Admissions Policy

Cathal Brugha FET is a constituent Campus of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (CDETB). Therefore, it operates within the General Rules and Regulations for Schools, Colleges, other Centres and the Classes and Activities operating under the authority of the City of Dublin Education and Training Board.

Admissions Policy of CDETB

The admissions policy of CDETB is contained within the General Rules and Regulations of CDETB which states:

Admission to a particular course/activity is subject to places being available and is governed by three principles:

That, in the professional judgement of the School Authority (the term ‘School Authority’ as in these regulations, indicates the Chief Executive Officer, or an officer delegated to act on his behalf), and following an interview (if deemed appropriate) the student/participant is suitable for a course/activity.

That, in the professional judgement of the School Authority, the student/participant, because of previous education, training or experience, is considered likely to benefit from attendance.

That participation will contribute positively to the course/activity and in no way infringe upon the opportunities or rights of other students or staff.

All disputes in relation to admission will be referred to the CEO or Deputy Officer.

Admissions Policy of Cathal Brugha FET

Cathal Brugha FET is committed to being an inclusive college. Fundamental to the implementation of the College’s Admissions Policy is the principle of Equality. In placing the student at the centre of the learning process, Cathal Brugha FET is committed to creating an appropriate learning environment in which individual differences are accepted and embraced.

Students who have a learning support need are encouraged to provide the College with any relevant information at the time of application. Any information provided is treated confidentially and does not prejudice the application. Applicants must bear in mind that, while the College will make every effort to accommodate their needs, the resources available are limited.

All courses in Cathal Brugha FET are subject to the approval of the Department of Education and Skills and the City of Dublin ETB. All courses offered are subject to minimum enrolment numbers. All enrolments are subject to the Rules and Regulations of the City of Dublin ETB.

Places on courses are offered on the basis that each of the following requirements is met:

There is a place available to be offered, i.e. the course is not full.
1. The applicant demonstrates at the interview the capacity to successfully participate on the course for which he/she has applied. This includes the academic, practical and work experience placement (where applicable) elements of the course. The applicant’s academic ability may be demonstrated by completion of any of the following:
  - Leaving Certificate
  - Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
  - Leaving Certificate Applied
  - Any relevant FETAC/QQI Award
  - Other equivalent Award

(Some courses may have specific subject requirements in addition to the above. In some cases, a pre-course assessment may be required. Please see individual course pages for details).

Please see the individual course pages for the specific entry requirements, e.g. Garda vetting, for each course www.cathalbrughafet.ie

(i) As part of the processing of an application, an applicant may be referred for careers information session and/or learning support for further advice in determining their course choice.

(ii) If deemed appropriate, applicants may also be referred for an educational assessment.

In the case of mature students, i.e. 21 years and over, there are no formal academic entry requirements. The applicant’s academic ability is determined using the principles of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Admission to a course may also depend on the applicant meeting certain eligibility criteria laid down by the funding body for the course. This is the case in relation to courses funded as core VTOS or labour market activation programmes.
Subject to meeting the above requirements, places are offered on a first come first served basis upon full completion of the enrolment process (see Note below).
Students completing a one-year course over two years must have successfully completed and passed all modules being taken in Year 1 before progressing to Year 2.

Repeating a Course

It is important to note that applicants are not permitted to repeat a course. However, in exceptional cases, the Principal may permit such a repeat. Such an applicant must write to the Principal outlining the reasons for wishing to repeat a course.

Note

(a) Course enrolment is considered complete only when:

All fees or charges due are to be paid in full by, or on behalf of, the student no later than the 30th September, except in a case which is deemed by the College to be an exceptional circumstance.
All information and supporting documentation requested by the College has been submitted.
The student agrees to abide by the General Rules and Regulations of the CDETB and the Student Code of Behaviour of Cathal Brugha FET.

(b) In the case of full-time courses, students will not be enrolled after the 30th September, except in a case, which is deemed by the College to be an exceptional circumstance.

(c) The College will not be responsible for any inability to complete the enrolment process by the above closing date if all necessary information and supporting documentation have not been provided.

(d) The provision of false or inaccurate information by an applicant may render his/her application null and void.

Application Procedure

Applications for all daytime courses are invited from the 1st November preceding the commencement of the course.

Application Process:

Step 1 – Application

The application form should be completed and returned to the Admissions Officer, Cathal Brugha FET, 76 Marlboro Street, Dublin 1. Applications may also be made on-line by logging on to the College’s web site at www.cathalbrughafet.ie. All applications will be acknowledged by post or by e-mail in the case of on-line applications. The College’s website is compliant with the WAI guidelines as adopted by the National Disability Authority.

Step 2 – Interview

Applicants will be invited for interview at an enrolment session in the College. The purpose of this interview is to determine the applicant’s capacity to participate on the course for which he/she has applied. In some cases, applicants may be called for a second interview.

Step 3 – Acceptance of Offer

Full-Time Courses

Successful candidates will receive a letter of offer by post
Upon receipt of a letter of offer, a successful applicant may hold a place on the course until course registration at the beginning of the academic year by paying a deposit of €40. This deposit in non-refundable in accordance with Department of Education & Skills regulations.
Applicants will be notified of the details of course registration by post. A notice will also be posted on the college website.

Part-Time Courses (Back to Education Initiative)

Successful candidates will receive a letter of offer by post.
Applicants claiming free tuition under the BTEI scheme must provide a BTEI SW2 form. This must be completed, signed and stamped by social welfare or signed by a CE Supervisor, where applicable.
For applicants not claiming free tuition under the BTEI scheme, a deposit of €40 is required to secure a course place. This deposit in non-refundable in accordance with Department of Education & Skills regulations.
Applicants will be notified of the details of course registration by post. A notice will also be posted on the college website.

Step 4 – Registration

Full-time Courses

In order to secure a course place and complete enrolment, all those who have paid the deposit will be invited to course registration at the beginning of the new academic year.

To complete enrolment the following must be returned to the college:

PPS Number
Medical Card Number, (if applicable)
Balance of course costs, where applicable
1 Passport Size Photograph
Completed Reference Form

Part-time Courses

Applicants for part-time courses are invited to attend for registration at the beginning of the academic year.

For students who have met the requirements for free tuition under the BTEI scheme, a BTEI SW1, ‘Confirmation of Offer’ form will be supplied to those who have completed enrolment.
Those who do not wish to take up the offer must let the college know in writing as soon as possible.
For students not eligible for free tuition under the BTEI scheme, the balance of the course fees is payable.

Note: The College can accept payment for full/part-time courses in the form of cheque, postal order, laser card and credit card. Cash is not accepted.

Applicants should note that course places are secured on a first-come first-served basis on the registration date. Applicants (part time and full-time) who do not attend for course registration may forfeit their place unless prior written notice is received by the College authorities.

Step 5 – Commencement

Courses begin in mid-September. Participants who do not attend the first day of the course may forfeit their place unless prior written notice is received by the College authorities.

Step 6 – Late Applications

Where an applicant is successful at interview but the course is full, his/her name will be placed on a waiting list. Places which become available will be offered to successful applicants on the waiting list.

Interviews for vacant places on courses will be held after the commencement of the new academic year. Late applications are accepted up to the end of September.

Deferral of Places

Successful applicants who wish to defer their place must apply in writing to the College Principal before the date of the course registration. Places may only be deferred for a maximum period of one academic year. Deposits will be refunded to applicants if they successfully obtain a deferral.

Application Procedure for International Students

Cathal Brugha FET has a long and proud history of welcoming students from all over the world. The richness and diversity of the variety of nationalities and cultures enriches the College community in many ways and is greatly valued by all.

All of the courses in Cathal Brugha FET are provided through English. Therefore, for those for whom English is not their first language, it is necessary that they demonstrate sufficient competency in English, both written and spoken, to facilitate attendance at classes.

The following administrative arrangements also apply:

All international students must provide appropriate identification documentation.
All international students must demonstrate compliance with residency requirements of the Irish government.
EU nationals will be eligible for the same course charges as Irish students.
In addition to the local course charges, non-EU nationals will be required to pay the economic fee of €3,654.04 per year, as determined by the Department of Education and Skills.
Some categories of non-EU nationals, such as, persons with refugee status, will be exempt from paying the economic fee. Further details are available from the College.
Applications from non-EU nationals, not currently resident in Ireland, must be submitted by 1st May prior to the commencement of the course.
The College will not engage in any way in the process of visa applications.

Appeals Procedure

In the event of a dispute in relation to enrolment an applicant is entitled to appeal this decision to the City of Dublin ETB in accordance with section 29 of the Education Act, 1998. The appeal application form and a copy of the full procedure are available from the Principal on request.

Evening Classes

Applications for evening classes are accepted during public enrolment sessions which take place prior to the commencement of classes in September and January each year. Applications are not accepted prior to these sessions. Admission to these classes is subject to the following administrative arrangements:

The course fee must be paid in full at enrolment.
The College can accept payment for evening classes in the form of cheque, postal order, laser card and credit card. Cash is not accepted.
No refund of fees can be made except where a course does not form.