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Definition of Terms

CAO
Central Applications Office is the central body that processes college applications for third level courses in Ireland.

Levels
The level of qualification refers to the 10 levels of the National framework of qualifications. The level of qualification refers to the standard of knowledge, skill and competence a learner is expected to have on completion of a programme. See www.nfq.ie for more detailed information.

Further Study
Further education and training, is education and training that is between post-primary level and higher education such as a Post Leaving Certificate (PLC) course. These courses are generally offered through the VEC.

Undergraduate Study
Undergraduate study refers to courses of study offered by third level providers. Courses offered are level 6 Higher Certificate, level 7 ordinary degree and level 8 honours degree.

Postgraduate Study
Level 9 and 10 courses for graduates of third level courses. Postgraduate courses include conversion courses, higher diplomas, masters and doctorates.

Mature Student Applicant
Third-level colleges reserve a number of places specifically for mature students who want to participate in full-time day programmes. If you are over 23 you can apply for one of these places. This means that you will compete for your place on a different basis to those who are just leaving school. Generally, you are considered to be a mature student if you are at least 23 years of age on January 1 of the year you enter your course. If you are interested in a particular college you should check how it defines a mature student.

Distance Learning
Structured programs of instruction for learners in a different place from the lecturer. Students work from a set of material provided either in paper or electronic format.

e-learning
Distance learning offered using the medium of technology such as email and the world wide web.

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Advice on choosing a course

When choosing your course it is important to make direct contact with the course provider and ask detailed questions in relation to your choice. Questions may include: Who is the awarding body of the qualification? What is the current pass rate of the course? Where have previous graduates moved on to? Are there any extra costs involved?

Responsibility remains with the individual student to investigate the details of the programme on offer.



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Not sure what to do?

Careers Directions is a database of occupations developed by FAS. If you are unsure what career would best suit you, there is a matching exercise to assist with this decision. On answering a series of questions a list of occupations are suggested based on the answers you have provided.
www.careerdirections.ie

Careers World offers a preference exercise to the school leaver, college student or professional. On the basis of the questions answered a list of occupations are presented as preferred options.
www.careersworld.com

Meath Adult Education Guidance Service offers free and confidential career information for people considering further education.
www.meathvec.ie

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Useful Links

Primary and Post Primary Education
www.educationireland.ie
This website includes a detailed listing of all primary and secondary schools around Ireland.

Further and Higher Education
www.qualifax.ie
This is the national database of Third Level and Further Education courses. Qualifax is the 'one stop shop' for information on courses for Guidance Counsellors and students. Included are qualification information, links to college and other education / training websites in Ireland and abroad.

Postgraduate Study
www.postgradireland.com
Postgradireland.com contains a database of hundreds of courses in Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as a selection of courses from further afield.

Distance Learning
www.open.ac.uk
Open to people, places, methods and ideas, The Open University provides high-quality university education to all on a distance learning basis.

www.oscoil.ie
Oscail is the National Distance Education Centre of Ireland. Their mission is to provide adults with access to third level education regardless of location, employment, circumstances, or prior qualifications.

Graduate Information and Job Vacancies
www.gradireland.com
Provides information on jobs, careers information and advice for students and graduates.

Fás
www.fas.ie
FÁS enhances the skills and competencies of individuals and enterprises in order for Ireland to further develop as a competitive, inclusive, knowledge-based economy. It strives to do this through the provision of tailored training and employment programmes that suit everyone's needs.

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You Tell Us

Your opinion counts!
We would like to hear about courses you would like to see taking place in County Meath and get feedback on your experience of using this website. Was it easy to navigate? Is there other information you would like to see included? If so, why not use our Feedback Section and let us know what you think.

Contact Details:
Meath Office for Further & Higher Education
Meath County Council
Kells Civic Offices
Kells, Co. Meath
Email: education@meathcoco.ie
Tel: 046 9240064
Mob: 087 276 4675

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