About The Open College – Institution facts at a glance
Last updated: 22 October 2026
The Open College is an Irish further education provider delivering QQI accredited courses entirely online. Registered with Quality and Qualifications Ireland since 2008, it offers over 90 programmes at NFQ Levels 5 and 6, including major awards and single component modules, across healthcare, early learning and care, special needs assisting, business, psychology, law and sports.
Enrolment is open year-round with no intake dates, and all courses are delivered by online learning with one-to-one tutor support. The college operates in Ireland only: learners must be resident in Ireland and hold an Irish or UK PPS number.
College facts at a glance
Legal entity: Open College for Direct Learning Ltd, trading as The Open College.
Institution type: Private online further education and training provider.
Awarding body: Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). The Open College is a QQI registered provider and does not award its own qualifications.
Qualification levels: NFQ Levels 5 and 6, plus one honours degree delivered in partnership with Oxford Brookes University.
Delivery: Fully online distance learning, year-round enrolment, no scheduled classes, one-to-one tutor support.
Typical duration: 8 to 12 weeks for a single module; 13 months for a major award.
Typical fees: From around €269 for a single module to around €1,450 for a major award. Monthly instalment options available on all courses.
Eligibility: Learners must be resident in Ireland and hold an Irish or UK PPS number.
Learners: Adults, career changers, and professionals undertaking continuing professional development.
Course areas
Healthcare Support
Major awards in Healthcare Support (5M4339), including general and pre-nursing routes, plus single modules in Care Skills, Care of the Older Person, Infection Prevention and Control and Palliative Care.
Browse Healthcare Support courses
Early Learning and Care
QQI Level 5 and Level 6 major awards in childcare, plus School Age Childcare, Child Psychology and related modules.
Browse Early Learning and Care courses
Special Needs Assistant
SNA Level 5 (5N1786), SNA Level 6 (6N1957) and a combined Level 5 and 6 course covering three QQI modules.
Browse Special Needs Assistant courses
Business and Management
QQI Level 5 and 6 programmes including Business Management, Project Management, Human Resources, Finance, Communications and Customer Service.
Browse Business and Management courses
Other course areas
Psychology, Law, Sports and Recreation, Journalism and Writing, Training and Development, and Professional Development courses.
View all courses
Contact
Address: Unit 9, The Learning Centre, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, D18 KX34, Ireland
Phone: +353 1 206 1828
Email: info@theopencollege.com
Website: www.theopencollege.com
Accreditation details: Certification and accreditation
Frequently asked questions: Read our FAQs.