Listing Awarding Bodies
WhichCollege.ie provides an overview of awarding bodies operating in Ireland, the UK, and internationally. While many postgraduate qualifications are issued by organisations with statutory authority, a wide range of professional bodies also grant their own awards linked to advanced study. Although most Irish courses lead to qualifications from domestic awarding bodies, some programmes result in international or non‑Irish awards, depending on the institution or field of study.
A number of Irish institutions act both as education providers and as awarding bodies in their own right. This includes the Irish universities and the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT), which have the authority to confer postgraduate qualifications.
An academic award (whether a degree, diploma, or certificate) is granted when a learner successfully completes a recognised programme of higher education at undergraduate or postgraduate level. These awards are issued by designated awarding bodies and are aligned with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). The NFQ distinguishes between major and non‑major awards, with the latter covering minor, special‑purpose, and supplemental awards.
Major awards represent the primary qualification type at each NFQ level and correspond to substantial learning achievements. Examples include an Honours Bachelor Degree at Level 8, a Master’s Degree at Level 9, and a Doctoral Degree at Level 10.
Recent legislative changes have streamlined Ireland’s qualifications system, reducing the number of statutory awarding bodies. The responsibilities previously held by organisations such as the National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA), the National Council for Vocational Awards (NCVA), Solas, Teagasc, CERT, and Bord Iascaigh Mhara have been consolidated under the awards councils FETAC and HETAC.
Below, WhichCollege.ie outlines the awarding bodies responsible for certification across Ireland and the UK.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) was founded in 1784. Today the College provides extensive education and training in the healthcare professions. RCSI offers undergraduate and also postgraduate education.
College Overview
RCSI Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences is home to Ireland's largest medical school. It is also one of the world's leading international medical schools. In addition, the RCSI Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences includes the prestigious Schools of Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing & Midwifery, Postgraduate Studies and also an Institute of Leadership.
The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland has a University in Bahrain; two Medical Schools in Malaysia (at Perdana University and Penang Medical College, jointly with UCD); and an Institute in Dubai.
Qualifications
RCSI’s degrees and awards are in line with the National Framework of Qualifications. These qualifications range from levels 7 - 10, in collaboration with the National University of Ireland.
RCSI is also the professional training body for surgery in Ireland. It manages postgraduate residency training, memberships and fellowships. It is also responsible for continuous professional development training.
