BCFE Ballyfermot College of Further Education
Browse Courses
Student Supports 
Prospective Students 
Current Students 
Student Work
Adult Education
BCFE Alumni Course Structure
Important Information Note on current BTEC Higher National Diploma awards and the current BTEC National Diploma award offered by Ballyfermot College of Further Education
Each student embarking on a college programme of study – whether a FETAC or BTEC course – will study a number of modules, which relate to the career area you have chosen. Your class tutor will outline the modules relevant to your particular course during your induction period.
Your programme is a combination of theory and practice where you will be encouraged to find information for yourself, to develop your skills in communication and teamwork. You will work in groups on some assignments and do others individually. The programme emphasises the fact that that you must be actively involved in your own learning through a variety of activities. Assignments will be set which will help you to develop skills and see knowledge as an integrated whole.
Class Tutor
A group tutor is assigned to each class group who will monitor progress of the group and the individual students. At induction your tutor will explain the organisation of your particular programme.
Timetable
During the year you will have periods when you are not timetabled for formal classes. These periods allow you time for research, reading and completion of assignments. Organising your time is an important skill which enables you to get the most out of your programme.
FETAC Course Structure
Former NCVA Level 2 awards have now been placed on the National Framework of Qualifications at Level 5 and the award offered in the future will be FETAC Level 5 Certificate. These awards are normally achieved in one year. They comprise of a minimum of eight modules.
Certain modules will be specific to the vocational area and there will be a Work Experience module included.
In all FETAC courses the grades are moderated by external examiners appointed by FETAC to ensure national standards are met. External examiners normally visit the college during the last two weeks in May.
BTEC Course Structure
Higher National and National Diplomas (HNDs & NDs) will normally have 16 modules studied over two years. A programe of common skills is incorporated into all BTEC courses. Common skills are skills applicable to all work situations such as communication and working with others.
In all BTEC courses the course is moderated by an external verifier. The external verifier will usually visit the college twice in an academic year and will usually meet with some of the students on the course.
Important Information Note on current BTEC Higher National Diploma awards and the current BTEC National Diploma award offered by Ballyfermot College of Further Education
