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CAO Courses and Third Level Options in Ireland

    cao and third level courses Ireland

    CAO and Third Level Resources

    Ireland is home to a diverse range of third-level institutions, offering prospective students high-quality education in universities, institutes of technology and technological universities, and specialist colleges. Many of these institutions are known for their strong academic reputation, research output, and vibrant international student community. Below is an overview of some of these colleges, along with direct links to their official websites for further exploration.

    Universities

    Ireland has several public universities that offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. These universities are autonomous but funded by the state.

    • Trinity College Dublin (TCD): Ireland’s oldest university, renowned for its humanities, science, and research. https://www.tcd.ie

    • University College Dublin (UCD): One of the largest universities, known for its business, law, and medical schools. https://www.ucd.ie

    • University College Cork (UCC): Recognised for sustainability and research, especially in science and food technology. https://www.ucc.ie

    • University of Galway: A coastal university with strong ties to the tech and biomedical sectors. https://www.universityofgalway.ie

    • Maynooth University: Ireland’s youngest university with strengths in social sciences, humanities, and technology. https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie

    • University of Limerick (UL): Known for co-operative education and links with industry. https://www.ul.ie

    • Dublin City University (DCU): A modern institution focused on innovation and entrepreneurship. https://www.dcu.ie

    Technological Universities and Institutes of Technology

    Following recent reforms, many Institutes of Technology have merged to form Technological Universities, offering practical and vocational programmes.

    • Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin): Ireland’s first technological university, formed from a merger of several Dublin-based ITs. https://www.tudublin.ie

    • Munster Technological University (MTU): Formed from Cork and Tralee institutes, offering broad academic programs. https://www.mtu.ie

    • Atlantic Technological University (ATU): Covers the northwest region with multiple campuses. https://www.atu.ie

    • South East Technological University (SETU): Serving the southeast, including campuses in Waterford and Carlow. https://www.setu.ie

    • Technological University of the Shannon (TUS): Spanning the midlands and mid-west regions. https://www.tus.ie

    Specialist Colleges

    Ireland also hosts several colleges that focus on niche areas such as art, teacher training, and religious studies.

    • National College of Art and Design (NCAD): Offers programs in fine art, design, and visual culture. https://www.ncad.ie

    • Marino Institute of Education: Specialises in primary education and teacher training. https://www.mie.ie

    • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI): An independent institution focused on medicine and health sciences. https://www.rcsi.com

    • Pontifical University at St Patrick’s College Maynooth: Offers theology and philosophy degrees. https://www.maynoothcollege.ie

    The third-level education landscape in Ireland is characterised by a blend of traditional universities, evolving technological universities, and specialised institutions. Together, they provide a wide array of academic and career-focused pathways. Prospective students—both domestic and international—can explore the rich offerings of each college to find the best fit for their academic ambitions.

    Third Level Choices
    Reports from recent years have highlighted the importance of course choices in third level education.  Figures from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) show the non-progression rate of first year students was 15 per cent in recent years. There are many reasons behind this attrition rate, with many students dropping out not due to lack of ability but due to dissatisfaction with their chosen course.. View Full Third Level Choices Article..