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Current Students FAQ's

  • Where can I find out information about Professional Bodies?

    A professional body also known as a professional society, is an organization, usually non-profit, that exists to further a particular profession, to protect both the public interest and the interests of professionals.

    The professional bodies may act to protect the public by maintaining and enforcing standards of training and ethics in their profession. They may also act like a cartel or a labour union (trade union) for the members of the profession, though this description is commonly rejected by the body concerned.

    Many professional bodies perform professional certification to indicate a person possesses qualifications in the subject area, and sometimes membership in a professional body is synonymous with certification, but not always. Sometimes membership in a professional body is required for one to be legally able to practice the profession.

    Below you will find a directory of the main professional bodies for each discipline.

    Business / Finance

    • The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) aims to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.
    • The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) offers an internationally recognised professional qualification in management accountancy, which focuses on accounting for business.
    • The Certified Public Accountants Institute (CPA) designation is the most commonly used designation worldwide for professional accountants and the Institute’s qualification enjoys wide international recognition. Its current Membership operates in Public Practice, Industry, Financial Services and the Public Sector and CPAs work in over 28 countries around the world.
    • The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI) is the largest and longest established accountancy body in Ireland. It has over 15,000 members, and it is the leading voice of the accountancy profession in Ireland.
    • Irish Taxation Institute is the leading professional body for taxation affairs in Ireland. Our 6,000 membership comprises qualified tax advisers, accountants, barristers, solicitors and other business professionals. Our mission is to support an efficient, fair and competitive tax system that encourages economic and social progress.
    • The Marketing Institute of Ireland (MII) is the professional body for marketing people throughout Ireland, offering membership, qualifications and training. The mission of the Institute is to develop business in Ireland by raising its marketing capability, upholding professional standards, and improving the skills of marketing people so they deliver exceptional business results for the companies that employ them.
    • The Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) is dedicated to promoting the professional practice of public relations in Ireland, and to serving the best interests of people working in the profession.
    • The Institute of Public Administration is Ireland s only consultancy service focused exclusively on public sector development.
    • The Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers (IMCA) is the Recognised Professional Institute for Management Consultants and Business Advisers in the Republic of Ireland. The principal objective of the IMCA is the advancement of the professions of management consultancy and business advice through the establishment and maintenance of the highest standards of performance and conduct by its members, and by the promotion of the knowledge and skills required for that purpose.
    • The Institute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland (IAPI) is the trade association and professional institute for Irish advertising agencies. Its primary role is to promote the highest professional and creative standards in the production of advertising, across all media.
    • The Institute of Bankers in Ireland is the leading professional body in banking and financial services in Ireland and aims to develop fully the professional potential of professionals working in these areas.
    • Insurance Institute of Ireland (III) provides a range of services and privileges which support and encourage the members professional development. Theses services are offered at National and Local level.

    Humanities / Social Sciences

    • Irish Association of Social Workers (IASW) the national organisation of professional social workers in the Republic of Ireland.
    • The Irish Film Institute (IFI) is now one of the most active cultural bodies in Ireland. In recent years we invested in our capacity to do all that we do to a very high standard, recognizing that the arts must operate at a professional level to have the impact it can have in today’s Ireland. Our mission is simple: to both promote and preserve film culture in Ireland.

    Engineering

    • Engineers Ireland is one of the country s oldest and largest professional bodies. Our primary role is to be the representative voice of the engineering profession in Ireland. Engineers Ireland is different from other engineering bodies in Ireland in that we represent all disciplines of engineering. Engineers Ireland organises a comprehensive national and regional programme of papers, lectures, debates, discussions, seminars, conferences, training courses, site visits and social activities to keep members up to date with all aspects of their profession.
    • The Society of Chartered Surveyors (SCS) is the professional body for Chartered Surveyors practising in the Republic of Ireland. The Society currently has over 1,800 qualified members, practising in all areas of the Property and Construction Industry.
    • The Association of Building Engineers (ABE) is the professional body for those specialising in the technology of building.
    • The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) represents on behalf of the public the most diverse set of professionals in the construction industry, setting the pace globally for high standards of professionalism in the built environment. The objective of the Irish Branch of the CIOB is to effectively serve its members and raise the Institute s profile in Ireland.
    • Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland (ACEI) is a voluntary self-regulatory professional body representing the business and professional interests of firms and individuals engaged in Consulting Engineering. As the voice of the Consulting Engineering profession, it assists in resolving issues of importance for clients and Consultants alike and contributes to the development of relevant public policy through involvement in Working Groups, Government Committees, and the development of model Conditions of Engagement, and policy papers, etc.
    • Construction Industry Federation (CIF) actively represents and serves over 3,000 members covering businesses in all areas of the Irish construction industry through a network of 13 Branches in three regions throughout Ireland and through its 37 Sector Associations.
    • The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) is the representative body for professionally qualified architects in Ireland. The RIAI s qualifications for membership are accepted by the Government, the courts and the EU as the required standard. The objects of the RIAI are the advancement of Architecture and the associated Arts and Sciences, the promotion of high standards of professional conduct and practice and the protection of the interests of architectural training and education.

    Science

    • The Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland (ESAI) is an association of individuals working in or with an interest in the environmental area in Ireland. The membership is drawn from all sectors and disciplines, ranging from biology and ecology to engineering, hydrology and management and from professors to amateur naturalists. The association provides a network for people in the environmental area, promotes good environmental practice and better understanding of the environment and provides an expert and up-to-date lobby platform for the environmental concerns in Ireland and abroad.
    • The Institute of Food Science and Technology of Ireland (IFSTI) is the leading independent qualifying body for food professionals in Ireland.
    • The Institute of Physics in Ireland aims to promote the role of physics in education, health, the environment, technology, and scientific literacy. Its membership is wide-ranging and multidisciplinary, including the educational, industrial, medical, and general public sectors. The institute seeks common purpose with other learned societies to promote science and science-based learning and to influence science policy in the two jurisdictions on the island.
    • The Institute of Chemistry in Ireland is the professional body representing chemists in Ireland. Its members are chemists who satisfy the requirements of the Institute with regard to qualifications and experience. The Institute promotes the study of chemistry, sets professional standards and organises lectures, meetings and social events for its members. It offers advice and comment to Government in areas relevant to the profession. Irish Chemical News, the official journal of the Institute is published twice yearly.
    • The Institute of Biology Ireland represents professional biologists and promotes education, research and the application of biological knowledge. The Institute endorses professional competence through the maintenance of a register of professional biologists.
    • The Academy of Medical Laboratory Science (AMLS) is the professional body for Medical Scientists in Ireland. The Academy functions as the Designated Authority with the approval of the Minister of Health and Children, in evaluating the education and training necessary to practise medical laboratory science in Ireland.

    Computing / IT

    • ICT Ireland provides leadership and direction on a number of key strategic issues, including competitiveness, skills and education, research & development, trade, human resources, the knowledge economy.
    • Irish Software Association (ISA) promotes the interests of the software and IT services industry and provide member companies with access to a number of key stakeholders and services. The ISA assists software companies to start, manage and grow their companies with a view to enabling members to become successful internationally.
    • The Irish Computer Society (ICS) promotes and represents the interests of ICT professionals in Ireland.

    Nursing / Midwifery / Health Studies

    • An Bord Altranais – Nursing Board- promotes high standards of professional education, training and practice and professional conduct among nurses and midwives.
    • Nursing & Midwifery Council establishes standards of education, training, conduct and performance for nursing and midwifery in the UK and ensures those standards are maintained, thereby safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the public.

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information above is correct at the time of publishing but it is essential to check all details at source before making decisions.

  • I want to train in UK to become Post-Primary Teacher. How can I find out more information?

    Teaching is an important and increasingly popular choice of career. As a graduate or as a student about to graduate with a relevant honours degree, if you have decided to pursue a career in teaching and you wish to train in the UK, you will find here more information on the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

    It is a course that focuses on the development of your teaching skills and not on the subject you intend to teach.

    PGCE Post-Primary Level, you must have an honours degree or recognised equivalent qualification that relates to the subject you want to teach. For more information on entry requirements and how to get your qualifications recognised by the Teaching Council in Ireland, please visit https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/en/.

  • I want to apply to a Graduate Recruitment Programme. How can I find out more information?

    The jump between university life and working life can be daunting. A graduate training scheme could be the perfect solution for you.

    Most large companies employing graduates have training programmes in place. These companies tend to invest thousands in recruiting honours degree graduates who have demonstrated impressive academic ability but who have little or no experience in the world of work. A graduate training programme is a way of bridging the gap.

    They tend to last either one or two years. Some will offer students the opportunity to experience several different areas of business before choosing a final career path within the company.

    You might be interested in applying for one or more of the many graduate recruitment programmes for Honours Degree Holders, e.g. in banks, IT firms or overseas.

    For further details of vacancies and how to apply:

    • Consult employer websites
    • Consult employment directories available from the gradireland Guide (Ireland) or Prospects Directory (UK).
    • Go to the gradireland Careers Fair in Dublin in October. Free Entry. The opportunity to meet 180+ employers from all sectors and sizes of organisation in one day.
    • Check the Employers Brochures or Handouts in stock in the Careers Information Area.

    If you need help with your application, please contact the Careers Office. The Drop in Service is available throughout the academic year where we will answer your careers queries or arrange an appointment when necessary with the Careers Adviser. Come to the Careers Query Desk anytime between 9.00am to 10.30am & 11.00am to 2.00pm, Monday to Friday.

    The Careers Office organises workshops on CV Preparation, Application Forms and Interview Skills throughout the academic year. Dates and venues will be advertised on the Careers Noticeboards and Monitors, please do check regularly for updates.

  • How can I find out information about postgraduate studies?

    Thinking about postgraduate study? Is further study right for you? What type would suit you best?

    There are a number of different postgraduate programmes available in Ireland. Those include Masters courses, Postgraduate Diplomas or Certificates and Professional Qualifications. These courses can be undertaken straight after your honours degree, after one or many years out or while working.

    • Taught Masters Programme (ie MA, MBA or MSc) usually last 1 year full time and 2 years part time. it involves a detailed study of a particular aspect of your academic discipline. It consists of course work and a dissertation.
    • Masters by Research & Thesis (MRes) takes a minimum of 2 years and can extend up to 5 years. The student needs to choose a topic, select the most suitable institute to pursue it in. Appointed tutors will then assist and monitor the student throughout the academic years. 
    • Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate last approximately 1 year full time and 2 years part time, it may give you the basis required to move to a more specialised Masters course or convert your degree into another area. 
    • Professional Qualification can be undertaken while working, its main aim is to improve your knowledge and skills.

    If you are considering a postgrad, you can look up the courses available in Ireland via the Postgrad Ireland website on or in UK via the Prospects website or get information directly from the college website. Be very careful regarding the closing dates, some are as early as December while others are not until June. You can find out more information about postgraduate opportunities at DkIT by visiting the Postgraduate section of the website.

    Here are some of the possibilities for funding your postgraduate studies:

    Research councils

    • The Government of Ireland Awards from the Irish Research Council for Humanities and Social Science (IRCHSS- www.irchss.ie ) and the Embark Awards from the Irish Research Council for Science and Technology (IRCSET) are very important for students seeking funding, with maintenance awards of €12,900 from IRCHSS and €16,000 from IRCSET for research in the Republic of Ireland. These awards are announced early in the academic year.

    Higher education grants

    • Both the Higher Education Grants Scheme (HEG) and the Vocational Education Committees Scholarship Scheme (VEC Scheme) also cover approved full-time postgraduate courses of at least one year’s duration. Students in receipts of grants as undergraduates can have these extended for a maximum of two years, to allow completion of postgraduate study (this will cover only one postgraduate qualification). Grant assistance is not paid in respect of postgraduate study outside of Ireland. Information on eligibility conditions, including closing date, and application forms are available from the appropriate local authority or Vocational Education Committee.

    The Department of Education & Science booklet Financial Support for Further & Higher Education is available to download at www.education.ie

    University and Institutes of Technology funding

    • Several of the higher education institutions in Ireland offer postgraduate funding on a competitive basis. They do so mainly for research degrees, in order to attract the best possible candidates.

    Sponsorship by employers

    • In technological, scientific and, sometimes, business areas, funding may occasionally be made available for a research topic of interest to employers. This funding is normally applied for at department level and through research teams rather than by individuals. Some students may make personal arrangements to have part-time study fees paid for by their employers.

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information above is correct at the time of publishing but it is essential to check all details at source before making decisions.

  • How can I find out information about studying or working abroad?

    Visit the Careers Resources section where we have included some useful articles, links and documents. For all other information on study abroad opportunities at DkIT, please visit the International Office webpage.

    • Information on studying outside Ireland is available on Gradireland website.
    • Specific information on over 50 countries can be found on the Prospects Website.
    • If you are interested in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) abroad, you can find the list of all course providers of recognised TEFL certificates on ACELS Website. Click here for more details.
    • More information about English Language Assistant (ELA) can be found on the Department of Education and Skills Website.
  • How can I find out more about scholarships at DkIT?

    You can find out more information about Scholarships at DkIT by visiting www.dkit.ie/study/student-fees-grants-scholarships/scholarships/

  • How can I find out more information about fees & funding?

  • I want to transfer to another course. What should I do?

    If you are not entirely happy with your current choice of course, you might consider another alternative.

    If you wish to transfer to a different course within DkIT or to a different institution, please check the full list of DkIT Courses. You can also check Central Applications Office or Qualifax for opportunities in the Republic of Ireland or UCAS for opportunities in the UK.

    Make sure you satisfy the Minimum Entry Requirements specified by the relevant higher education institution and check the application process. Full details on courses can be found on institution website or in full time undergraduate admissions prospectus.

    Transferring within the Republic of Ireland:

    • In the Republic of Ireland, all applications in the first year of an undergraduate course provided by a higher education institution are processed by the Central Application Office and applications into second, third or fourth year of an undergraduate course, can be made directly through the Institution Admission Office. Applicants must satisfy the Minimum Entry requirements as specified by the relevant HEI, please check the institution's website in question for more information.

    Transferring within the UK:

    • In UK, all applications to all years of full-time undergraduate degrees, HNDs, university diplomas and graduate courses in medicine and social work are processed by UCAS.
  • I want to understand myself better. How should I start?

    Learn more about yourself by reflecting on your interests, skills, abilities, aptitudes and values.

    Here are some useful questions to ask yourself:

    • What am I good at?
    • What will interest me?
    • What will motivate me?
    • What occupations interest me?

    Finding out about and assessing occupations:

    • What do they involve?
    • How do they compare with my ideas about what I want from work?
    • How do they compare with each other?
    • Will I have to rethink my original ideas about what I want from work?
    • May I discover that some skills, interests or motivations are more important than others?

    Taking Action: 

    • What are my chances of success in relation to a particular occupation?
    • How can I best present myself?

    You might like to make a note of the answers.

    It would be useful to take one of the online interest exercises:

    These exercises and tests do not set out to tell you what to do. Instead they help you to explore the key aspects of your career planning in a systematic way, with you always in control.

    Every effort has been made to ensure that the information above is correct at the time of publishing but it is essential to check all details at source before making decisions.

  • I have just registered as a first year and I am not sure about my choice of course.

    You will find here list of things you need to do before making a decision, and how to apply for a new course when possible.

    If you are reading this, it is likely that you are not entirely happy with your present situation. There could be any number of reasons for this and it is important to think about what these might be. Can you clearly articulate your reasons for wanting to leave?

    The main reasons might have something to do with one of the more of following:

    • Subject: it is not what you thought it would be like, the work is too easy/difficult or you are just not interested in it
    • Course: the content is not what you expected or you find it hard to get motivated
    • Personal: you are homesick or lonely or you find it hard to balance travelling and work
    • Career: you are having second thoughts about your chosen career path

    You may have other reasons to those already listed. You might like to make a note of them. Doing this kind of exercise can help at a later stage when considering other options. The decision to change your course can be a defining one in terms of your overall career. Sometimes it may be the right thing to do and sometimes not but either way it is often a decision taken too hastily, without proper consideration for the impact on one's goals and career.

    We are here to support you so please book a meeting with us so we can help you through this process.