Limerick College of Further Education is the largest provider of Further Education/PLC programmes in the Mid-West region. With more than 50 programmes on offer, we are able to satisfy almost everyone’s need to acquire valuable Awards. With the dramatic increase in enrolments in the past two years, the College is a dynamic and thriving educational environment.
Newly refurbished and re-equipped, the setting lends itself to the smooth acquisition of Awards for those willing to make the required effort. These Awards are designed to prepare holders for progression to higher-level awards in Institutes of Technology (IoT’s), Universities and other Colleges. Awards can also lead people directly into the workplace.
Location
The College campus is situated on Mulgrave Street, which is a 10-minute walk from both the city centre and Limerick Bus and Rail Station.
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Limerick
Limerick, the capital of the Mid-West, has changed dramatically in recent years. Regeneration of the city centre and docklands has made Limerick a vibrant and exciting city, made livelier by the vast number of students attending the many colleges in and around the city. The city plays host to numerous sporting and cultural events and is renowned for its cheerful and welcoming cafés, restaurants and clubs. Limerick was honoured last year by the acolade "European City of Sport 2011".
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Range of Programmes
Limerick College of Further Education has a wide range of programmes to suit the needs of school leavers and mature learners. The vast majority of our courses are FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) awards. FETAC is the national awarding body for further education and training. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is acknowledged, in line with FETAC guidelines. Learning Support is also available to all qualifying FETAC learners, including English language support for non-nationals.
Applicants for FETAC Levels 5 and 6 should have fluency in generic skills such as literacy/numeracy/interpersonal skills. Programmes involve a certain amount of independent learning i.e. student-centred learning. The degree of independent learning required is very much dependent on the module content. It is of great benefit if applicants have resources required for successful participation (e.g. access to computers/internet, reading materials, tools/equipment, personal learning/study time and that once registered,learners are committed to completing the programme.
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Our Target Market
FETAC programmes are offered at Levels 5 and 6. Level 5 is the entry level. They are part of the National Qualifications Authority Ireland (NQAI) framework of qualifications. Entry requirements are the Leaving Certificate, Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA), FETAC Level 4 or equivalents. Mature learners are normally exempt (exceptions apply) from entry requirements and so are eligible to apply for all College programmes, once they have reached 23 years of age, or 21 years for the ATI Programme. Other awarding bodies to LCFE learners include City & Guilds and Accounting Technicians Ireland.
Holders of FETAC Awards may use their FETAC (CAO) points to progress to higher education.
Please contact directly the Admissions Office of any College you plan to apply for as a FETAC applicant. They will be able to provide you with any specific entry requirements of their institution. You may also wish to access the CAO website here.The downloadable PDF outlines the information you need to work out exactly how FETAC scoring works.
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FETAC Points
The CAO scores applicants on their best 8 modules where applicants are eligible for consideration. Please look at the Progression section of this site for more specific information. This arrangement may change with the introduction of the Common Awards System. Applicants should consult HEI literature to establish how FETAC Levels 5 and 6 are assessed.
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Local Agreements
LCFE learners who achieve a full Award and meet the specified criteria receive 25 bonus points when applying for a place on a linked programme at LIT. LCFE also has a bilateral agreement with Mary Immaculate College for learners from Media programmes to the BA in Liberal Arts. Application is through the CAO. In addition, LCFE has also negotiated advanced entry progression opportunities for holders of FETAC Level 6 Awards with various IoT’s. Details of these arrangements are on the relevant programme pages under the Day Courses section of the site.
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Guidance Counselling Service
LCFE offers learners a comprehensive Guidance Counselling Service, including advice on higher education options and personal counselling. The College Counsellors are available for private consultations with all registered learners.
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Learners with Special Needs
LCFE makes every effort to facilitate applicants with Special Needs. Applicants should contact the Guidance Counselling service at the time of registration. The counsellors will facilitate the processing of applications for funding to the Higher Education Authority (HEA). The College is fully accessible to wheelchair users and there is a lift to all floors.
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Learning Support
LCFE endeavours to provide learning support for those experiencing difficulties with specific modules, subject to resource availability.
This service is designed so that all learners are enabled to:
• participate fully in the College community
• develop their full potential
• develop in a supportive environment in which they can enhance their individuality
• experience success
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Garda Vetting
Garda Vetting is mandatory for the majority of programmes in the School of Childcare, Healthcare and Science. It is also necessary for Sport and Recreation programmes.
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English Language Assessment
All applicants whose first language is not English will be asked to complete an English Language Assessment. This assessment takes place in May and again in August. The purpose of this assessment is to ascertain the applicant’s competence level in relation to the programme requirements. Limerick College of Further Education has links with ESOL programmes at Limerick Adult Education College, Sexton Street, Limerick. This may assist referral and progression for learners.
Exemptions - Applicants who have completed or are currently taking Leaving Certificate English are exempt from this assessment. A copy of their Leaving Certificate must be provided.
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Applications and Interviews
Applicants are strongly encouraged to APPLY ONLINE. It is a fast, user-friendly procedure and your application will be processed quickly. All the information you need to complete your application, including course code, is available under the Day Courses section of this site. This facility is now open. To ensure you don't miss any dates, make sure to 'Like Us' on Facebook here 
. We provide regular updates on our Facebook page on campus events throughout the year and also post important information like key dates.
You can also download a copy of our 2012/13 Prospectus and Application Form by clicking here. Or, alternatively, a prospectus and application form may be obtained from LCFE Admissions and also through Career Guidance Counsellors.
When completed, forms should be posted to:
LCFE Admissions
Limerick College of Further Education
Mulgrave Street, Limerick
Note: Most applications are now through our Online Application facility. However, if you wish to use the paper-based method, you should complete the form as follows:
- All courses have assigned codes which appear on each Course page. Write in the course code in the boxes provided in the Application Form.
- Please do not omit your mobile phone number as receipt of your application will be acknowledged by text message.
- Please be patient, it may take some weeks for LCFE Admissions to send you a text message, especially after February 1st, due to the heavy volume of applications received after that time.
- Remember to enclose a passport-size photo, a copy of your Birth Certificate and a copy of your PPS card.
All applicants are called for a short Interview. This is an informal session, with information being shared between the interviewer and the applicant. Those applying for Visual Arts and Media courses are required to bring some samples of relevant work to the Interview. Equally, those interested in Childcare, Healthcare, Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy, are advised to try to gain some relevant work experience and perhaps bring references along to their Interview. Any other evidence of relevant work done is well worth bringing along.
The College began accepting applications for 2012/13 academic year courses from 13 January 2012. Due to the high number of applicants again for the current academic year, interviews will be held for most courses in May 2012. A final round of interviews will take place in August 2012.
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Further Education (PLC) Grants
Means-tested Maintenance Grants are available to qualifying learners. The administration of these grants was handled by your local Vocational Education Committee up to the 2011/12 academic year. Please note, however, that Vocational Education Committees will no longer be assessing new applications for Third Level/PLC Grants for the 2012/13 academic year. Learners who are currently in receipt of a grant from their local VEC and who are progressing to the next year of the same course will continue to be assessed and paid by that VEC.
A new ONLINE ONLY grant applications system is being introduced for the 2012/13 academic year. All new applications will have to be made online to a single awarding authority, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie.
The details for the 2012 Student Grant Scheme are due to be announced in May and the SUSI online application system will be available from that date. You can continue to check www.studentfinance.ie for information and updates in the meantime. We will also post updates through our social media channels. To ensure you don't miss any updates, make sure to 'Like Us' on Facebook here or, follow us on Twitter here 
.
If you are changing course or progressing to a new course you will also need to apply to SUSI.
The College also has a Grants Officer, who will advise applicants, as necessary. E-mail: grants@lcfe.ie.
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Learners' Council
LCFE has a vibrant Learners’ Council which was established to represent the interests of the learners and to advance their rights. While it works within the policies and procedures of the College, it has its own constitution and maintains an independent voice for learners. It has its own office within the campus and organises many social and cultural events throughout the academic year.
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Open Day
The best way to find out what Limerick College of Further Education has to offer is to visit on our Open Day. This year's event took place on Tuesday 7th February. It's a great opportunity to meet with academic staff and existing learners and enjoy viewing our Art/Ceramics/Interior Design/Photography and Fashion exhibitions. Check out the News section of our site here for more information and photographs of this year's event.
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