Course Overview
The International Foundation Programme of CCT is an undergraduate foundation programme which develops international students knowledge, skills and competence in Computing, IT, and Business, as well as enhancing and improving English Language levels proficiency. The overall aim of this programme leading to the award of FETAC Level 5 Certificate in Liberal Arts, is to prepare international students for undergraduate further and higher education level, and to help learners gain access to university.
Programme Content
This programme is generally delivered over 4 academic semesters, 2 academic years (although students with an IELTS score of 5.0 upon entrance to this programme may be able to complete the programme in 1 year):
Year 1
General English Language studies and English for Academic Purposes
Year 2
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Computer Applications and Information Technology Skills
- Personal & Professional Development
- Applied Communications
- Business Administration
- Internet
- Social Studies
Assessment
CCT will utilise a variety of assessment methods to help ensure that the learning outcomes of each subject will be achieved, for example: Written Examination compiled of long or short term essays, Objective Tests, Presentations, Group Projects, Practical Assignments, Oral Examinations and so on. Assessment will be continuous throughout each module, with final examinations administered in most of the modules. Learners will also be assessed for FETAC Level 5 award certification and IELTS exam (if requested).
Mechanisms for giving and receiving feedback on learning progress
CCT constantly encourages feedback from its learners in a formal and informal basis. Learners have an opportunity to give feedback on the college, programme, faculty, facilities, administration, student services and admissions and course induction through the following verification surveys: 1) Learner Verification survey; 2) Student Services and Support survey; and 3) Admissions and Course Induction survey. CCT constantly encourages feedback from its learners in a formal and informal basis. Learners also conduct an Ongoing Monitoring Review process with faculty and administration of the college once per semester.
Accreditation
This programme is awarded by the Further Education and Training Awards Council of Ireland (FETAC). This programme is also included on the Irish Dept of Education & Science, Internationalisation Register, of approved full-time programmes in Ireland.
Academic Progression Opportunities
Successful graduates of this programme, will be eligible to progress directly onto the HETAC Level 6 Higher Certificate standard, or progressing directly onto Level 7 and 8 Bachelors level, at Irish and UK universities.
Duration / Commencement dates
One – Two academic years (two separate routes depending on pre-requisite knowledge and experience in IT). CCT usually commences full-time programmes over 3 intakes per year: February, May and September. Please contact CCT directly for the next Commencement date.
Course Fees
Please contact the college directly to ascertain the course fees.
Medical insurance for Non-EU nationals is compulsory and as part of the Irish Student Visa requirements and can be arranged by CCT for an additional fee of EUR160 for 12 months.
Protection for Learners policy
The college maintains a Protection for Learners Policy for this programme. In the unlikely event of a this programme of study unexpectedly ceasing, learners will be transferred to another FETAC registered provider offering the same or similar programme, to seamlessly continue with their studies, leading to the same award. To facilitate this, CCT has in place arrangements with two other FETAC registered educational and training providers to which course participants will be directed in the unlikely event of cessation of this programme. Details of these arrangements will be communicated to all learners at the commencement of this programme during the Registration & Orientation session, and in the CCT Student Handbook related to this programme. A Protection for Learners policy is necessary to protect all learners on the course, and is a state requirement for any programmes more than 3 months duration, for independent and commercial educational institutions.
Learner Supports available
The following Learner Supports are available for this programme: Mentoring, Accommodation and Airport Transfer (if applicable), Counselling Service, Health Service, Career Guidance Service, Learner Development programme, Sports and Social programmes, Information and Publication service, Moodle, Learner disability testing and expert advice service through the CCT affiliation with IT Blanchardstown and the National Learning Network. Learners with any physical disabilities are accommodated at CCT’s state of the art campus facility on Westmoreland St., Dublin 2.
Entry Requirements
No previous experience or knowledge is required to be accepted for this course. However, any experience within the Computing and ICT sector will be advantageous, as well as Irish NQF Level 4 certification in the subject area of Computing and ICT. International learners whose first language is not English should have achieved an IELTS score of 4.0 or the following TOEFL equivalency: TOEFL CBT – 123 / TOEFL IBT – 41.