CAO Courses at Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College offers over 300 CAO course options covering everything from Clinical Speech and Language Studies to Global Business. Below is a comprehensive guide to the CAO courses available at Trinity, recent entry trends, and actionable advice for every type of applicant.

How TCD Organises Its CAO Courses

Trinity’s Level 8 undergraduate courses are broadly divided into three main faculties. When applying through the CAO, you will encounter both Single Honours degrees (where you study one core discipline) and Joint Honours combinations (where you study two subjects, formerly known as Two-Subject Moderatorship or TSM).

1. Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

This faculty is the largest at Trinity and encompasses a vast array of disciplines. CAO courses here appeal heavily to those looking for careers in law, public policy, media, business, and academia.

• Business, Economic and Social Studies (BESS – TR081): A flagship common-entry course allowing students to study varying combinations of Business, Economics, Political Science, and Sociology.

• Law (TR004): A highly competitive Single Honours degree, though Law can also be combined with Business, French, or German.

• English Studies (TR023): For those focusing entirely on literature.

• Psychology (TR006): Known for its intense competition and high points requirement.

• Global Business (TR080): A specialised, internationally focused business degree.

2. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Trinity has revamped its science offerings into general entry streams, giving students the flexibility to specialise as they progress.

• Biological and Biomedical Sciences (TR060): A gateway to specialisations like Neuroscience, Genetics, and Immunology.

• Chemical Sciences (TR061) & Physical Sciences (TR063): Dedicated streams for those focused on chemistry or physics pathways.

• Computer Science (TR033): A world-renowned programme that sits right on the doorstep of Dublin’s “Silicon Docks.” You can also study Computer Science alongside Business or a Language.

• Engineering (TR032): A common entry route leading to civil, mechanical, computer, or electronic engineering specialisations.

3. Health Sciences

TCD’s Health Sciences faculty offers rigorous, professionally accredited degrees closely tied to regulatory bodies like the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), CORU, and the Irish Medical Council.

• Medicine (TR051): Requires both exceptional Leaving Cert results and a high HPAT score.

• Nursing & Midwifery: Trinity offers multiple CAO routes for General, Psychiatric, Children’s, and Intellectual Disability Nursing.

• Pharmacy (TR072): A five-year integrated master’s programme.

• Dental Science (TR052): A highly sought-after clinical degree.

• Therapies: Includes Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Radiation Therapy.

Joint Honours Degrees

For students torn between two passions, TCD offers extensive Joint Honours CAO codes. Under these codes, you apply for a specific combination—for example, History and Political Science (TR012) or Computer Science and Economics (TR197). Over the four years, you can choose to weight your studies equally or major in one subject and minor in the other.

Advice for Different Applicant Groups

For Leaving Certificate Students:
Trinity entry is entirely based on CAO points and matriculation requirements (you must pass English, Mathematics, and another language). Always research the specific subject requirements; for instance, Engineering requires a minimum H4 in Higher Level Mathematics, while many science streams require two science subjects.

For Mature Students (23+):
If you are over 23 by January 1st of the year of application, you can apply as a mature student. Mature applicants must still apply through the CAO by the February 1st deadline, but selection is rarely based on Leaving Cert points. Instead, Trinity assesses life experience, educational background, and motivation. You may be required to take the Nursing Careers Centre (NCC) aptitude test (for nursing), the MSAP (for arts/social sciences), or undergo an interview.

For QQI / PLC Route Applicants:
Do not assume that TCD is out of reach if you are doing a Further Education PLC course. Trinity participates in the Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). Certain QQI Level 5 and Level 6 awards offer direct progression routes into TCD Level 8 degrees, particularly in Arts, Humanities, and Nursing. You must achieve a minimum number of distinctions in specific, linked QQI modules and apply through the CAO.

Final Strategy Tip

When filling out your CAO application for Trinity College Dublin, always list your courses in genuine order of preference, not based on what you think the points will be. Aim high for your first choices, but ensure you have solid, achievable backup options further down your Level 8 list.

For the most up-to-date entry requirements, specific course modules, and detailed application guidelines, always refer directly to the official Trinity College Dublin admissions website at tcd.ie/study.