The Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC)

HETAC is a public body established under the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act, 1999. It is the national awarding body in Ireland for higher education and training qualifications outside of the university sector at all levels up to doctoral award. HETAC is committed to promoting and enhancing opportunities in higher education and training for all learners to pursue programmes that develop their intellectual, social, cultural and professional capabilities. It seeks to develop and maintain programmes leading to national awards at a standard and quality that meet the needs and expectations of Irish society, the economy and the international community. All HETAC awards fit into the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) which was launched in 2003. The NFQ was designed to create a single, coherent and more easily understood qualifications system for all levels of education and training in Ireland. It also accords with European and international developments to enhance learner mobility within and between national systems. HETAC ensures that qualifications awarded in Irish institutions are recognised abroad and are consistent with the Bologna Declaration and the European Qualifications Framework. In association with DBS, HETAC confers awards to students of the College at higher certificate, degree and postgraduate levels.

The Semester programmes are HETAC Level 6 Special Purpose Awards.  These awards may also form part of major awards in a students’ home institution. The HETAC awarded Semester programmes focus on a specific range of skills using the English language to demonstrate a key transferrable skills and knowledge in a particular industry i.e. sales, tourism or international business. As such they will enable the mobility of successful students into employment and/or higher studies across Europe.