:''For the '
United Kingdom' qualification, see
Ordinary National Diploma and
Higher National Diploma.''
The 'National Diploma' ('NDip') (
Irish: ''Dioplóma Náisiúnta'') is a three year
ab initio specialised
higher education qualification in a technology discipline offered by an
Institute of Technology or other
HETAC designated institution in the
Republic of Ireland.
Alternatively a National Diploma may be offered as a one year post
National Certificate type course. The diploma will generally exempt a student from the first two or three years of a four year university
honours bachelor's degree in the Republic of Ireland.
Northern Ireland universities consider the standard equivalent to the
BTEC Higher National Diploma, this is also the position adopted by most
British universities that have large entrance from the Republic. Many of the courses are in
business,
engineering and
science. Most entrants are school leavers presenting the
Leaving Certificate or the National Certificate and many will continue their studies to honours
Bachelor's degree level.
The National Diploma, in Ireland, was awarded first in
1973 at several
Regional Technical Colleges. The National Diploma has been replaced by the ''
ordinary bachelors degree'' under the
National Framework of Qualifications. This was decided by the
National Qualifications Authority of Ireland recently. The National Diploma will not be awarded after June
2006.
Common National Diplomas
{|
| NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN BUSINESS STUDIES{in…}
| NDipBusiness
|-
| NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN COMPUTING{in…}
| NDipComputing
|-
| NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN CONSTRUCTION{in…}
| NDipConst
|-
| NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN ENGINEERING{in…}
| NDipEng
|-
| NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN HUMANITIES{in…}
| NDipHumanities
|-
| NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN NURSING{in…}
| NDipNursing
|-
| NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN TECHNOLOGY{in…}
| NDipTech
|-
| NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN SCIENCE{in…}
| NDipSc
|}
See also
★
Education in the Republic of Ireland