Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Business

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital and Business Skills starting in Dublin 1

A four-year degree that mixes business and digital skills with real workplace learning in every year. It was developed with NCI and City of Dublin ETB and builds on the P-TECH programme in Dublin's North-East Inner City. It suits learners who want a career in business and technology with strong support.

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 (Years 1-2 in further education, Years 3-4 at NCI), with workplace learning in all four years
Award
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital and Business Skills (NCI); Higher Certificate (L6) and Bachelor of Arts (L7) step-back awards
Where you study
  • Years 1–2: City of Dublin FET College, Cathal Brugha Campus, Dublin 1 → Years 3–4: National College of Ireland (NCI)

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert (5 passes) or LCVP (5 passes)
  • Or Leaving Cert Applied plus a Level 6 P-TECH award, or a Level 6 Certificate in P-TECH from NCI, or a Level 5 QQI Certificate in a relevant area
  • Mature learners aged 21 or over have no formal academic requirement (assessed through prior learning)
  • Show a desire to work in business, plus responsibility, teamwork and communication skills
  • B2 English for non-native speakers

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 the further education college through the fetchcourses.ie link, not through the CAO.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Personal development and employability skills
  • Business and digital skills
  • Workplace learning in all four years
  • Learning, financial and workplace mentor supports

Where it can lead

  • Employment in the business and digital sectors

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Business, Computer Science

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?

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