QQI approves a range of new programmes across further and higher education

At its latest meeting on 13 February 2025, QQI’s Programmes and Awards Executive Committee (PAEC) approved a wide range of new programmes, reflecting the diverse needs of learners across Ireland. These approvals span further education and training (FET), higher education and include micro-credentials, reinforcing providers’ commitment to supporting lifelong learning and skills development.  

Expanding opportunities in further education and training  

Several new FET programmes were validated, catering to business, technology, sustainability, and social inclusion. These include:   

• Forus Training: Start Your Own Business (Level 5) and Training Delivery and Evaluation (Level 6)  
• Mayo, Sligo & Leitrim ETB: Crisis Communications in a Digital Age (Level 6), Workplace Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Level 5) and Sustainable Supply Chain Procurement (Level 5) 
• Laois Offaly ETB: Retrofit Assistant Skills (Level 4) and expanded provision of English for Speakers of Other Languages (Levels 1 and 2) and Drugs and Alcohol Awareness (Level 3)   
• Donegal ETB: Managing the Sustainable Home (Level 3), focusing on financial literacy and resource management. 
• SOLAS: Advanced Certificate in Craft – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (Level 6), expanding apprenticeship training.  

New higher education programmes and micro-credentials     

A number of higher education providers received approval for new and revalidated programmes, ensuring industry relevance and professional upskilling:   

• Griffith College:   
• BA (Hons) in Sustainable Tourism Management (Level 8)   
• Certificate in Green Management Skills (Level 6) 
• Certificate in Digital Marketing for Small-Medium Tourism Enterprises (Level 7) 
• BA in Sustainable Tourism Practice and Management (Level 8) 
• MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality Systems Validation and Technology (Level 9)   
• Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Pharmaceutical Business and Technology (Level 9)   
• Consortium of Centres of Nursing and Midwifery Education (CCNME):   
• Micro-credentials in Nurse Authority to Refer Adults and Children for Radiological Procedures (Level 8).  

A number of existing courses were revalidated, validated following modification or had their period of validation extended. 

Commitment to skills development and lifelong learning     

The PAEC’s decisions reflect providers’ and QQI’s ongoing support for innovative, industry-relevant education and training. These newly validated programmes enhance entrepreneurship, sustainability, healthcare, digital skills and professional development, ensuring that learners across Ireland have access to high-quality qualifications.  

For more details on QQI’s programme validation process, visit Validating QQI Award programmes | Quality and Qualifications Ireland.