CAO Courses at DKIT

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is home to over 140 undergraduate courses spread across four highly specialised academic schools. Known for producing highly employable, work-ready graduates, DkIT offers pathways for everyone – from Leaving Certificate students checking CAO points to adult learners and those coming through PLC healthcare routes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the academic schools at DkIT and some featured courses within them.

1. School of Health and Science

DkIT is a major hub for clinical and scientific training in the North East. Its nursing and midwifery degrees are heavily oversubscribed, making progression from Level 5 Pre-Nursing courses an incredibly popular and viable backdoor route for students who miss out on the initial CAO points criteria. All nursing programmes are rigorously accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

Featured Courses:

• BSc (Hons) in General Nursing (DK870): A four-year Level 8 degree featuring extensive clinical placements in regional hospitals. DkIT also offers dedicated CAO routes for Psychiatric Nursing (DK874) and Intellectual Disability Nursing (DK872).
• BSc (Hons) in Midwifery (DK877): A highly competitive Level 8 programme training students in all aspects of maternal and infant care.
• BSc (Hons) in Agriculture (DK853): Delivered in partnership with Ballyhaise Agricultural College, this degree focuses on sustainable farming and agri-business.
• BSc (Hons) in Bioscience (DK839): Ideal for students interested in biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, and laboratory research.

2. School of Informatics and Creative Arts

This school is completely aligned with Ireland’s booming tech and creative industries. For the 2026 entry cycle, DkIT has launched a suite of brand-new CAO courses specifically tailored to emerging technologies and the performing arts, ensuring graduates have the exact skills modern employers are looking for.

Featured Courses:

• BSc (Hons) in Computing in Cybersecurity & Computing Infrastructure (DK825): A brand-new Level 8 course designed to tackle the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals. (Also available as a Level 7 under DK737).
• BSc in Computing in Games Development (DK720): A Level 7 programme focusing on game design, programming, and interactive media, perfect for students eyeing Ireland’s growing gaming sector.
• BA (Hons) in Musical Theatre (DK869): A highly anticipated new Level 8 addition for 2026, combining vocal performance, acting, and dance.
• BA (Hons) in Drama, Theatre and Film (DK868) & BA in Film and Television Production (DK764): Fresh, industry-focused courses for aspiring creatives, directors, and production crew.
• BA (Hons) in Audio and Music Production (DK865): A long-standing favourite for students looking to master studio recording, sound engineering, and acoustics.

3. School of Business and Humanities

Offering a mix of highly practical business disciplines and socially focused humanities degrees, this school is perfect for students who want a dynamic career in the corporate world, event management, or community care. Mature students and career changers often find a highly supportive environment in this faculty.

Featured Courses:

• BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance (DK810): A three-year Level 8 degree that offers generous exemptions from professional accounting body exams (such as ACCA and CPA) upon graduation.
• BA (Hons) in Business and Management (DK816): A broad, comprehensive degree that allows students to specialise in areas like HR, marketing, or economics in their final years.
• BA (Hons) in Applied Youth Work (DK866): Endorsed by the North South Education and Training Standards Committee (NSETS), this course includes essential fieldwork placements for those looking to work in community and youth services.
• BA (Hons) in Social Care (DK862): Prepares students for CORU registration, a legal requirement to practice as a Social Care Worker in Ireland.

4. School of Engineering

DkIT’s Engineering school is renowned for its hands-on approach. Rather than sitting in massive lecture halls, engineering students spend a significant amount of time in labs, workshops, and out on site. The college is also deeply integrated with the trades and apprenticeship systems, bridging the gap between theory and practical application.

Featured Courses:

• BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology (DK831): Focuses on the technical side of building design, BIM (Building Information Modelling), and sustainable architecture.
• BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying (DK830): A high-demand Level 8 degree that trains students in building performance, defect analysis, and property legislation.
• BEng (Hons) in Engineering – Common Entry (DK843): A fantastic option for Leaving Cert students who know they want to be engineers but aren’t sure which discipline to choose. After year one, students can specialise in Mechanical, Civil, or Electronic Engineering.

View full catalog of DKIT courses on CAO.ie

Actionable Advice for Making Your CAO Application

When selecting your DkIT courses, remember to use both your Level 8 and Level 7/6 CAO lists. DkIT offers fantastic ladder systems—meaning if you do not get the CAO points for a Level 8 Honours Degree (e.g., DK825 Cybersecurity), you can often put down the Level 7 Ordinary Degree equivalent (DK737) as a backup. Once you successfully complete the three-year Level 7, you can usually complete a one-year “add-on” to graduate with the full Level 8 Honours Degree.

Always check specific matriculation requirements, such as Higher Level Maths for Engineering, on the official college website at dkit.ie before finalising your CAO choices.