The Organic College

• Organic Growing and Sustainable Living Skills

• One year full-time NVC Level 5 Course where you choose your modules leading to a certificate in Organic Horticulture

• You’ll develop organic gardening skills so you’ll be able to grow fruit, veg and herbs the healthy organic way

• Part time and Distance Learning options are also available
• More details…
• Diploma in Organic Enterprise
• A two year full-time course
• certified by IOFGA and including a FETAC Level 6 module
• More details…
• Short Courses
• More details…

About our Courses

On this page you will find information about:

• How to apply
• Certification and FETAC Information
• What kind of people come to the college?
• Grants
• Course Costs
• Work Placements
• Where to Live
• Careers
• Testimonials
• Facilities, gardens, computers (on the About Us Page)

How to Apply

If you’d like to register your interest in any of our courses, you should complete an online form. This doesn’t commit you to anything, but registers your interest and we can then send you more details and get in touch with you.

Click here to register your interest with the college

Certification

All courses at the college are externally certified. Certification at level 5 and level 6 is by the Department of Education through the Further Education Training and Awards Council (FETAC) The Diploma in Organic Enterprise, is certified by the Irish Organic Farms and Growers Association. (IOFGA).

The Students

College students range in age from nineteen to mature adulthood. Most are from Ireland but others are from Britain, France, Belgium, Spain, Germany, Austria and the U.S.A. All students experience rural living and enterprise development through the facilities of the college. On graduation they become employed in a variety of enterprises from food production to training or services for the growing organic sector world-wide.

> Ni neart go cur le cheile > There is strength in unity

Grant Assistance

Full-time students may be eligible for V.T.O.S. or P.L.C. Maintenance Grant Assistance.

Part-time students may be eligible for a back to education initiative allowance, B.T.E.I., subject to approval by the Department of Education. This funding comes via the National Development Plan.

In addition, enterprises started over a two year Diploma may generate income for the students individually or collectively.

How much do the courses cost?

The college charges a registration fee of €200, which covers administration and some of the cost of printed course material. A bargain! What are you waiting for!

Work Placements

All students will enjoy two work placements in year 1

These are valuable in directing each student towards their own area of interest and in gaining valuable skills in organic production. Work placements usually are with certified organic producers of high standard.

Where do people live while studying at the college?

Some students choose to live in their existing homes – we have students who travel from as far away as Galway and Cork to attend the college. However, if you’re studying full time you may choose to live in or around Dromcollogher. There is a range of good value accommodation to rent in the area and we can provide help with recommending places. There are plenty of good places to rent both in the village of Dromcollogher and in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Some students choose to rent a room in part of a large traditional house with great character and communal facilities that is around 10 minutes from the college. We’ll help you find a place to suit you.

What do people do when they’ve finished?

At the Organic College we pay close attention to how our past students are getting on. Most people who have completed courses at the college have been able to find work doing what they want and using the skills they have developed at the college. Some have set up their own successful businesses growing fruit and vegetables for the organic market including restaurants and farmer’s markets. Others have gone on to manage or convert organic farms. And some students have chosen to work overseas in sustainability projects or organic enterprises in places from India to the USA.

Testimonials from former students:

Ron De Brun Landscaper Kileedy Co. Limerick

> “An tIonad Glas the Organic College gave me a good learning environment to find the opportunities I was looking for in sustainable employment”

Emer O Flaherty Organic farmer Springfield Broadford Co Limerick

> “Learning organic animal husbandry and farm management skills was something I dreamed of for years The Organic College courses and gaining National Certification allowed me make that dream a reality”

Ita Haverty, Cloncagh, Ballingarry

> “The Organic Enterprise Diploma that I completed two years ago gave me the skills, and the confidence to grow organic vegetables, herbs and poultry and to market this produce towards making a living from a small acreage.”