There are basically two kinds of night courses. One involves doing or learning something for leisure purposes and the other type involves getting a certificate/diploma/degree. With both types of courses an important benefit is the social aspect– meeting new people with similar interests and having fun. There are a number of different types of courses offered in the Dublin 4 area, so there should be something for everyone.

Computer Courses
Ringsend Technical Institute on Cambridge Road has the following:
Foundation ECDL, ECDL (25 weeks certificate), Internet and E-Mail, Microsoft Office Specialist certificate, Spreadsheets/Excel certificate, Photoshop– beginners and improvers, Web Design, Desk Top Publishing using Quark, AutoCAD beginners and certificate.

Ballsbridge College on Shelbourne Road has a course called Computers for Beginners for those with no previous knowledge and another basic course, Keyboarding skills/Text production. They also have Foundation ECDL, ECDL(20 weeks certificate), Introduction to Web Design, Troubleshoot Your Own Computer, Book Keeping.

Languages
Spanish and Italian– beginners. Ringsend also has improvers in these two languages. English as a Foreign Language is taught in both colleges at intermediate level but Ballsbridge also has an advanced level. French– beginners and improvers and Irish Sign language can be found in Ringsend Technical Institute. Ballsbridge College teaches beginners Chinese.

Leaving Certificate Subjects and General Education
Ringsend Institute teaches a 25 week Leaving Cert English and Maths. The basic courses are free: Numeracy and Spellwell

Arts and Crafts
Drawing and Visual Exploration is an introduction to drawing techniques that is taught in Ringsend. Ballsbridge College teaches the following introductory courses: Watercolour Painting and Acrylic Painting. There is also a mosaic course where students learn the basic techniques of mosaic for mirrors, tables and other items using ordinary, broken household tiles.

Other craft courses taught in Ringsend include; Woodwork, Metalcraft, Jewellery making, Stained Glass techniques and Pottery.

Dressmaking is taught in both colleges, as is Digital Photography. Photography (using a single lens reflex (SLR) camera) and dark room procedures are also taught in Ringsend Tech.

Dancing and Movement
Yoga and Tai Chi are taught in both colleges and are great for flexibility, toning and training your mind to relax. Ringsend Technical Institute also provides the following courses: Salsa/Latin American Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, Hip Hop, Stretching and Toning (BLT), Aerobics and Badminton.

Hobby Courses
The following are taught in both colleges: Creative Writing, Bridge and Coastal Yacht Master Certificate. On a similar note, in Ringsend Tech there is also a course in Marine Engine Maintenance.

Interior Design is taught in Ballsbridge, whereas House Maintenance is taught in Ringsend. Dinner Party Ideas is taught in Ringsend by an experienced chef.

You can learn how a car engine works and how to identify the different pieces under the bonnet by doing the Motor Car Maintenance course in Ringsend Technical Institute.

Drama and Theatre Studies are taught in Ringsend. There are also various evening acting for camera courses available at the Film Actors Studio in The Courtyard Film & TV Studio, Irishtown, Dublin 4. For further details contact John Cantwell, Film Actors Studio office at: (01) 269 1949, 10am-1pm & 2-5pm, Mon-Fri.

A guitarist is never lonely because no party is complete without someone there playing the strings. Ringsend Technical Institute has both a beginners and an improvers course in guitar but you need your own instrument.

For helping alleviate the stresses of life, two courses in Ringsend will help you on the way. Aromatherapy Massage teaches body massage techniques using essential oils. De-stress and Empower Yourself covers Reiki methods and how it works.

Ballsbridge College has the following personal development courses:
Neuro-Linguistic Programming- enables people to learn patterns of excellence and is one of the fastest growing areas in applied psychology.

Introduction to Counselling– gives an introduction on what exactly counselling is.
Assertiveness– teaches communication skills.

The School of Philosophy and Economic Science will also run a twelve-week evening course in Practical Philosophy. The course covers subjects such as developing and expanding reason, realising our limitless potential, living in the present and various other aspects. Further details can be found at 47/49 Northumberland Road, D4; 01-6603788 or freephone 1800 324 556.

Enrolment Dates for Ballsbridge can be made by post until 1st September, or on Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th and Thursday 16th September between 6-7:30p.m. Further information and class times can be found at www.ballsbridgecollege.com or call 668 4806 / 668 2361.

Ringsend Technical Institute enrolments can be made by post or by attending 7–8:30p.m. from Monday 13th to Thursday 23rd September. Further details and class times can be found by e-mailing info@ringtec.cdvec.ie or phone 668 4498/668 9591.