Vocational Qualifications Northern Ireland

Vocational qualifications offer relevant, practical skills and are a valued different route to more traditional paths to higher education qualifications. They also offer the chance to develop the skills employers need and open up the potential for better paid jobs.

Vocational Qualifications

Vocational Qualifications are offered at different levels and in a range of subject areas from Engineering and Construction through Early Years and Health and Social Care to Cyber Security and Game Development.

Information on what the different levels mean is available here:

What the different levels mean

Higher Education Vocational Qualifications

Higher education vocational qualifications include a range of qualifications at Level 4 and 5. These qualifications can lead directly into employment or on to further study, including to undergraduate degrees.

Level 4 and 5 vocational qualifications include:

Foundation Degrees
HNC (Higher National Certificate)
HND (Higher National Diploma)
professional and technical qualifications

Further Education Colleges

Vocational qualifications are delivered through both full-time and part-time courses at the six regional colleges and the College of Agriculture Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

Details of these Further Education colleges are listed here:

By studying higher education in a college setting, you can choose to progress to degree level, or to use the skills and qualifications gained to move into the workplace.

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Vocational Qualifications Northern Ireland