Student Stories

I am enjoying my BSSCI course although I must admit it was a bit challenging for me especially with the pandemic and turning to online zoom classes however, I really enjoyed my first year. It gave me an opportunity to learn more about Modern Ireland, Politics and international relations.

My Social Studies course at Inchicore gave me basic knowledge of theoretical studies. For example, the Human Growth & Development module showed me great examples of how the human mind works as well as behaviour, which came in played a big part for me in understanding ideologies, realists, capitalists etc in the political world and as well as the IR world in especially in topics such as War, Power and so forth. I could go on forever. I really appreciate the help from Inchicore college. It was a great stepping stone for me.

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The Tutors and staff of ICFE were more than helpful in bringing me to where I am today. We got to organise ICFE open day, participated in the Academy of Aviation courses, got first-hand experience of tours around Ireland and had talks from some of the top people in the Industry.

Since graduating I have continued my education by securing 2nd year entry into International Hospitality Management In Dublin Institution of Technology.

Now, I am proud to say, I’m in 3rd year and have secured my Internship in Ireland’s most popular destination spot ‘The Guinness Storehouse’. Since starting at ICFE, I haven’t looked back.

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The art portfolio course at Inchicore was highly recommended to me by my secondary school teachers. The goal for me was to go to NCAD and I had heard the art portfolio course at Inchicore had a high success rate.

When I went for my interview I really liked the atmosphere in the college. The staff were friendly and welcoming; this really helped me to make my decision to study at Inchicore.

I had an idea of what to expect from the course but I got so much more out of it than I ever could have imagined. I achieved what I had hoped to achieve during the course; expanding my knowledge and artistic practice and securing my place in NCAD. However, I learned so much more than I ever expected. It opened my eyes to different options such as getting opportunities to learn printmaking and jewellery skills. The coursework was diverse and in depth, there was an opportunity to really delve into different forms of making. All of the tutors were enthusiastic and extremely helpful.

I found it difficult to get used to dividing my attention between multiple creative projects. Focusing on making a ring, while working on a print project all while working through my personal notebook was overwhelming for me at first; but I quickly got into the swing of things and began to love the process. I began to see how working on multiple projects at once would actually benefit me, as each work influences the next, making for interesting and exciting projects.

It was probably my favourite and most productive academic year I’ve had. I was lucky enough to meet some great people and make some lifelong friends. I have graduated from Fine Art Media at NCAD. I loved it. The course gave me the space to have an expanded practice while also learning valuable skills. I’m hoping to eventually do my masters, but in the meantime I’m excited by the prospect of going on residencies and putting on exhibitions. In the long term I’d love to teach, and I plan to organise/facilitate workshops at some stage. I’m also excited to just see what opportunities might come up.

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As a mature student who had been out of the education system for some years, it was quite a daunting and nerve racking to be returning. However, looking back now I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. During my time at ICFE, I received great encouragement from all the tutors.

I would recommend to anyone thinking of returning to education to simply “take the plunge” at Inchicore College. You won’t be disappointed. Amazing place, small class sizes, brilliant tutors and an altogether fantastic experience.

Not only did I receive my diploma but I also received confidence in my ability and am now completing my final year of a business degree.

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The teachers are patient, involved and interested in how their students are progressing. The introduction to Woodwork is new and exciting for me. Learning how to use new tools is challenging but so rewarding. The teachers explain each step, what is expected and when projects are due to be completed which enhances the student to teacher professional relationship.

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David Swaine

“I want your Job.” David left ICFE with the intention of returning one day as a teacher. After completing a degree in Humanities through St Patricks College DCU, he did a Higher Diploma in Further Education in Maynooth, followed by a masters degree in Irish Writing. David currently runs an evening class in creative writing, as well as working full time as the education facilitator in Pieta House.

Niamh Brunell

“I loved my time at Inchicore College. I always felt like I mattered when I was there. I always felt that the staff had a genuine interest in me and wanted to help me achieve my potential.” After Inchicore, Niamh did a mature student access course in Pearse College, followed by a Degree in Visual and Critical studies in DIT, Mountjoy Square. She is currently deputy manager in Jigsaw, Arnotts.

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I was accepted to study paramedic science in Anglia Ruskin University in the Cambridge campus. My previous studies in Inchicore really helped me to get this place as it is a very competitive course with over 2000 people applying and only 20 spaces on the Cambridge site and 80 in Chelmsford. The lectures and assignments I did in Inchicore have set me up well for my studies this year. They gave me a great foundation and I feel much more confident in my writing and study skills now as a result.

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The college as a whole was so welcoming, from the tutors to the staff in the canteen.

The tutors were so encouraging and supportive, and I really feel they invested a lot of extra time and energy in helping me progress and succeed on completing the course.

It was great to be in a creative and positive environment, gaining new friendships with like minded people.

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Before applying to Inchicore college, I attended an online open day in which applicants could hear from the course tutors what each aspect of the course would be like and ask questions of our own. Once I heard how clearly the roadmap from September to May was explained, I knew I wanted to start this course.

The course was incredibly useful to me, as not only did it prepare me for the language used in third level, but it also showed me the most common work processes that are industry standard for any creative practice.

Tutors in the course take the time to talk to each student at the start of the year to find out what they want to progress to, so they can tailor their portfolio’s better.

Staff throughout the college are incredibly dedicated to students, always ensuring they find a way to support them but also get the most out of the social side to the college experience.

Upon completing the Portfolio Preparation course in ICFE I was accepted to IADT which was my first choice on the CAO, this is majorly down to the constant guidance from tutors in Inchicore and the support of the faculty in general. The skills I learnt on in this course are still used almost daily in my current course from research methods to prototype making, even how I talk to lecturers about my current project work.

I loved my time in Inchicore and never stop telling new people about my time studying there.

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After taking a break from education, I couldn’t have chosen a better institute to restart my educational journey. Applied Psychology in Inchicore College completely changed my perception of further education and my understanding of psychology. Despite the course being taught solely online this last year, the fantastic teaching staff delivered a dynamic, enjoyable and engaging year of classes. This course inspired and encouraged me to continue my studies as a mature student and I have recently been accepted to study Psychology Level 8 in DCU! Which wouldn’t have been possible without the support, guidance and knowledge gained from this course.

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I have 22 years’ experience in hotels, restaurants, and hospitality in general. I have done this for the last 22 years. But working as paramedic was always at the back of my mind since I was a child. I guess some dreams do not fade away no matter what course your life takes. Last year with the pandemic going on, it seemed to be the right time, the right opportunity for me to make a change and follow a childhood dream.  I’m not there yet, but now after successfully completing the QQI level 5 Paramedic Healthcare Support course in Inchicore College, I am in a much better position to get a place on the HSE trainee paramedic program.  I have learned a lot of interesting things on the Paramedic course, knowledge and practical skills that will stand to me in my future career.  I know now more than ever I want to help people, make a difference, for society and for myself.

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The Nursing Studies course is everything I expected and more! The teachers are so approachable and they helped guide me through every step of the way! I also got to spend three weeks on Erasmus+ in Sweden, which was a fantastic experience. After graduating I was offered places in three universities, one in Ireland and two in the UK. I have also obtained a job in a Nursing Home as a fully qualified Care Assistant.

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I graduated from Inchicore in September 2017. I moved from Limerick to pursue my Higher National Diploma In Health and Social Care at Inchicore CFE.

I cannot recommend this course enough to students with an interest in the caring professions. The modules were diverse but I found that they all interconnected with my placement. I found the lecturers really approachable and the college environment very friendly. The course offers excellent employment and further educational opportunities and has set me on my way to a career in the caring profession.

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The course’s reputation was a key factor in choosing to study at ICFE. The course is aimed at delivering couture standard garments and the work flow is fast paced, as this is the level you need to work to in the costume industry.

I loved Construction and Pattern Drafting. The course really gave me an insight into how garments had to be properly made and cut. It was great to design costumes for a play with a professional director. This element really shows how team work is needed to get on in the industry.

The teachers are so passionate about what they teach, so each class you attend, you feel enthusiastic to learn and to attend class. I have made some wonderful friends from attending ICFE, some of which I know I will be in contact with for the rest of my life.

Since leaving college, I’ve been very fortunate to have worked on a variety of diffe-ent productions from, RTE’s TV & dramas, Rebellion, Blood, Bernard Dunne’s Mystical Heros & Bright Sparks. History Channels Vikings, AMC Into the Badlands, Various Netflix Action and Drama feature films, TV Adverts. TG4 documentary drama films and numerous Independent feature films and shorts.

Click here to visit Costume Design & Make-Up – Level 5 & 6

I attended the ICFE Healthcare Supervisory Management course as a mature student. I found the tutors to be approachable and supportive. I built positive relationships with staff and peers and really engaged in the college community, which increased my self-confidence.

The variety of modules offered allowed me to develop my skills in group work and work experience. The course taught me how to multi-task while focusing on my study and career goals. The course and tutors allowed me to realise my potential.

I am currently a Junior Freshman at Trinity College Dublin studying Social Work. The majority of modules I completed in ICFE are relevant to my present course and I’m on my way to achieving my career as a social worker.

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I am in the second year of the Social Care Diploma. The Return to Education course helped me immensely with my assignments and academic skills. I really enjoyed the many modules we did ranging from Human Growth & Development to practical subjects such as Word Processing which was such a help for writing assignments.

I met so many great people with whom I am still friends. Some have continued their studies and others have gone into employment. RTL has been a very memorable year and one I won’t forget.

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While in Inchicore I became a more confident person and learned to believe in my abilities. The staff were very approachable and didn’t mind taking that extra bit of their own time to help me out and keep me on track. I got to take part in a work placement at a physiotherapy clinic. The skills I learned in the course really showed through and helped me secure a part-time job in the clinic.

Currently I am in my second year of Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy at IT Carlow, this is a very popular course at the Institute. On completion of my Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy in IT Carlow I will be applying to do a postgraduate physiotherapy course in UCD.

Click here to visit Sport and Exercise Science Diploma Level 6+

I would like to express my deep gratitude to the lecturers and the staff members at Inchicore College of Further education. I am truly grateful for the knowledge and skills they have imparted to me throughout my semesters. I thank you all for unwavering support and guidance. And a big thank you to Margaret Noonan for being the best course coordinator.

I will always recommend ICFE to anyone looking to further their studies.

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The atmosphere in the college was relaxed and friendly, and the faculty and extended members of staff were open and supportive throughout my time at ICFE. The subjects on the course gave me a solid grounding in the history of drama which was complemented by the practical (hands-on) learning across acting for theatre and film, script writing and devising for theatre as well as directing techniques.

I completed my diploma with distinctions at ICFE and in August of that same year I began a Master’s Degree in Drama and Theatre Studies at the National University of Ireland, Galway. I have since established a theatre company with NUIG colleagues.

Click here to visit Theatre Studies: Performance – Level 5

I had just completed school and knew I was interested in the social care area. I was kind of nervous starting a new course but once I met all the teachers and got an introduction to the modules I was excited to start. I found the modules informative and interesting while the teachers were all very helpful and approachable.

An important part of the Social Studies course is the work placement, mine was in the area of intellectual disabilities, I found it rewarding and it confirmed this is where I wish to work in the future. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wishes to study, or pursue a career in this area. After successfully graduating I progressed on to the HND in Social Care here in Inchicore College.

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Coming back to education as a mature student was daunting but I could not have been happier with my experience at ICFE. All the staff and teachers are incredibly friendly, supportive and encouraging. The Applied Psychology course was really interesting and has given me a bigger insight into the different areas I could go into following this course. I have been accepted onto a Counselling and Psychotherapy Level 8 degree and studying Applied Psychology at ICFE has given me the confidence to continue with my education and pursue a new career path.

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Throughout the past year studying Assistant Occupational Therapy at Inchicore College, I have gained the knowledge, skills and competencies to progress in future opportunities. Through engagement, the broad module choices and the excellent standard of teaching, I graduated with distinctions in all modules. It has been difficult returning to education (especially during the pandemic) however with the constant support and assistance of the Inchicore staff, I have recently accepted an offer on the Occupational Therapy course at Trinity College Dublin.

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The tutors are professional, experienced and honest! The course literally sets you up for employment in the leisure industry once you walk out the door. It’s very rare to get that in a course nowadays.

While applying to gyms for this internship, Osprey Leisure Club hired me as a Fitness Professional as I had already completed NCEF, Lifeguard Level 2 & Occupational First Aid through Inchicore College.

The decision of going to Inchicore was one of my best life decisions. The friends you make at ICFE will be for life and you won’t fully appreciate the experience until you’ve left! So enjoy every minute.

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The work ethic I learned in Inchicore and the passion of the tutors for us all to succeed to our full potential has helped guide me on my career path.

I am now doing my dream job, which is working as a Lecturer in Dance Education for the Royal Academy of Dance’s Faculty of Education in London. I also manage the faculty’s biggest teacher training programme, the Certificate in Ballet Teaching Studies.

I am currently the only Irish member on the Royal Academy of Dance’s panel of examiners. I will always look back fondly at the sweat, time and tears shed during my years at Inchicore College.

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At the time I was considering going back to college to study a degree in art and had heard from a few different people that the portfolio course in Inchicore was the one to go for if I was serious about getting accepted. From day one the tutors had us thinking and approaching projects like they do in college. It was definitely challenging at the beginning because they really pushed us to create work outside of our comfort zones but by the end it was amazing to see the difference and just how much my art had improved.

The tutors were all so friendly and because they all come from an art background they understood exactly what the colleges were looking for. I was accepted into NCAD, which was my first choice on my CAO list and thanks to the course in Inchicore I didn’t find the workload or projects daunting in first year because we had already been working in a very similar way. The course was also invaluable in teaching me to approach art in my own way and develop ways of exploring ideas that I still use in projects i’m doing at the moment. Honestly my only regret about the course is that I had to leave once I graduated. I made such great friends while I was there and everyone was so nice, it was really an amazing experience and I can’t recommend them enough.

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ICFE is an all-inclusive college which provided me with the opportunity to meet students from all different backgrounds. I like the fact the classes are small, and the teachers are extremely supportive, caring, flexible and go above and beyond to assist students to reach their fullest potential even during a global pandemic. Attending ICFE was the perfect platform for me to further my education as a mature student and has given me the confidence to continue in my journey to become a Mental Health Nurse.

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Inchicore college has been a great learning experience for me. My two years of sports and exercise science has really pushed me to want to work in the sports industry. What I love about Inchicore is how the classes are small, so the teachers really get to know you. The staff were always approachable, helpful and friendly.

Sports and exercise science has been a very enjoyable course. The variety of subjects is very broad, and includes nutrition, strength and conditioning, fitness testing and biomechanics and so much more. I found most of these subjects engaging as they all related back to sport. Within the theory classes we had one practical class a day which was a nice break from the classroom.

My experience in Inchicore college has been very positive. The mixture of theory and practical base subjects was great. I made some great friends over the past two years and have managed to stay in contact with them all.

My goal after Inchicore is to go to IT Carlow to get the level 8 in Sports and Exercise Science. All going well, I will be attending IT Carlow knowing a lot of the material which will be of great benefit to me. I am excited for a new challenge, and Inchicore has definitely helped me gain skills to use for life.

Click here to visit Higher National Diploma in Sport Exercise & Science

From what I have learned on the Social Care course in ICFE and the work experience I gained, empowered me and gave me confidence to apply for this Level 7 degree. Thank you for all the encouragement from the course coordinator, Garett Evers, for his encouragement and his professional way of teaching with the rest of the lecturers during the Pandemic, I came to realise the hidden potential within me to progress onto this next step in gaining a Social Care degree.

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Coming back to school as mature student was a big challenge for me, however choosing Inchicore College of Further Education was the most important choice I have made. The lecturers and staff members are very helpful and kind. I would like to take this opportunity to say big thank you to Howard Lodge, the coordinator of Nursing Studies in ICFE.

150 hours in Nursing home gave me the experience and confidence to apply for nursing and social care courses in third level education. I highly recommend ICFE to anyone who wants to gain experience/pursue their studies in University.

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