Full-Time Higher Certificate in Arts

Program Overview

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The Higher Certificate in Arts is a two-year full-time program that provides a broad introduction to various subjects in arts, business, and law. It develops key skills in writing, oral presentation, and IT, fostering independent study and research abilities. Graduates can progress to honors degree programs in related fields or pursue entry-level careers in sectors such as business, law, marketing, and social science.

Program Outline

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Higher Certificate in Arts - Full-Time

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Degree Overview:

• Awarding Body: Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
• Award: Higher Certificate in Arts
• NFQ Level: Level 6
• Award Type: Major Award
• Duration: 2 Years (Full-Time)
• CAO Code: DB563
• Next Intake: September 2024

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Objectives:

• Provide an introduction to a range of subjects available for study in arts, business, and law.
• Acquaint learners with key language, concepts, and philosophical underpinnings of specific Level 3 subjects.
• Facilitate writing, oral presentation, and IT skills development.
• Promote understanding of how different academic disciplines explore issues and problems.
• Foster independent study, research, and learning skills.
• Develop teamwork, project management, time management, and career skills.
• Enable learners to reflect on academic and personal goals and development.
• Offer progression opportunities to Level 8 programmes in subject areas related to the program content.

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Outline:

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Stage One Modules:

• Digital Skills
• Contemporary Humanities
• Contemporary Social Sciences
• Economics and the World of Business
• Film and Creative Media
• Academic Skills
• Careers Discovery

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Stage Two:

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Learners choose one Elective Pathway:

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General Arts:

• Literature in the Modern World
• Drama and Theatre: Page and Stage
• War & Peace in the Twentieth Century I
• Irish Life and Cultures
• Writing for College
• Introduction to Philosophy
• Introduction to Psychology
• The Sociological Imagination
• The Moving Image
• Art and Architecture of Ireland
• Ethics
• War & Peace in the Twentieth Century II
• Introduction to Communications
• Introduction to Statistics
• Communication for Success
• Irish Literature

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Psychology:

• All Stage Two modules are delivered in common with the DBS BA (Hons) in Psychology programme.
• Foundations of Biopsychology
• Foundations in Social Psychology
• Psychological Foundations
• Introduction to Psychoanalysis and the Unconscious
• Research Technique & Analysis 1
• Fundamentals of Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology

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Social Science:

• All Stage Two modules are delivered in common with the DBS BA (Hons) in Social Science programme.
• Foundations in Social Psychology
• The Sociological Imagination
• Introduction to Social Research
• Psychology through the Lifespan 1
• Social Policy and Law for Social Care 1
• Foundations in Criminology

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Film and Creative Media:

• All Stage Two modules are delivered in common with the DBS BA (Hons) in Film and Creative Media programme.
• Professional Practice: the Creative Workplace
• Principles: Light, Camera, Photography
• The Moving Image
• Audio Tech & Techniques
• Software I: Professional Editing Platforms
• Writing for Screen Media

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Business:

• All Stage Two modules are delivered in common with the DBS BA (Hons) in Business programme.
• Digital Skills 2
• Maths and Stats for Business
• Business Context and Organisation
• Marketing Essentials
• Economic Perspectives
• Introduction to Business Finance

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Marketing:

• All Stage Two modules are delivered in common with the DBS BA (Hons) in Marketing programme.
• Digital Skills 2
• Economic Perspectives
• Marketing Essentials
• Business Context and Organisation
• Maths and Stats for Business
• Digital Content Creation

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Accounting and Finance:

• All Stage Two modules are delivered in common with the DBS BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance programme.
• Digital Skills 2
• Principles of Accounting
• Economic Perspectives
• Business Context and Organisation
• Business Maths and Research Methods
• Accounting Information Systems

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Law:

• All Stage Two modules are delivered in common with the DBS Bachelor of Laws (Hons) programme.
• Introduction to Legal Research Skills
• Criminal Law
• Constitutional Law
• Legal Systems
• Contract Law

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Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary depending on the chosen pathway and include:
• Multiple choice questions
• Debates
• Presentations
• Individual portfolios
• Written assignments
• Reflective diaries
• Case study analysis
• In-class tests
• Stage Two Pathways primarily follow the assessment strategies of the parent programs.

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Teaching:

• Provides a flexible, active, peer-led, experiential, and reflective learning environment.
• Modules utilize:
• Practical skills sessions
• Tutorials
• Lectures
• Workshops
• Real-world case-based learning

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Careers:

Graduates acquire well-rounded academic knowledge and transferable skills applicable to various careers requiring strong written and oral communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and project management skills. They can find entry-level jobs or pursue further study for specific roles in sectors such as:

• Business Administration
• General Arts
• Law
• Marketing
• Sales
• Film and Media
• Psychology
• Social Science
• Health and Social Services
• Finance
• Accounting

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Progression:

• Graduates automatically gain entry to Year Two of the following DBS honours degree programs:
• BA (Hons) in Psychology
• BA (Hons) in Social Science
• BA (Hons) in Film and Creative Media
• BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance
• BA (Hons) in Marketing
• BA (Hons) in Business (all streams)
• The program is also suitable for applying to similar programs in other institutions.

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Other:

• Fees: €5,995 for EU students (International fees also available)
• Application process through CAO system (EU citizens) or directly to Admissions Office (Non-EU citizens)
• Mature students considered based on age, work experience, education, and motivation.
• Transfer learners can progress to Honours Degree graduation in four years.
• Program covered by arrangements ensuring refund in case of program discontinuation by DBS.
This extracted information provides a comprehensive and well-structured overview of the program, covering all aspects mentioned in the provided text. It includes details on the program's objectives, outline, assessment, teaching, career prospects, progression options, and other relevant information.

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The fees for Full-time Certificate in Arts are €5,995 for EU students. Click here to view international fees. Click here to view EU fees. You can also contact our admissions team who will also be able to advise on the payment options available to you. Please note there is no tax relief on this one year programme.