Caoimhe Walsh: Advanced Event Management graduate 2017
Current Position: Event Management, TU Dublin (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 to 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 TU Dublin. I went directly into year 2 from Ballsbridge College through the advanced entry route for PLC students coming from Level 6 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 TU Dublin.
Elliot Haran: Business Studies graduate, 2019
Current Position: First year BLaw, UCD
“I thoroughly enjoyed my year in Ballsbridge College which was largely down to the atmosphere within the college. Each teacher was so helpful in making me feel comfortable as well as working so hard to help me with my academic studies. They did so much to develop and encourage my skills in a variety of areas some of which I had never come across before. I was lucky enough to develop many new friendships that will certainly outlast my year of study in Ballsbridge.
To top it all off, after a year of hard work, I was accepted into UCD to study Law which was my first choice. I was over the moon. I know I would not have achieved this if it wasn’t for all the help given to me by my various teachers. I couldn’t thank my teachers enough who consistently helped me and kept me positive towards attaining my goal”.
Breda Conophy, Advanced Certificate in Business Graduate 2019
Current Position: BA HRM, NCI
“The Advanced Business course at Ballsbridge College is both practical and theory based. The broad range of topics covered helped me to decide what to specialise in. I learnt a lot of good, relevant information
which has assisted me in achieving my ultimate goal of getting into BA Hons Human Resource Management at The National College of Ireland. The tutors are extremely knowledgeable, supportive and helpful. I would highly recommend Ballsbridge College as a Post Leaving Cert College that embraces a mixture of cultures and provides the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve your goals”.
Cassie Crummey: Digital Marketing Graduate 2017
Current Position: 2nd 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 the 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: 3rd year undergraduate, Event Management in TU Dublin
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 Counsellor, 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.. 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 (now named TU Dublin) 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 and are essential in my day to day activities. I would highly recommend Ballsbridge College for anyone that is interested in the Event Industry.
Peter Conlon- Applied Psychology graduate, 2018
Current Position: 1st year undergraduate, Applied Psychology, IADT
My experience at Ballsbridge college has had a long lasting impact on my life. Ballsbridge has given me new friends who I remain in strong contact with to this day, and teachers, who provided the most incredible amount of knowledge, support, character and companionship. Ballsbridge College has done an amazing job equipping me with the knowledge and skills to pursue my life ahead of me, both in my new course, and has done an amazing job preparing me and my classmates with the skills needed to take on the real world
Now in IADT studying Applied Psycholgy, I have begun to understand and appreciate just what an amazing standard of education that Ballsbridge College delivers to its students.
The members of staff were incredibly well selected, I honestly don’t think that there ever could have been any better candidates to fill the job requirement. They were all incredibly efficient at their jobs and incredibly skilled in their fields.
Ballsbridge was an experience that I will never forget. If te college offered a degree course, I would have gone without hesitation. I would recommend Ballsbridge college to anyone, and have been recommending Ballsbridge to everyone
Siobhán Loughrey: Criminology and Social Studies graduate 2019
Current Position: undergraduate student at Stirling University studying Sociology and Criminology.
In Ballsbridge College I studied Criminology and Social Studies. Completing this course was how I got my place in University of Stirling. Early in the year I got a conditional offer for the course which gave me specific grades to achieve. Career guidance was available while I was applying to help with my application, and my teachers were always willing to have a chat or go over something I wasn’t sure on.
I believe the work experience that I took part in was an incredible experience and added to my personal development. I was a part of the college Erasmus programme to Amsterdam with a number of other students. During my time on the Erasmus programme I developed skills and made friends with students from other classes in the college.
The course was a great help to me in achieving my goal and the teachers were always helpful to me. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Ballsbridge College to anyone.
Claire Brazil: International Aid and Development Graduate 2019
Current Position: 1st year undergraduate, International Relations, DCU
The year I spent in Ballsbridge College was unplanned but a great surprise. I chose to study International Aid and Development because it offered a broad range of topics. Thanks to my time in Ballsbridge I now attend DCU and study International Relations. My course in Ballsbridge has allowed me to hit the ground running in DCU and has given me a broader knowledge bases to work with. The course opened my eyes many different cultures and to many career opportunities. The classes were the perfect stepping stone from school to college and gave me a better understanding as to what university would ask of me. The teachers and class tutors where always happy to help with any problems and their guidance through the year helped me decide what colleges to apply for.
Sophie Masood: International Aid and Development Graduate 2014
Current Position: Graduate, 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.
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: Graduates, Health and Society, DCU.
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. 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.
Greg Lont– Web Design & Multimedia Graduate 2019
Current Position: Games Development (QQI Level 6)
“I loved my time at Ballsbridge College. I benefited from the course both professionally and personally. I am very proud of the results that I achieved. I believe that I could not have done it without the amazing support of the teachers at College. They were very reassuring and helpful whenever I struggled to understand something on the course. I learnt a lot of skills that will definitely benefit me in the future. I am very thankful for this invaluable experience and I would add that if you are looking for an inspiring place to continue your education I strongly recommend attending Ballsbridge College. Thank you for the wonderful support!”
Shannon Keys, Digital Marketing Graduate, 2018
Current position: 2nd year undergraduate– Bachelor of Business Studies (Hons), DCU
When I completed my Leaving Cert, I had no idea what direction I wanted to go in life or what career path I wanted to pursue. I found myself researching multiple courses, I finally settled on Digital Marketing in Ballsbridge College. This was one of the best decisions I have made in life yet. From the day I entered Ballsbridge College a huge feeling of confidence was instilled within me by all the teachers. The teachers are truly second to none, they consistently do everything in their power to encourage and assist you to perform the best you possibly can during your time here.
My goal was to gain entry into Bachelor of Business Studies in Dublin City University and I succeeded in this. I proudly attribute my achievement to all of my teachers in Ballsbridge College. The support, dedication, and motivation displayed by each and every tutor in Ballsbridge College is remarkable.
I can safely say that the knowledge and skills that I gained during my time here have been vital to my success in the first year of my university degree.
“What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” —Alfred Mercier
Rebecca Curran Community Development Graduate 2017
Current Position: 3rd Year Community and Youth Development, TU Dublin
Before applying to Ballsbridge College I had no idea what interested me enough to make me want to learn more and eventually, what kind of job I wanted to do. While doing Community Development I realised that what I wanted to do was work in the community and with people trying to help however I could. The modules that we studied during the course were so interesting and helped me learn how to see things from different perspectives.
I made some really good friends while in Ballsbridge College and as a class we got on really well, even helping each other through the assignments that were given in each module.
Because of the help and support that I got while studying in Ballsbridge College I discovered the path I wanted to go down to study and I would recommend that anybody who isn’t sure of what they want to do or be does a QQI course in Ballsbridge because I truly believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of everyone in Ballsbridge College.
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.
Nikita Doyle: Auctioneering, Estate Agency & Valuation Graduate, 2017.
Current Position: 3rd year undergraduate, Property Economics, TU Dublin
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 DIT (now TU Dublin), studying level 8 “Property Economics”. Ballsbridge has given me a huge advantage, by preparing me for my current course in DIT (now TU Dublin).
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.