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City of Dublin FET Colleges: A Complete Guide

16th June 2026
Est. Reading: 3 minutes

City of Dublin FET College is Ireland’s largest provider of further education and training, offering thousands of courses across multiple campuses throughout Dublin. It plays a major role in supporting learners at different stages of life, from school leavers to adults returning to education or upskilling for new careers.

With a strong focus on accessibility, progression, and practical learning, the college network provides pathways into employment, apprenticeships, and higher education across a wide range of sectors.

What is City of Dublin FET College?

City of Dublin FET College is the national further education and training provider for Dublin city, operating across a network of campuses and specialist centres.

It delivers programmes that range from introductory courses to advanced qualifications, supporting learners to gain recognised awards and practical skills aligned with industry needs.

The college network is designed to be flexible and accessible, offering full-time, part-time, and apprenticeship options depending on learner needs.

Campuses Across Dublin

City of Dublin FET College operates across several major campuses, each serving different regions of the city.

Ballyfermot Campus (Southwest)

The Ballyfermot campus is one of the largest further education centres in Ireland, offering programmes across creative, business, health, and technical fields.

It has a long history as a further education provider and continues to be a key hub for vocational and progression-focused learning in Dublin’s southwest.

Dhúlaigh Campus (Northeast)

The Dhúlaigh campus operates across multiple locations in Dublin’s northside, including Raheny, Coolock, and Kilbarrack.

It offers a broad range of programmes and is known for strong progression routes into higher education and degree-level study, as well as vocational training across multiple sectors.

Rathmines Campus (Central Dublin)

The Rathmines campus is one of the most well-known further education centres in Dublin.

It has a strong reputation for creative, media, business, and social studies programmes, and attracts a large number of learners progressing into university and professional careers.

Other Locations

In addition to its main campuses, City of Dublin FET College operates across more than 30 locations throughout Dublin city, making it one of the most geographically accessible education providers in the country.

What You Can Study

City of Dublin FET College offers programmes across a wide range of disciplines, including:

  • Business, administration, and law
  • Health, welfare, and education
  • Science, environment, and horticulture
  • Computing and digital skills
  • Creative arts, media, and design
  • Engineering and construction
  • Hospitality and tourism
  • Community and adult education

This broad offering allows learners to enter education at a level that suits them and progress towards further study or employment.

Learning Approach

The college places strong emphasis on practical, skills-based learning combined with academic development.

Key features include:

  • Small class sizes in many programmes
  • Continuous assessment rather than exam-only routes
  • Work experience opportunities
  • Industry-relevant training
  • Student support and guidance services
  • Flexible progression pathways

This approach is designed to help learners build confidence while developing real-world skills.

Progression Routes

One of the main strengths of City of Dublin FET College is its progression pathways.

Many learners use FET programmes as a route into:

  • Universities across Ireland
  • Technological Universities
  • Apprenticeships
  • Employment in skilled industries
  • Further professional training

Progression routes are supported through structured qualifications aligned with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically from Levels 1–6.

Who Studies at City of Dublin FET College?

The college supports a wide range of learners, including:

  • School leavers
  • Adult learners returning to education
  • Career changers
  • International students
  • People upskilling for employment

This diversity creates a broad learning environment across campuses and programmes.

Why Choose City of Dublin FET College?

Students choose City of Dublin FET College for several reasons:

  • Wide choice of courses across multiple sectors
  • Accessible campuses across Dublin city
  • Strong progression into higher education
  • Practical, career-focused learning
  • Flexible study options
  • Supportive learning environment

It is particularly suited to learners who want structured education with clear progression opportunities.

A Key Part of Ireland’s Education System

City of Dublin FET College plays an important role in Ireland’s education landscape by providing accessible, skills-focused education across Dublin.

It supports both personal development and workforce needs, helping learners gain qualifications that are relevant to modern industries and career pathways.

Explore Courses on WhichCollege.ie

WhichCollege.ie helps students compare further education and higher education options across Ireland.

Whether you are interested in business, creative arts, healthcare, computing, or science-based study, City of Dublin FET College offers a wide range of pathways to support your future goals.

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