Question on Cadetship

monosharp

Hey all, thinking about trying for a cadetship with the army and confused on a certain bit.

Whats a degree up to the "Level 8 of the national framework of Qualifications" ?

Heres the relevant extract ...

"Have obtained a recognised degree (i.e. a Third Level Degree awarded up to the end of 2004). With effect from 2005 have successfully completed an Honours Bachelor Degree programme at pass or honours level (level 8 of the National Framework of Qualifications)"

I have an ordinary degree so does that rule me out of applying ?

testicle

It's a real degree. What used to be a degree. Not one of those diplomas that are now called degrees.

It doesn't matter what type of degree you have, because it's not a requirement, but it is advantageous, as you get an extra 6% in the interview for it.

monosharp

Ok testicle thanks.

Would you recommend trying to get the proper degree before trying for a cadetship ? I would have the option of going back and completing a year to get it but to be honest i would really prefer not to.

Just another wee question, i've heard outrageous numbers are applying for the cadets year in year out with approx only 30 places. Is it really that bad ?

I mean, i heard that getting into the regulars can be an impossible task too with the numbers applying so i don't really know whether or not to believe it.

If there really are that amount of people applying for so few positions then theres not really any point in trying for it unless you can qualify for all the extra percent (level 8 degree, do the final interview as gaeilge, etc).

Or is there any point applying at all with that number of applicants ?

edit:

Also could someone please answer this ?

This is an extract from the cadetship form of last year.

"MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
a.
All candidates must possess a minimum of Grade D3 in Ordinary/higher level
mathematics in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
b.
Army (Line),Army Equitation and Air Corps (pilots) Cadetship candidates
must:
(1) Have obtained a recognised degree (i.e. a Third Level Degree awarded up to the end
of 2004). With effect from 2005 have successfully completed an Honours Bachelor
Degree programme at pass or honours level (level 8 of the National Framework of
Qualifications), or:
(2) Possess a minimum of Grade C3 in 3 Higher Level papers and Grade D3 in 3
Ordinary/Higher level papers,in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination.
A candidate’s educational qualifications must also satisfy the NUI Matriculation
Regulations requirement.
(3) Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to provide proof of
fluency in the English language, which equates to a score of 570 in The Test of English
in a Foreign Language (TOEFL)."

I know i am repeating myself but i really need a straight answer.

I don't have the level 8 degree, i have an ordinary degree.
And i'm fairly certain i don't have the Leaving cert qualification either -> "Possess a minimum of Grade C3 in 3 Higher Level papers and Grade D3 in 3
Ordinary/Higher level papers,in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination."

So the way i read that, i can't apply because i don't fulfill the minimum requirements ?

dats_right

I think that it is certainly a good move to complete your honours degree, particularly if you only have a year left. Although you should still apply and see how you get on. Also, I am open to correction on this but friends of mine who have joined the commissioned ranks of the military have told me that it is an advantage to have been a member of the FCA or whatever it is called nowadays.

testicle

monosharp wrote:

This is an extract from the cadetship form of last year.

"MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
a.
All candidates must possess a minimum of Grade D3 in Ordinary/higher level
mathematics in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent.
b.
Army (Line),Army Equitation and Air Corps (pilots) Cadetship candidates
must:
(1) Have obtained a recognised degree (i.e. a Third Level Degree awarded up to the end
of 2004). With effect from 2005 have successfully completed an Honours Bachelor
Degree programme at pass or honours level (level 8 of the National Framework of
Qualifications), or:
(2) Possess a minimum of Grade C3 in 3 Higher Level papers and Grade D3 in 3
Ordinary/Higher level papers,in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination.
A candidate’s educational qualifications must also satisfy the NUI Matriculation
Regulations requirement.
(3) Candidates whose first language is not English will be required to provide proof of
fluency in the English language, which equates to a score of 570 in The Test of English
in a Foreign Language (TOEFL)."

I know i am repeating myself but i really need a straight answer.

I don't have the level 8 degree, i have an ordinary degree.
And i'm fairly certain i don't have the Leaving cert qualification either -> "Possess a minimum of Grade C3 in 3 Higher Level papers and Grade D3 in 3
Ordinary/Higher level papers,in a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate Examination."

So the way i read that, i can't apply because i don't fulfill the minimum requirements ?

The important word here is or you need either a L8 degree or the required standard in your leaving cert.

A Level 8 degree is one that takes 4 years to complete, level 7 takes 3. If you don't have the required leaving cert, and you really want to do this, become a bum student again for another year and do the 4th year!