Mayo College of Further Education and Training (MCFET) is one of the largest providers of Further Education in the west of Ireland, delivering QQI-accredited programmes across multiple campuses in County Mayo, including Castlebar, Westport, Ballina, Swinford, Claremorris, Ballinrobe and Belmullet. The college specialises in Further Education and Training (FET), offering Level 5 and Level 6 programmes designed to support progression to higher education, apprenticeships and employment. With more than 60 courses available across a range of subject areas, Mayo College serves both school leavers and adult learners seeking new qualifications or career pathways.

The college places a strong emphasis on practical learning, industry engagement and progression opportunities. Many programmes incorporate work experience, field trips, practical workshops and Erasmus+ mobility opportunities, allowing students to gain hands-on experience alongside their academic studies. Facilities vary by campus and subject area, with specialist learning environments supporting disciplines such as agriculture, animal care, computing, engineering, healthcare, creative arts and sports studies. The college also offers apprenticeship pathways, adult learning opportunities and tertiary degree routes developed in partnership with higher education institutions.

Course Types and Modes of Study

• Full-Time QQI Level 5 Programmes
  The majority of Mayo College’s courses are delivered as one-year full-time QQI Level 5 programmes. Popular options include Nursing Studies, Computer Systems and Networks, Business Studies and Marketing, Animal Care, Agriculture, Fashion Design, Software Development with Cloud Computing and Sports Studies.
• Full-Time QQI Level 6 Programmes
  Students who have completed a Level 5 qualification can progress to advanced Level 6 awards in areas such as Business, Agriculture, Animal Science, Early Learning and Care, Computer Systems and Networks, Sports Recreation and Exercise Science, Art and Applied Social Studies.
• Part-Time Adult Learning
  Mayo College offers a broad range of part-time learning opportunities for adults returning to education or seeking to develop new skills. Courses are delivered through local centres across Mayo and include introductory programmes, family learning initiatives, QQI-accredited courses and vocational training linked to sectors such as healthcare, administration, tourism, schools, hospitality and the arts.
• Apprenticeships
  Apprenticeship pathways form part of the college’s wider Further Education offering, providing learners with opportunities to combine practical workplace training with formal education.
• Tertiary Degree Pathways
  Mayo College has expanded its progression routes through tertiary degree programmes, including options such as the Bachelor of Business (Honours) pathway offered through collaboration with higher education partners. These routes allow students to begin their studies within the Further Education sector before progressing to degree-level qualifications.
• Professional Skills and Workforce Development
  In addition to major QQI awards, the college supports workforce development through shorter vocational and skills-based programmes. Areas supported include business administration, healthcare, information technology, hospitality and community services, helping learners gain targeted qualifications relevant to local employment needs.

Categories of Study

Agriculture, Animal and Environmental Studies

Agriculture is one of Mayo College’s most established areas of study, particularly at its Westport campus. Programmes include Agriculture Level 5 and Level 6, Animal Care, Animal Science, Horticulture, Applied Ecology and Golf & Sports Turf Management. Many courses combine classroom learning with practical training and industry-focused experiences.

Arts, Design and Creative Media

Creative learners can choose from programmes such as Art, Animation, Fashion Design, Digital Design with Marketing and Music Performance, Technology and Theory. These courses emphasise portfolio development, practical project work and progression to higher education in creative disciplines.

Business, Administration and Marketing

Business-related courses include Business Studies and Marketing, Business Level 6, Office Administration, Medical and Legal Administration and Supply Chain-related progression pathways. These programmes focus on practical workplace skills, digital tools and business operations.

Computing and Software Development

Technology programmes include Computer Systems and Networks at Levels 5 and 6, Software Development with Cloud Computing and other IT-focused qualifications. Students can develop skills in networking, systems administration, software development and emerging digital technologies.

Engineering and Applied Technology

Learners interested in technical careers can pursue programmes such as Pre-University Engineering, Motor Technology, Food Science and Science Laboratory pathways. These courses provide foundations for progression into engineering, manufacturing and scientific fields.

Health, Social Care and Community Studies

Healthcare and social care represent some of the college’s most popular areas. Available programmes include Nursing Studies, Disability Studies with SNA, Applied Social Studies, Community and Youth Work, Emergency Care Personnel and Applied Social Studies with Psychology. Many courses include work placement opportunities within relevant sectors.

Hospitality, Tourism and Aviation

Students interested in tourism and travel can access programmes such as Airline Studies, while other vocational pathways support careers in hospitality and customer service sectors.

Sport and Fitness

Sports-focused programmes include Sports Studies and Exercise Science, Sports Nutrition, Sports and Physical Therapy and Sports Recreation and Exercise Science Level 6. These courses combine theory with practical training and may support progression into coaching, fitness or sports-related degree programmes.

Early Learning and Education

Mayo College offers Early Learning and Care programmes at both Level 5 and Level 6, providing pathways into childcare, preschool education and related sectors. Graduates often progress directly into employment or continue into higher education.

One of Mayo College’s distinguishing features is its strong emphasis on progression. Students can move from Level 5 to Level 6 qualifications, progress to apprenticeships, enter employment or use their awards to access higher education through the CAO and tertiary degree pathways. The college also participates in Erasmus+ initiatives, giving eligible learners opportunities to gain international experience as part of their studies. Combined with its network of campuses across Mayo and broad range of vocational disciplines, this creates multiple routes for learners at different stages of their educational journey.

Resources

Useful Links

Course Directory: https://mayocollege.ie/courses/

All Courses: https://mayocollege.ie/allcourses/

Part-Time Adult Learning: https://mayocollege.ie/part-ttme-castlebar/

Apprenticeships: https://mayocollege.ie

About Mayo College: https://mayocollege.ie/about-us/