Siobhán Brennan
Senior Executive Officer, Qualifications Information and Learning Opportunities, Integration Directorate, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
Ireland’s learning landscape is hugely varied — but all that choice can be confusing. An online database can help course-seekers find the educational path that’s right for them.
Irish learners have a variety of educational options. This includes courses at Higher Education Institutions, part-time or full-time further education programmes, apprenticeships, upskilling and training opportunities, return to learning courses, evening classes and access courses.
Helping you make the right decision
Variety may be a good thing, but it can make it difficult to know where to start and decide what’s right for your learning journey.
Since 2012, state agency Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) has been managing Qualifax, a free and comprehensive online database of more than 10,000 courses of every type and level. By putting all education and training options in one place, it aims to make it easier for students, jobseekers, parents, guidance professionals and graduates to navigate the learning landscape.
Variety may be a good thing, but it can make it difficult to know where to start and decide what’s right for your learning journey
Narrowing down learning options in a meaningful way
“Learners can find courses by topic or subject with the ‘course search’ function,” says Siobhán Brennan, Senior Executive Officer, Qualifications Information and Learning Opportunities, Integration Directorate, QQI. “They can find detailed information, including entry requirements, points history, subjects taught, career and further progression pathways and NFQ levels; and there’s the option to save and compare courses.”
“They can also download a list of their favourite courses or share them with family or friends, and calculate their CAO points with the points calculator.”
The site also features an Events Calendar with details of university, institute of technology and college Open Days where potential candidates can speak directly with current students and course tutors. Plus, it includes details of career exhibitions, which could be of particular interest to transition year or fifth year students.
“Last year, the site attracted more than 500,000 users,” says Brennan. “You could be a student looking for a Post Leaving Certificate or CAO course. You may have just graduated and looking at postgraduate options — or you could be an employee interested in upskilling or a career change. Anyone can benefit from using it.”
