Tertiary degree · Level 7 · Business

Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality Services starting in Carlow

A three-year degree preparing you for supervisor roles in tourism and hospitality. It combines business, management and marketing with hands-on hospitality skills and a work placement. It suits people who want a career in hotels, restaurants or events.

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
3 years full-time (Year 1 in further education, Years 2-3 at SETU)
Award
Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality Services (SETU)
Where you study
  • Year 1: Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training (KCETB) → Years 2–3: SETU Waterford Campus

Entry requirements

  • Leaving Cert: 5 subjects 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 Carlow Institute of FET through the fetchcourses.ie link, not through the CAO.

Apply to Carlow Institute of FET (fetchcourses.ie) ↗ Official page on nto.hea.ie ↗

What you'll learn

  • Restaurant service, accommodation and front office
  • Management, marketing and accounting
  • Events management and revenue management
  • Human resources and services marketing
  • Work placement in tourism or hospitality

Where it can lead

  • Supervisor roles in tourism and hospitality
  • Further study: Level 8 BA (Hons) in Hospitality Management

Useful Leaving Cert subjects

Home Economics, Business, Geography

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

Apprenticeships in Personal Services

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.