GCC film and documentary graduate screening took place this week in the Eye Cinema. The students were in for a surprise when their tutor Colleen Quinn-Hendrick organised Oscar-nominated Lenny Abrahamson to launch the event with a personal message for these hard-working film makers.

Shape your future at Galway Community College of Further Education

Thu, Jun 08, 2023

Galway Community College of Further Education (GCC) continues to offer full-time courses in a wide variety of career areas designed for entry to skilled employment, in preparation for starting an apprenticeship, or for progression to further and higher education. For some, these courses may be used as a transition year, an opportunity to sample new vocational areas before committing to a longer course of study in university. All GCC's one-year courses offer a mix of blended learning, with work experience and funded Erasmus placements. These courses are aimed at Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied graduates, mature learners and anyone finding themselves considering changing their career path.

GCC offers Level 5 and 6 QQI accredited courses in business, secretarial, retail pharmacy, graphic design, IT, film, music and theatre, social care, sport, physiotherapy, equine, science, motor technology and horticulture. There are no CAO points required to apply for a further education course, and on completion you can convert your results from the course, up to 390 points (more for science courses), to apply for more than 1,200 CAO courses that will accept a QQI award for progression to university in Galway and nationwide. GCC's Level 6 courses give direct access to some second-year courses in the Atlantic Technological University (ATU), formerly GMIT. GCC maintains strong links with ATU and University of Galway access offices, through information talks and sessions on progression, organised by GCC's guidance counsellor and access officers.

Message of support to exam students from ASTI

Thu, Jun 08, 2023

ASTI president elect Geraldine O’Brien has praised this year’s Leaving and Junior Cert students who began their exams on Wednesday of this week, stating: “Your teachers are so proud of you and are excited to see you move towards the next stage of your lives.”

How can parents help at exam time?

Thu, Jun 08, 2023

guidance counsellor, Salerno Secondary School, Galway

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