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Every year in my role as a guidance counsellor I meet students who feel discouraged when they see high CAO points for popular courses. It can sometimes feel like the options become very limited if your predicted points are below 400.
But the reality is very different.
Ireland has a huge range of excellent CAO courses that sit below the 400-point mark. Many of these courses lead to strong careers, offer flexible pathways, or allow students to specialise later once they discover their interests.
Here are a few courses I often discuss with students that demonstrate just how many interesting options exist under 400 points.
One of the courses I frequently recommend to students is MH101 Arts in Maynooth University.
What makes this course particularly attractive is its flexibility. Students do not need to lock themselves into their final subject choices immediately. Instead, they typically have the first four weeks of the academic year to explore their subjects before deciding which ones they want to continue with.
As they progress through the degree, students have several options for structuring their studies:
Joint Honours (two equal subjects)
Major / Minor combinations
Single Major in the final years
Students who spend a year abroad can also graduate with a four-year Arts International degree.
For students who enjoy a variety of subjects and want flexibility in their choices, Arts degrees like MH101 can open a wide range of possibilities.
For students interested in nutrition or dietetics, there is an interesting alternative route through AU172 Health Science with Dietetic Studies in ATU Donegal.
Currently there is only one Level 8 Dietetics degree in Ireland, and it requires Leaving Cert Chemistry. Many students interested in the area unfortunately discover this requirement too late.
This course offers another pathway.
Students spend two years studying in Letterkenny before progressing to Coventry University in the UK for the final two years.
The course had 359 points last year and is a good example of how Level 6 or Level 7 pathways can lead to excellent outcomes.
Technology courses are often associated with very high points, but LM121 Computer Science in the University of Limerick came in at 382 points last year.
Students begin with a general computer science programme and later have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as:
Cybersecurity
Computer Systems
Games Development
Students do need O2/H6 in Leaving Cert Maths, but for those with an interest in computing this course offers strong career opportunities in a growing industry.
Another course that often surprises students is MI018 – Education Gaeilge and Business Studies.
This degree allows graduates to qualify as post-primary teachers of both Irish and Business Studies.
One of the biggest advantages of this programme is that graduates are fully qualified teachers at the end of the degree. Most teaching routes require students to complete an additional two-year Professional Master of Education (PME) after their undergraduate degree.
Completing the qualification in a single programme can save both time and the cost of a postgraduate qualification.
The course had 398 points last year.
Students interested in media or communications may want to consider DC131 Communication Studies in DCU, which had 360 points last year.
The course has a H4 in English requirement, reflecting the importance of strong communication skills.
One feature that often appeals to students is that there are no traditional exams in the assessment structure. Instead, students are assessed through projects, assignments and practical work.
Graduates move into careers in areas such as:
Media
Public Relations
Marketing
Social Media
Journalism
For students interested in the environment, GY134 Geography and Geosystems is a fascinating course option.
A lab science subject is required for entry, and the course focuses on understanding the impact of human activity and climate change on the natural world.
Students explore topics such as:
Environmental change
Climate science
Sustainability
Global development
With increasing global focus on climate and environmental issues, graduates from courses like this are likely to be in growing demand.
Another option that sometimes flies under the radar is NC009 Business in the National College of Ireland.
Located in the heart of Dublin’s financial district, the college recently celebrated its 75th anniversary and has opened a new building in Spencer Dock.
This three-year Level 8 degree includes an optional year-long work placement between second and third year, which can be invaluable for gaining real industry experience.
The points last year were 270, making it accessible to a wide range of students.
TR097 Intellectual Disability Nursing in Trinity College Dublin is another course that students often overlook.
Graduates work with individuals of all ages with intellectual disabilities, supporting them in healthcare, education and community settings.
The programme includes clinical placements and even offers an Erasmus opportunity, allowing students to gain international experience.
Another course that students with an interest in business, media or social media might consider is the Level 8 Digital Marketing degree in IADT (Institute of Art, Design and Technology).
Like Communication Studies in DCU, one feature that often appeals to students is that there are no traditional end-of-year exams. Assessment on the programme is based on continuous assessment, projects and practical work, which suits students who prefer coursework over exam-heavy degrees.
Students develop skills in areas such as:
Digital marketing strategy
Social media marketing
Content creation
Branding and communications
Data and consumer insights
IADT has also recently opened a new state-of-the-art building on campus, providing modern facilities and learning spaces for students.
For students interested in careers in marketing, social media, advertising or digital media, this course provides a practical route into a fast-growing industry.
Finally, TU881 Food Science in TU Dublin offers a unique specialisation that often catches students’ attention.
Later in the programme students can specialise in either:
Food Science
Brewing and Distilling
The course includes a work placement and provides strong links to the food and drinks industry.
I recently met a student who completed their placement at St James’s Gate with Guinness, which shows the kinds of opportunities available.
The course had 346 points last year.
Points are only one part of the CAO process.
Every year I see students discover courses they had never previously considered — courses that turn out to be a perfect fit for their interests and career ambitions.
The CAO system offers far more options than most students realise, and courses under 400 points can still lead to exciting careers and opportunities.
Sometimes the key is simply taking the time to explore them.
