Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

Clareman · 28-06-2021 12:12PM

Berty wrote: »

For me I'm waiting on the Bachelors of Business, then again they replied late Friday saying my CV wasn't sufficient as they wanted it in their own format which frankly is marginally different to what I submitted. Anyway, I sent it back to them so waiting on a decision. I have a few days to get a reply as otherwise I risk losing an undergraduate Diploma in UL.

Bachelors is obviously a better 12 month outcome than an UG Diploma in UL but the challenge is whether I am to weigh up the optics of having something from UL over AIT(even when they become a University).

I've qualifications from a number of different institutions, from RTC to ITs to UL to NUI and I have to say that in my experience outside of an academic setting the awarding body isn't as important as the content of the course especially when factored into the person's work experience. Anytime I have discussed any of the courses the conversation has always been about the content.

I know that there is a huge difference in qualify of different institutions and to say that there isn't is wrong but I'm just saying in my experience for Springboard type courses which are designed to be part time that the institution isn't as large a factor as it would be. In my opinion people should look at what they would like to achieve (Batchelors, Masters, level 9, anything), then look at the topic they would like to study then go for it.

I also have to say that personally I find post grads a lot easier to do than undergrads so don't use the level of the course as a barometer of the difficulty.

Berty · 28-06-2021 12:17PM

Clareman wrote: »

I also have to say that personally I find post grads a lot easier to do than undergrads so don't use the level of the course as a barometer of the difficulty.

To another extent the number of credits you achieve can usually define how much work is involved. My L6 was 60 credits and some on the course said it was similar/more work than an L8 they've done.

FFVII · 28-06-2021 05:22PM

Berty wrote: »

To another extent the number of credits you achieve can usually define how much work is involved. My L6 was 60 credits and some on the course said it was similar/more work than an L8 they've done.

what course?

Was it 2 years?

Berty · 28-06-2021 05:41PM

FFVII wrote: »

what course?

Was it 2 years?

1 year. Cert in quality operations and lean.

FFVII · 28-06-2021 05:50PM

Berty wrote: »

1 year. Cert in quality operations and lean.

Full time course then surely?

Berty · 28-06-2021 06:03PM

FFVII wrote: »

Full time course then surely?

Nope. Part time, never once attended the grounds of the college due to Covid.

I'll say this though, it was hard going, so much detail and exams in semester 1 and 2 weren't easy either.

Passed, thankfully.

FFVII · 28-06-2021 07:42PM

Berty wrote: »

Nope. Part time, never once attended the grounds of the college due to Covid.

I'll say this though, it was hard going, so much detail and exams in semester 1 and 2 weren't easy either.

Passed, thankfully.

Working aswell?

If you say working and kids then deserve a virtual ðŸ…

Steven81 · 28-06-2021 09:10PM

Officer Giggles wrote: »

I'm waiting on a response from AIT, do you mind me asking what course you got

Polymer materials level 9

Clareman · 28-06-2021 09:57PM

FFVII wrote: »

Working aswell?

If you say working and kids then deserve a virtual ðŸ…

I found working and having small children made Springboard courses most enjoyable, it's not as if you're going to be going out or having a life and you'll probably be up at strange times with nothing to do, my first course happened because I was home alone with a smallie in the house a few evenings a week and because she was such a light sleeper I couldn't have the TV on and I couldn't have headphones on loud in case I missed her so my routine was smallie to bed around 8 and then 4 hours study, bed by midnight, 2 nights a week that was 8 hours that would have been just wasted. Add in half an hour at lunch every day that's just over 10 hours handy.

It's all about managing your time, cut your ties to all distractions, especially online, if you find yourself scrolling through Facebook for an hour in the evening, replace that with college work. If you find yourself watching 2 hours of TV/netflix of an evening, replace that with college work. After that it's about managing the workload, don't let it get on top of you, if you have 2 weeks for an assignment, do it straight away don't wait until the end. Once you get organised you'll be surprised how easy it gets.

Dogtanian07 · 30-06-2021 10:59AM

I have accepted the level 8 HDIP in data analytics with NCIRL. Two years blended online. Thanks to all in the thread for info etc

gogo · 02-07-2021 11:38AM

Hi, I’m wondering if anyone could clarify something for me.
I’m looking at a higher diploma course with Letterkenny, entry requirements are Honors Degree in business or Finance, min of second class honors, min 30 credits.

I hold 2 professional diplomas, one is level 8, with 2nd class Honors. I have 60 credits (30 from each diploma)

Do I qualify here? I’m not sure, I have the honors and credits, but technically I have a diploma but not a degree? I’ve googled it and tried calling but not getting an answer, any help, greatly appreciated. I really love to do the course..

py · 02-07-2021 11:39AM

gogo wrote: »

Hi, I’m wondering if anyone could clarify something for me.
I’m looking at a higher diploma course with Letterkenny, entry requirements are Honors Degree in business or Finance, min of second class honors, min 30 credits.

I hold 2 professional diplomas, one is level 8, with 2nd class Honors. I have 60 credits (30 from each diploma)

Do I qualify here? I’m not sure, I have the honors and credits, but technically I have a diploma but not a degree? I’ve googled it and tried calling but not getting an answer, any help, greatly appreciated. I really love to do the course..

Drop them an email. Fair chance people are still working from home. Only they'll be able to tell you whether you qualify or not.

Officer Giggles · 02-07-2021 12:24PM

gogo wrote: »

Hi, I’m wondering if anyone could clarify something for me.
I’m looking at a higher diploma course with Letterkenny, entry requirements are Honors Degree in business or Finance, min of second class honors, min 30 credits.

I hold 2 professional diplomas, one is level 8, with 2nd class Honors. I have 60 credits (30 from each diploma)

Do I qualify here? I’m not sure, I have the honors and credits, but technically I have a diploma but not a degree? I’ve googled it and tried calling but not getting an answer, any help, greatly appreciated. I really love to do the course..

You technically do not have the qualifications for that course however all colleges have an alternative entry where they take a wider look at things regarding all your qualifications and work experience so it's not a case of you cannot apply

gogo · 02-07-2021 12:53PM

Officer Giggles wrote: »

You technically do not have the qualifications for that course however all colleges have an alternative entry where they take a wider look at things regarding all your qualifications and work experience so it's not a case of you cannot apply

Thanks for that, thinking I didn’t but the level 8 bit was throwing me, I’ll send in an application anyway, might get lucky!

Berty · 02-07-2021 01:07PM

gogo wrote: »

Thanks for that, thinking I didn’t but the level 8 bit was throwing me, I’ll send in an application anyway, might get lucky!

They sometimes refer to "Experential" experience as well by having similar modules in other courses and work experience so you never know.

Amirani · 06-07-2021 03:24PM

Got an offer for a Level 9 Certificate in TU Dublin that I'll likely accept this afternoon. Was considering 1 or 2 others (hadn't applied), but happy to go with one I was offered.

Standard Toaster · 06-07-2021 03:41PM

Level 8 cert in SligoIT beginning in Sept. \o/

Pete123456 · 06-07-2021 03:52PM

Accepted a PgDip in Pharma Validation last week - should be interesting!

absolutegroove · 06-07-2021 03:59PM

Anyone have any views on the NCI (National College of Ireland) or IADT (Institute of Art and Design and Technology)?

I’m considering doing a PGDip Level 9.

Thanks.

Juicyfruit · 06-07-2021 04:52PM

Amirani wrote: »

Got an offer for a Level 9 Certificate in TU Dublin that I'll likely accept this afternoon. Was considering 1 or 2 others (hadn't applied), but happy to go with one I was offered.

Congrats! Can I ask how long you were waiting to hear back?

Proferoxa · 06-07-2021 04:55PM

Has anyone heard back about any of the HCI courses offered by UL?

Officer Giggles · 06-07-2021 05:08PM

Proferoxa wrote: »

Has anyone heard back about any of the HCI courses offered by UL?

My wife applied to UL for a Springboard course a couple of weeks ago and has heard nothing back. I got a Springboard course through UL last year and I was waiting a month for a response.

From my limited knowledge of UL, they appear to wait until the closing date has passed before making offers whereas other institutions make offers well in advance of their closing dates.

Amirani · 06-07-2021 05:09PM

Juicyfruit wrote: »

Congrats! Can I ask how long you were waiting to hear back?

Yep, I applied on the 17th June (shortly after applications opened).

IwishIknew2020 · 06-07-2021 05:19PM

Anyone do a Springboard course with DCU? Im looking at the PG Cert in Public Policy. Its totally unrelated to my work but as a course I think I would enjoy it. Any thoughts?

Blizzard · 06-07-2021 05:25PM

Has anyone taken the International Business (BBS, Level 8) at Dorset College? Any info/feedback on the course/college? Thanks.

Amirani · 15-07-2021 04:00PM

Any done or doing the Postgrad Certificate in Data Science from TUD?

IwishIknew2020 · 15-07-2021 04:22PM

Anyone know how long I might be waiting to hear back from DCU? Do they go by the closing date I wonder?

Thanks

cadger1978 · 15-07-2021 04:29PM

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117615326#Comment_117615326

Submitted my DCU application on 29th June , status changed to successful on the 7th July. Probably different for each department but if you check the application history at least you'll know if it's been reviewed.

DeadSkin · 15-07-2021 05:19PM

Any one able to provide feedback on Graduate Certificate in Management of Operations at DCU https://business.dcu.ie/course/grad-cert-management-operations/

IwishIknew2020 · 16-07-2021 10:54AM

https://boards.ie/discussion/comment/117615683#Comment_117615683

Sorry no but interested too. This one is on my list.

Springboard courses. Free college courses sponsored by the Irish Government

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