My daughter tells me that her guidance counsellor advised her to consider applying for a place on new degree programmes on offer for 2025 entry which do not require CAO points. I find it hard to believe. Is this really the case?
Yes, it is true. Tertiary pathways offer a new way to get a third-level degree. Co-designed and co-delivered by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and higher education institutions, there are now more than 30 tertiary pathways to degree available across Ireland in fields such as media and the arts, ICT, business, construction and engineering, health, and science. From school-leavers to mature students returning to education, these courses are opening doors for everyone.
The first cohort of tertiary pathway students are now halfway through their second-year studies. When they graduate, they’ll do so with the exact same bachelor’s or bachelor’s (honours) degrees as peers who took the traditional route to university.
So, how is the tertiary pathway different? To begin with, tertiary pathways to degree don’t require Leaving Cert points. Entry requirements and application processes are tailored to each course and focus on a student’s skills, potential and career goals. This opens the door for many who might not have considered pursuing a degree at all or who have been put off by the pressure of the points race.
The other big difference is in how the tertiary pathway to degree begins. Students start their studies in a further education and training institution and progress directly to a university to complete their course. This smooth progression from a local college to a university campus generally happens in year two or three, depending on the course. Importantly, students have access to facilities and support from both institutions from day one of their studies. This means they can access libraries, sports clubs and facilities, and will have student cards for both institutions, throughout the duration of their degree.
In the first year of studying in a further education and training college, students will benefit from smaller class sizes and have the option to study closer to home with courses available in 19 locations across the country. There are no tuition or student contributions for the time studying through an ETB.
By removing some of the obstacles around cost, travel and housing which can hold people back from applying for or completing a third-level course, tertiary degrees are helping to level the playing field for many to earn their degree and pursue their dream career.
Applications for 2025/2026 have just opened, with courses in a range of fields, including: animation, business and psychology, politics, society and media, construction management, IT, nursing, social care, radiography, software development and sustainable engineering technologies. A full list of courses for 2025 is now available at: www.nto.ie/courses
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