Programme Aim

The aim of this programme at North Connaught College of Further Education, Tubbercurry, Sligo is to enable the learner to gain the knowledge and skills to work independently and under supervision providing excellent security services in all security sectors. There is also the opportunity to progress to higher education and training.

Students will gain vast practical experience  and knowledge in:

  • Legal Practice and Procedures
  • Security Industry Procedures
  • Door Security Procedures
  • Guarding Skills
  • Safety and Health at Work

Other areas of study include:

  • Communication Studies
  • Microsoft Word 
  • Conflict Resolution

Work experience is also a core feature of the Security Studies programme with students spending time in a security setting, enhancing employability.

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Programme Progression

Upon completion of this course at North Connaught College of Further Education, students will be able to apply to the PSA (Private Security Authority) for 2 different licences; Security Guard Licence and Door Supervisor Licence.  Job opportunities include:

  • Retail Security
  • Pubs, Nightclubs
  • Event Security
  • Airport Security
  • Closed Protection

Following on from the Security Studies Level 5 there is direct progression onto Level 6 Security Operations Management in North Connaught College. This course prepares you to work in a supervisory role in a range of security settings.

Entry Requirements

  • Education: Applicants should have a standard of knowledge, skills and competence equivalent to NFQ Level 4 when accessing a Level 5 programme. Applicants may have participated in primary and post primary education although no formal qualifications are required.
  • Aptitude: Applicants must have a motivation to learn, an interest in the subject and the ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out in the course.
  • Previous Experience: Applicants must be able to demonstrate a range of knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to the course, be able to work with responsibility and demonstrate the ability to work on their own initiative.

Course Content

Title Award Awarding Body
Legal Practice & Procedures (5N1394) QQI
Security Industry Procedures (5N1785) QQI
Door Security Procedures (4N1114) QQI
Guarding Skills (4N1118) QQI
Safety & Health at Work (5N1794) QQI
Communications (5N0690) QQI
Word Processing (5N1358) QQI
Conflict Resolution (5N0692) QQI
Work Experience (5N1356) QQI

 

Further Details

Below is a more detailed description of each of the Components

Legal Practice & Procedures

This will give the learner the knowledge, skills and a better understanding of the role of the legal system, its purpose and principles of law.  This will also enable the learner to understand the role of solicitors, courts and all else associated with it, both in the security sector and in their personal lives.

Security Industry Procedures

As a security officer the learner will obtain the knowledge and skills to perform practical security duties and procedures and responding to security situations in a variety of settings. The role and functions of the Private Security Authority (PSA) will be examined as will the different roles of the security officer. The links which the security operative has with other agencies, such as the Gardai, the Courts, HSA, Fire Safety are very important.

Door Security Procedures

This will train the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to work under supervision as a Door Security Personnel performing practical security duties and procedures and responding to security situations in order to maintain a safe and secure environment for patrons, staff and members of the public. You will also examine  a range of security policies and procedures for use by the security officer in a variety of settings and situations to include, crime, cash handling, responding to emergencies (fire or an accident scene), losses in retail,  arrest, etc..

Guarding Skills

This will provide the learner with the knowledge, skill and competence to work under supervision as a security officer performing practical security duties and procedures and responding to security situations in a variety of settings including static and the retail industry.

Safety and Health at Work

The purpose of this component is to equip the learner with the skills to promote and maintain safety and health in a work environment, for example, risk assessment, personal protective equipment (PPE), healthy living. The learner will gain a better understanding of the roles of both the employee and the employer in all workplaces. Familiarisation with the relevant national legislation and statutory bodies.

Communications

This is one of the most important components, whether in the workplace or in a college environment.  It is essential to be able to transfer knowledge in a clear and concise way and also to be aware of the different types of communication (verbally and non-verbally).  The component covers both written and practical aspects of communication and gives learners practice and confidence for making presentations, for example new fire safety procedures.

Microsoft Word 

Use Microsoft Word to create a range of documents. Apply a variety of text processing features including margins, line spacing, indenting text and paragraphs, borders and shading, numbering and bullets, tabs, tables mail merge and labels.  Use spell-check, thesaurus, find and replace, to produce high quality, error free documents.  Learn file management skills – creating folders, saving files in different formats, copying files and folders, renaming files.

Conflict Resolution

Here the learner will learn how to resolve situations of conflict that arise in personal life (mediation) and professional/ work life (theft or drunk/disorderly). Styles of managing conflict are learnt through discussion and role play. Preparing the student with the necessary skills (listening skills, search procedures, and body language) for potential scenarios that may arise in their vocational sector.

Work Experience

Work-experience classes prepare the student to apply for work placement and future work by learning skills, producing a cover letter, CV and interview techniques. Students will also gain an understanding of their own skills and qualities, as well as how to document their learning during placement. This is an essential component for anybody wishing to prepare for or return to the workplace.