Part-Time Business Courses Commencing September 26

All courses are offered part-time over 13 weeks. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and suitability assessment before a place is offered. Upon successful completion, students will receive a component certificate. Learners who are currently registered at Portlaoise Institute, please get in touch with the main office or student supports to register your interest in your chosen course. A full list of available courses is provided below—click on a course to learn more about its content and structure.

This award equips learners with the knowledge and skills to deliver effective customer service across work, social, or voluntary settings, operating independently under general supervision. Participants will explore the principles of customer service, understand key features of excellence including first impressions, meeting diverse customer needs, and responding to perceptions, and learn how service standards are developed and measured. The programme also covers relevant consumer legislation, making it ideal for anyone in a service environment looking to upskill and enhance their customer service capabilities.

This course will run every Thursday from 9:00am -13:15pm

This comprehensive award is designed to equip learners with the fundamental skills and operational knowledge required to excel in modern business administration. Participants will explore the inner workings of diverse organizations, gaining a clear understanding of corporate structures, management functions, and the impact of the external business environment. The curriculum emphasizes practical competence, covering essential areas such as human resources, financial controls, quality management, and insurance requirements. By mastering the use of industry-standard hardware and software, as well as the professional documentation necessary for meetings and personnel management, learners will be fully prepared to provide high-level administrative support and operate effectively within any professional team.

This course will run every Monday from 9:00am -13:15pm

This criminology module provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms behind criminal behaviour and the legal systems designed to manage it. You will explore foundational theories of crime causation alongside current Irish legislation, while mastering the essential terminology of the field. The curriculum delves into the specific roles of key stakeholders—such as An Garda Síochána, the courts, and the probation service—and examines how societal factors, including the media and political agendas, influence crime.

This course will run every Wednesday from 9:00am -13:15pm

This award provides a comprehensive introduction to the Irish legal system, empowering learners to navigate legal principles within both professional and personal contexts. You will gain a clear understanding of the sources of Irish law, the pivotal role of the Constitution, and the profound influence of European Law on national legislation. The curriculum covers the practical mechanics of the judicial system, from court hierarchies and personnel roles to the distinction between civil and criminal proceedings. By mastering key legal terminology and exploring the nature of torts and available remedies, learners will develop the analytical skills necessary to evaluate legislation and documentation relevant to their specific vocational areas.

This course will run every Tuesday from 9:00am -13:15pm

This award equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to manage payroll processes using both manual and computerised systems. Learners will understand relevant legislation, employee documentation, and Revenue Commissioners’ services, and will be able to complete employer tax returns and handle mid-year payroll scenarios. The program covers processing payroll for various payment types and deductions, entering and editing employee data, and producing payslips, tax forms, and management reports. Learners will also develop skills to analyse payroll data and reports, ensuring accuracy and compliance within an organisational setting.

This course will run every Thursday from 9:00am -13:15pm

Apply for September 2026

Click Apply here to register for a part time course commencing September 2026