Tertiary degree · Level 8 · Computing

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Development starting in Portlaoise

A four-year honours degree in software development, with Year 1 in Portlaoise and the rest at SETU Carlow. It includes an industry work placement and a final year on advanced software topics. It suits students who like coding and problem solving.

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 Software Development (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

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

Apply to Portlaoise Institute (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Programming, data structures and algorithms
  • Object-oriented software development and web programming
  • Software engineering, cloud development and testing
  • Data science, machine learning and secure applications
  • Industry work placement or semester abroad

Where it can lead

  • Software developer
  • IT manager
  • Further study: MSc in Data Science, Cybersecurity or Applied AI

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Technology

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.