No points needed – a new route to a Bachelor’s Degree

Escape the points race and get on a career-focused track with a Tertiary Bachelor's Degree.

Leaving Cert season can be a tough time for young people. The pressure is immense, the points race is competitive and there's a sense of uncertainty about the future that's tricky to shake.

However, it's important to note that there is more than one route to a Bachelor's Degree and alternatives are out there for both Leaving Cert students and mature students returning to education.

One brilliant alternative for those looking to escape the points race is a Tertiary Bachelor's Degree.

Here's how it works:

No points - just potential

With a Tertiary Bachelor's Degree, the points race is out of the question. Entry into this programme is based on a candidates potential and passion, instead of how you performed in one exam.

The same degree - a different way

Those undertaking a Tertiary Bachelor's Degree begin their studies at a local Education and Training Board before moving to a partnering Higher Education Institution at a later point. Students graduate with the same recognised Level 7 or Level 8 Bachelor's Degree as everyone else. It may be a different route, but that doesn't mean learners have to compromise on the end result.

No college fees for the first 2 years while studying at the ETB

With a Tertiary Bachelor's Degree, you can make serious savings on college fees as you won't pay them for the years spent at the ETB. What's more, as this is a local option, you can stay close to home and avoid the cost of uprooting for your education during this period.

Almost 40 career-centred courses available

These courses have been co-designed by industry leaders, so students are learning with their future careers in mind.

Smaller classes - bigger support

Students undertaking a Tertiary Bachelor's Degree start off in smaller classes, but they also have access to both the ETB and the Higher Education Institution from day one. This means students get more personal attention, more support and more chances to settle in and succeed - particularly handy for when you're new to the college experience.

Students earn a QQI Level 5 or 6 Award after year one or two, before progressing to a Bachelor's Degree

Sometimes life gets in the way and students have to pause their educational journey. Thankfully, if you need to hit the breaks after Year One or Year Two, you'll receive an Embedded Award, which gives you a little more security.

The programme is built to break down barriers

This initiative is backed by the National Tertiary Office, which was set up to shake up how we think about third level education in Ireland. Through the programme, higher education becomes more joined-up, accessible and more real-world ready.

You can learn more about Tertiary Bachelor Degrees right here. Applications are open now throughout summer and September, though each course deadline varies.

Feature image via Pixels