About our Programmes

When you apply to AIT you will note that many of our programmes are available through two modes of delivery: the ladder system or the ab initio route.

The ladder system, also referred to as add-on, describes where you can progress from one qualification to a higher-level award. For example, if you obtain a Higher Certificate (Level 6), you may progress to an ‘add-on’ ordinary Bachelor’s degree (Level 7) and subsequently to an honours Bachelor’s degree (Level 8). The levels refer to the standing of the ultimate award on the National Framework of Qualifications. The ladder system gives you considerable flexibility to sample a discipline for two years, to change direction in your studies, to take time out between qualifications to work, and to move between one institution and another as you climb the ladder. The diagram below shows how the ‘ladder’ system of qualifications operates at AIT. Progression charts for specific courses within each school are provided throughout this prospectus.

The alternative path toward obtaining a qualification is known as ab initio. This is the Latin for ‘from the beginning’. It describes programmes which allow you to progress directly to award stage. For example, if you undertake an ab initio (honours) Bachelor’s degree, you receive that qualification on successful completion of the relevant three or four-year programme.

Many of the courses at the institute are offered under different learning modes. These include: full-time, part-time, ACCS, open learning and distance learning.