Below are a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs). If you don't find the answer you are looking for please contact us.

Where is The Learning Curve Institute located?

The Learning Curve Institute’s Head Office is located in Westport, Co. Mayo but it delivers courses out of various Education centres and Institutes of Technology (ITs) around Ireland.

Can I participate in a course even though I work full time?

Yes, absolutely. Almost all of the courses, programmes and workshops run by The Learning Curve Institute are delivered on a part time basis. We endeavour to present classes and course material at times that will cause our learners the least amount of inconvenience possible.

Are the courses accredited?

Yes, The Learning Curve Institute is a registered FETAC provider and we offer a range of FETAC accredited, internationally recognised courses and programmes. All FETAC courses run at The Learning Curve Institute are statutory qualifications which are National Certificates and are accredited by the Further Education Training and Awards Council (FETAC). Our workshops and in house training courses are self-accredited and not part of the FETAC system.

How do I book on to a course?

A completed application and minimum payment of a €150 non refundable deposit is required for all bookings. You can also book on to a course by clicking on the Book Now tab of the menu on the website and paying the course fees in full using a credit card or a paypal account. The application form would then need to be downloaded and emailed to us.

Is there a discount for the unemployed?

Yes. A discount of 10% off the course fee is available to anyone who is in receipt of job seekers allowance and is paying for the course themselves. This 10% discount does not apply if you are being funded to attend the course by FAS or another funding body or organization.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes. A three step payment plan is available for all FETAC courses:

• €150 deposit to secure your place on the course
• €150 or the balance on or before the first day of the course
• Balance to be paid in full by Week 4 of the course.

What happens if a course is cancelled?

If a course or workshop is cancelled by The Learning Curve Institute you will be reimbursed all course fees you have paid including the €150 deposit. You can also opt to put your payment towards another course or you can defer your booking until the next round of courses start.

Does it matter that I haven't done my Leaving Cert?

In general no. Each FETAC course has its own preferred entry requirements and these usually do contain a Leaving Cert. However, as long as you have relevant life and/or work experience in the subject you are choosing to study then it does not matter that you have not done a Leaving cert or other study. As an adult learner it would be your responsibility to read through the course outline and ensure you feel you are ready to attempt it.

What do I do if I can't get the projects in on time?

If for whatever reason you cannot meet the project submission deadlines you can apply for an extension of 1-3 weeks by filling out the "extension request form". We fully understand that things come up in life and we allow every opportunity for learners to complete their projects. If a major issue occurs you can opt to extend your projects to the next certification period. This would mean your assessments would not be marked until the next round of courses starts and it would generally give you an extra 2 months or so to complete the projects at a time that suits you.

I've done one of your FETAC courses. What can I do next?

All of our FETAC courses are called "Minor Awards" or "Component Certificates". This means they are essentially one module of a Major Award. Every component certificate is linked to another Major Award. For example, the FETAC Level 5 Drug and Alcohol Addiction course is a component or module of the Level 5 Major Award in Community Development. Through the FETAC Common Awards System you could go on and do 7 other Minor Awards or Component certificates at FETAC Level 5 to achieve the Major Award in Community Development. You can do these other modules at a time that is suitable for you and with other providers. The Learning Curve Institute currently offers 4 of the 7 component certificates in the Major Award in Community Development.

Can I book on to more than one course or workshop at once?

Yes, you can book on to as many courses or programmes that you wish as long as they do not coincide with one another.

Do I have to attend all classes in order to get the certificate?

Students of The Learning Curve Institute are required to attend at least 80% of the allocated courses in order to be eligible for assessment and certificates of completion. If you have to miss more than this amount you can explain the reasons for this by email or in writing and you will then be given an exercise by the lecturer to ensure you have covered the relevant material.

How do I get in contact with the lecturers/programme tutors?

All students of the Learning Curve Institute will be contacted directly by the programme tutor before the course begins. The Learning Curve Institute also offers a unique post course support system whereby students are provided with the contact details of the lecturer and are free to contact him/her with any questions they may have or even documents that they would like the lecturer to help them with during and after the course has finished.

Do I need to buy any books or materials for the courses?

This depends entirely on the course. For the language courses and workshops no materials whatsoever are necessary as everything will be supplied by The Learning Curve Institute. For longer courses, once you have registered as a student of The Learning Curve Institute you will be supplied with access to the student portal on the website which will give you a list of recommended reading and other resources.

Is there an age limit or other entry requirements for the courses?

This depends on the course. Once you click on any course on the website you will be presented with detailed course information which will specify whatever entry requirements there may be.

Are your Junior and Leaving Cert teachers and tutors Garda vetted?

Yes. All teachers and tutors who are working with children under the age of 18 are Garda Vetted.