With CAO applications increasing by 6.5 per cent this year, students are being encouraged to consider all available pathways into higher education and to have alternative options in place if their first choice does not work out. One option that is still not widely known among students is the tertiary degree programme, which is now available in locations across Ireland.
Introduced in 2023, tertiary degree programmes allow students to begin their studies in a local Further Education and Training (FET ) college, usually run by an Education and Training Board (ETB ), before progressing to a partner higher education institution to complete their degree.
The key difference between a tertiary degree and the traditional university route is that students complete the first two years in a further education college before transferring to the partner university or institute of technology. Students who successfully meet the required learning outcomes are guaranteed progression and do not need to reapply through the CAO.
Graduates receive the same Level 7 or Level 8 qualification as those who complete their studies entirely in a higher education institution, although some programmes, such as Mental Health Nursing and Occupational Therapy, may take five years to complete.
A major advantage of tertiary degree programmes is the reduced cost. Students do not pay tuition or student contribution fees for the first two years while studying in the further education college. During this time, they are registered with both the FET college and the partner higher education institution, allowing them to access facilities and services from both.
Students may also be eligible to apply for SUSI grants, provided they meet the relevant criteria, and can access a range of higher education bursaries.
Another key difference is that tertiary degrees do not rely on CAO points as the main entry requirement. Instead, applications are made directly through the National Tertiary Office (NTO ) at www.nto.ie, where students can find details of available programmes. Depending on the course, applicants may be asked to submit a personal statement, attend an interview, or provide a portfolio of work rather than meeting a specific Leaving Certificate points requirement.
There are currently 41 tertiary degree programmes available across Ireland in areas such as social work, media, information technology, nursing, occupational therapy and psychology.
In Galway and the west of Ireland, students can begin many of these programmes at Galway Community College of Further Education or GRETB Training Centres, before progressing to partner institutions such as the University of Galway or the Atlantic Technological University (ATU ).
Students interested in General Nursing can begin locally and progress to ATU Mayo in Castlebar, which is still currently accepting applications. Those looking to study Mental Health Nursing can start at Clare LCETB and then complete their Bachelor of Science in Mental Health Nursing at the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands.
Students aiming for a career in Social Care can start at GRETB Galway FET Centre before progressing to University of Galway.
For those interested in Computing or IT, programmes at GMIT Letterfrack/Greencastle College allow students to complete the first two years locally before progressing to a full degree at Atlantic Technological University.
Additionally, students interested in Media Studies can begin a tertiary degree at Galway FET College and later transfer to University of Galway to finish their Level 7 or Level 8 degree.
These local pathways allow students to begin their studies close to home, reduce the financial burden of higher education, and make it easier to secure accommodation while studying in the ETB/FET college, compared with trying to find housing in larger university cities.
Even if you have your sights set on a specific higher education institution, it is worth exploring these tertiary degree programmes and applying. They provide a valuable backup option and, once an offer arrives, you may find that the pathway suits you better than you initially expected.
