Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Computing

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Information Technology Management starting in Portlaoise

A four-year degree that blends IT and business to prepare you to manage an organisation's computer systems. It is very practical and includes a work placement or semester abroad. It suits students who like technology and organising people and projects.

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 Science (Hons) in Information Technology Management (SETU)
Where you study
  • Year 1: Portlaoise Institute (LOETB), Co. Laois → Years 2–4: SETU Carlow Campus

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

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Programming, hardware and networking
  • Operating systems and systems administration
  • Web programming, databases and cloud applications
  • Project management and people management
  • Work placement or approved semester abroad

Where it can lead

  • Business analyst
  • Systems or network administrator
  • IT consultant or IT manager
  • Database administrator or web developer
  • Project manager

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Computer Science, Business, Applied Mathematics

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

This degree is also offered starting in

Apprenticeships in ICT

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.