Are you beginning your journey to third-level education? If you're thinking about your college choices and filling in your CAO application, then you might be considering joining us at National College of Ireland which means you might have some questions for us!
As for many students, this process will be completely new to you. We understand how challenging being on the verge of a big decision can be so we're here to help by providing answers to some of the most common questions we have been asked by previous students who have been in your shoes.
Keep reading to learn some information that can help you take the next step in your education journey.
Q1. What courses does NCI offer?
Students can join full-time undergraduate courses in Business, HRM, Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Psychology, Computing, Data Science, Technology Management and Early Childhood Education and Care.
Access the course information and other useful resources below:
Head to our CAO Hub for more details.
Q2. Is NCI a private college?
No, NCI is not a private college. Students who enrol on our undergraduate courses are eligible for the Free Fees Initiative and Student Grant Scheme (SUSI). However, the BA (Hons) in Psychology at NCI does not qualify under the Free Fees Initiative. Students who enrolled on this programme in the past, and were eligible for a grant, received funding from SUSI to cover either 100% or 50% of the course tuition fees.
Please contact SUSI directly to see if the grant will cover your Student Contribution Charge.
Q3. What are the entry requirements for your courses?
The minimum entry requirements for our Level 8 Honours Degrees are a grade H5 and above in two higher level subjects, together with a minimum of O6/H7 in four other subjects. A minimum of grade O6/H7 must be obtained in English and Mathematics.
Students who wish to undertake one of our Level 6 Higher Certificate courses will only need a grade O6/H7 or above in 5 subjects with a minimum grade O6/H7 or above in English and Mathematics. (The Higher Certificate in Business will also accept an F2 in Maths).
However, the exception to this is our data science courses. For the BA (Honours) in Data Science, the minimum entry requirements are a grade H5 and above in two higher level subjects together with a minimum of O6 in four other subjects. A minimum of grade H5 must be obtained in Mathematics. A minimum of grade O6 must be obtained in English. While the Higher Certificate in Data Science requires a minimum grade of O6/H7 or above in five subjects. A minimum of grade H5 must be obtained in Mathematics. A minimum of grade O6 must be obtained in English.
Students who meet these requirements are eligible for entry to our courses at National College of Ireland, provided they also achieve the required CAO points. See our full list of CAO courses for further details.
Q4. Does NCI offer any academic scholarships?
Yes, full-time registered students can apply for our Sports Scholarship. The package includes a financial bursary of €2,000, annual gym membership, personal training sessions, nutrition and dietary advice, performance coaching and a branded athlete pack.
Applicants are required to have reached or have the potential to reach a very high level of performance competing at international, national, inter-provincial or inter-county level. Visit our Sports Scholarship page to hear from previous scholars and to learn how to apply.
Q5. What other supports are available for NCI students?
When you become an NCI student, you will have access to a range of financial, academic, wellness and other support services. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Laptop Loan Scheme
- Student Assistance Fund
- Disability Support
- Student Counselling and Wellness
- Norma Smurfit Library
There's an abundance of information available on our website related to the various supports available, showing how are team is here for you every step of the way through your studies.
Q6. Do you need a second language to attend NCI?
No, unlike many other colleges, students are not required to have a language other than English to obtain entry to our courses.
Q7. When is your next Open Day?
The NCI team host a range of both online and in-person information events throughout the year. Visit our events page to register for any upcoming sessions you may find useful.
Q8. Can you tell me more about the Psychology course at NCI?
The BA (Hons) in Psychology at NCI is a three year full-time level 8 degree accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Students who undertake this course will gain a solid understanding in all the core areas of psychology including Clinical psychology, Organisational psychology and Forensic psychology. Upon completion of the course graduates can progress to postgraduate programmes at level 9 in clinical, educational, occupational and counselling psychology.
If you have any further questions about undergraduate education at NCI, check out the FAQs section on our website or drop our School Liaison Officer, Karen Campbell, an email and she will be happy to help!
