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Pre-Garda Studies
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Introduction

Pre-Garda Studies

At BFEI located in Blackrock,Co.Dublin we offer a one year, QQI Level 5 Pre-Garda Studies course

Can you see yourself as a member of An Garda Síochána? Do you want to gain an insight into the real-life challenges faced by the Gardaí? Are you confident, have a positive attitude, good communication skills and enjoy working with people? Then an exciting and rewarding career in the Garda Síochána may be for you. This one year course provides an ideal foundation for those intending to pursue a career as a Garda by focusing on a number of areas that are of vital importance in the training and career of a Garda. Students will get an insight into the real life challenges faced by the Gardaí and will develop an understanding of how to deal with car crashes, court sessions and conflict resolution as well as gain an awareness of the needs of the community and vulnerable members of society. This approach supports the day to day life of operational Gardaí and will equip you with the knowledge and skills to embark on a successful career in this field. 

Career Opportunities

  • As a graduate of this course, you will be in an advantageous position to successfully apply for entry to the Garda College in Templemore, subject to meeting the relevant qualification criteria. 

Course Structure

Core Elements
  • Legal Practice and Procedures
  • Criminal Law
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Emergency Department Care Skills and First Aid Responder (FAR)
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Exercise and Fitness
  • Teamworking
  • Work Experience

  • Course Code

  • PG

  • Duration

  • 1 Year - full time September to May

  • Number of Places

  • 30

  • Number of Contact Hours per week

  • 20

  • Timetable Contact

  • 5 days
Testimonial

On completion of the Pre-Garda Studies course I took at BFEI during 2020/2021, I went
on to work in the private security sector while awaiting the next Garda recruitment to come
up. BFEI helped me gain an in-depth understanding of the workings of
An Garda Síochána and the confidence to apply, knowing that I have a great
chance of being successful in the next competition, due to the knowledge
I learned on the course and the help from my Lecturers. As a past student
of this course, I would honestly encourage anyone who has the
intention of applying to the Gardaí to take this course.

- Glen Wallace, Pre-Garda Studies Graduate, 2021 -

Support Elements
  • Career advice and help with CV preparation is provided by the Guidance and Career Service.
  • Aptitude testing and the Garda interview process training will be provided.
  • You will participate in a range of workshops including Community Gardaí Workshops
  • Guest speakers and Field Trips such as to the Garda Operational Support Open Day in Westmanstown will be integral to the course
  • You will participate in training for mass casualty incidents in a joint initiative between Dublin Fire Brigade and An Garda Síochána
  • Additional Training Option: Private Security Authority Ireland (PSAI) Security and Guarding Skills.
  • You will gain practical experience using the Oculus Quest 2VR headsets
  • Workshops in the Irish language
Assessment and certification
  • This course is certified by QQI
  • Assessment is based on a combination of assignments and exams.
  • You will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Health Services (5M4468).
  • Additional Training Option: Private Security Authority Ireland (PSAI) Security and Guarding Skills.

Progression

If you want to get a degree, then you can apply through the CAO system for entry into courses in the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme such as:

  • BSc DNA & Forensic Analysis, Technological University Dublin [Tallaght] - www.tudublin.ie
  • Bachelor of Laws (Hons), LLB, Carlow Institute of Technology – www.itcarlow.ie
  • BA (Hons) Criminal Justice Studies, Waterford Institute of Technology - www.wit.ie
  • BCL (Law and Criminology), Maynooth University – www.nuimaynooth.ie
  • BSc in Social Science, University College Dublin – www.ucd.ie

Check out the updated BFEI CAO Progression Pathways Chart with new progression options included for TCD, NUI Maynooth and University of Limerick.  CAO data shows that many BFEI graduates from 2019/2020 secured excellent CAO offers.

Entry Requirements
  • Leaving Certificate

You must have achieved 5 passes or 5 O6/H7s or a combination of 5 O6/H7s or have achieved the LCA with a Merit profile, or have achieved a full relevant QQI Level 4 Award.

  • Mature Applicants

Mature applicants (aged 21 and over) and other applicants without the formal entry requirements will be assessed individually for suitability.

Application Process

Places will be offered, on a first come basis, subject to the applicant meeting the entry requirements and subject to a place being available.  Apply on-line for free.

Fees

At course commencement, students are required to pay for books, exams, a Student Services charge and where applicable professional body registration fees.  There are no tuition fees for EU students.

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BFEI
Main Street
Blackrock
Co Dublin

+353 1 2889717 Get directions

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