Aim
Whether you are a school leaver or a mature student, our Pre-University Humanities programme is the perfect choice to start your journey towards a bright future in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Our Pre-University Humanities programme offers learners the opportunity to acquire a QQI level 5 award in General Studies 5M3114, focusing on a broad-based study of Liberal Arts. The course provides a programme of learning as an access course to higher education, equipping students with the academic skills necessary to succeed in their first year at university. Through the study of elective modules such as Psychology, Classical Studies, English Literature, Philosophy, Social Studies and Folklore & Ethnology, students will develop a well-rounded understanding of the humanities and social sciences.
Our programme is suited to those who wish to progress to degree level courses in Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. We also welcome mature students with work/life experience who are seeking to broaden their learning and/or academic horizons. 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 Certificate 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
- Psychology
- Classical Studies
- English Literature
- Philosophy
- Folklore and Ethnology
- Social Studies
Core Modules
- Research & Study Skills
- Communication Skills
- Personal & Professional Development
- Word Processing
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)
Career Opportunities
Graduates of our Pre-University Humanities programme have the opportunity to pursue entry-level or junior positions in a variety of fields. The skills and knowledge gained from studying the humanities and social sciences are highly valued by employers across a range of sectors, including:
- Education: Graduates can work as teaching assistants or support staff in schools, colleges, and universities, helping to support students in their learning and development.
- Cultural and heritage organisations: Graduates can work in museums, galleries, archives, and other cultural and heritage organisations, helping to preserve and promote our collective cultural and historical heritage.
- Social services: Graduates can work in a range of roles in the social services sector, including family support, community work, and advocacy roles.
- Public service: Graduates can work in a range of public service roles, such as local government, public administration, or civil service roles, where their skills in communication, research, and analysis are highly valued.
- Marketing and communications: Graduates can work in entry-level roles in marketing and communications, where their skills in research, writing, and analysis can be applied to help organisations to reach and engage their target audience.
While entry-level or junior positions are typically available to graduates of our programme, there are also opportunities to progress to higher level positions with further education and training. Graduates can go on to pursue degree programmes in arts, humanities, and social sciences, opening up a range of career opportunities across a variety of fields.
