Castlebar Campus
Head of Centre : Richard Thorn
Courses:
National Certificate in Business Studies
National Certificate in Computing
National Certificate in Construction Studies
National Certificate in Electronics
National Certificate in Regional Heritage
National Certificate in Hotel Accommodation & Languages
GA023
Aims
The aims of this course are:to provide a general understanding of the administrative, economic, legal and social environment within which business operates; to provide a high level of competence at sub-professional level in accountancy or marketing, and to provide a foundation in business education for further professional or academic study and/or career progression.
Entry Requirements
MINIMUM entry requirement: Pass (Grade D3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish. In practice, entry levels are significantly above the minimum and points are calculated from the SIX best subjects.
Course Duration
Two years full-time study. Students can specialise at the start of the second year in one of two areas: Accountancy or Marketing
Career Outlets
Most students holding NCEA awards in Business Studies work in industrial and commercial enterprises in the accounting, financial services, marketing and administrative sections. Some work with professionals in practice and proceed to membership of a relevant professional body. The good business studies graduate who continues his/her studies and qualifies in accountancy, marketing or personnel management can, with suitable experience, look forward to eventual promotion to senior management. A special emphasis is placed on enterprise development and every encouragement is given to students to start their own businesses.
Course Content
Year 1
Accountancy, Business Mathematics and Statistics, Economics, Business Law, Behavioural Science/Communications, Choice from: Business French/German/Spanish/Irish.
Year 2
Data Processing, Enterprise Development and Management, Marketing and a modern language plus two subjects from Accountancy, Taxation/Finance, Sales Management and EU Studies.
Generous exemptions have always been given by the major professional bodies such as:
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
The Chartered Association of Certified Accountants
Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
The Marketing Institute of Ireland
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
Opportunites for Further Study
Graduates can transfer to National Diploma and Degree programme at this or other colleges and universities in Ireland and elsewhere. Such transfers are normally dependent on merit level results and on comparability of course programmes. Linkages with EU colleges are opening up exciting new possibilities for further study.
Further information
Sarah Bourke (094) 25700
GA025
Aims
To prepare candidates for careers in computing largely in a commercial environment. The course has a heavy practical element and the graduate will be trained in the provision of computerised solutions using a wide range of methods. Students work, individually and in groups, on a variety of projects and acquire the techniques involved in all stages of Systems Development.
Entry Requirements
MINIMUM entry requirement is: Pass (Grade D3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects including Mathematics and English or Irish. In practice, entry levels are significantly above the minimum and points are calculated from the SIX best subjects.
Course Duration
Two years full-time study.
Career Opportunities
The computing market-place has expanded enormously in recent years and there is a growing need for implementators of computerised solutions in addition to technical developers.
Course Content
Year 1
Semester I
Programming Practical, Program Development, Computer Technology, Mathematics and Statistics, Business Administration, Language (French, German or Spanish).
[Semester I is common to the Analyst Programmer Option].
Semester II
Problem Solving by Computer, Software Usage and Development, Computer Technology, Mathematics and Statistics, Business Administration, Elective (French, German, Spanish, Structured Programming).
Year 2
Semester III
Commercial Applications, Personal Computer Systems, Business Communications, Systems Analysis and Design, Individual Project, Elective.
Semester IV
Accountancy, Business Software Implementation, Database Management, Information Technology, Group Project, Elective.
Opportunities for Further Study
Graduates achieving Merit level are eligible for entry to the National Diploma in Computing in this College and to Computing Diploma courses in other RTCs.
In keeping with this new option of Business Applications, an appropriate option is being developed in the National Diploma in Computing.
Further Information
Gerard Coleman (094) 25700
GA024
Aims
To provide students with practical, technical and administrative training to enable them to communicate with craft, technical and managerial staff and to carry out technical and managerial functions in the construction industry. The emphasis on the course is practical, familiarising the student with planning, organisational and control techniques used in the industry with particular emphasis on the use of up to date methods of construction design and management.
Entry Requirements
Minimum entry requirement is: Pass (Grade D3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects including Mathematics and English or Irish. In practice, entry levels are significantly above the minimum and points are calculated from the six best subjects.
Course Duration
Two years full-time. Also available under ACCS.
Career Outlets
Graduates obtain employment as technicians with Building Contractors, Architectural Practices, Quantity Surveyors, Local Authorities and Semi-State Bodies.
Course Content
It is proposed that this course will operate on a semesterised basis i.e. for examination purposes the academic year is divided in two. Progress to each semester is dependent on each previous semester performance.
Year 1
Semester I
Mathematics 1, Structural Mechanics 1, Construction Science and Materials, Construction Technology 1, Surveying 1, Architectural Drawing 1.
Semester II
Mathematics 2, Structural Mechanics 2, Contracts and Procedures 1, Construction Technology 2, Construction Science and Computing, Surveying 2, Architectural Drawing 2.
Year 2
Semester III
Construction Services, Surveying 3, Construction Technology 3, Quantities and Estimating 1, Structural Design 1, Site Management and Communications 1, Project Studies and CAD 1.
Semester IV
Construction Technology 4, Surveying 4, Quantities and Estimating 2, Construction Services 2, Structural Design 2, Site Management and Communications 2, Project Studies and CAD 2
Recognition by Professional Bodies
National Certificate holders are exempt from examination for associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Building (ciob).
Opportunities for Further Study
Graduates with at least a Merit level qualification or one year's relevant post National Certificate experience are eligible for transfer to appropriate National Diploma courses in Galway RTC and other colleges.
Further Information
John Hanahoe (094) 25700
GA026
Aims
To provide students with a broad basic knowledge of modern electronic engineering methods. This includes the understanding of the core subjects Telecommunications, Computer Engineering, Digital Electronics and the use of software as an engineering solution.
Entry Requirements
minimum entry requirement is: Pass (Grade D3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects including Mathematics and English or Irish. In practice entry levels are significantly above the minimum and points are calculated on the six best subjects.
Course Duration
Two years full-time.
Career Outlets
Graduates are qualified to obtain employment in the computer, telecommunications and electronics industry as technicians. Career opportunities are available in such areas as the operation and servicing of electronic equipment, computer applications in hardware and software, electronic production and quality control.
Course Content
The year operates on a two semester basis; progress to each semester is dependent on each previous semester performance.
Year 1
Semester I
Digital Electronics 1, Electrical Science 1, Materials & Processes, Programming 1, Mathematics 1, Industrial Studies, Project.
Semester II
Digital Electronics 2, Electrical Science 2, Linear Electronics 1, Programming 2, Mathematics 2, Consumer Electronics, Project.
Year 2
Semester III
Linear Electronics 2, Computer Engineering 1, Telecommunications, Mathematics 3, Measurement and Control, Languages, Project.
Semester IV
Microelectronics, Mathematics and Quality Control, Computer Engineering 2, Electronic Engineering, Computer Programming, Languages, Project.
Recognition by Professional Bodies
Graduates are eligible to apply to the Institute of Electronics & Electrical Incorporated Engineers for Associate Membership or the Institution of Engineers of Ireland for admission to Engineering Technician grade.
Opportunities for Further Study
Students with a high level of academic attainment are eligible for participation in Diploma and Degree level programmes. Exchange programmes with colleges throughout Germany, France and the UK are now in operation as a result of mutual recognition of these awards.
Further Information
Michelle Kerins or Aedin O�hEocha (094) 25700
GA027
Aims
To offer a course to young people who would like to make a career - initally at any rate - in what is called, within the industry, Rooms Division which covers the following operational departments in larger hotels; reception, reservations, cashiering/billing, telecommunications, porterage, information, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, security and, in some establishments, leisure facilities and ancillary services (e.g. gift shop, hairdressing, leased-out space and so on). In summary, the course focuses on all those areas of a hotel which do not have to do with food and beverage, i.e. restaurants, bars and associated activities.
Entry Requirements
MINIMUM entry requirement: Pass (Grade D3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English or Irish,and a minimum of grade D3 (higher level) in a continental European language . In practice, entry levels are significantly above the minimum and points are calculated from the SIX best subjects.
Course Duration
Two years: the first year runs from September to Easter, followed by a five-month mandatory placement in a hotel in a European country. The second year is a full academic year, running from September to May.
Career Outlets
Ireland has been a member of the E.C. for twenty years and many future graduates will increasingly look, initially, to the varied career opportunities available in Rooms Division, not alone in Ireland but throughout the Community. The career targets of young men and women who graduate from the course will be from head receptionist/front office manager or accommodation services manager (formerly called head housekeeper) to full management responsibility for the entire Rooms Division. Thereafter, with suitable experience and/or further education, graduates may process to general management of an entire hotel. Opportunities exist for both male and female graduates.
Course Content
Year 1
Front Office Studies 1, Accommodation Studies 1, Business Studies, Social Studies and two European languages: students select two from French, German or Spanish.
Year 2
Front Office Studies 2, Accommodation Studies 2, Management Studies, Tourism Marketing and two European languages.
Recognition by Professional Bodies and Exemptions Granted
To be negotiated.
Opportunities for further Study
As this is a new course, opportunities for further studies are not yet clear, but successful students may be able to progress to further courses of study in Ireland and abroad.
Further information
Michelle Kerins or Aedin O� hEocha (094) 25700
GA028 REGHCR
Aims
The aim of this course is to provide a multidisciplinary range of knowledge relating to the west of Ireland. Specifically the course has the objective of providing well-informed personnel for tourism and heritage developments in the west of Ireland, the promotion of an awareness of Mayo and the west of Ireland within the context of European regional diversity, the education of students in the environmental, social and cultural factors which contribute to sound regional development and the encouragement of local initiatives in the heritage sector.
Entry Requirements
Minimum entry requirement: Pass (Grade D3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and either English or Irish. In practice, entry levels will be significantly above the minimum and points are calculated from the SIX best subjects.
Course Duration
Two years full time study. Also available through ACCS.
Career Outlets
The course is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, self confidence and linguistic skills to gain employment in heritage centres and tourism information offices where an informed awareness of regional heritage is a basic requirement. These same assets are also prized in other situations such as retail outlets and restaurants.
Course Content
Year 1
Earth Sciences, Communications, Management, European Union Studies, Rural Geography and Sociology and a Language.
Year 2
Archaeology, History, Statistics and Computing, Environment Studies, Literature, Field Studies, Language and a Project.
Oppurtunities For Further Study
Graduates can transfer to National Diploma and Degree programmes at this or other colleges and universities in Ireland and abroad (such transfers are normally dependent on merit level results and on comparability of course programmes). Staff at the main campus of Galway RTC and at the Castlebar Campus are currently developing diplomas in the heritage area for graduates of the Regional Heritage and Heritage Studies* certificates.
*This National Certificate is available at the campus in Galway.
Further Information
Sean Lysaght (094) 25700
GA029 ORLSCR
(This course is being run in association with the Achill Outdoor Education Centre)
Aims
The aim of the course is to provide the student with the knowledge, skills and training in the management and practice of outdoor recreation and education so that they can pursue a career in the outdoor education and recreation industry.
Entry Requirements
Minimum entry requirement: Pass (Grade D3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and either English or Irish. In practice, entry levels will be significantly above the minimum and points are calculated from the SIX best subjects.
(Students upon entry will be assessed as to their swimming competency. Those who do not hold the National Safety Council's 'Swim 4' or the Amateur Swimming Association's Improver II Water Skills Award or who cannot demonstrate an ability to swim 50m in any stroke will be required to take swimming classes to achieve these standards before they will be allowed to participate in any of the water based outdoor pursuits).
Course Duration
Two years full time study. Also available through ACCS.
Career Outlets
Graduates of the course will find employment in a variety of outdoor education and outdoor pursuits centres where they will be engaged in practical instruction of outdoor pursuits and other outdoor activities. Graduates of the course will also have the necessary leadership and management skills to work at manager and assistant manager level in the industry.
Course Content
Year 1 - Management, Tourism and Leisure, Communications, Health and Fitness Studies, Safety (legislation and administration procedures), Outdoor Recreation Activities* (major activities - hillwalking, kayaking and canoeing, surfing, windsurfing, snorkelling, rockclimbing, orienteering and sailing plus some minor activities) and a Language.
Year 2 - Interpersonal Management (leadership), First Aid and Telecommunications, Water and Land Rescue, Environment Studies, Outdoor Recreation Activities* (as Year 1 but to a more advanced level) and a Language.
*The student will be brought to Basic Governing Body Award level in at least two outdoor recreation areas.
Oppourtunities For Further Study
Graduates can transfer to National Diploma and Degree programmes at this or other colleges and universities in Ireland and abroad (such transfers are normally dependent on merit level results and on comparability of course programmes). Staff at the Castlebar Campus of Galway RTC and the Achill Outdoor Education Centre are currently developing a diploma in the outdoor education area for graduates of the course.
Further Information
Richard Thorn (094) 25700
