2009/2010 EDITION OUT NOW – ORDER NOW!

The Guide to 3rd Level & Further Education is the leading guide to options for second-level students in Ireland. The Guide is distributed to guidance counsellors, students, parents and teachers in secondary schools nationwide.

This year’s (2009/2010) Guide contains several useful articles and information resources that will assist the school-leaver in making the most well informed CAO selection of third-level courses, one that best suits their own unique educational needs and career ambitions. The following is a breakdown of the sections in the Guide:

Getting Started
• An introduction to higher education in Ireland, and its growth and development in recent years
• A brief guide to certification and the National Framework of Qualifications
• Listings of upcoming college open days and a helpful guide to getting full value from an open day
• Advice on working out which career path is the best option for your skills and ambitions

What are my Options?
• A guide to the financial and funding implications of going to college
• The sporting, social and student support facilities available in third level institutions
• Studying and learning at third level, what are the techniques that foster a successful higher education?
• A helpful introduction to higher education for mature students

Student Accommodation
• A guide to living away from home with useful tips and resources/links
• Comprehensive accommodation directory

Other Options
• Repeating the Leaving Cert
• Deferring a course and taking a year out
• A look at the increasingly popular and viable option of enrolling in a FETAC accredited further education course
• Applying for jobs with real career and training prospects

UK & International Options
• Going to college in the UK and familiarising yourself with the UCAS system
• An introduction to Erasmus and other international exchange options at higher level

CAO Explained
• An in-depth guide to the points process and applying to the CAO

What's my Calling?
Besides a formidable library that provides valuable information such as educational pathways and role descriptions in the career areas listed below, this section also contains over 30 real life Case Studies of people in a huge range of careers; from nursing to journalism.

Career Areas
• Agriculture & Natural Resources
• Art, Design, Music & Theatre
• Arts & Humanities
• Business & Finance
• Computers & IT
• Construction, Engineering & Property
• Education
• Food
• Government
• Health & Medicine
• Languages, Media & Communications
• Law
• Leisure, Travel & Hospitality
• Public Services
• Science & Mathematics
• Social & Psychology
• Veterinary & Animal

Where will I Study?
Detailed profiles of all the Universities, Institutes of Technology, Colleges of Education, State Colleges, and Independent Colleges in Ireland.

What will I Study?
Details of every third-level course available in Irish institutions of higher education, and of hundreds of Further Education courses available around the country