The Leaving Certificate is often seen as the traditional pathway to higher education, but it’s not the only route out there.
You might be in a place where you're exploring other ways to access third-level education, whether because you didn't complete your Leaving Cert, are considering re-sitting it, or simply feel that a different route would suit you better.
Thankfully, the education landscape has changed, and so have your options.
If the Leaving Cert wasn’t a positive experience for you, or if the idea of returning to a traditional school environment just doesn’t feel right, there are alternative paths that offer flexibility, learning tailored to your interests, and a more adult-friendly atmosphere.
Guidance counselling is free and available to everyone through your local Education and Training Board.
Also, check out FETCH courses and Qualifax for more information. And don't forget to chat with the course coordinator to make sure you have all the correct information before signing up.
Speaking about the Leaving Cert results today, our CEO Dearbháil Lawless said:
“As someone who started out in FET [Further Education and Training], I couldn’t recommend it enough. You are treated as an adult, you’ll meet new friends of all ages, and you’ll figure out if this course is the direction is right for you. There are so many programmes and upon successful completion, you’ll have a qualification, new learning and lots of new opportunities.”
Here are some different routes to consider:
One of the most accessible alternatives to the Leaving Cert is enrolling in a FET course. These courses provide vocational training and education in specific subjects, which can directly relate to a degree course. For example, if you’re interested in Childcare, you can complete a course in that area.
A Quality and Qualifications Ireland Level 5 course is the equivalent to the Leaving Cert and courses can lead directly to university places, jobs, or apprenticeships. This could be the quickest way to get a qualification that is just as valuable as the Leaving Cert. For example, a Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care allows you to progress to higher education and training in the same area, on completion of the course.
Some courses require a Leaving Cert to start on a Level 5. If that’s the case, you can do a Level 4 first. Check with your local centre or FETCH to find out more.
Post-Leaving Certificate courses are offered by various Education and Training Boards. While traditionally aimed at school leavers, these courses are also available to adults and can serve as a stepping stone to higher education or employment. Find out more here.
Because of changes to our education system, people can now enroll in joint degree courses across healthcare, enterprise, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and creative sectors.
You can do this in your local Further Education institution in counties across Ireland.
You could then progress to a higher education institution.
The purpose of this new structure is to move away from the traditional CAO process and offer more flexible options for people in their education.
University access courses are another excellent option, particularly if you want to enter higher education but don’t have the traditional qualifications. These courses are designed to prepare you for university-level study and are available at institutions like Maynooth University’s Return to Learning programme. A Leaving Cert may not be necessary to receive a place on these. For instance TU Dublin Access Programme and UCD Access Courses. Check out access courses at your closest university.
An innovative approach worth mentioning is the Communiversity model, which brings third-level education into the heart of communities. This model offers courses in a supportive, local environment, making higher education more accessible to you if you’ve faced barriers in the past. Find out more here.
There are more people doing apprenticeships than ever in Ireland. More information on apprenticeships,check out Generation Apprenticeship
SUSI is the national grant funding body for Further and Higher Education students.
Find out if you are eligible for a SUSI grant here: Applicant Class SUSI
So, while the Leaving Certificate has long been the traditional route to higher education, it’s by no means the only path. Exploring these options can open doors to new opportunities in a way that suits you.
No matter where you’re starting from, there’s always a way forward to achieve your goals.