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Cork College of FET - Cork's Further Education and Training Service - Youghal Campus logo
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Office Administrator
with English Language Support
(Business Studies)

Take the first step!

INTRODUCTION:

In the context of this special location, this course is designed for those who want an administrative position specially tailored for the cultural or tourism environment. It provides the necessary skills and knowledge to allow you to work locally or nationally in the administration sector of a small or large business, with the added knowledge of dealing with customers and events, in the context of such a cultural environment or the course can be used as a step on the ladder to Higher Education using the excellent progression links available to the campus.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Leaving Certificate, LCA or QQI Level 4.
  • Mature students are exempt from Leaving Certificate requirement.
  • CERFL proficiency at B2 for access to Level 5 courses for those whose first language is not English.
  • If English is not your first language, ESOL is available as an extra subject.
  • An offer of a place on this course is contingent on the applicant meeting the entry requirements set out here and satisfactory completion of the processing stage.

DURATION:

September to May.

FEES:

See fees & payment for details.

CERTIFICATION:

  • QQI Level 5 Certificate in Business Studies (5M2102).
  • QQI Component Maths 5N1833 (available as option in the evening, in Morrison’s Island Campus, for learners requiring Maths for progression).

COURSE CONTENT:

Business Administration Skills - 5N1610

Examine a range of recruitment options for selecting and appointing staff and current employment rights legislation. Maintain a range of documents pertaining to HR management and employees including employment contracts, attendance records etc. Explore sources of finance for a business including cash-flow. Examine different types of meetings held and complete a range of documentation necessary for the effective function of a meeting. Explain the role of quality systems.

Customer Service - 5N0972

Apply the personal skills, qualities and attitudes required to perform effectively when dealing with customers. Handle a range of challenging situations, demonstrate team or group work in providing customer care. Look at practical examples of organisations with good customer care and their success.

Work Experience - 5N1356

Planning, preparation and reflection on work placement. Job finding strategies, CV and personal statement preparation, interview skills. Practice employability skills with a view to future planning.

Word Processing - 5N1358

Learn to produce professional mailable document. Learn file management and a host of functions including clipart, headers, footers, watermarks, graphics, tabs etc.

Safety & Health at Work - 5N1794

Develop skills in identifying hazards and carry out risk assessments. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and duties of the employer and employee with regards to health and safety. Explore appropriate procedures for use and disposal of hazardous materials and waste in the workplace. Investigate risk facts in relation to safety to include hazards, work environments, work practices, effects of medication, drink and drugs.

Marketing Practice - 5N1400

Conduct a SWOT analysis. Develop a marketing plan for a specific product or service. Examine the life cycle of a range of products including new product development. Explain the elements of the marketing mix. Carry out market research applying appropriate techniques and research methodologies.

Spreadsheet Methods - 5N1977

Produce a spreadsheet that meets a simple design specification and is fit for purpose. Learn a range of spreadsheet features such as data and cell formatting techniques, conditional IF statements, financial, date and time functions. Generate a variety of types of graphs from spreadsheet data. Automate routine multi-step tasks through the creation, execution and management of simple macros.

Event Production - 5N1374

The learner will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to organise and produce an event working independently and with others as part of a team. 

English as a second Language - 5N1632 (Optional)

Improve your use of the English language and learn a wide range of language skills, both oral and written for a variety of situations such as social and work environments.

ADDITIONAL TRAINING / WORKSHOPS:

  • Introduction to GDPR (online) – This course gives learners an overview of GDPR. The course examines what GDPR stands for and gives an understanding of the current data protection rules and obligations. The learners also receive information on the types of data, the terminology associated with GDPR, the penalties with breaches, storage of data and general do’s and don’ts regarding data. A certificate of completion from Youghal Campus is issued on successful completion.
  • Microsoft Outlook (online) – The Microsoft Outlook course demonstrates how to use the internet to compose, send, receive and store electronic mail to include attaching a file to an email and managing email folders. It also facilitates the learner to explore areas related to browser-based email systems including demonstrating the use of at least one current email software package for example: compose, send, receive, reply, forward, print, store electronic messages and open file attachments, attach a file to an email message and create and manage mailboxes and transfer messages to and from relevant mailboxes. Furthermore, learners develop an appreciation of email etiquette as regards: content, length, style and tone of composed messages and they set up a web-based email account. A certificate of completion from Youghal Campus is issued on successful completion.
  • Mastering the Professional Phone Conversation – This workshop gives the learner the knowledge and skills when answering the telephone professionally in the workplace. Additionally, handling telephone complaints and ending calls is also covered.  A Youghal Campus Certificate is issued on completion. 

FAQ’s:

How is the course assessed?

The course is assessed through coursework (for example projects, assignments, learner records), these are done throughout the year. There will be some written/practical exams which will occur in late April/ May each year. Exam timetables are published by the Examinations & Assessment Committee through the Student Intranet and the Exam Scheduler App.

Are there job opportunities?

There are very good job opportunities in this area. There are numerous past students working in the area of administration.

Will I get a place in a 3rd level course if I do this course?

Many of our students each year progress to 3rd level courses. All progressions are available on the college website. However, there is no guarantee of a place. Students apply through the CAO using their QQI level 5 results, students need to work hard in order to achieve the best possible results.

WORK PLACEMENT / EXPERIENCE:

Students undertake two weeks work placement in a relevant office/business environment, which they organise themselves.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Excellent progressions opportunities including:

  • MTU Cork: Business Studies (MT550).
  • UCC: Commerce (CK201).
  • Morrison’s Island Campus: Progress to one of the Morrison’s Island Campus Advanced Business Specialisms, subject to entry requirements being met.

Special arrangements in place with MTU Cork (CCPS), MTU Tralee and SETU (Waterford & Carlow) for preferential entry for students of Morrison’s Island locations. Go to our progressions database for exact requirements on progressions for this course.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Any office/business/event or tourism related environment.