Your education questions answered

I was very disappointed not to get an offer from the CAO last year, but took a place on a PLC coarse. One of my lecturers explained that I could apply to the CAO this year, with my PLC qualification, under the Higher Education Links Scheme. Can you explain how this system enables me to access colleges through the CAO? What range of courses is available to me and how do I apply?

The Higher Education Links Scheme enables learners who hold a FETAC (NCVA Level 2) award, to apply for a higher-education place in a range of institutions. More than 2,000 places are available on approximately 350 courses - specific FETAC (NCVA Level 2) awards are linked with these higher-education courses. For information on courses leading to a FETAC (NCVA Level 2) award contact your local VEC or PLC/further education centre. FETAC (NCVA Level 2) awards are also available through BIM training centres and Teagasc horticultural and agricultural colleges.

Twenty-three higher-education institutions participate in the scheme, offering links to national certificate and diploma courses, with several institutions offering new links to national degree courses for 2004 admissions.

Participating Institutions: Institutes of technology in Athlone, Blanchardstown, Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway-Mayo, Letterkenny, Limerick, Sligo, Tallaght, Tipperary, Tralee, Waterford. St Patrick's Carlow College, Dublin City University, Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Mary Immaculate College (UL), National College of Art and Design (NUI), National College of Ireland, NUI Maynooth, Cork, and Dublin.

New degree links include arts, art and design, commerce, communications, computing, education and training, engineering, hotel and catering, law, nursing and tourism. For further information see the prospectuses of the individual institutions or contact their admissions office directly. See also the Guide to Higher Education Links Scheme 2004 on the FETAC website www.fetac.ie.

Applications, through the scheme, for a higher-education place are made using the standard CAO form. Instructions are provided in the current CAO handbook or on www.cao.ie.

In July, FETAC results issue to the CAO and applicants are assessed on their FETAC (NCVA) Level 2 results. Each module is credited, with three points allocated for a distinction, two points allocated for a merit and one point allocated for a pass. Points are totalled, with applicants ranked according to this "total grade point" figure. Places are then offered in ranked order until the quota is complete for each course.

It is essential that you verify what FETAC (NCVA Level 2) award is required for the college course of your choice. Check award and module details with your PLC/further education college and the participating institutions.

Brian Mooney is president of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors. E-mail questions to bmooney@irish-times.ie