About Us

 

The Open College was established in 2004 and was one of the first Private Colleges in 2008 to be fully recognised, approved and accredited by the Government appointed National Awarding body – FETAC to offer distance learning programmes recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications.

In 2012, and with the introduction to the common awards system which saw the transition of the awarding body to Qualifications & Quality Ireland (QQI) the College received its second approval to offer accredited eLearning programmes recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications.

With the expansion of the internet, The Open College developed sophisticated eLearning platforms that were instantly recognised by leading education institutes which has promoted and maintained The Open College at the leading edge of educational technology.

We have successfully educated and awarded in excess of 21,500 students with QQI qualifications over the last number of years.

QQI are responsible for maintaining the ten-level NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) and validate education and training programmes and make extensive awards in the Further Education and Training sector. In the area of quality assurance, QQI are responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of quality assurance in further and higher education providers in Ireland. This includes the further and higher education providers.

 

QQI Distance Learning Courses

 

Our more than 60 highly qualified staff comprising: the Board of Management, Independent President, Academic Council, Course Directors, Tutors / Lecturers and Administrative Personnel deliver and teach over 90 QQI Levels 5 & 6 courses with many thousands of students certified each year and work tirelessly to ensure that all our students are successful regardless of their prior experiences with distance learning methods.

In addition we offer you the opportunity to achieve recognised Qualifications without altering your current lifestyle. Distance learning/eLearning offers options for independent study, informal learning and varied communication channels and we are also open all year round so there is no need to put your education on hold for the summer months.

For added security, All Open College courses of over 3 months in duration are bonded and protected which provides confidence and security to all learners that their fees are fully protected.

This means that our Students can be assured that the fees they pay are fully protected and covered in any eventuality in these uncertain economic times. So, in the unlikely event that our students have to rely on this fee protection scheme they will have their course finished out for them and when this is not possible they will have their fees refunded.

 

Benefits of gaining a QQI Award with Us are:


Choice: We offer an extensive range of courses through flexible Learning formats from Distance learning, eLearning, Classroom & Blended Learning. Our range of courses offer more opportunities than ever before with a choice of over 90 QQI Levels 5 & 6 component Certificates and Major Award programmes in a variety of categories.

Value: We offer the Best Value in the Marketplace.

Flexibility: Start our courses at any time. We enrol students throughout the year and with our Distance Learning format you can study at your own pace and anywhere that suits you.

Course Options: Majority of our courses can be completed in less than 3 months.

Support: Continuous tutor support for all Learners by fully qualified and industry experienced tutors.

Accreditation: You can continue to earn while you learn and gain an Internationally Recognised Qualification. All our Awards are Fully Validated & Approved by QQI.

Security: All student fees for our QQI Major Award courses are fully secured and protected by a Bond.

Quality: QQI and SOLAS Approved Training Provider.

Reputation: Our reputation for quality is supported by our continued growth and expansion in the Further Education sector.

Services: We are an approved Garda Vetting Organisation and we can also cover our Learners Insurance requirements while out on Work Placements.

Transparency: We always publish all our course prices and inform the learners on everything they need to make the proper decision, hence our extensive and industry leading website.

 

The Open College - Ireland's Largest Dedicated Provider of FETAC/QQI Awards.



Choosing your Course

The task of choosing a course can be daunting. Our student advisors are happy to assist when you are trying to decide upon a course of study. We have helped thousands of individuals to qualify for their chosen career enabling us to understand the kind of support needed – from choosing a course to helping you with your studies. For additional help in selecting the course that best suits you and your goals, there is detailed course information throughout this website.

We also have dedicated course advisers who will answer any questions you have. Please call them on 01 2061828 / 01 2061829 or email: info@theopencollege.com.

When you take a course by distance learning you will never be alone. Your tutor is on hand throughout your course and you can always contact the College staff or drop into us if you have a particular difficulty. When you enrol for an attendance course you will be deeply impressed with our modern, state-of-the-art air conditioned training rooms at the Learning Centre in Dublin 18 only a few hundred yards from the LUAS Leopardstown Valley station. Or if you drive to the Centre there is amply free parking. Please note that we run attendance courses in various locations around the country such as Drogheda, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford and we also run in-house training programmes for companies and large organisations.

 

Support for your Studies

Our main aim is to help you enjoy your learning experience and to successfully complete your course. You are appointed a tutor for the duration of your course. Tutors will: