Summer 2025 Exam Timetable

CDCFE are delighted to announce that two of their animation students have been honoured with awards for their short animated films.

Current BA degree student Xion Chong won First Frame Best Animated Film at the recent Dublin International Film Festival for “Disordered and Distorted”. The jury said “we were so widely inspired by the director’s skill in blending various animation styles so effectively, while also tackling the importance of mental health with such a distinctive and creative vision”.

Animation BA graduate Colin Reddin received the prize for Best Animation at the Royal Television Society Awards for his film “Going Nuts”. On graduating from Coláiste Dhúlaigh Colin was the recipient of a Cultural and Creative industries Skillnet Traineeship. He was selected to gain hands-on experience at Elk Studios, working on pre-production of an animated series. Colin has since been given a contract to work as a junior rigging artist at the company.

Course coordinator Kevin Lynch said “we are immensely proud of our students and graduates whose talent is acknowledged by their competing at a professional level and winning prestigious awards. The animation course at Coláiste Dhúlaigh prides itself on preparing students for the workplace through creative projects.”

The Animation Course at Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE is a four-year programme comprising certificates from QQI, BTEC and a final year Top-Up Degree accredited by University of Wolverhampton. Students have access to industry standard software and learn skills necessary to gain employment such as drawing, sculpting, animation layouts and much more.

CDCFE are proud of their Animation students who have collaborated on RTÉ podcast project “Cookie Bytes” which will be broadcast this March. The series is RTÉ’s first about AI and the technology associated with it. The podcast launches on the 5th of March and one of these animations will feature on the Today Show on Friday 7th of March.

For several years our Animation HND and BA Degree class have worked on a client-based project with Nicky Coghlan, Radio and Podcast Producer at RTÉ. The project involves small  teams of CDCFE students creating a short piece of animation to synchronise with pre-recorded clips from an upcoming RTÉ Podcast series. This years HND group produced animated work for new RTÉ Podcast series Cookie Bytes, hosted by twin brothers Max and Sonny.

The students have previously created animations for shows such as Cereal, Storytime Takeover, The Neighbourhood as well as award-winning show Ecolution. The work has been broadcast on TV, screened on the RTÉ Player and used for promotion on the RTÉ website and social media sites.

RTÉ Podcast Producer Nicky Coghlan said “RTÉjr Radio has been very lucky to collaborate with the animation course in CDCFE since 2019. Having an industry client project bridges the gap between college and work, it’s been a fruitful partnership. The students have helped to address the challenges we faced in visualizing our podcasts to engage audiences on social media. CDCFE students have used our audio content to craft wonderful, dynamic visuals that bring our audio to life in a different way. RTÉ has been proud been proud to broadcast the work, giving the students credit.”

Listen to “Cookie Bytes” podcast here RTÉjr Podcasts

Coláiste Dhúlaigh are pleased to announce the annual Art, Craft and Design Awards, sponsored by City of Dublin ETB’s Sports and Cultural Council.

We would like you to “RELECT” on your year at college and choose creative work you are most proud of and have completed as part of your coursework. This can be in any medium, format or theme and it should demonstrate your skills in the area you are studying.

There will be an award and prize for best student work in each category, as well as a prize for highly commended entries. Winners will be invited to an award ceremony at the Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education Graduate Show on 1^st  May, at The Red Stables, St Annes Park, Raheny.

For submission details click the Entry Form

Artwork designed by graphic design level 6 student Cara Byrne.

The Animation department at Coláiste Dhúlaigh recently hosted Keyframe11, a series of talks by professionals working in the animation and film industries. The event, which is in its eleventh year, sees inspirational keynote speakers giving advice to students at CDCFE on preparing for future employment.

Prestigious speakers at Keyframe11 included Boulder Media founder Robert Cullen as well as Brown Bag Films’ Jenni Clifford, a Coláiste Dhúlaigh graduate, speaking about working on new Netflix show Robo. Series Development Executive Sarah Lonsdale also spoke to students about working on hit show Bluey.

Students from courses such as Animation, Media & Film Production and Creative Writing attended the three-day event in CDCFE’s Coolock campus where local community radio station Near FM also launched a new documentary about legendary Irish animator Jimmy Murikami. Murikami’s family previously gifted his original drawings for display at Coláiste Dhúlaigh, citing the college’s commitment to training the next generation of talented animators. The documentary was produced by CDCFE journalism graduate Paula Wiseman and will be available on NearFM’s play back portal.

Speakers throughout the event also included 3D sculptor Séan Forsyth who worked developing props for Game of Thrones, and French illustrator Jean Texier who has had a long career in the industry, working on projects like Asterix and Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles. Rigging artist Jordan Beatty spoke about the process of developing characters for animation, while author Steve Woods discussed the history of Irish animation featured in his new book “Drawing the Line”.

Elk Studios’ senior story artist Kayvon Darabi Fard spoke about his journey into animation, beginning with sketching in his bedroom to working with Disney. Finally, former CDCFE tutor Nicky Coghlan spoke to students about his current role as head of podcasting for RTE Junior, and opportunities for students in the media industry.

Keyframe organizer Kevin Lynch said “we are grateful to all the brilliant speakers who shared their insights, advice and guidance regarding various specializations and how to make careers within the animation and broader media industries. The animation and media courses at Coláiste Dhúlaigh are well-respected in industry circles, therefore we are delighted with the continued support for this event, and we hope that it will continue to grow and develop into the future.”

CDCFE’s Information Evening takes place on 11^th March from 4pm – 7pm in their Coolock campus, all are welcome to attend. Applications for courses beginning in September are now open.

Our first round of interviews will be held on afternoon of Wednesday March 5th. Applicants who apply for a course which requires an interview will be given a time once they apply. Courses that require interviews are:

• Animation
• Film Production
• Creative Writing
• Outdoor Adventure Management – Shackleton
• Pre-Uni Science DCU Access
• Early Learning & Care
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Physiotherapy Assistant
• All Art & Design Department courses (Raheny Campus)

All other courses will hold “Meet & Greet” sessions where students are invited in to the college to learn more about their chosen course. The first meet and greet session is Wednesday March 19th at 3pm.

There will be another round of meet & greet sessions on April 30th and interviews on May 7th for those who apply throughout March and April.

The Animation Department at CDCFE are delighted to announce that Keyframe 11 takes place on February 10th, 11th & 12th.

Keyframe, which is in its eleventh year, will see talks by animation industry professionals in the Coolock campus canteen. All students are welcome to attend these talks which take place from 9.30am on Monday – Wednesday.

See the schedule of talks below:

KEYFRAME 11 Schedule

The Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education Information Evening takes place on Tuesday 11th March from 4-7pm in the Coolock campus, Barryscourt Road.

We offer more than 70 courses at a range of certifications from PLC courses at QQI Levels 5 & 6, Higher National Diploma, Apprenticeship, Traineeship, BTEI and BA Honours Degree. All are welcome to attend this event and speak to staff and students about the courses on offer. There is no need to register for this event, walk-ins are welcome.

The Information Evening will give prospective students an opportunity to find about more about courses for which they plan to, or have already applied. Find out about disability and learner supports, grants and career guidance. Applicants can also get advice about what is required for a portfolio of work or course interview.  Coláiste Dhúlaigh welcomes school leavers, mature students and those returning to education.

For further information about news and events follow our Social Media. We look forward to welcoming you to our information evening.

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CDCFE are offering a part-time course in Barbering. This ITEC approved level 3 course will be taught in our Kilbarrack campus salon. Learn skills like cutting, styling and customer service. The Back to Education Initiative allows participants to retain their social welfare benefits while training.

Click the link for further information about this Barbering Course

Due to the weather warning for Friday 24th the college will be closed for the day.

We have two exciting courses starting January 2025.

Pottery for Beginners covers Pottery, Drawing and Painting and is delivered over three day course for beginners to intermediate level. See full details here.

ITEC Certificate In Barbering Level 3 will cover skills which are essential to work and be successful in the barbering industry. See full details here.

Apply for any of our courses here.

Complete the Learner Survey Here to be in with a chance to win a One4All voucher. 

Gallery by Gary Ashe/Sharpix

The Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education Open Day took place during College Awareness week. The event saw lots of local schools attend CDCFE’s Coolock campus to find out about all the courses on offer.

Visitors engaged with interactive activities like Panto, mind-experiments, dissection, hair bow making, life drawing, TV camera interviews, PC maintenance, and lots more on the day.

CDCFE offers more than 70 courses across its 13 faculty departments. Students can study at a range of levels from QQI 4, 5 & 6, Traineeship, Apprenticeship and BA Degree. Full and part time courses are available. Applications are now open for courses starting in September 2025.

Principal Patricia O’Brien Brennan commented “We are delighted to be part of a nationwide campaign to promote the importance of continuing your education and exploring your college and career options. There are lots of supports out there and College Awareness Week encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to pursue their passions and interests.”

For 10 years, CAW has aimed to inspire and inform all students in Ireland about the multitude of options available to continue your education. It encourages students to pursue the course best suited to their interests, abilities, and dreams, whether that is a PLC qualification, an apprenticeship, or a university degree.

View Gallery by Photography Student Anastasia Aleknavichene

Coláiste Dhúlaigh recently held a National Hairdressing Apprenticeship Capstone event in the Sugar Club. The event was hosted by RTÉs Nuala Carey and officiated by Fine Gael Councillor Supriya Singh.

The event was a culmination of 3 years of practical study for our hairdressing apprentices, who are now fully qualified. In November, our student Philip McDonagh Lambe was crowned Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year, seeing off competition from ETBs all around the country.

The NHA programme at Coláiste Dhúlaigh allows participants to “earn while they learn”, doing one day study per week in our Kilbarrack salon “Cabello” and the rest of the week working in a professional salon.

Learn more about the NHA at Coláiste Dhúlaigh.

View Gallery below – courtesy of Aron Cahill @aron.cahill

Congratulations to our National Hairdressing Apprenticeship student Philip McDonagh Lambe who has been crowned Apprentice of the Year by Apprenticeship Ireland.

Philip who is a participant on Coláiste Dhúlaigh’s NHA programme in our Kilbarrack campus, works under the mentorship of Ciaran Nevin Hair Salon.

In a ceremony in the Mansion House, Philip was awarded the prestigious prize as a result of his “exceptional leadership, strong work ethic and creative flair”.

Philip is a stage 3 apprentice who will graduate this November. See him talk about his experience of the NHA programme at Coláiste Dhúlaigh

Apprentice of the year Philip McDonagh Lambe pictured with CDCFE Principal Patricia O’Brien Brennan (L) and Deputy Principal Aine Daly (R)

CDCFE invites you to their Open Day on Thursday November 21^st from 10am-3pm, Coolock campus. All are welcome to attend.

The Coláiste Dhúlaigh Open Day takes place from 10am-3pm on Thursday 21^st November, during College Awareness Week in CDCFE’s Coolock campus, Barryscourt Road. The day promises an action-packed programme of events, with interactive workshops and demonstrations from our staff and students. All are welcome to attend.

CDCFE offers more than 70 Post Leaving Certificate Courses across 13 faculty departments, ranging from Animation to Art Portfolio, Barbering to Business, Psychology to Science, Engineering to Outdoor Education etc. We offer courses at QQI Levels 4, 5 & 6, Traineeships, Apprenticeship, Entrepreneurship and Level Eight BA Hons Degrees in Animation, and Film Production.

Prospective students do not need to register for this event, just come on the day. Applicants do not need CAO points to study with us, just a willingness to learn. Our disability support and guidance counselling services will be on hand to answer any questions about learner supports and funding. You will also be able to find out about our Erasmus+ foreign placement opportunities.

Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE offers excellent progression routes to university. Many of our courses are one-year long and lead directly to a college place through CAO. Beat exam stress with continuous assessment and let our tutors share their academic and industry experience with you.

CDCFE has three campuses, Coolock, Raheny and Kilbarrack, all with excellent transport links. Our Shackleton Outdoor Education  course do their water-based activities in Broadmeadows, Malahide Estuary.

The Open Day will showcase activities like lámh sign language, designing, personality tests, content creation, hair styling, taste-testing, massage, flower arranging and much more. All are welcome to attend and find out more about what Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE has to offer.

Can’t make it? Check out www.cdcfe.ie and follow us on our Social Media for events and news.

Check out some highlights from our last open day:

This eight week evening course in make-up & beauty is for students of all ages and abilities. Participants will be introduced to skin care routines and basic make-up application. The course will focus on how to utilise your make-up collection and maintain your brushes. You will also be shown how to go from a day to evening make-up look, including eyelash application.

Location: CDCFE’s Coolock campus, Barryscourt Road

Time: Tuesday evening from 6-9pm

Cost: €110

Duration: 8 Weeks – Starts 8th October

Apply Now

Are you interested in health and fitness? Want to build a career as a personal trainer or nutritionist? Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE are offering an exciting new traineeship in Nutrition & Lifestyle Coaching which combines classroom learning with a work placement with CDCFE’s industry partners.

This 26 week course will teach you the skills needed to gain employment in the expanding area of health & wellbeing. There are no course fees and participants may be entitled to lunch & travel expenses.

This free course starts in January in our Kilbarrack campus. Want to know more? Find out how to apply for our Traineeship in Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching

Students on the Graphic Design course at Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education have collaborated with the stroke team in Beaumont Hospital to design signage for a new stroke activation protocol.

Participants on the QQI Level 6 course designed and pitched artwork to the hospital team. The brief was to create signage that would enhance emergency response to stroke patients in Beaumont.

Students had the opportunity to pitch ideas to stroke consultant Dr Anne Marie Liddy, and clinical nurse specialist Julie Lynch who instigated the project. Presentations took place in CDCFE’s Art & Design campus on Springdale Road in Raheny.

Dr Liddy commented that Beaumont were “blown away with the effort, imagination and commitment the students all showed to this project. It was such an educational experience to see the thought process that went into each one.”

Graphic Design student Elisa Ghingo’s work was chosen as the winner and her design will be rolled out in Beaumont hospital this year. The artwork from the other graphic design students will also be displayed to raise stroke awareness on World Stroke Day on 29^th October.

Course coordinator Aisling Brunel commented that her class were “delighted to work on this project and learned a lot though the process. Live industry projects like this one are key for students to learn practical graphic design and client relationship skills on the course at Coláiste Dhúlaigh.

CDCFE are now enrolling for courses that are starting in September. Limited spaces are available, and programmes have a €50 registration fee for the year. See more information at cdcfe.ie or check out their social media to find out more about student life at Coláiste Dhúlaigh.

Winning Design by Elisa Ghingo

Induction will take place on Wednesday 18th September. Please note what campus your course is in.

Coolock Campus

9.30am – 12.30pm

Media Production 1
Film Production 1
Creative Writing for Digital Media
Social Media/Journalism
Animation 1
Pre-Primary School Teaching
Computer Science 2

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Applied Social Studies Year 1
Youth Activities Worker
Pre-Uni Science (DCU Access)
Pre-Uni Science Lab Technician
Preliminary Engineering
Engineering Technology
Computer Science
Computer Networking Technologies 1

Kilbarrack Campus

Pre-University Business Studies 1 – 10am – 1pm
Pre-University Sports Science – 9.30am-1pm
Sport Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy – 9.30am – 1pm
Occupational Therapy Assistant / Physiotherapy Assistant – 9.30am – 1pm
Speech & Language Therapy Assistant – 9.30am – 1pm
Theatre – 9.30am – 1pm
Professional Floristry – 9.30am – 1pm
Horticulture – 9.30am – 1pm
Tour Guiding – 11am – 1.30pm
Nursing – 12.30pm -2.30pm
Pre-Apprenticeship Hairdressing – 1pm – 3pm

Raheny Campus

Interior Design -10am – 12pm
Architecture – 11am – 1pm
Photography – 10am – 12pm
Graphics level 5 – 10am – 12pm
Graphics Level 6 – 11.30am – 1.30pm
Fashion Year 1/2 – 10.30am – 1pm
Art Portfolio Preparation- 10am – 12pm
Advanced Art – 12pm – 2pm

Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE have places available on all of our Art & Design department courses. If you would like to learn skills like artistry, Graphic Design , Interior Design or build a career as an architect, now is the time to apply.

Courses will begin on 17^th September. While most courses are full time, we do offer some part time options also. Mature students who want to return to education may be entitled to funding under the Back to Education Allowance. For Post Leaving Certificate students, courses cost just €50 for the year.

Our courses have excellent progression routes into higher education institutions such as NCAD, IADT and TUD. If you missed out on your preferred CAO place, or you simply want to try out a subject area, Coláiste Dhúlaigh is a great option for you.

Our Art & Design Department is conveniently located in our Raheny campus, with excellent transport links. Build your portfolio, or simply have fun on one of our courses. Check out the full list here.

Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education are delighted to offer two exciting new Traineeship courses.

Traineeship in OEM Engineering is a practical course which has been developed in partnership with Novum refrigeration specialists. Participants of the course will combine classroom learning days with practical work days, while studying QQI Level 5 certification. Learn and develop the skills necessary to work in the Original Equipment Manufacturing sector.

Traineeship in Nutrition and Lifestyle Coaching  provides an opportunity for those with a QQI Level 5 or equivalent to further develop their skills in the sport & fitness sector. This course combines practical work days with our industry partners with classroom learning in order to gain QQI level 6 certification.

What is a Traineeship?

Traineeships combine classroom learning with on the job experience. Participants achieve certification, whilst gaining practical work experience with our industry partners. There are no fees for Traineeship courses. Trainees may also be entitled to travel expenses or a meal allowance. Those in receipt of a Department of Social Welfare payment may be able to continue to receive payments, please check with your DSP officer. €10 euro per day will be offered to cover travel expenses while on a work placement.

Learn more about Traineeships

We are delighted to announce that three of our graduate films will be broadcast on Monday, June 10th at 9pm on DCTV, Channel 802 on Virgin Media and also streaming on DCTV.ie/live.

Soup, Making Waves and Curbs & Carparks are short films made by our Media Production students. The screening is funded by Coimisiún na Meán.

CDCFE are so proud to have these graduate films broadcast. See more information about DCTV

We are now enrolling for courses starting in September. Courses cost €50 and you can apply on our homepage by clicking the Apply Now button. Please see individual course pages for information about minimum entry requirements. Our teaching staff are now on summer holidays, but if you have any queries please contact coolock@cdcfe.cdetb.ie. Check out our Social Media for news and updates.

Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education offers over 70 courses across our three campuses in Coolock, Raheny and Kilbarrack. CDCFE has 13 faculty departments, which offer a diverse range of programmes. We are a constituent college of the City of Dublin ETB.

As well as Post Leaving Certificate courses for school leavers, CDCFE also provides qualifications at QQI levels 4, 5, & 6 as well as Apprenticeship, Work-based Traineeship programmes, BA degrees and a selection of part-time day and evening courses.

Our students receive a personal learning experience from supportive tutors in a relaxed environment. CDCFE has excellent progression routes to higher education through the CAO system, as well as links with University of Wolverhampton to BA degree level in the areas of Animation and TV & Film Production.

Our exciting Erasmus+ mobility programme allows students the opportunity to study abroad with our international partners in Corsica, Spain, Italy and Finland. This gives our students a rich learning experience, whilst travelling for free.

For students who desire practical experience, CDCFE offers work-based learning through its Traineeship programmes. These courses include a work placement with one of CDCFE’s many industry partners.

See our website for the most up to date information on our open days, courses, news & events, and follow our social media to find out more about life at Coláiste Dhúlaigh CFE.

We hope you will consider studying with us. Create your future –  Apply Now for a course at cdcfe.ie.

Registration Week 2024   / Induction Schedule

It is not too late to register for a course. Please call to the Coolock campus Monday – Friday from 9.30 – 4pm.

Applicants must pay their non-refundable course charge before registration. Click here to apply for a course.

Please make sure you bring photo ID and Leaving Certificate results to the registration.
All information on our admissions process can be found here

Induction Schedule

Induction will take place on Wednesday 18th September. Please note what campus your course is in.

Coolock Campus

9.30am – 12.30pm

Media Production 1
Film Production 1
Creative Writing for Digital Media
Social Media/Journalism
Animation 1
Pre-Primary School Teaching
Computer Science 2

1.00pm – 4.00pm

Applied Social Studies Year 1
Youth Activities Worker
Pre-Uni Science (DCU Access)
Pre-Uni Science Lab Technician
Preliminary Engineering
Engineering Technology
Computer Science
Computer Networking Technologies 1

Kilbarrack Campus

Pre-University Business Studies 1 – 10am – 1pm
Pre-University Sports Science – 9.30am-1pm
Sport Rehabilitation & Exercise Therapy – 9.30am – 1pm
Occupational Therapy Assistant / Physiotherapy Assistant – 9.30am – 1pm
Speech & Language Therapy Assistant – 9.30am – 1pm
Theatre – 9.30am – 1pm
Professional Floristry – 9.30am – 1pm
Horticulture – 9.30am – 1pm
Tour Guiding – 11am – 1.30pm
Nursing – 12.30pm -2.30pm
Pre-Apprenticeship Hairdressing – 1pm – 3pm

Raheny Campus

Interior Design -10am – 12pm
Architecture – 11am – 1pm
Photography – 10am – 12pm
Graphics level 5 – 10am – 12pm
Graphics Level 6 – 11.30am – 1.30pm
Fashion Year 1/2 – 10.30am – 1pm
Art Portfolio Preparation- 10am – 12pm
Advanced Art – 12pm – 2pm

Register for your Adobe account here

Congratulations to all of our graduates who received their certificates at a ceremony in Croke Park in May.

Best of luck with your future study and careers!

View Gallery

The Fashion Design & Styling course at Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education are having a catwalk show in Swords Pavilions on Saturday 25th May.  Come along and see fabulous creations from our QQI Level 5 & 6 classes.

There will be 15 minute shows on the hour at 1, 2 & 3pm.

If you would like to be a model, or for more information contact sarjit.verik@cdcfe.cdetb.ie

We look forward to seeing you there.

Applications for the Top-Up Degree in Film & Television Production and the Top-Up Degree in Animation are now open. Apply and see the courses pages below.

B.A. Top-Up Degree in Film & Television Production

B.A. Top-Up Degree in Animation