Higher Certificate in Digital and Business Skills Level 6

Cathal Brugha FET Campus and the National College of Ireland

This full time, two-year Higher Certificate in Digital and Business Skills Level 6 {DABS Higher Certificate (HC)} in Cathal Brugha FET combines classroom-based learning with work-based learning and runs continuously for 24 months (including work placements). Learners who successfully complete the DABS HC programme can progress directly to year three and four of the DABS BA (Hons) degree programme provided by NCI without going through the CAO.

Participants on this programme will be joint City of Dublin ETB and NCI learners and will have full access to the supports available in both institutes (library, learner supports etc.). Industry guidance is integrated into the curriculum, offering insights and opportunities for real-world applications, preparing participants for future career paths.

Together, these scaffolded elements create a nurturing and empowering environment where these learners can thrive academically and professionally.

How can a student apply for the Higher Certificate in Digital and Business Skills?

The applicant’s academic ability may be demonstrated by successful completion of any of the following: 

• Leaving Certificate (5 passes) 

• Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (5 passes)

• Leaving Certificate Applied plus level 6 P-TECH award (Pathways to Technology)

• Level 5 QQI Certificate in a relevant area

• Other equivalent award

• Level 6 Certificate in P-TECH (Pathways in Technology) from NCI

In the case of mature learners, 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).

Prospective learners will be expected to demonstrate:

• a desire to work in the business sector

• an ability to act with responsibility and autonomy

• an ability to take responsibility for their own learning while under supervision

• an ability to to work collaboratively with others

• effective communication and presentation skills

• Minimum English language and literacy competence at entry to the programme for speakers of English as a second language is Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, B2 in writing, reading, listening and speaking

• Where the learner has not completed their second level education through the medium of English, evidence of achievement of this standard is necessary for entry to the programme

Application Process:

Step 1 – Application
Applications may be made on-line via the College website www.cathalbrughafet.ie. All applications will be acknowledged by e-mail in the case of on-line applications.

Step 2 – Interview
Applicants will be invited for interview 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 – Offer of place and acceptance/refusal of offer
Places on the programme are offered based on suitability provided that:

• the criteria (entry and interview) have been met

• there is a place available to be offered, i.e. the course is not full.

• 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 placement elements of the course.

As part of the processing of an application, an applicant may be referred for a career's information session and/or learning support for further advice in determining their course choice.

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