Academic Information
Academic Integrity Handbook
ETBI has launched the new Academic Integrity Handbook. This handbook was developed as a result of discussions and research around academic integrity and what it means to the student in the ETB (Education and Training Board) and FET (Further Education and Training) sectors. This handbook aims to introduce academic integrity principles to the student and can contribute to future learning and career progression.
Student Charter
The FET Student Charter of Donegal ETB sets out our values and provides a framework that allows you, other students, our staff, teachers, and tutors to know and understand their respective responsibilities.
It is based on the principle of collaboration and cooperation between FET students and staff. It outlines:
what you can expect from us.
what Donegal ETB expects from you.
ETBI Digital Library
The ETBI Digital Library provides access to resources on
study skills
academic writing
careers
health and wellbeing
eBooks
useful websites
careers information
recommended videos
information on the public library service
and many other topics.
For detailed information on all the course types and levels we offer, please see our main website.
Course Types and Levels
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) has been designed to allow students to compare and classify qualifications across ten levels ranging from the very initial stages of learning to the most advanced stages. Each level is based on nationally agreed standards of what an individual is expected to know, understand and be able to do following successful completion of a programme of learning.
Donegal ETB offers a range of Further Education and Training (FET) programmes for those wishing to gain recognised qualifications and begin their journey in lifelong learning.
Our programmes range from Levels 1-6 on the National Framework of Qualifications and there are options available throughout the year on both a full-time and part-time basis, during the day and in the evenings.
If you already have knowledge or experience in your subject, please see the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process on our main website.
By formally recognising what you already know you can either:
join or access a course at the correct level or
apply for a formal award (a certificate) that will provide evidence of your skills and knowledge.
Awarding Bodies
An awarding body is a national body that has the authority to award a qualification in order to recognise learning which has taken place. There are a number of national awarding bodies that have their awards included in the NFQ, such as Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and the State Examination Commission (SEC) which accredits the Junior and Leaving Certificate. Awarding bodies such as City and Guilds and specific professional industry qualifications in Ireland and the UK have also been included in the NFQ.
We deliver QQI programmes leading to major awards under the Common Awards System (CAS), as well as a number of non-QQI awards, such as City & Guilds, iTEC/VTCT, CompTIA, Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Microsoft, ICS Skills and others.
Grading Schemes and Appeals
QQI Grading
At levels 1-3, students are graded as Successful or Unsuccessful. Students are graded as Successful once they demonstrate achievement of all learning outcomes.
At levels 4-6, a student’s performance in each module is graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction:
Distinction D 80% - 100%
Merit M 65% - 79%
Pass P 50% - 64%
Grades are not final or official until they have been approved by the Certification Approval Board (CAB) following external authentication. Certification takes place six times a year, in February, April, June, August, October and December.
Please speak with your teacher or programme coordinator for more information on your specific programme and its timetable.
City & Guilds Grading
In City & Guilds courses, grading depends on the award. Grading is usually Pass or Fail, but some units can have Merit and/or Distinction. Please speak with your teacher or programme coordinator for more information on your specific programme and its grading system.
Appealing a Grade
Students have the right to appeal their results should they not agree with the assessment judgement that has been made. Students may have their assessment scripts reviewed by appeals assessors who are independent of Donegal ETB. In the event that their appeal is upheld, Donegal ETB informs the relevant awarding body of the amended grade.
For more details on the appeals procedure, please see Section 12, page 18, of the document QQI QA System: Quality Assuring Assessment for Learners.
A student has the right to appeal a decision or seek feedback in relation to access, transfer and progression if they are unsatisfied with any element of the application process. For more details on the appeals process, see Donegal ETB's Policy on Access, Transfer and Progression.