Dundalk Institute of Technology

Whether you are a Leaving Certificate student, an adult learner, or exploring PLC healthcare routes, here is a comprehensive guide to the third-level courses, facilities, and advantages of studying at DkIT.

DkIT offers a wide array of Level 7 (Ordinary Degree) and Level 8 (Honours Degree) CAO courses, alongside apprenticeships and postgraduate options. The college is uniquely responsive to industry demands, with new programmes coming online to meet ongoing trends and requirements.

1. Health, Science and Agriculture

DkIT is highly regarded for its clinical and scientific training.

• Nursing and Midwifery: The college offers Level 8 degrees in General Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Intellectual Disability Nursing, and Midwifery. These programmes are fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) and feature extensive clinical placements.
• Sciences: Students can pursue degrees in Bioscience, Pharmaceutical Science, and Nutrition and Health.
• Agriculture: DkIT offers highly sought-after degrees in Sustainable Agriculture.

2. Computing and Business

DkIT has completely refreshed its computing faculty for the 2026 CAO cycle.

• New Tech Degrees: New Level 7 and 8 offerings include the BSc in Computing in Cybersecurity and Computing Infrastructure, BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and BSc in Games Development.
• Business: Traditional and modern business routes include Event Management, Accounting, and Digital Marketing.

3. Engineering and Built Environment

Known for producing work-ready graduates, this school covers Civil, Mechanical, and Electronic Engineering, as well as Construction Management and Architectural Technology. DkIT also remains a vital hub for trade apprenticeships and has introduced new degrees like the BSc in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

4. Creative Arts, Media, and Music

DkIT’s creative faculty is thriving, with brand-new 2026 CAO additions including a BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre, a BA (Hons) in Drama, Theatre and Film, and a BA in Film and Television Production.

Advantages of Studying at DkIT

• The Queen’s University Belfast Connection: The most significant advantage for incoming students is the integration into QUB’s academic and quality assurance frameworks. Graduating from a globally recognised university group significantly boosts international employability.
• Strategic Location: Situated perfectly between Dublin and Belfast, the campus serves as the epicentre for higher education and employer engagement on the economic corridor.
• Small Class Sizes & Practical Focus: Unlike larger, sprawling universities, DkIT is praised for its smaller teaching groups, high lecturer-to-student ratios, and a strong emphasis on continuous assessment and work placements.

Specialty Facilities

As part of its upgrade to University College status, DkIT is heavily investing in campus infrastructure.

• Joint Research and Innovation Centre: A new hub is being established on the Dundalk campus, focusing on lead projects in health and life sciences, energy, and sustainability.
• Clinical Skills Labs: State-of-the-art mock wards for nursing and midwifery students to practice patient care safely.
• Creative Studios: High-tech TV and radio studios, performance spaces, and dedicated software development labs for the games and AI streams.

Actionable Advice for Applicants

For Leaving Certificate Students:

Keep an eye on the points trends. In the 2026 CAO cycle, DkIT saw an institution-wide average points increase, reflecting increased demand. Ensure you meet the specific maths requirements for engineering and computing courses, or science requirements for nursing.

For Career Changers & Mature Students (23+):

DkIT is exceptionally welcoming to adult learners. Mature applicants are assessed on their life and work experience rather than past Leaving Cert results. If you have been out of education for a long time, look into the DkIT Access Programme (DkAP). This one-year supported pathway helps adult learners and those from underrepresented socio-economic backgrounds transition into higher education smoothly.

For QQI / PLC Route Applicants:

If you missed out on your CAO points or decided to take a foundation year, DkIT offers excellent progression routes through the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). PLC healthcare routes (like a QQI Level 5 in Nursing Studies) are a proven stepping stone into DkIT’s highly competitive Nursing and Midwifery degrees. Ensure you achieve the required distinctions in your QQI modules, as PLC progression places are quotas-based and highly sought after.

Partnership with Queen’s University

In a landmark shift for Irish education, DkIT has recently entered a historic cross-border partnership with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). Subject to legislative and regulatory approvals, the institute is transitioning to become Dundalk University College, a designated college of Queen’s University Belfast. This means you can expect to graduate with a prestigious QUB degree while studying right on the Dublin-Belfast corridor.

For the most current information on CAO codes, available places, and the transition to Dundalk University College status, always refer to the official college website at dkit.ie.