Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE) are full steam ahead preparing for the new academic year and to prove it, they are launching their new BA (Hons) Degree in Immersive Media Production. This level 8 degree programme will be run in conjunction with the IADT, the first two years in BIFE with the final two years being run in the IADT. This exciting new degree will encompass various forms of media including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and 360-degree video. No CAO points are required to do this degree course. You just simply apply to BIFE directly at www.bife.ie. BIFE will not charge any tuition fees for this degree course but do hurry as places are limited.
While in many cases students, schools and parents see the CAO as the ‘be all and end all’ for those seeking third-level education, nothing could be further from the truth according to Gabriel Allen, deputy principal at Bray Institute of Further Education (BIFE). “Over recent years many new avenues, like the Immersive Media Production Degree above, have opened up to students to enable them to pursue their dream career via a different route.”
BIFE’s Open Day on Monday 28th August from 10am to 2pm will showcase the large variety of courses they have in the College ranging from Art & Design, Media, Sport, Psychology, Body Therapies, Science, Business, Nursing, Theatre/Dance and much more. “We have over 70 full-time courses to choose from, all progressing on to Higher Education Institutes in Ireland and abroad”, according to Deputy Principal Gabriel Allen.
He added, “Further Education offers a learner, who may not have achieved the required CAO points, the opportunity to gain advanced entry onto honours degree programmes.”
The huge range of courses available at BIFE offers learners fabulous opportunities, not only for those looking for additional skills or hoping to go directly into employment, but also as an alternative route on to a college course in a university or institute of technology in Ireland or abroad.
Over the past few years, graduates of BIFE have achieved honours degrees across a wide range of programmes, opening up a myriad of career opportunities from graphic design to performing arts to psychology.
This year BIFE will offer Higher National Diplomas in the following:
- Fine Art – Art Practice
- Acting
- Dance
- TV & Film production
- Music Production
- Music Performance
- Traditional Irish Music
- Graphic Design
As Gabriel Allen explained, “These eight courses will allow graduating students to proceed to the final year of an honours Degree Programme in Ireland or Britain if that is their ultimate ambition.”
This year, the Institute has launched several new courses at levels 5 & 6:
- Soccer Coaching in collaboration with Liverpool FC Level 5
- Occupational Therapy Assistant Level 5
- Dog Obedience & Training – Start Your Own Business Level 6
- Payroll & Office Administration Level 5
- Hospitality & Business Management Level 6
- English Language and IT Skills for International Students Level 5
- English Language and Business for International Students Level 5
- English Language and Healthcare Studies for International Students Level 5
- English Language and General Studies for International Students Level 5
Work Experience is a vital part of the BIFE courses and now all students in the College have the opportunity to complete a 3-week or a 3-month work placement abroad in countries such as Spain, Portugal, Italy, Finland, Malta or Czechia under the Erasmus+ Programme which is sponsored by the European Union. This is a terrific opportunity for BIFE students, not only to gain valuable work experience in a European country but also to experience a different culture and to broaden their horizons.
Allen assured that there are many opportunities for mature students to study and progress at BIFE. “All courses have valuable certification and offer progression routes to Higher Education, yet you don’t need CAO points to study at Bray Institute.”
To discover more about the courses available at BIFE, prospective students are invited to attend their ‘Open Day’ on Monday 28th August from 10am to 2pm.
Full details of the above courses are available on our website www.bife.ie. Students can apply online on the website by clicking on the “Apply Now” button. There is no application fee.
