Course & Academic Structure

Each student embarking on a course of study in BCFE will complete several modules which relate to your chosen career are.   Class co-ordinators teachers are appointed to each class and will outline the modules relevant to your course during induction and support you through your period of study in BCFE.

Your course is a combination of theory and practice.  You must research information for yourself and in doing so you will develop your communications skills.

You will work in groups on some assignments and complete do others individually.  When completing group work you will develop teamworking skills which are essential in the workplace.

To succeed on your course, you must be actively involved in your own learning, and you must complete all assignments.

You will be provided with a timetable, and you must attend all classes.  Timetables are subject to change, and you can review the timetable in real time through using the appropriate app on your phone, full information available at induction.

During the academic year you will have periods when you are not timetabled for formal classes. These periods allow you time for research, reading and completion of assignments. Organising your time is an important skill which enables you to get the most out of your programme.

The college offers a wide variety of courses and there are several different awarding bodies. Many courses are validated by either of two awarding bodies.

QQI Course Structure

QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) is a state agency established by the Quality Assurance and Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 2012. qqi.ie

QQI awards are normally achieved in one year. They are composed of a minimum of eight modules.  For CAO progression the award (comprising of eight modules) must be completed in one year.

Certain modules will be specific to the vocational area and there will be a Work Experience module included. QQI courses are moderated by approved External Authenticators to ensure national standards are met.

All course modules are mandatory in BCFE unless otherwise stated.

BTEC Course Structure

BTEC courses on offer in BCFE are either

Higher National Certificate (HNC)

The HNC is a standalone award with a transferable value of 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) Credits.

This qualification is made up of 8 modules.  You can top-up your HNC to a HND.

Higher National Diploma (HND)

A Higher National Diploma (HND) award is made by the UK awarding body BTEC Pearson. A HND is recognised by QQI as being comparable to the Higher Certificate at NFQ Level 6.  The final HND award is made up of 16 modules (8 from HNC and 8 from HND) and the HND has a transferable value of 60 ECTS credits.

All BTEC courses are moderated by an external examiner. This external examiner will usually visit the college in an academic year and will meet with some of the students on the course.

Degree Programmes

There is an additional supplementary handbook available for students who are completing the BA (Hons) in Media (Animation and Games) awarded by the University of Dundee.