Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Computing

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software and Technology starting in Galway

A four-year degree that blends software development with sensors, instrumentation and control systems. You start at GTI in Galway then move to ATU Galway City. It suits students who like coding and working with hardware.

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 (Year 1 at Galway Technical Institute, Years 2-4 at ATU Galway City)
Award
BSc (Honours) in Software and Technology (ATU)
Where you study
  • Year 1: Galway Technical Institute (GTI, GRETB) → Years 2–4: ATU Galway City Campus

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert: O6/H7 or better in five subjects, including Maths and English or Irish (Irish at F2 is accepted)
  • Or a full QQI Level 5/6 award including a maths module, or O6 in Leaving Cert Maths
  • Mature applicants (23 by 1 January) assessed individually
  • LCA students may enter after an access programme
  • Or 17+ with 2 years of relevant experience after Junior Cert
  • Priority in oversubscription to access-priority groups (SUSI special rate grant, social welfare)

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 Galway Technical Institute (GRETB), not through the CAO. No application link is given on the page; contact the tertiary managers.

Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Programming, databases and software design
  • Sensing, instrumentation and calibration
  • Networking, operating systems and microservices
  • Machine learning, machine vision and embedded systems
  • Internship or placement project and a final project

Where it can lead

  • Software developer in Irish and multinational companies
  • Integrated software-hardware systems roles
  • Entrepreneurial ventures
  • Masters or doctoral study with a 2.1 or above

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering

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

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.

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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.