FAQ

  • Academic Calendar

    Timetable

    The duration of your typical college day depends upon your course of study.  For full time courses teaching in DFEi occurs from 9.00am to 5.30pm.  Classes commence at 9.00am and are of one hour duration.  DFEi has a common lunch break from 1.00pm to 1.30pm, after which classes resume hourly until 5.30pm.

    Will I be in the college from Monday to Friday?

    This will depend upon your course of study.

    When will my timetable be available?

    Timetables are available at induction.  This usually occurs during the first week in September. 

    What time does the college open and close?

    DFEi opens at 8.30am and closes at 6.00pm.

    What way are the breaks structured throughout the day?

    There is a morning break at 10.55am for 10 minutes.  The common lunch break runs from 1.00pm -1.30pm daily.

    What is the college academic year?

    The college academic year runs from mid-September until May.  The college closes for Mid-term, Christmas and Easter holidays as determined by the Department of Education and Skills.

  • Number of Students

    Timetable

    How many students attend DFEi each year?

    Approximately 800 students  attend full-time Further Education courses in DFEi.  DFEi also provides apprentice training for the trade of Carpentry and Joinery.  There is also educational provision for BTEI students.

    How many people are likely to be in my class?

    Depending on the course there are usually between 20  and 30 students assigned to a class-group

  • Mature Students

    Mature Students

    Is DFEi supportive of mature students ?

    Yes, DFEi encourages and supports all students in their learning objectives. DFEi is especially aware of the richness in life experience and diversity of accomplished skills already present within mature students. This adds greatly to the depth of peer learning among student groups.

    What percentage of the student population in DFEi accounts for mature students?

    This figure ranges from year to year. However, over the past five years the average percentage of the learner population who fall into the category of being mature learners is somewhere within the region of between 20% - 30%.

  • Disability Support

    Disability Support

    Is the college accessible for people with disabilities?

    Yes, DFEi is accessible for people with disabilities. However, particular disabilities may require particular attention and a more detailed assessment of college accessibility.

    Is there support in place for students  with learning disabilities?

    Supports for students with learning disabilities are assessed by the Guidance Counsellor. The supports and resources available are set out according to DES and the HEA criteria. A supplementary handout is available and can be found under the Admissions Section of DFEi’s website.

    As a student with a disability, can my privacy be guaranteed?

    A student's details and personal circumstances are protected according to the Data Protection Act (1998 & 2003). However, if a disability requires specific supports for the safe and successful participation of students on a course, some information may need to be shared in a sensitive manner with the permission of the student.

    Will my disability affect my application?

    Every application for a course is considered according to the student’s suitability for successfully participating on a course of study. DFEi has an open access policy to all students who apply for courses. This policy encourages students who present with disabilities to fully participate in their chosen course of study. However, some disabilities may not be conducive to successfully participating on particular courses. In this regard, DFEi reserves the right to not accept a student on a specific course programme if it is deemed that a student’s disability is not conducive to a safe learning environment according to Health & Safety regulations, or the student’s specific disability is incompatible with successfully achieving course learning outcomes.

    Are course requirements different for people with disabilities?

    No, course requirements are the same for all students who participate on a course of study. However, the ways in which these course requirements are demonstrated by the student may be adjusted to better suit the communication skills of the student who presents with a disability. This will be determined by the subject teacher according to the criteria stipulated in the module descriptor.

  • Examinations

    Examinations

    When do exams take place?

    Normally exams take place at the end of the academic year – end of April/beginning of May. However, some exams do occur during the academic year. The subject teacher and exam secretary will advise and notify learners about exam dates and times.

    What percentage is required to pass?

    The module descriptor outlines the requirements for successfully participating in and completing a course subject. It also specifies the percentage required for a pass grade.

    Is there an extra fee for exams?

    The course registration fee paid at the beginning of the academic year covers the cost of a learner’s participation on a course. This includes examinations.

    When will I be notified of my exam results?

    When the External Authentication is completed and the Results Approval Panel meetings have occurred in the various course departments, the course results will be posted out to learners. This occurs early during the month of June.

    Who marks my exam?

    The subject teacher is responsible for the marking of exams.

    Do all courses require the sitting of an exam

    No, some courses are assessed by means of continuous assessment of learner work throughout the academic year. The subject teacher sets assignment briefs which enable the learner to focus their learning activities around the production of specific academic work or specific skills demonstrations. Usually modules are assessed by a combination of both assignment briefs (given to the learner at points throughout the year) and also an exam at the end of the academic year.

  • Child Protection

    Child Safeguarding Statement, Risk Assessment, & Designated Liaison details

    For current Board of Management approved documents,. Click here

  • Our Patron

    DFEi is under the patronage of DDLETB

    DFEi is under the patronage of DDLETB, for more information  Click Here

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