The National Framework of Qualifications consists of 10 Levels, encompassing all education and training provision in Ireland. QQI awards are available at Levels 1-10. The framework shows how education & training awards relate to one another. A key element of the Framework is to enable access and progression opportunities between Levels. For more information visit QQI.ie.
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
Quality and Qualifications Ireland was established under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. The new Authority was created by an amalgamation of four bodies that had both awarding and quality assurance responsibilities: the Further Education and Training Awards Council (FETAC), the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC), the National Quali cations Authority of Ireland (NQAI) and the Irish Universities Quality Board (IUQB). The new Authority has assumed all the functions of the four legacy bodies while also having responsibility for new statutory responsibilities in particular areas.
FETAC, HETAC and the NQAI are now dissolved. Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) will continue to make awards based on standards developed by the Further Education and Training Awards Council and the Higher Education and Training Awards Council while it develops its own award standards and processes.
Higher Education Links Scheme
The Higher Education Links Scheme facilitates learners from Monaghan Institute who have achieved a full QQI Level 5 Certificate or Level 6 Advanced Certificate to progress to a range of courses at Higher Education Institutions throughout the country. There are approximately forty Higher Education Institutions offering progression to a wide variety of Level 6 Higher Certificate, Level 7 Ordinary Degree and Level 8 Honours Degree programmes.
To apply, current learners submit their third level applications to the CAO by 1 February. In July, QQI results are issued to the CAO and participating institutions. Components leading to the best 120 credits (highest grades) are scored and applicants are ranked accordingly. NB: Some HEI’s require the best score in a single QQI assessment session for ranking purposes. For details of specific linked awards or specific module requirements please contact the Admissions Office of the individual Higher Education Institution or visit www.cao.ie or www.qqi.ie
NEFHEA
DklT and the Further Education Colleges in the region (including Monaghan Institute) have come together to form the North East Further & Higher Education Alliance (NEFHEA). NEFHEA aims to promote greater take up of further and higher educational opportunities among learners in the region. Working through the Alliance, Monaghan Institute and the other FE colleges will ensure balanced provision of educational opportunities across the north east region and cooperate in the joint development of programmes. Another priority of the Alliance is to increase the transition rates of students from Further Education colleges in the region to Dundalk Institute of Technology. Currently students with a QQI award from Monaghan Institute can use their qualification to progress to DklT under the Higher Education Links Scheme.
