Clare Whelan: Business Studies Graduate 2013
Current Position: Graduate, BComm, UCD
Through a friend’s recommendation I came across the link for a Level 5 business course into the Level 8 Commerce course in UCD.
I found the subjects very interesting and challenging. I had never studied Funds Administration and it turned out to be my favourite subject which led me to do my two week work placement in Davys Stockbrokers. This two week placement allowed me to see the business world from a very professional point of view.
I had a fantastic year at Ballsbridge College and this was all down to the positivity that echoes around the college corridors. The teachers are second to none and do everything in their power to facilitate, encourage and further your learning. There is so much to get involved with and do in Ballsbridge that you will always be kept active and on your toes should you choose to get involved. I also made some great friends in Ballsbridge, the majority of whom I am still very good friends with.
The icing on the cake for me was successfully getting a place in Commerce UCD. After so many people telling me how slim my chances were at getting a place, I was delighted to prove them all wrong and couldn’t have done this without the amazing staff and students in Ballsbridge College. Ballsbridge is the only College of Further Education that I would recommend people to apply to, not only is it a perfect size with a small number of students per course, but it is an extremely positive place to further your education and get one step closer to your dream career.
If I had the opportunity to advise anyone considering Ballsbridge College, whether it be for a triumphant return to education, to learn more on a specific topic, or to get back on track aiming for university, I would not hesitate for a second in telling them how valuable a step it could be in their march to success whatever their endeavour.
Caoimhe Walsh: Advanced Event Management graduate 2017
Current Position: Event Management, DIT (advanced entry)
After taking a year out of college I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do with myself. Living close by, a friend mentioned Ballsbridge College as an option and told me to look into it.
I came across the Event Management course while flicking through the brochure and in my interview with the Principal, he pointed out me that I was actually eligible for the advanced Event Management course due to my past work experience.
Ballsbridge College is the perfect college to start in. I was definitely, not the most academic student in school, so I was unsure as to how I would get on in college. The lecturers are extremely supportive and very helpful when you are struggling with any assignments or modules. There is a constant support group either from the students in your class or from the teachers and porters in the college.
I am now an Event Management student in The School of Hospitality and Management in DIT. I went directly into year 2 from Ballsbridge College as DIT offer advanced entry for students coming from advanced courses.
I would definitely recommend everyone to apply to Ballsbridge College for their first step in third level education. The mixture of continuous assessment and exams has me more than prepared to continue my studies in DIT.
Brad Whelan: Business Studies Graduate 2016
Current Position: 2nd year undergraduate, Bachelor of Business Studies DCU
Before applying to Ballsbridge College, I had spent the previous year out of education looking for work after finishing secondary school. I had achieved an extremely disappointing Leaving Certificate result and I received no offers in my CAO and had lost all faith in my own abilities.
I always dreamed of being accepted into a 3rd level university. I decided to partake in a QQI course to help me do so, and through the recommendation of various guidance counsellors, I applied to Ballsbridge College. I was made aware of the various success stories about past students from Ballsbridge College, along with the level of excellence their teachers have to offer. I was quite intimidated on orientation day within the college. However, this changed very fast.
I was being introduced to subjects I had no prior knowledge on, and feeling optimistic about it. This was solely due to the confidence that teachers instil in their students. Each one go out of their way to accommodate students and make sure that the entire class has a comprehensive understanding of every subject being taught. The modules taught on my Business Studies course have turned out to be extremely advantageous to my life in 3rd level education. Many of the assignments and exams I currently have correlate back to what I learned during my year in Ballsbridge College. Instead of having to play catch-up in my current course, I’m miles ahead.
Ballsbridge College provides you with various superlative opportunities which prove invaluable in your journey to success. The most beneficial for me was the chance to go on a two-week long internship to Exeter. The internship turned out to be the greatest learning experience of my life. I was introduced to a new way of thinking, acquired new skills which have served me tremendously every day since, was instilled with a new self-confidence and met the greatest bunch of people who are now my best friends.
Without any doubt, I truly believe that I wouldn’t be in DCU without the support, education, and skills I received from Ballsbridge College. The self-confidence I obtained in my one year course empowered me to run and be elected as Class Rep for my course in DCU, get appointed as the Chairperson for the DCU Karate Club and most importantly, gave me the self-esteem required to succeed in a 3rd level university.
I would recommend any individual from any background to enrol in Ballsbridge College. As long as you’re willing to put the work in, Ballsbridge College will get you to wherever it is that you want to go. I went from someone who could never succeed in education, to being the Student of the Year in Ballsbridge. I went from someone who never made a presentation in their life to being a powerful public speaker.
Jennifer Kelly: Event Management Graduate 2012
Current Position: Graduate Event Management, DIT.
From the very first day that I stepped inside Ballsbridge College, I loved every second of it! With the positive learning environment and the very helpful teachers and staff, I always felt I was supported when I had difficulties with a module or assignments.
I have graduated from the school of Hospitality Management and Tourism in DIT where I studied Event Management. I developed skills in Ballsbridge College that I believe helped me throughout my time in DIT such as report writing and the foundations of modules that I studied in more detail in DIT. I believe that Ballsbridge College was the first stepping stone for me to pursuing my career and passion in the events industry. I would recommend everyone to apply to Ballsbridge College of FE and to take their first step into pursuing their dream career.
Cassie Crummey: Digital Marketing Graduate 2017
Current Position: 1st year undergraduate, MarketIng, Innovation and Technology, DCU
When I received a poor leaving certificate result I did not know what route I would take in order to enter third level education. There was nothing I wanted to achieve more than attending university. Upon researching online multiple QQI level 5 courses I decided to choose Digital Marketing at Ballsbridge College.
This decision was based on their university paths. Before applying here, I read in the prospectus that Ballsbridge College had previous history of students continuing their education to DCU in the course I desired. (Marketing, Innovation and Technology)
I registered very close to the start of the semester, but the staff were more than happy to help me complete my application and to inform me on everything the college had to offer.
The subjects that were taught as part of course were all very enjoyable and insightful. There were continuous assessment assignments in every module which was great as it helped me to continually focus during the year rather than having an exam worth 100% at the end of the year.
The teachers at Ballsbridge College are professional and approachable. They are all very knowledgeable on the topic that they teach and are student-focused. They help to prepare students for exams using past exam questions, they also allocate a lot of time focusing on exams which I very much appreciated.
Having achieved great results, I applied to DCU through the CAO. I was offered my first choice, Marketing, Innovation and Technology at DCU. I would like to attribute my achievement to Ballsbridge College. Ballsbridge College was a vital stepping stone for me to achieve my goal to attend university.
Darren Gill: Event Management graduate 2017
Current position: 1st year undergraduate, Event Management in DIT
In the months leading up to the Leaving Certificate I feared I wouldn’t get the points to progress into a degree in Event Management. So, I knew I had to put a contingency plan together. With the help of my guidance counselor, I came across Ballsbridge College and applied for the Event Management course.
The modules studied in Ballsbridge College provided me with a practical and academic way of learning the Event Industry. The skills and knowledge learned whilst studying at Ballsbridge College were key factors for me going on to work on numerous festivals such as Metropolis, Forbidden Fruit & Electric Picnic festivals. The staff in Ballsbridge College provided me with the support and guidance throughout the year and were very supportive.
In September 2017 I started in DIT and I was well prepared for the demands of an undergraduate course from studying at Ballsbridge College. Skills learned whilst in Ballsbridge College such as report writing were a huge advantage starting in DIT and are essential in my day to day activities. I would highly recommend Ballsbridge College for anyone that is interested in the Event Industry.
Tara O’Reilly: Applied Psychology graduate 2013
Current Position: graduate, Applied Psychology, IADT
I joined the Applied Psychology course in 2012, two years after I completed my Leaving Certificate.
I always knew I wanted to go on to 3rd Level education but was hesitant on what course was appropriate for me. I really disliked school & had a failed attempt at college in 2010, so was very anxious that a) I would not be able to keep up with the work and b) maybe 3rd level education just wasn’t for me.
After looking through the Ballsbridge College brochure I decided Applied Psychology was the course for me. It offered a broad scope of subjects which I felt would be appropriate for future 3rd level education & work endeavours.
The modules offered really prepared me for the undergraduate course I am currently in. On my first day of class in IADT I already felt confident with what was being asked of me and in some way “one step ahead”.
I felt like this as the assignments Ballsbridge College gave us (reports, case studies, group-work, presentations and experiments) were all relevant to what would be expected of us during an undergraduate course, teaching me skills that I use today. The workload and assignment schedule was fair, I never felt too overwhelmed with deadlines but it definitely made me knuckle down.
The teachers in Ballsbridge were next to none, I believe if it were not for them I would not be in an undergraduate course today. They gave me so much help and were extremely patient, questions were always welcome and I never left a class feeling confused or worried about a looming assignment. I felt as though everyone just wanted us to well and really supported us.
I would highly recommend Ballsbridge College to everyone. From the tutors to the community environment it really has something to offer everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there experiencing a very happy year and for the first time in my life was sad to leave an educational institute.
Kirstie Domican: Criminology and Social Studies graduate 2014
Current Position: working in the cyber security sector and studying for Masters in Criminology, DIT
I studied Criminology and Social Studies at Ballsbridge College of Further Education in 2013/2014 and by far it was the best decision in my life. When I started, I had lost all faith in the Irish education system. I had no aspirations, no confidence and no interest in schooling and didn’t know what I wanted to do within my life. I found that the college and staff members enabled me to achieve and recognise my potential by nurturing my academic growth and with that I found a love for learning each and every day.
The dedication, support and motivation of each member of staff is remarkable and enables students like myself to achieve their dreams. With their help, I am now a graduate of Psychology and pursuing a masters in Criminology. For that I will forever be indebted to Ballsbridge College.
Johanna Wojsa: Health Sector Studies Graduates, 2016.
Current Position: Carer in the social care sector
I really enjoyed my time studying in Ballsbridge College. The Health Sector Studies course provided me with the necessary set of professional skills and knowledge to commence work as a carer in the social care sector. I secured a job through my work placement with the help of the College. The course also provided the scope for future study at third level.
I am very thankful to the College and all the teachers who were supportive of me and my fellow students in every way. They were very understanding of all students and their needs.
Sophie Masood: International Aid and Development Graduate 2014
Current Position: final year e, International Relations, DCU
As a mature student I made the decision to return to education to explore an interest in Humanities. I did some research and discovered the International Aid and Development Course at Ballsbridge College of Further Education. This course was an ideal opportunity to explore my areas of interest in human rights and equality issues. The level of support and guidance I received from the course tutors and academic staff during the year influenced my decision to continue and pursue a degree in International Relations at DCU.
Over the past few years I have volunteered and worked with a variety of community development projects and local charities. This experience has influenced my understanding and interest in exploring equality issues and social challenges facing international communities. The International Aid and Development Course greatly contributed to my decision to continue my studies to third level.
As a first year student, DCU offers many challenges! During my time at Ballsbridge College I gained invaluable experience, developed academic skills and confidence essential to progress to third level education. The course tutors were supportive and encouraging throughout the year. The course offered a diverse range of modules, so you can explore a specific area of interest. The personal assessments and tutorials throughout the academic year were helpful. I would highly recommend the course.
Sharon Marshall & John Daly: Health Sector Studies Graduates, 2014.
Current Position:final year, Health and Society, DCU.
We are currently studying Health and Society in DCU. This is a 3 year level 8 degree which offers opportunity to continue to post-graduate studies in a range of specific health care fields such as Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Medicine and Nursing. We are both hoping to further our studies in one of these areas.
We really enjoyed studying Health Sector Studies at Ballsbridge College and were prepared well for university. There are also a wide range of 3rd level courses which students can apply for after completion of this course such as General Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Intellectual Disability Nursing, Children’s Nursing, Midwifery, Health and Society, Social Studies, Social Care and Psychology.
The course provides a good balance between practical modules like Care Skills and more theory based modules like Anatomy and Physiology. The modules and assessments that we did as part of this course were a great foundation and prepared us for our current studies as we gained a lot of experience doing assignments, group work, presentations and formal exams. At the end of the Health Sector Studies course, students are qualified to work as Healthcare Assistants and I (John) am currently working part-time as a Healthcare Assistant to the blind
The highlight of our year in Ballsbridge College was being chosen to represent the College in its annual exchange with ROC Van Amsterdam in February 2014. Over the course of two weeks we participated in work experience. This trip was an amazing educational and cultural experience and we made some friends for life. We highly recommend Ballsbridge students to apply to take part in this exchange.
Miles Campbell – Web Authoring & Multimedia Graduate 2014
Current Position: 3rd year undergraduate, BSc in Computing in Multimedia Programming, IADT
I studied Web Authoring & Multimedia at Ballsbridge College from 2013 to 2014. Having studied Fine Art after completing my Leaving Certificate in 2009, I took some time off to consider my future prospects and ways to broaden my academics. I had always been interested in website design although I had little understanding of the various processes involved.
Ballsbridge College of Further Education was recommended to me by many of my peers. I found the staff to be incredibly helpful and informative and the campus was well equipped with the necessary hardware and software to produce quality and creative content.
The tutors were very understanding and allowed the class to work at their own pace while creating a comfortable working environment. Within weeks my classmates and I were developing functioning web pages using HTML and CSS as well as learning the fundamentals of Flash animations and image processing.
Other areas of the course such as Media Studies, Design, Communications and Work Experience provided excellent insights and skills that will prove useful in future endeavours.
I am delighted that I chose Ballsbridge College of Further Education. It provided a great starting point for my 3rd level studies and gave me the confidence and certainty to continue pursuing a career in programming.
I would highly recommend Ballsbridge College to anyone wishing to develop their skills in this sector.
Vivienne Nagle: Applied Psychology Graduate, 2015.
Current Position: 2nd year undergraduate, Arts UL
Going back to education is not an easy decision but it was one of the best things I have ever done. I choose Ballsbridge College because of a recommendation from a friend and I am so happy that I did. Studying at Ballsbridge College gave me confidence and took away all of my fears about studying. The teachers are fantastic, for the first time in my life they made me feel that I had potential and that I could achieve what I wanted. I am now studying the Joint Honours Arts degree programme at the University of Limerick. The knowledge I gained while studying in Ballsbridge College has been invaluable during my first semester. I will always be thankful to all the staff and my wonderful teachers for all of their help and support. Whether you are a mature student or a PLC student I would recommend Ballsbridge College as they are all so helpful and the education you will receive there will be first class
Carmel Purdom: TEFL Graduate 2014
Current Position: TEFL Teacher
Having graduated from UCD in 2013, I was unsure of the most effective way to incorporate my B.A. into my career.
A cursory Google search led me to the TEFL course in Ballsbridge College and I phoned the college for more information. I discussed the matter with Mr. Dan Bradley, the Principal of Ballsbridge College of Further Education, who addressed all my questions and concerns.
I enjoyed my time at Ballsbridge College of Further Education. I found the TEFL course informative and interesting. I feel it has equipped me to address the practical challenges of a new career head on. I found that, not only my tutors, but all staff in the college were completely focused on assisting me at every phase of my course. I had unlimited support with finding books and teaching resources, assistance with photocopying for lesson plans and, probably most helpful of all, a calming glass of water and some welcome reassurance just before a teaching practice !
Since qualifying I have worked consistently for a large private Language School and have found both the theoretical and practical elements of my TEFL course to be invaluable.
I am happy to recommend any student to attend Ballsbridge College of Further Education due to the dedication and kindness of the staff. I wish all future students the happy memories and good friends I have made there.
Richard Donovan – Auctioneering, Estate Agency & Valuation Graduate 2015
Current Position: 2nd year undergraduate, Property Economics, DIT Bolton Street
In the summer of 2014 I decided to return to the classroom after a 25 year gap and many careers the latest of which was a Sales Representative for a large firm in the FMCG market. With a passion and curiosity for all things real estate and property related I decided that Auctioneering was the career path to pursue. Returning to education as a mature student was a decision that both excited and concerned me so finding the right place to start this journey was top priority.
After some research and several interviews, Ballsbridge College emerged as the clear favourite. The college located in the heart of Ballsbridge is large enough but not intimidating and had a community feel to it that was almost comforting. In September 2014 I started a well-established one year full-time Post Leaving Certificate course in Auctioneering developed in conjunction with the Irish Auctioneers & Valuers Institute (IAVI). The course has nine modules which gives one a clear insight into the industry and during the second semester students gain practical work experience by working for two weeks in a property-related environment. This two week experience led to many students finding permanent work in the industry but more importantly confirmed to me that I was on the right career path.
Ballsbridge College has a personal interest in all its students that I found remarkable. The lecturers on my course were diligent, passionate, practical and enthusiastic about their subjects and extremely generous with their time. My experience in Ballsbridge College has given me the courage and motivation to purse my goals not only in education but in life also. I highly recommend the Auctioneer, Real Estate and Valuation course in Ballsbridge College for anyone interested in a career in the property industry.
Nikita Doyle: Auctioneering, Estate Agency & Valuation Graduate, 2017.
Current Position: 1st year undergraduate, Property Economics, DIT
I always had an interest in the property sector and hoped to find a course that was property related. During my research of various colleges, I came across the Auctioneering, Estate Agency & Valuation course in Ballsbridge College and I was immediately drawn to it. The course gripped me from the very beginning right and right to the end of my college year. It was thoroughly enjoyable, captivating, but challenging at times also.
The course consisted of 9 modules, many of which I had not studied before. Each one was very intriguing and different in their own way. I found the continuous assessments throughout the year very helpful. The course also consisted of two weeks work experience in the property sector. I found this extremely beneficial, as it allowed me to gain experience in the industry, which I hope to pursue a career in the future.
My experience at Ballsbridge College has been nothing but enjoyable and extremely beneficial. The college has had a very positive impact on my life. I am so grateful to the lecturers at the college for their guidance and tuition during my time at the college. The lectures not only helped me to achieve my dream course by pushing me to achieve the best grades, they taught me skills which I will use throughout my future studies and career. They made me feel I had the potential to progress and achieve what I wanted. I am now currently in my first year in DIT, studying level 8 “Property Economics”. Ballsbridge has given me a huge advantage, by preparing me for my current course in DIT.
I would highly recommended Ballsbridge College to everyone. From each lecturer’s dedication to the pleasant environment it has so many options for everyone. It is because of the lecturers at Ballsbridge College that I have got to where I am today and I am so grateful.