Staying at Level 6 & BTEA

hairyprincess

Last year I done an Access Course (Level 6), I didn't get offered my first choice of a Level 7. But there is a course just started this year, which is in the seem field (Social Care), but it is a Level 6, two year course. I have been informed that it may lead into third year of the Level 7 course which I had applied for as my first choice.

I spoke to the SW and I won't be eligible for BTEA or free fees if I decide to do the Level 6. I must move on. The Access course as I see it, was not a course in a particular field, it was a refresher for mature students to help you get to grips with returning to college. The Social Care is a course that has the potential to lead onto a career unlike the Access course.

Is there any point in arguing this with the SW? Would appreciate any feedback

Goro

For what it's worth I have been refused a Level 5 before because I already had a level 5 from years ago.

I wrote a concise letter explaining my reasons why I needed this to progress and asked the deciding officer to read it and they approved my BTEA a few days later. She called me and said she would give me BTEA on the condition that I go into a higher course the following year, which i did.

Officers differ but It's worth a shot.

I can't count how many times I have achieved remarkable things by writing a letter.

The pen is mightier than the sword.;)

paperclip2

If your Access course was a FETAC level 6 then you ARE eligible for BTEA for the Social Care level 6 as its a HETAC qualification. This is considered a higher academic standard than the FETAC course and as such constitutes progression under DSP rules. You've met with a staff member who doesn't understand the education system, not unknown in DSP unfortunately. And to be fair it is confusing having 2 level 6 qualifications in the one framework. The key difference is that one course is accredited by FETAC, is a one year programme and is considered part of second level education. The other is a HETAC course, usually takes place over 2 years and is part of the third level structure. As such its a higher level course than FETAC level 6.

You cant appeal the decision as BTEA is not a statutory scheme but you can ask for a review by your case officer. You should also speak to the BTEA head office in Carrick on Shannon Tel: 071 9672698

Hope this helps.

Goro

paperclip2 wrote: »

If your Access course was a FETAC level 6 then you ARE eligible for BTEA for the Social Care level 6 as its a HETAC qualification. This is considered a higher academic standard than the FETAC course and as such constitutes progression under DSP rules. You've met with a staff member who doesn't understand the education system, not unknown in DSP unfortunately. And to be fair it is confusing having 2 level 6 qualifications in the one framework. The key difference is that one course is accredited by FETAC, is a one year programme and is considered part of second level education. The other is a HETAC course, usually takes place over 2 years and is part of the third level structure. As such its a higher level course than FETAC level 6.

You cant appeal the decision as BTEA is not a statutory scheme but you can ask for a review by your case officer. You should also speak to the BTEA head office in Carrick on Shannon Tel: 071 9672698

Hope this helps.

FETAC level 6 and HETAC level 6 are the same on the national framework scale.



I did a FETAC level 6 and it was a 2 years advanced certificate. It's still considered 2nd level.

paperclip2

Goro wrote: »

FETAC level 6 and HETAC level 6 are the same on the national framework scale.

I did a FETAC level 6 and it was a 2 years advanced certificate. It's still considered 2nd level.

Although both are at level 6 on the framework the FETAC and HETAC level 6 courses are regarded as being at two different standards. A HETAC level 6 is considered to be at a higher academic standard and so is part of the Third Level system.
FETAC level 6 courses are the successors to the old NCVA courses and being more vocational in nature they are classed as being part of the 2nd level system.

Its not a given that just because you have a FETAC advanced certificate at level 6 that you can automatically progress into the third year of a level 7 degree. Colleges attach a lesser weight to the FETAC qualification despite its placement within the Qualifications framework.

Goro

paperclip2 wrote: »

Although both are at level 6 on the framework the FETAC and HETAC level 6 courses are regarded as being at two different standards. A HETAC level 6 is considered to be at a higher academic standard and so is part of the Third Level system.
FETAC level 6 courses are the successors to the old NCVA courses and being more vocational in nature they are classed as being part of the 2nd level system.

Its not a given that just because you have a FETAC advanced certificate at level 6 that you can automatically progress into the third year of a level 7 degree. Colleges attach a lesser weight to the FETAC qualification despite its placement within the Qualifications framework.

Thanks for the info. They should specify this clearly on the scale though. I know that the particular FETAC 6 I have is enough for advanced entry into year 2 of a level 7 degree in Computing in an IT. Also in that 2nd year, some modules are exempt because they have already been covered in the FETAC.

I found the level 6 to be very unbalanced, with some modules being almost remedial and others being very advanced. Level 4 and 5 modules mixed in with some level 6 modules. Typical Irish mess of a system.

For example one of the level 6 modules covered the entire course of another level 4 module in about 2 weeks. Yet I had to sit them both despite the ridiculous overlap.

Bubblegum18

As regarding a maintenance grant if a person gets a grant for a fetac level 6 advanced certificate and after completing it can they then be eligible for a maintenance grant for a two year HETAC higher certificate?

paperclip2

Bubblegum18 wrote: »

As regarding a maintenance grant if a person gets a grant for a fetac level 6 advanced certificate and after completing it can they then be eligible for a maintenance grant for a two year HETAC higher certificate?

Yes, as was said above they are accepted as being at two different academic standards and its possible to get the grant for a FETAC level 6 and then go on to a HETAC level 6 and get the grant. The reason being that moving from the vocational training to higher education constitutes progression and thats what is important.