CERTIFICATION
QQI level 5 – Award in General Studies – Code 5M3114
DURATION
1 Year Full-time

Aim

Join our Liberal Arts course in Classical Studies& Philosophy and acquire a QQI level 5 award in General Studies 5M3114 that focuses on a broad-based study of liberal arts. This course provides a programme of learning as an access course to Higher Education, with modules suited to those who wish to progress to degree level courses in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. This course also aims to equip you with the academic skills necessary to succeed in your first year at university. Mature students and adult learners are also welcome.

Study Philosophy, Classical Studies, English Literature, Social Studies, and Psychology while enhancing your research and study skills, communication skills, word processing and personal & professional development skills. Students benefit from small class sizes, one-to-one academic assistance, a wide range of elective modules and field trips throughout the academic year.

Entry Requirements

  • Leaving Cert or its equivalent is advised
  • Mature students are welcome to apply. Work/life experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

What Our Students Say

“The Liberal Arts Philosophy and Classical Studies course has been enlightening for me, as I prepare for the course to lead me to higher education. The course is ideal for all those seeking an understanding of the complexities of our world, particularly my favourite subject, Philosophy. The mix of arts is the perfect blend to find interest in reading and developing intellectual writing. The course not only opens doors to higher education as a General Studies Level 5 qualification but also provides a firm understanding of the subjects delivered by highly qualified staff. The staff at DCFE provide amazing support to everyone and no one is left out. I recommend this program to everyone whether you have a love for arts or just as a stepping stone to further education.” Amatlhazi Mmipi, DCFE Liberal Arts student 2022/23

Programme of Study

Elective Modules

  • Philosophy
  • Classical Studies
  • English Literature
  • Social Studies
  • Psychology

Core Modules

  • Research & Study Skills
  • Communication Skills
  • Word Processing
  • Personal & Professional Development
Modules offered may be subject to change due to resource demands.

Progression

We work with all students through our guidance service to ensure every opportunity is made to progress to Higher Education degree programmes in this area. Our programme has strong progression into Higher Education institutes, including TU Dublin, UCD, IADT and Trinity College Dublin (TCD). Graduates of this programme would access a broad range of Arts and Humanities, for example:

UCD: DN520 Joint Honours, DN530 Humanities, DN600 Law, DN700 Social Sciences, DN720 Psychology, DN750 Social Policy and Sociology, DN620 Criminology with Psychology

TCD: (note specific QQI modules are required**) TR021 Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology, TR023 English Studies, TR028 Ancient and Medieval History and Culture,  TR042 Film, TR043 History of Art and Architecture, TR111 Ancient History and Archaeology/Geography, TR166 Classical Civilisation/English Literature, TR179 Classical Civilisation/Philosophy

**TCD  – 5M3114 entry requirements: Must possess distinctions in 5 modules (excluding 5N1356 work experience/5N1433) which must include distinctions in 3 of the following modules: 5N1350 Applied Economics 5N3249 English Literature  5N3250 History  5N0754 Psychology  5N1370 Social Studies

Maynooth University: MH101 Arts, MH106 Psychology, MH107 Social Science, MH501 LLB Law, MH502 BCL Law

DCU: DC009 Arts: Joint Honours, DC238 Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation, DC292 Arts: Joint Honours (Law), DC295 Arts: Joint Honours (Politics)

Please note: The progression routes listed above are indicative only, and are based on the information currently available to Dundrum College of Further Education.
Intending applicants are advised at all times to confirm linked awards, any additional module requirements, applications processes and scoring systems for specific programmes with the Admission Offices of the participating Higher Education Institutions
The websites www.qqi.ie and www.cao.ie also offer information on entry/progression requirements for applicants.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of the Liberal Arts (Philosophy and Classical Studies) programme, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue a variety of entry-level roles in the Arts and Humanities fields, such as assistants in museums or archives, research assistants, cultural program assistants, writers, or media assistants. This programme provides you with a well-rounded education that equips you with strong analytical and communication skills, making you a valuable asset to any industry or organisation that values these attributes. Additionally, this programme can serve as a stepping stone towards further studies in a wide range of degree programmes in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, providing you with more career opportunities in the future.