Cork College of Commerce and Senior College Dun Laoghaire both offer two-year certificates from the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers. Liam O'Donnell, executive secretary, says that IPAV provides the colleges with the syllabus, which has been upgraded recently.

Students need a minimum of two higher-level Ds in the Leaving Cert - as with all PLCs, places are not awarded on the basis of Leaving Cert points. There are no tuition fees for PLC courses and students can apply for means-tested maintenance grants.

Students who get reasonable grades in the certificate can apply for a one-year add-on diploma in Cork College of Commerce. This diploma is awarded by the University of Glamorgan, Wales.

And those who do well enough in the diploma may proceed to a further one-year study in Glamorgan, to get a BSc in estate management surveying. Some 22 students are there at present, says O'Donnell. This degree is accepted for membership of the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers. Students have two year's Irish law and practice and two year's British law and practice, he says, so they have a well-rounded education.

For those with an interest in fine art and auctioneering, the IPAV has a one-year full-time course in fine and decorative arts. Running for the past 14 years, the qualification is awarded by IPAV and the Irish Antique Dealers.