A New Opportunity - Tertiary Degree Award at BFEI
BFEI is delighted to introduce the first Tertiary Degree award in our college, partnering with the Dublin Media School at Technological University Dublin [Grangegorman].
What is a Tertiary Degree Award?
Students begin their journey at BFEI, where they will build a solid foundation in communication, political studies, media analysis, and social studies. Following two successful years in BFEI, they will then move on to TU Dublin, where they will deepen their expertise in areas such as political marketing, digital journalism, advocacy, and public affairs. The programme also includes a semester abroad and a work placement, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for real-world challenges. 
Benefits to the students:
- No fees for the first two years
- No CAO points
- On a Degree pathway from year 1
- Students can avail of the HEI SUSI grant
- Dual registration, i.e. BFEI and TUD
- Small classes in FET provision
- Dedicated teaching team working in collaboration between BFEI, partners in City of Dublin FET Colleges and TUD.
The BA (Hons) in Politics, Society and Media is a comprehensive programme designed to meet the evolving needs of the political, societal, and media sectors. It offers a unique pathway for students to gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing them for diverse career opportunities in these fields. The programme’s emphasis on practical experience, critical thinking and ethical considerations ensures that graduates are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to their chosen
professions.
Course Features
This programme is unique in offering students two opportunities to avail of work experience: a two-week placement in Year One and either a semester-long internship or an extended placement in Year Three.
TU Dublin allows students to avail of elective choices from a range of modules across all Schools and Faculties. Student in Years 3 and 4 will be able to tailor their studies to their individual interests and specialisation by choosing one free elective in all but the final semester of the programme.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for this programme are:
- Leaving Certificate with five subjects at grade O6/H7
or
- Leaving Certificate with four subjects at grade O6 plus LCVP with distinction
or
- Leaving Certificate Applied with distinction
or
- Hold QQI Level 4 award with a minimum of a grade of distinction
Other qualifications Applicants may also present, A-Levels or other EU qualifications for equivalency. Qualifications from countries other than Ireland or the UK should be accompanied with a comparability statement from the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).
Mature Applicants Applications from mature students aged 23 or over on January 1 of the year of application are welcome, and may be called to interview to outline their holistic life and career experience, interest in and aptitude for the field of study, and recognition of prior learning (see below).
All applicants whose first language is not English and who have not been educated through the medium of English must demonstrate CEFR proficiency at B2 for access. An Irish Leaving Certificate qualification achieved through English meets this requirement. Applicants who have full Level 5 or 6 QQI award obtained in Ireland will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Applicants may be interviewed by Blackrock Further Education Institute. While they are not expected to show expertise in political, societal or media practices they should display an interest in, and aptitude for, the disciplines.
Assessment and Certification
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After Year 1, qualified candidates are awarded the QQI Level 5 Certificate in General Studies (5M3114)
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After Year 2, qualified candidates are awarded a Higher Certificate (Level 6) by TUD, Grangegorman
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After Year 4, qualified candidates are awarded Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Politics, Society and Media by TUD, Grangegorman
Career Opportunities
The BA (Honours) in Politics, Society and Media is a pioneering Level 8 degree that immerses students in the dynamic landscape of contemporary civic society. Designed for students who are passionate about making a meaningful contribution to the political and social environment, it offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary exploration of the forces that shape the world around them, and how, as media practitioners, they can communicate and advocate for change. It equips learners with the skills, knowledge and practical experience to make effective contributions to civic society, with an ethical framework for exercising critical judgement.
Throughout their studies, a balance of practical and academic modules will enable students to explore the intricate relationship between the political system, community organisations and NGOs, and the media that impacts on democracy and societal values. Bringing together insights into politics (the role of political actors and the public policy and political decision-making processes) social structures and institutions (inequality and social concerns) and media (communications, journalism and advocacy), students will be able to analyse the realities of, and public discourse surrounding, contemporary issues in order to prescribe solutions. Students will develop the ability to critically evaluate information, arguments, and sources, giving them the confidence and competence to challenge assumptions and construct well-reasoned arguments.
Students will engage in hands-on research that addresses real issues, benefiting from opportunities to apply their knowledge in work placements in first and third year that will connect them with policymakers, media professionals and community organisations, among others.
Course Structure
This is a new Tertiary degree programme delivered across 4 years. Blackrock Further Education Institute and the School of Media in TU Dublin have designed the programme together, with this delivery model:
Years 1 and 2 are based in Blackrock Further Education Institute, Main Street, Blackrock Co Dublin.
Years 3 and 4 are based in Dublin School of Media, TUD, Grangegorman.
There will be a work placement in Semester 2 of Year 1, with the further option to do either a work placement or study abroad in Semester 2 of Year 3, or an industry-linked project in either semester of Year 3 or 4.
Year 1 - BFEI |
Year 2 - BFEI |
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Year 3 - TUD, School of Media |
Year 4 - TUD, School of Media |
Electives
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Electives
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For information on Years 3 and 4, applicants are encouraged to contact School of Media | TU Dublin
Progression
Graduates of the programme may wish to apply for master’s degrees in the School of Media, TU Dublin, including the MA in Public Affairs and Political Communication, the MA in Journalism and the MA in Public Relations, or master’s degrees in other institutions. They may also wish to apply for Research Masters (MPhil) or PhD study.
Graduates of this programme will be equipped for communication, policy and advocacy, and administrative careers in politics, public administration, civic society and the media.
