National Recognition

Portobello College is 'designated' by the Irish government as an approved third-level college, under the auspices of the Higher Education & Training Awards Council (HETAC). The college has three honours bachelor degree programmes in the business area (BA Accounting & Finance, BA Business Studies and BA Marketing), five Higher Certificate programmes in Business and Computing and one-post graduate programme in Law (Higher Diploma in Legal Studies) all awarded by HETAC.

The College has two programmes awarded by the University of Wales – one of the highest ranking universities in the UK. The College’s LLB (Hons) Degree is jointly validated by the University of Wales and HETAC - the first of its kind in Ireland, while the College also offers an MSc in International Business from the University of Wales.  In addition, the college also offers diploma programmes, awarded by the UK awarding body Edexcel - internationally renowned for its commitment to the highest academic standards.

Accreditation

Higher Education and Training Awards
Council (HETAC)

HETAC is the government awarding body that validates diplomas and degrees from colleges outside the national universities of Ireland. Both Dublin City University and the University of Limerick had their degrees validated by HETAC
before they acquired university status. HETAC is currently the awarding body for the Institutes of Technology in Ireland.  Portobello College is a 'designated' institution of HETAC.  HETAC qualifications, as the national qualifications of a
constituent EU member state, are recognised internationally.  Holders of HETAC qualifications can access a wide range of postgraduate and professional programmes both in Ireland and abroad.

HETAC is responsible for the ongoing monitoring of academic standards, including entry requirements and assessment, and the quality control of programmes. Portobello College recognises the positive role HETAC has played in the development of the college, through its support, encouragement, advice and recommendations.

Under section 43 of the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act 1999, learner protection arrangements (which provide that a learner may transfer to a similar programme should the provider cease to provide the programme concerned) have been put in place with two other HETAC providers.

Edexcel

Edexcel is one of the UK's leading awarding bodies for business qualifications and is highly respected by employers and candidates alike. Each year over 1.6m candidates register on Edexcel programmes in the knowledge that their chosen pathway will lead directly to a successful career or progression to an undergraduate degree. The Edexcel Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are internationally recognised qualifications.

Portobello College has been an officially recognised centre for the delivery of Higher National Diploma programmes for over 10 years. The quality of these courses and of the final qualification is guaranteed by Edexcel. The courses provide a focus for independent learning and practical knowledge and skills.

Higher National Diploma programmes are designed to equip students with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in future employment or for progression to an undergraduate degree. At Portobello College we have been successfully delivering HND programmes for many years. Our HND graduates have an excellent record of progression on to degree programmes and employment.

The University of Wales

The University of Wales is a federal body, with eight constituent institutions. It is the second largest University in the UK, after the University of London, with around 80,000 students enrolled on courses leading to its degrees and other qualifications. Altogether, more than a quarter of a million students have been awarded degrees of the University of Wales since its establishment in 1893.

In 1998, The University of Wales, which validates the college’s LLB Law degree and MSc in International Business, agreed to grant the college the status of an ‘Affiliated Institution of the University of Wales’.