donnchadh
Every year, I get the same question from students and parents:
“If I fail Maths, have I failed my Leaving Cert?”
The short answer is no.
There is no overall pass or fail in the Leaving Cert. What really matters is whether you meet the entry requirements for the courses you are applying to through the CAO.
What many people are actually asking is:
“If I don’t pass Maths, can I still go to college?”
Again, the answer is yes.
There are plenty of CAO courses in Ireland that do not require Maths, meaning you can still receive a college offer once you meet the other entry requirements.
Here are 10 courses to consider:
Points (2025): 289
Requirements: Pass in English or Irish + a science subject (H6/O3)
No Maths requirement
A practical, career-focused course with strong employment opportunities in healthcare.
Points (2025): 279
Requirements: H6/O3 in English
No Maths requirement
Ideal for students interested in media, communications and working with brands.
Points (2025): 491
Requirements: Pass in English and Irish
No Maths requirement
A popular course for students interested in crime, society and the justice system.
Points (2025): 291
No Maths requirement
A strong arts degree for students who enjoy reading, writing and critical thinking.
Points (2025): 400
No Maths requirement
A broad degree covering sociology, politics and social policy.
Points (2025): 309
No Maths requirement
Perfect for creative students interested in acting, performance and stage work.
Portfolio required
No Maths requirement
A highly creative course with excellent industry links, but remember, your portfolio is key here.
Points (2025): 328
No Maths requirement
A great option for students interested in media, storytelling and current affairs.
Points (2025): 567 in Round 1
No Maths requirement
Most Law degrees in Ireland do not require Maths, making them a strong option for students with strengths in reading and writing.
Points (2025): 541
No Maths requirement
A competitive course, but one that shows high-point options are still available without Maths.
Not being strong in Maths, or even not passing it, does not mean college is out of reach.
There are many different pathways into higher education, and the key is choosing courses that align with:
Your strengths
Your interests
The subjects you meet requirements in
If you’re unsure what options are available to you, you can take our CAO Interest Test on FindMyCollegeCourse.ie.
You can even input your subject strengths (including no Maths) and discover courses that match you, not just your points.
