July Stimulus Higher Education Initiative
Funded* Modular Skills Provision 2021
Additional funding for Modular Courses starting September 2021 - Limited places.
DBS is delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding for a range of part-time modules under the Modular Skills Provision measure which formed part of the Government’s July stimulus package in 2020.
The Modular Skills Provision funded programmes have been selected to address specific economic and social needs arising from COVID-19. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD announced over €30 million in free and subsidised higher education places under the Jobs Stimulus package to help get people back to work, upskill workers and build economic confidence while continuing to manage the impact of COVID-19.
The Modular Skills Provision funded programmes are due to commence in September 2021. Applications are currently being accepted. Due to the limited number of places available, early application is recommended. Our Modular Skills Provision programmes are fully accredited by Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and span Level 6, 7and 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), to suit applicants with a range of prior qualifications and experience. The majority of modules will each carry 10 credits. They will be delivered in a part-time mode online, and allow learners to progress onto a full qualification on the NFQ if they so wish at a later stage.
The Funded Modular Skills Provision programmes listed below are open to all applicants; Employed, Unemployed, Returners and those Signing for Contribution Credits subject to meeting the eligibility and academic entry requirements as listed on for the preferred course.
*Eligibility and entry requirements apply.
Modules
Eligibility
People in the following categories are eligible to apply for courses on the Modular Skills Provision 2020/2021 academic year (subject to the applicant meeting all residency and nationality/visa requirements and any academic requirements):
People in Employment / Previously Self-Employed
Please note that under the Modular Skills Provision 2020 Initiative, 90% of the fees are funded by HEA and 10% of the fees are payable to the college for this category of applicants. They may apply to all courses if they meet the nationality/visa requirement and residency criteria.
For this category of applicant the following 10% fee will apply:
*All Level 6 courses are free to all category of participants.
Returners
Returners are those who are not in receipt of a payment from the Department of Social Protection but who have been out of the work environment due to childcare or other caring obligations. Courses are fully funded for these applicants. They may apply to all courses if they meet the nationality/visa requirement and residency criteria.
PUP payment/ Unemployed
People in receipt of PUP or an eligible jobseekers payment can participate on approved July Stimulus Modular courses. Courses are fully funded for these applicants. They may apply to all courses if they meet the nationality/visa requirement and residency criteria.
Please refer to the Springboard+ website for further details re eligibility requirements: https://springboardcourses.ie/eligibility
Entry requirements by level
Level 6*
Leaving Certificate: Under the new Common Points Scale for Leaving Certificate 2019, applicants must obtain a minimum of 2H5’s and 4 O6/H7, including a language.
FETAC: Minimum entry requirements for graduates of FETAC Level 5 awards is a full FETAC award, which includes a Distinction grade in at least three modules. A full FETAC award normally consists of eight modules. A record of achievement does not meet minimum entry standards. Further details can be obtained from the Admissions Office.
Mature Applicants: If you are over 23 years of age on the 1st of January on the year of admission you may apply as a Mature Student. Mature students are assessed on the basis of age, work experience, general education standard, motivation and commitment to the programme for which they are applying. Please forward a CV and proof of age such as a copy of driver’s licence or passport must be submitted.
*All Level 6 courses are free to all category of participants.
Level 7
Applicants must hold a major award at NFQ Level 6 from a recognised third level institution. Applicants with appropriate experience will be considered under DBS polices for Recognition of Prior Learning.
Level 8
Applicants must hold a major award at NFQ Level 7 from a recognised third level institution. Applicants with appropriate experience will be considered under DBS polices for Recognition of Prior Learning.
English Language Requirement (Level 6, 7 and 8)
For EU or Non EU applicants whose first language is not English an additional requirement is to have achieved a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent to qualify for admission.