HSI Limerick Business School, The Crescent, Limerick, Ireland. T: +353 61 317822 F: +353 61 317877 E: info@hsi.ie
Frequently Asked Questions
You can find answers here to the most frequently asked questions.
If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us on 061-317822 or e-mail: info@hsi.ie.
Can I have a look around the College and meet lecturers?
Can I get Tax Relief on programme fees?
Certain courses may be eligible for tax relief. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to check the details of the tax relief schemes prior to enrolment in the College.
Do I have to apply on the CAO system?
No, all applications for both full-time day and part time evening and Saturday courses should be made directly to the College by filling in the College application form.
I have completed the ACCA Certified Accounting Technician programme. Can I continue to do the ACCA Qualification at HSI Limerick Business School?
Yes, HSI Limerick Business School will be offering tuition on ACCA Qualification papers (Fundamental Knowledge Papers / Fundamental Skills Papers / Professional Essential Papers / Professional Options Papers) on both a full-time and a part part-time basis in Autumn 2010. Detailed information on this programme can be obtained by contacting the ACCA Director of Studies, Glen Anderson, on g.anderson@hsi.ie.
You say that some of your courses are FAS-funded and may be eligible for tax relief. Can you please explain?
FAS supports training in a number of areas, particularly IT-related areas, for which there is a demand from industry and for which there is a perceived skills shortage. In order to qualify for this relief, the College must apply to FAS submitting all course details. FAS will then decide if the course fulfils the criteria for funding. This process is ongoing at present and applications for a number of courses are either with FAS or in the process of being compiled. The College will have confirmation of eligibility for tax relief in advance of the start of the 2010-11 academic year.
Once a course is deemed eligible by FAS, the eligibility of students must be assessed on an individual basis and is determined based on employment status and the type of industry in which the applicant works. At the time of applying, these details should be submitted to the College and the College will then check with FAS and advise you if you are eligible or not.
HSI Limerick Business School is HETAC-approved and FETAC-approved. What does this mean?
HETAC, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, and FETAC, the Further Education and Training Awards Council, are the two statutory bodies set up by the Minister for Education and Science under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act 1999. Approval means that the College has agreed its quality assurance procedures with both bodies and has successfully run programmes (up to degree level) that are awarded by both bodies. The quality assurance procedures agreed and in operation ensure that the highest standards of education are maintained within the College.
Where do I take examinations for external awarding bodies?
Nearly all examinations take place in HSI Limerick Business School as the College is an approved examinations centre for all of the awarding bodies listed on this website and in the prospectus. The notable exception to this rule are the examinations for ACCA which take place in designated regional centres outside the College. However, HSI Limerick Business School is a registered ACCA computer-based examination centre; this facility allows participants the option to sit Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the ACCA Certified Accounting Technician programme and Papers F1, F2 and F3 of the ACCA Qualification online.
Examinations are generally held during the day and students are advised at course commencement of the approximate date of examinations. Exact dates and times for all examinations are posted on the College noticeboards at least 6 weeks in advance of examinations.
When do I get my examination results and certificates?
Examination results from external awarding bodies are generally available eight to fourteen weeks after the examination dates. On occasion, results may be returned to the College earlier than this date. This time is required to allow for the correction and external examiner verification of all results as well as the issuing of relevant certificates. Examination results for College-awarded programmes as well as attendance certificates for same are generally sent to students six weeks after the programme conclusion date.
Do I have to pay a deposit when I apply for a programme?
Yes. A deposit of €250 (full-time day programmes) /€250 (part-time evening and Saturday programmes) is required to secure a place on all programmes.
When must I pay full fees?
Full fees must be paid at least seven working days before the programme commencement date.
Can I pay in instalments?
No, full fees (including examination and registration fees for external awarding bodies) must be paid in full in advance of programme commencement date.
Can I get a refund of fees if I am unable to commence the programme?
Yes, a refund of all fees paid, less an administration fee of €75, will be given to applicants who withdraws their application up to seven working days prior to course commencement. Unfortunately, no refunds can be made after this point.
Can I get a refund of fees if I am unhappy with my programme choice?
No. As programme commencement dates are dependent upon a viable cohort formation (i.e. the College receiving enough applications to form a viable class group), no refunds can be made once a student commences a programme. It is the responsibility of the applicant to satisfy himself/herself that a given course is suitable for their current skills levels and is relevant for his/her personal and professional development goals. Members of the College academic and management team are available to discuss courses in detail with any applicant in advance of course commencement.
What happens if I apply for a course and it then does not go ahead due to lack of numbers applying?
A programme can only proceed if sufficient numbers of students are interested in attending. In this event, the College will notify all applicants at the earliest possible opportunity if the programme will not proceed. A full refund of all fees is given. The student will also be offered the option for us to hold the application until the next planned start date for that course.
Why are examination fees and registration fees not included in the tuition fee?
A large number of programmes at HSI Limerick Business School are accredited by external examining bodies. All of these bodies charge for examinations and registration. As the fees vary from one awarding body to another and from one programme to another, it is not possible to set just one charge that would apply for all students. For transparency, such fees are indicated separately on our course prospectus, on our website and on all invoices.
If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us on 061-317822 or e-mail: info@hsi.ie.
Can I have a look around the College and meet lecturers?
Yes, you are welcome to visit the College at any time and have a look around the building and facilities. Lecturers are not generally available over the summer months. However open evenings are scheduled for 24 August 2010, 14 September 2010, 21 September 2010 and 18 January 2011 from 17:00 to 19:30. These are an excellent opportunity to meet with lecturers and other staff and to pose any questions you may have regarding programmes or the College.
How do I apply for a place on a course?
To ensure a place on the course of your choice, we strongly recommend that you enrol early by completing an application form and returning it with a booking deposit of €250 (Day Programmes) /€250 (Evening and Saturday Programmes). Application forms are available from the College or may be downloaded from the website, and completed application forms will be accepted at the College Reception, by fax or by post.
What is your Refund Policy?
What is your Refund Policy?
All courses run subject to demand and the formation of a viable class cohort. A refund will be given to all applicants in the event that a course does not proceed. A refund of the deposit, less an administrative fee of €75, will be given to candidates who withdraw their application up to 2 weeks before course commencement. Once a student has enrolled on and commenced a programme of study, no part of any course fee is refundable or transferable. No refund will be made under any circumstances to students who fail to attend classes or who do not complete a course. Course commencement and start dates are dependent upon a viable cohort formation.
Can I get Tax Relief on programme fees?
Certain courses may be eligible for tax relief. It is the responsibility of the prospective student to check the details of the tax relief schemes prior to enrolment in the College.
How do I know if my application has been successful?
Your application will be successful if you meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme and if there are still places available on the course. Upon receipt of a successful application, formal notification of acceptance and of course commencement dates and fees will be sent to you by post, e-mail or fax. In the event that your application is not successful, we will also notify you of this formally in writing outlining the reasons for same.
Your application will be successful if you meet the minimum entry requirements for the programme and if there are still places available on the course. Upon receipt of a successful application, formal notification of acceptance and of course commencement dates and fees will be sent to you by post, e-mail or fax. In the event that your application is not successful, we will also notify you of this formally in writing outlining the reasons for same.
Do I have to apply on the CAO system?
No, all applications for both full-time day and part time evening and Saturday courses should be made directly to the College by filling in the College application form.
I have completed the ACCA Certified Accounting Technician programme. Can I continue to do the ACCA Qualification at HSI Limerick Business School?
Yes, HSI Limerick Business School will be offering tuition on ACCA Qualification papers (Fundamental Knowledge Papers / Fundamental Skills Papers / Professional Essential Papers / Professional Options Papers) on both a full-time and a part part-time basis in Autumn 2010. Detailed information on this programme can be obtained by contacting the ACCA Director of Studies, Glen Anderson, on g.anderson@hsi.ie.
As timetables for full-time programmes are not finalised until approximately two weeks before the course commencement date, no guarantees on timetables can be given prior to this time. However, the following guidelines may be useful. Full-time classes take place Monday-Thursday. Lectures generally commence at 09.30 and conclude by 16.00 There are no classes in the College on Fridays.
What times do lectures take place for part-time evening courses?
The dates and times for evening programmes can be checked on the relevant course page on this website.
The dates and times for evening programmes can be checked on the relevant course page on this website.
Do I need a previous graduate qualification to take the Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration?
While it would be advantageous, a previous degree is not essential to take the Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration programme. If you have not previously completed third level education then you should contact Glen Anderson, MBA Course Director on g.anderson@hsi.ie Your application will then be assessed on the basis of previous professional and managerial experience.
While it would be advantageous, a previous degree is not essential to take the Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration programme. If you have not previously completed third level education then you should contact Glen Anderson, MBA Course Director on g.anderson@hsi.ie Your application will then be assessed on the basis of previous professional and managerial experience.
You say that some of your courses are FAS-funded and may be eligible for tax relief. Can you please explain?
FAS supports training in a number of areas, particularly IT-related areas, for which there is a demand from industry and for which there is a perceived skills shortage. In order to qualify for this relief, the College must apply to FAS submitting all course details. FAS will then decide if the course fulfils the criteria for funding. This process is ongoing at present and applications for a number of courses are either with FAS or in the process of being compiled. The College will have confirmation of eligibility for tax relief in advance of the start of the 2010-11 academic year.
Once a course is deemed eligible by FAS, the eligibility of students must be assessed on an individual basis and is determined based on employment status and the type of industry in which the applicant works. At the time of applying, these details should be submitted to the College and the College will then check with FAS and advise you if you are eligible or not.
HSI Limerick Business School is HETAC-approved and FETAC-approved. What does this mean?
HETAC, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, and FETAC, the Further Education and Training Awards Council, are the two statutory bodies set up by the Minister for Education and Science under the Qualifications (Education & Training) Act 1999. Approval means that the College has agreed its quality assurance procedures with both bodies and has successfully run programmes (up to degree level) that are awarded by both bodies. The quality assurance procedures agreed and in operation ensure that the highest standards of education are maintained within the College.
Where do I take examinations for external awarding bodies?
Nearly all examinations take place in HSI Limerick Business School as the College is an approved examinations centre for all of the awarding bodies listed on this website and in the prospectus. The notable exception to this rule are the examinations for ACCA which take place in designated regional centres outside the College. However, HSI Limerick Business School is a registered ACCA computer-based examination centre; this facility allows participants the option to sit Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the ACCA Certified Accounting Technician programme and Papers F1, F2 and F3 of the ACCA Qualification online.
Examinations are generally held during the day and students are advised at course commencement of the approximate date of examinations. Exact dates and times for all examinations are posted on the College noticeboards at least 6 weeks in advance of examinations.
When do I get my examination results and certificates?
Examination results from external awarding bodies are generally available eight to fourteen weeks after the examination dates. On occasion, results may be returned to the College earlier than this date. This time is required to allow for the correction and external examiner verification of all results as well as the issuing of relevant certificates. Examination results for College-awarded programmes as well as attendance certificates for same are generally sent to students six weeks after the programme conclusion date.
Do I have to pay a deposit when I apply for a programme?
Yes. A deposit of €250 (full-time day programmes) /€250 (part-time evening and Saturday programmes) is required to secure a place on all programmes.
When must I pay full fees?
Full fees must be paid at least seven working days before the programme commencement date.
Can I pay in instalments?
No, full fees (including examination and registration fees for external awarding bodies) must be paid in full in advance of programme commencement date.
Can I get a refund of fees if I am unable to commence the programme?
Yes, a refund of all fees paid, less an administration fee of €75, will be given to applicants who withdraws their application up to seven working days prior to course commencement. Unfortunately, no refunds can be made after this point.
Can I get a refund of fees if I am unhappy with my programme choice?
No. As programme commencement dates are dependent upon a viable cohort formation (i.e. the College receiving enough applications to form a viable class group), no refunds can be made once a student commences a programme. It is the responsibility of the applicant to satisfy himself/herself that a given course is suitable for their current skills levels and is relevant for his/her personal and professional development goals. Members of the College academic and management team are available to discuss courses in detail with any applicant in advance of course commencement.
What happens if I apply for a course and it then does not go ahead due to lack of numbers applying?
A programme can only proceed if sufficient numbers of students are interested in attending. In this event, the College will notify all applicants at the earliest possible opportunity if the programme will not proceed. A full refund of all fees is given. The student will also be offered the option for us to hold the application until the next planned start date for that course.
Why are examination fees and registration fees not included in the tuition fee?
A large number of programmes at HSI Limerick Business School are accredited by external examining bodies. All of these bodies charge for examinations and registration. As the fees vary from one awarding body to another and from one programme to another, it is not possible to set just one charge that would apply for all students. For transparency, such fees are indicated separately on our course prospectus, on our website and on all invoices.