Our part-time courses are offered in a range of different course delivery methods, such as on-campus, online or blended. For courses offered online or blended, below are some frequently asked questions that may help you plan for your studies with Carlow College.
Studying Online
Yes, all Carlow College online and blended courses are fully accredited and validated by the South East Technological University. Online learning is a flexible course delivery model, suitable to those seeking to upskill or retrain while balancing work, family and life commitments.
Our online courses cover a range of qualifications starting including Level 7/8 Minor Award and Special Purpose Award Certificates, Level 8 (Higher Diploma), Level 9 Minor Award Certificates.
Applying for Online Courses
Our part-time online courses normally commence in September or January. Please see the relevant course page for the start date of the course you are interested in here.
September Intake
Applications Open: 30th May
Applications Close: 10th August
Note: applications for MA/Higher Diploma programmes commencing in September open on 1st February and close 31st May.
January Intake:
Applications Open: 1st November
Applications Close: 8th January
Applications for part-time and postgraduate courses are made directly to Carlow College by visiting the relevant course webpate and clicking on the ‘How to Apply’ button.
For many of the shorter Certificate courses, you will be taken to a booking page where you can select the course, book and pay for your course all at once.
For others, you will be taken to an online application form where you will be requested to submit a CV and supporting documents such as transcripts and references as part of your application.
Outside of the application dates, you can register your interest and we will inform you by email when the application system opens.
All courses have specific entry requirements which are outlined on their individual course webpages.
For many of the shorter Certificate courses, the only requirements are that you reside in Ireland and are over 18 years of age.
For postgraduate programmes, you may be required to hold a primary Level 8 qualification. However, Carlow College also considers applications from those with the skills and knowledge gained through experience outside of formal education and training. Please enquire about the RPL process by contacting our Admissions team at directentry@carlowcollege.ie
For applications that require supporting documents, applicants should submit an up-to-date CV and supporting documents such as transcripts or evidence of other qualifications if required, or any other relevant documentation in support of their application
Applicants who attended a third level institution are required to provide an electronic copy of all of their academic transcripts, detailing all modules taken and individual results.
You may also need to submit an academic or professional reference, depending on the course you are applying for.
For courses starting in September, the first teaching week is generally the third week of September.
For courses starting in January, the first teaching week is generally the third week of January.
Yes, we are able to verify, compare and consider qualifications from outside of Ireland. If we are unable to do so, we advise students to contact QQI directly for an official verification.
About Online Courses
Yes, as an online student you will be registered as an Carlow College student with access to the same facilities as a full-time student, including the library, student supports and health and well being services.
Full details about services available to students is on our Student Portal
Yes, all online students are registered as Carlow College students.
Where your course is listed as “online” delivery, there is no requirement to attend campus.
Some of our courses are offered as hybrid or blended delivery, which means you may be required on-campus one day per week, exams or for workshops. Further information on attendance requirements can be found on the relevant course web page.
For courses delivered in the evening time, it is unlikely you will need to take time off work.
Workshops – the Higher Diploma in Politics & Society has a two-day on-campus workshop which is a Friday & Saturday. You will receive notification of the dates for the workshop at the beginning of the semester.
Students should allow 14-18 hours per week, on average. Our online Certificate courses have about 3 hours of live lectures per week. The rest of your study time consists of independent learning, communicating with your lecturers and classmates and carrying out assignments.
For Higher Diplomas, online lectures are two evenings per week (3 hours each) and then every second Saturday (4 hours).
Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 9pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. If the scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings are generally not available.
Students are generally assessed through continuous assessments for online courses. The methods of assessment can be found on the module links on the course web pages on our website.
As our online and blended courses are validated by the South East Technological University (SETU), all online students who complete a Major Award at Level 8 and Level 9 will be invited to attend Graduation at SETU.
Online students who study a Minor Award or Special Purpose Award of 30 credits or less will be issued with Certificates from SETU.
There are no funding supports available for our part-time courses. Details on fees are available on the relevant course webpage or here
There are payment plans available for students taking courses with a duration of over 6 months.
At present, you must reside in Ireland to undertake any of our online courses.
Whilst we accept applications from international citizens residing in Ireland, you must have permission to remain in Ireland. If you require a visa to study in Ireland, you are not eligible to apply for study with Carlow College.
It should be noted that online courses are part-time with live lectures scheduled in the evenings on week days.
A high proficiency in the English Language is required for all applicants. If your first language is not English you will be required to provide evidence of your language competency through a recognised English Language qualification.
Yes. If your employer is part- or fully-funding your studies, you should contact the Admissions Office by emailing directentry@carlowcollege.ie
Our Admissions team will supply a proforma invoice which your employer will need to arrange payment for.
Details on fees are available on the relevant course webpage or here
There are payment plans available for students taking courses with a duration of over 6 months.
Refund Policy for Short Certificate Courses
Carlow College will not issue any refunds for Certificate Programmes owing to the short duration of these programme, as per the Fees & Refund Policy
However, 100% refund will be issued if course is cancelled due to insufficient numbers.
No. Carlow College’s part-time online courses are not recognised for tax relief.
Students will need to have access to a PC that is connected to the internet. The PC must have speakers and access to a web camera is beneficial for engaging with lecturers and peers.
Many students opt to use headphones for listening to live lectures, but this is optional.
Your PC or laptop should have a minimum operating system of Windows 10 or equivalent.
Once you can log into the internet with a decent broadband connection, all the applications you need for accessing lectures, the library, course materials and submitting assignments are web-based.
Contact Admissions
To find out more about any of our courses, please contact our admissions team:
T: 353 (0) 59 9153243
E: directentry@carlowcollege.ie
Explore our Online Courses
Explore our range of part-time and postgraduate courses to search for online courses and download our part-time prospectus.
