Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Business

Bachelor of Business (Hons) Common Entry starting in Portlaoise

A four-year business degree where you study broad business subjects in Years 1 and 2, then choose a specialism. Year 1 is in Portlaoise and the rest is at SETU Carlow. It suits students who are not yet sure which area of business they like.

How tertiary degrees work: you apply directly to the further education college, not through the CAO, and you don't need CAO points. You start in the further education college and then move on to the university or technological university to finish the full degree. Applications usually open early in the year; 2026 closing dates ranged from March to May.

Key facts

How long
4 years full-time (Year 1 in further education, Years 2-4 at SETU)
Award
Bachelor of Business (Hons) (SETU), with a choice of specialism in Years 3-4
Where you study
  • Year 1: Portlaoise Institute (LOETB), Portlaoise, Co. Laois → Years 2–4: South East Technological University (SETU), Carlow

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert: 2 subjects at H5 and 4 at O6/H7, including English or Irish and Maths at O6/H7
  • Or a Level 5 major award, or an equivalent qualification
  • Mature applicants (23 or over at the start) assessed on life and work experience
  • Non-native English speakers need B2 English in all four skills
  • If oversubscribed, priority goes to applicants with the greatest local need

How to apply

2027 application link not yet published – check the NTO page. Apply directly to the college, not through the CAO. Apply directly to Portlaoise Institute through the fetchcourses.ie link, not through the CAO.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • IT for business, accounting and economics
  • Management theory and quantitative techniques
  • Business law, marketing and human resources
  • Supply chain management
  • Specialism choice: management, HR, international business, supply chain, finance and accounting, or marketing

Where it can lead

  • Business management
  • Human resources and recruitment
  • Accountancy, banking and financial services
  • Marketing, advertising and sales
  • Supply chain and logistics
  • Post-primary teaching (with further qualification)

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Business, Accounting, Economics

These help with the content of the programme; they are not entry requirements unless listed above.

Apprenticeships in Business and Information

Not sure which route suits you?

Our CAO Interest Test matches you to course areas, and now shows apprenticeships and tertiary degrees in your strongest areas too.

Take the CAO Interest Test → Try the free 3-minute test

Information from the National Tertiary Office (nto.ie), checked November 2026. Details can change, so always confirm on the official page before applying.