If you have a taste for the fine things in life and would like to hone your tastes to diploma level, the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers course in fine and decorative arts might be for you. This is a one-year part-time course (three days a week) covering subjects such antique furniture, ceramics, silver, paintings, glass and architecture. The course costs £2,300.

"We get students of all ages and backgrounds with over half the class falling into the mature student category," says course director Liam O'Donnell. "Given the vibrant economy there are good job opportunities in the field for qualified people. Some graduates go into the auction houses, others set up their own businesses in antiques or a related area." For further information telephone (01)6785685 or write to Liam O'Donnell at 128 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2.