National Framework of Education and the C.A.O. Application
The National Framework of Education is a system of levels that represents the education system in Ireland. Leaving Certificate students are introduced to this framework in senior cycle as they begin to plan their next career steps. Therefore, it is very important that students understand the different levels.
There are ten levels, describing the Irish qualification system, on the National Framework of qualifications (N.F.Q.). From level 1, most basic learning in literacy and numeracy, to level 10, Doctorate Degree.
Leaving Certificate students currently hold a level 3 award as they have completed the Junior Cycle programme. When they complete the Leaving Certificate programme, they will have a level 5 award. Leaving Cert. Applied students will hold a level 4 award.
In order to gain entry to a Third level Institute, either an Institute of Technology or a University, applicants must have a level 5 award.
When Leaving Certificate students are completing their C.A.O. application for entry to colleges in the Republic of Ireland, they have the option of applying for level 6, level 7 and level 8 programmes.
What are these various programmes and levels?
A level 6 programme is generally a two- year Higher Certificate offered at an Institute of Technology.
A level 7 programme is a three- year Ordinary Level Degree offered at an Institute of Technology.
A level 8 programme is generally a four- year Honours Degree offered at, both, University and an Institute of Technology. It is the highest level of qualification that a school leaver can apply for. Some level 8 programmes are 3 years/ 5 years/ 6 years depending on the course of choice. But the majority are 4 years in duration.
The different levels have minimum entry requirements that an applicant must meet in order to gain entry. These entry requirements can be found on the college website or www.qualifax.ie or www.careersportal.ie .
What is the purpose of the National Framework of Qualifications?
The National Framework of Qualifications is a ladder system and allows individuals to move through the levels throughout their lifetime. For example, an individual may progress directly onto a Level 8 Degree upon leaving Secondary school. Then, upon graduating, may go out to work for a number of years and then decide to return to education to pursue a Level 9 Postgraduate programme. Alternatively, an individual may enter Higher education at Level 6 and complete a Higher Certificate. They might decide that they enjoy their programme and want to pursue further study, so they can complete another year and make their qualification a level 7. They can then add on another year and make their level 7 award a level 8 Hons. award. This allows progression for everyone. So, for the majority of programmes, whether an individual enters at level 6 or level 8, it will take the same length of time to complete the course.
The importance of the NFQ and the CAO application:
It is important that Leaving Cert. students give as much consideration to the level 6 and 7 programmes as they do the level 8 programmes. The C.A.O. application is made up of two lists. One level 8 list and one level 6/7 list. Applicants can enter ten course choices on each list. The choices that an applicant makes on one list will not affect the choices on the other list. It is like two separate applications in one. The only time the applicant will have to choose between the lists is if you receive an offer of a course from both lists.
The key to completing the C.A.O application is RESEARCH. Research the level 6, level 7 and level 8 programmes. Be open minded and complete both lists as comprehensively as you can. And at the heart of all your research is your interest. “The only way to do great work, is to love what you do” - Steve Jobs. Choose options that interest you and ignite your passion!