Frequently Asked Questions

On this page you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions from applicants. We hope that you find the answer to your question, and if not, please don't hesitate to ask at our Open Night events or email DunboyneCollege@LMETB.ie or call 01 8026577.

Application & Interview

Before I apply, I'd like to know more about a course, where can I find this information?

You can more information about any course, by visiting our college website here and going to Courses on the top menu ribbon. You can also ask your question live on our Open Night events by typing your question into the comments field on YouTube. Our panel will do their best to answer any question you may have about a course.

How do I apply for a course?

You can apply for a course through our online application system. Click here to go directly to the application page. You will receive confirmation of your application via email. It's important to use an email address that you use and check regularly, as this email will be used for all future updates from the college office.

What are the fees for courses?

You can find the cost of all of our courses here through our college website.

Is there an interview?

We are not holding formal interviews for the academic year 2022-2023, but as part of your application you are asked to upload documentation instead of a traditional formal interview. Click here to learn more about this process and the documentation that should be uploaded to the application system.

I have additional educational needs/a medical condition, why should I include this information in my application?

Students that have additional needs or requirements can benefit from a range of supports and accommodations throughout their studies. If you tick 'yes' you will automatically be registered with Student Support Services and will be eligible to access a wide range of supports that will assist in helping you get the very most from your time in the college. Stating that you have an additional need will not influence your application, it actually allows our support team to make sure that all supports are in place if you should need them when you start your course.

I've started my application, but can I upload my documentation at a later stage?

Once you have started the application process, you can use your MIT application login details to upload the remaining documentation at a later stage. Be advised, applications won't be considered complete without this documentation.

I've already applied and uploaded my documentation, but when and how will I find out if I've been offered a place on a course?

We're processing the first round of applications now. Don't worry if you've missed this first round, you can apply online at any time. The average waiting time to find out the result of your application is approximately 14 days.

I've been offered a place, how do I accept and confirm my place?

Congratulations! You will have received an email from our Admissions Office with information on what should happen next. You'll find information about how to pay a deposit and how to fully register for your place on the course online through the application system.

Are courses full-time or part-time?

All courses in DCFE are full-time. Even though you may be only timetabled to attend classes for 3/4 days, your course is a full-time course. It is expected that students will use the other days for work experience* or for study and assignments. Any letter confirming a student’s registration in the college will state that the course is full-time. Timetables are only issued in September.

*See 'Other Common Questions' for more information about Work Experience placements.

The Personal Statement

As part of your application to study at Dunboyne College of Further Education (DCFE), you most complete a 100-200 words personal statement outlining why you would like. to study your chosen course and why you feel that DCFE is the right college for you.

Here are guidelines and ideas to help you gel started. Please use the below headings to help structure your statement and to make sure that all required information is included.

Preparation and Research

Look at the course description, found on our website www.dunboynecollege.ie and identify the qualities, skills. and experience it requires. You can use these to help you decide what to write about.

Motivation and Commitment

Explain why you're applying for the course. You must say whether you are a new applicant, or if you have already studied in DCFE before and would like to apply again. Make sure you include your ambitions as well as what interests you you about the course and the college. Can you commit to a one-year full-time course?

Include any clubs or societies you belong to (sporting, creative or musical) especially if applying for a course in the vocational area (i.e. sports, art/design, music performance etc.)

Personal and Professional Goals

Explain what your personal and professional goals are (e.g. gaining more experience in this area, your goal to progress into higher education and/or future employment in this area). How will you hope to achieve your goals, what challenges do you think you'll face, and how will you overcome these?

Supports

If there are any personal circumstances, or additional educational needs that have affected your previous studies, outline them in your personal statement. For example. if you have ever accessed learning support or if this is something that you feel you would benefit from.

Don't worry. this doesn't decide whether or nor you get a place on your chosen course. It just means that the necessary supports/services can be put in place if your application is successful. For example. this might be something that impacted your attendance or previous qualifications- such as a learning need, physical or mental health condition or caring for a family member.

Final points to note: Make sure that you've researched the course for which you're applying, that the personal statement reflects your ambitions and suitability and that you have proofread your statement for spelling, grammar and paragraphing before submitting it.

Career Guidance

I'm interested in a particular area of study, but I don't know which course I should apply for?

You can find out more about any course through our college website, but you may feel that you'd benefit from finding out more information. We have two very experienced Career Guidance counsellors, Meabh Nimmo and Derek Ball who can talk through your preferences and find the course that best suits you and your interests.

What can I do if I change my mind about the course I've applied for?

Once you started your course in September you may wish to change courses. You must meet with the Career Guidance counsellor of your department and they will talk with you about your options. After you meet with them, they will be able to apply for this transfer on your behalf. You cannot switch courses without having this meeting first.

Will I have access to workshops, talks and information about CAO applications and progression routes?

Dunboyne College of Further Education offers Career Guidance Support to students in the form of one to one and group/class careers information sessions.

This service also includes:

College Open Days in DCFE
Advice on University/IT progression routes and links
College entry requirements and help with CAO/UCAS (UK entry systems) applications
Information on employment, labour market trends and CV preparation
SUSI grants
Information on past student progression

The student Moodle page has a career section updated with upcoming events and information plus information on the drop in service.

Educational Support

I've stated in my application that I have an additional educational need and/or medical condition, what happens next?

If you tick 'Yes' to having an 'Learning Difficulty' or 'Medical Condition', then you are automatically registered with Student Support Services. You will be contacted by a member of our support team before you start your course in September. They will discuss what supports are available and how best to support you throughout your studies.

If you have been formally assessed with any educational need and have documentation with a diagnosis, then you must forward this paperwork to our Educational Support Coordinator, Aoife O'Dwyer. You scan and email this documentation to AODwyer.dbc@lmetb.ie

If you have an ongoing medical condition or disability, you will also be contacted by a member of the support team who will discuss your requirements and the supports that are available in the college.

I have additional needs, what type of support is there available in DCFE?

We're proud to say that our support team and services are known for the high level of support they provide to students. Here are just some of the support services that are available:

Educational Support (One-to-one educational support appointments with experienced staff)
Assistive Technology Training (An introduction to assistive technology available to encourage and support independent study)
Academic Support (Workshops and one-to-one academic support with staff from different disciplines)
Career Guidance (One-to-one career guidance)
Counselling (One-to-one counselling sessions)
Mental Health Counselling (More intensive counselling sessions over a longer period)

I've never been formally assessed for an educational need, can I still get support in my studies?

If you suspect that you have an additional educational need but have never been formally assessed or diagnosed as having one, you are still able to access support services and academic support in the college. During Registration (early September 2022), you should make contact with our Educational Support Coordinator, Aoife O'Dwyer and she will be able to discuss the supports that are available*.

*Please note, that while you may be offered exam accommodations based off your meeting with a member of the support team, spelling and grammar waivers for exams are only issued to students that have an official diagnosis of Specific Learning Difficulties - Dyslexia.

Transport Services

Do I need to book a place on a private bus?

If you're planning on using one of the independent private bus services, then you should make contact with the provider before your Registration week in September 2022. They will take note of your contact details and confirm your weekly booking.

Go to our Location and Transport page for more information about transport services available.

Other Services & Facilities

What other services are there in the college?

We have a wide range of services and supports available in the college. More information about these services and supports will be provided during Registration week in early September 2022.

Library Service
Canteen Service
Computer Labs

More Support Services

Academic Support
Mathematics Support
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Mental Health Counselling
I.T. Support
Mature Student Support

Is there a Student Union?

Yes, we have a large and dynamic Student Union in the college. This union has over 100 representatives from all courses in the college and is continuing to grow. In October 2022, elections for SU representatives will take place. It's a great opportunity to contribute to the development of the college, make new friends and to represent and work on behalf of your peers as Class Representative.

The aims of DCFE SU are:

To enhance communication between students, teachers, support staff, senior management and board of management.
To promote an environment conducive to the educational and personal development for all.
To promote friendship and respect amongst peers.
To support the management and staff on open days, fundraising events, interview days etc.
To represent the views of their respective class group on matters of general concern to them.
To liaise and work with members of staff on the DCFE Student Environment Committee.
To represent student interests and issues arising at Board of Management level.

Are there extracurricular activities and events?

Throughout the academic year, we have many events and initiatives that take place. Here are just some of these annual events:

#DCFEYouthClub

Soccer and Gaelic matches

Goal Jersey Day & Goal Mile

Trick 'R Treat for Temple Street

Christmas Jumper Day

Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Live Music Gigs

Wellbeing & Mental Health Awareness Week

Silent Disco

Karaoke Competitions

Graduate Association event

Green Campus initiatives

Erasmus Work Experience

and many more...