There are alternatives to doing Arts in UCC.
We know January is a stressful time for secondary school students around the country as they prepare to make their CAO choices.
We’ve been there, done that, bought the t-shirt (the truth is we bought the t-shirt that January in a non-CAO related incident).
Just because we are very nice guys, we’ve decided to help you out by trawling through all of the course in Ireland to find the quirkiest ones.
Here’s our list of 15 pretty alternative CAO courses you can apply for this month.
1. Computer Games Development
Institution: IT Carlow
Points (Average): 365
This course will give you the skills to be able to develop games software for all the major gaming platforms like PC, Xbox, PlayStation etc.
For some reason we think your screen will look like something from the Matrix while you create the new Grand Theft Auto.
2. Sports Management and Coaching
Institution: IT Blanchardstown
Points (Average): 320
John Wooden once said: “A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment” and, if that sounds like you, check out this course.
Also, getting Yeovil Town to the Champions League in Football Manager isn’t actually in the requirements, but congrats if you managed that.
3. Criminology
Institution: UCC
Points (Average): 435
The course is a mix of social science and law, so key topics include crime, justice, morality, philosophy, history and a language.
The most famous fictional criminologist is Horatio Caine, so polish those sunglasses and perfect your “I’m always right” face.
4. Popular Music: Drums at CIT Cork School of Music
Institution: CIT
Points (Average): NA (All applicants must sit an entrance exam)
A course that could see you go on to become a recording session musician, to working in theatrical productions or TV, composing music and song writing.
If you’re really successful, you might even end up in a drum-off with Will Ferrell like RHCP’s Chad Smith.
5. Digital Forensics and Cyber Security
Institution: IT Blanchardstown
Points (Average): 275
This is for people who were intrigued by the cell tower conundrum in the Serial podcast, or thought The Fappening story a few months back was interesting (not in a pervy way) among other things.
6. Animal Science – Equine
Institution: UCD
Points (Average): 500
You learn about equine industry in Ireland as well as the growth and development of farm animals, how they function and their behaviour.
The course also looks at advances and future directions in research.
Also, ask your mom about Robert Redford in The Horse Whisperer and that might sway your decision.
7. Culinary Arts
Institution: DIT
Points (Average): NA (Six subjects, two honours)
If you love food and cooking, this is the obvious choice for you.
A potential career as a chef, a restaurant manager or maybe in research, food writing, food product development and wine promotion may follow.
One thing though, don’t turn out like this guy.
8. Animation
Institution: Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Tech
Points (Average): 755 (Combination of Leaving Certificate and Portfolio assessment points)
A really hands-on course for creative types that’s 80% practical and 20% academic work.
It’s one of the only specific animation course in the country which has seen some very talented people move onto TV production, TV advertising, special effects and short films.
You can also study Animation in Letterkenny IT, LIT and IT Tralee.
We imagine it’s a bit more technical than this.
9. Aircraft Maintenance and Operations
Institution: UL
Points (Average): NA (contact the department)
This course is mainly aimed at preparing students for the Aircraft Operations sector, which includes companies involved in maintenance, leasing/financing, flying (airlines), and regulating aircraft.
It’s not Top Gun, but it’s a very interesting industry to get into.
10. Fashion Design
Institution: Griffith College Dublin
Points (Average): 255 (plus portfolio submission)
If you like your fashion, are creative and are into design then FASHION DESIGN could be for you.
We know, our career guidance is some sort of extraordinary gift.
We’re quite liberal in terms of fashion, but please sort out stuff like what’s going on down there.
11. Human Nutrition
Institution: IT Sligo
Points (Average): 400
The course looks at the relationship between nutrition and health and how good health can be promoted by following a healthy diet.
People are watching their diets so much these days with every other person on a paleo diet or clean eating.
That’s all very positive, but please stop putting a picture of every meal on Instagram.
12. Psychology
Institution: Trinity
Points (Average): 560
A lot of psychology graduates go on to a career in professional psychology through professional training or higher education in areas related to psychology.
Clinical psychology, Counselling psychology and masters courses in Applied psychology are some of the options.
You’ll never(nude) be the world’s first analyst and therapist though, Tobias Funke has that crown.
13. Earth and Ocean Sciences
Institution: NUIG
Points (Average): 490
On this course, you’ll study subjects such as climate change, natural resources, and the management and conservation of our oceans.
If you love nature as much as David Attenborough, it might just be the course for you.
14. Athletic Therapy and Training
Institution: DCU
Points (Average): 510
An ATT is someone who specialises in the prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries.
It’s different to a physio because it specialises in injuries related to physical activity while physios cover a broader range.
We don’t think the guy on the right qualified in DCU.
15. DNA and Forensic Analysis
Institution: Tallaght IT
Points (Average): 360
The course will give students the multi-disciplinary skills to be able to work as analysts in the Biotechnology, Healthcare, Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Forensic-based laboratories.
While the DNA and forensic analysts in CSI rely on traces of semen of solve every case, this will give you a more rounded education.
The closing date for applications is 5.15pm on February 1.
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