Galway Community College of Further Education (GCC ) continues to offer full-time courses in a wide variety of career areas designed for entry to skilled employment, in preparation for starting an apprenticeship, or for progression to further and higher education. For some, these courses may be used as a transition year, an opportunity to sample new vocational areas before committing to a longer course of study in university. All GCC's one-year courses offer a mix of blended learning, with work experience and funded Erasmus placements. These courses are aimed at Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied graduates, mature learners and anyone finding themselves considering changing their career path.
GCC offers Level 5 and 6 QQI accredited courses in business, secretarial, retail pharmacy, graphic design, IT, film, music and theatre, social care, sport, physiotherapy, equine, science, motor technology and horticulture. There are no CAO points required to apply for a further education course, and on completion you can convert your results from the course, up to 390 points (more for science courses ), to apply for more than 1,200 CAO courses that will accept a QQI award for progression to university in Galway and nationwide. GCC's Level 6 courses give direct access to some second-year courses in the Atlantic Technological University (ATU ), formerly GMIT. GCC maintains strong links with ATU and University of Galway access offices, through information talks and sessions on progression, organised by GCC's guidance counsellor and access officers.
The option of studying a further education course is now attractive to school leavers and those hoping to upskill, because the costs involved are low in comparison to higher education courses. Further education courses qualify for a SUSI grant. The registration fee for a full-time course at GCC is €175, more information on fees can be found at www.galwaycc.ie
While studying at GCC you can expect a friendly, inclusive environment in small classes. There is an opportunity to swap courses up to the end of October if requested, GCC aims to ensure all students are happy in their education. It offers fully funded Erasmus placements where there are plenty of work experience opportunities abroad. Situated at Moneenageisha Junction, GCC has an ideal location close to the city centre, with free parking, a student café, playing pitches, bus stop, a fully equipped gym, science lab, design studio and a motor workshop with lots of other modern facilities available.
Apply online now at www.galwaycc.ie for September 2023. For inquiries email [email protected] and follow @GCCFurtherEd on social media.
