SUBJECT CHOICE 2013
LEAVING CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL
PROGRAMME
GUIDELINES FOR SUBJECT CHOICE
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3 Core subjects: Irish, English, Maths
 4 option subjects:
– Choose subjects in order of preference
plus 2 reserve subjects
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LVCP( dependant on Subject
Combination)
STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL SUBJECT
CHOICE
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Don’t pick subjects that friends are doing.
Pick subjects that are relevant to your choice of career.
No subjects are specifically designed for boys or girls.
Keep options open when selecting. If unsure of career
choice – select one subject from a broad balanced range
of subjects. If sure, select subjects which are specific to
career choice.
There should be continuity from Junior Certificate to
Senior Certificate.
Check out subject requirements for 3rd level.
STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SUBJECT
CHOICE CONT.
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10.
Remaining subjects should be selected from those which
will maximise students’ points and in which students
have an interest.
Students should enjoy and participate fully in the
subjects they have chosen.
Speak to subject teachers who will explain about course
structure and content.
Talk to fellow senior students- borrow some notes and
textbooks to see what lies ahead!
THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
APPLICATION THROUGH CAO
Four main categories for entry purposes:
1. MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
 All colleges set down minimum entry
requirements for their courses. These
normally include passing certain subjects and
achieving specific grades. In most cases these
specify requirements in English and Maths.
However in addition, all constituent and
recognised colleges of the NUI require a pass
in Irish and a further language ( there are
exceptions to this). From 2014 UCC require
min 4HC3 & 2OD3.
SPECIFIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS
– In addition to minimum entry requirements college
faculties and courses require specific grades in
subjects that they feel are most relevant to their
particular course.
2.
POINTS SYSTEM
– Where demand exceeds the number of places on a
course, most colleges operate a points system.
3.
APTITUDE/ OTHER SELECTION TESTS
– Restricted application courses require applicants in
addition to Leaving Cert results to present for
aptitude test, audition and interview.
1.
CORE GROUP
IRISH
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Required for all N.U.I. Universities, Nursing at N.U.I. Universities,
Gardai (FC3), Civil Service, Army.
Higher B3: DCU: Gaeilge agus Iriseoireacht.
NUIG: Gaeilge agus Leann an Aistriuchain.
Higher C3: DCU: Gno agus Gaeilge.
NUIG: Na Dana Cumarsaid/ Riarachan Gno.
GMIT: Gno agus Cumarsaid.
S.P.C.T: Education, Irish and Religion.
TCD: Irish Studies.
WIT: Business with Irish.
Higher C3: Needed for all Primary Ed Courses.
Can be used to satisfy the modern language requirement for entry to
T.C.D., U.L. and D.C.U.
New Course: Higher/ Ordinary Level: 40% Oral/ 10% Aural/ 50 %
Written- 2 papers
Foundation course: 40% Oral 20% Aural Written 40%- 1 paper
ENGLISH
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Essential for everything including all Uni’s, I.T.’s and all job areas.
Higher B3:
UL: Journalism and New Media
Higher C3:
DCU: Journalism, Communications, Media Studies
DIT: Communications, Journalism, Media studies, Visual and
Critical Studies, Creative Industries
TCD: Clinical Speech, English/ English Studies, Deaf Studies
Dundalk IT: Public Relations OA2/ HC3
ITB: Creative Digital Media
DIADT: Media Studies
The Institutes of Technology, D.C.U., U.L., T.C.D will accept English and or
Irish for entry purposes.
Leaving Certificate Exam: Higher/ Ordinary- two papers
MATHS
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Needed for everything including Universities, I.T.S., Apprenticeships,
Nursing and Gardai(FB3).
Every Job requires some amount of Numeric Skill.
Higher B1:
UCD: Actuarial and Financial Studies
NUIM: Theoretical Physics and Mathematics
Higher B3:
DCU: Actuary Studies
TCD: Theoretical Physics, Mathematics
Higher C3:
TCD: Computer Science, Chemistry and Molecular
Modelling, Nanoscience, Business Computing OA2/ HC3.
NUIG: Mathematics Education/ Maths Science OA2/ HC3
Sligo IT: Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying
UL: Financial Maths/ Maths Sciences/ Maths and Physics
Higher C3:
Needed for all Level 8 Engineering Courses (exception CIT
OA2 CR500)
Higher Maths can be substituted for a second science subject in T.C.D.
New Course: Project Maths: New Syllabus: Two Papers in Exam
Pilot Scheme for Bonus Points for Higher Level Maths
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Bonus Points for Higher Maths: Pilot scheme being implemented by the 7
Universities, DIT and the RCSI. A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who
achieve a grade D3 or above in HL Maths.
A1= 125
A2= 115
B1= 110
B2= 105
B3= 100
C1= 95
C2= 90
C3= 85
D1= 80
D2= 75
D3= 70
This Scheme will run from 2012- 2015 inclusive with a review in 2014. The aim of the
scheme to increase participation levels at Higher Level Maths.
FOUNDATION LEVEL MATHS
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AIT:
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ALL HALLOWS:
CARLOW COLLEGE:
CARLOW IT:
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CORK IT:
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UCC:
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DUNDALK IT:
DBS:
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DCU:
DIT:
DLIADT:
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GRIFFITH COLLEGE:
IT TALLAGHT:
Design, Social Care, Childcare Supervisory Mgt, Society
and Communications
All courses
All courses
Early Childcare Ed, Social Studies, Social and Community
Courses, Art, Media and PR, Sport and Exercise
Music, Art, Drama, Early Childhood Ed, Visual Comm.,
Culinary/ Hospitality Studies, Bar Supervision.
Arts, Social Science, Early Childhood Studies,
Drama, P.E., Law, Applied Psychology, Music.
All L6/L7 courses except engineering courses.
Film Literature and Drama, Arts, Journalism, Media and
Cultural Studies.
Gno agus Gaeilge
Planning and Enviro Studies, Film and Broadcasting,
Visual Communications, Fine Art, Journalism, Creative
Industries, Visual Merchandising and Display
Animation, Design, English and Media, Photography, Film
and TV Production
Law, Journalism, Photographic Media
All course except Engineering
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ITB
IBT:
MATER DEI:
MILLTOWN INSTITUTE:
NCAD:
TCD:
UCD:
GMIT:
All Courses except Engineering and Computing Courses
All Courses
All courses
All courses
Core Art Course
Arts/ Social Courses
Law, Arts courses
All courses except Construction, Engineering,
Nursing Courses.
NUIG:
Arts courses, Civil Law
LETTERKENNY IT:
All Level 6/7 courses except Construction, Engineering
and Nursing
LIT:
Law and Taxation, Art, Business and Social Studies
MARY I:
BA in Early Childhood Studies
UL:
Arts courses, PE, Architecture, Sport and Exercise
Science, Physiotherapy
NUI MAYNOOTH:
Arts courses, Law
PONTIFICAL,MAYNOOTH: All courses
ST PATRICKS, THURLES: All courses
SLIGO IT:
FB2 for all courses except Construction, Engineering
ST ANGELA’S SLIGO:
Health and Disability Studies.
TRALEE IT:
Early Childcare Studies, Performing Arts,
Folk Studies, L6 courses in Business and
Science
WIT:
Culinary Arts, Hospitality Studies, Business Tourism
FRENCH
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Useful subject for many careers including Translations, Teaching,
International Relations, Law, Tourism, Journalism, etc
Needed for UCC, UCD, NUIG, NUIM, Milltown Institute, R.C.S.I.,
St. Angela’s Sligo, Shannon College of Hotel and Catering and for the
Cadetships in the Army and the Air Corps.
Arts/ Law/ Languages/ Business/ Health Care/ Medicine/ Psychology/
Social Science/ Veterinary Medicine courses at the NUI Colleges all
require language at LC Level.
Higher C1/ B3: Specific entry requirement if taking a Language to
Degree Level.
Higher C3:
Speech and Language Therapy (UCC)
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
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A continental language is Not needed for
T.C.D.,U.L.,D.C.U.,D.I.T., and all the Institutes of
Technology- unless the course includes the study of a
language. However student’s must then present Irish at
Ordinary level to satisfy the language requirement for
TCD, UL and DCU.
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Nurse training does not require a language for entry.
Primary teacher training colleges do not require a
language for entry
NCAD will accept Art or Language as a requirement.
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UCD, UCC, NUIG, NUIM have removed the language
requirement for Engineering and Science courses
 LC French : Oral 25% Aural 20% Written exam 55%
Construction Studies
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Ideal subject for students considering Apprenticeships, Architecture, Construction
professions or Engineering Courses.
Suitable for students who are practical, enjoy making and designing things
Satisfies Specific Entry Requirements for the following colleges/ courses:
DIT:
Manufacturing Engineering, Common Entry Engineering,
Physics Technology.
NCAD:
Industrial Design
GMIT:
Design and Technology Education( HC3)
UL:
Production Mgt., Wood Science and Technology, Product
Design and Technology, Construction Management and
Engineering, Mobile Communications and Security, Science
Education, Materials Technology and Architectural/
Engineering Education
Construction Studies: Higher Level: 25% project 25% practical exam 50% written exam
Ordinary Level:30% project 30% practical exam 40% written
exam
Design & Communications Graphics
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Ideal subject for careers in Technology, Computer Science, Architecture,
Product Design, Engineering etc
 Satisfies Specific Entry Requirement for the following colleges/ courses:
DIT:
Physics Technology, Science with Nanoscience, Physics with
Medical Physics and Bioengineering (HC3)
Griffith College: Industrial Design/ Fashion Design (OD3).
GMIT:
Design and Technology Education (HC3)
NCAD:
Industrial Design (OC3)
NUIM:
Product Design (OD3)
UL:
All Science and Engineering courses except Maths/ Physics,
Physiotherapy, Nursing
 DCG Syllabus: 40% Design based project with emphasis on use of CAD and
Technology
60% 3 Hr Geometry Drawing Exam
Engineering
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Ideal subject for careers in Engineering, Mechanical trades, Aircraft
Technician, Technology based careers etc
Suitable for subjects who are practical, enjoy making and designing
things from metal
Satisfies specific entry requirement for the following colleges/
courses:
DIT:
Manufacturing Engineering, Common Entry
Engineering, Physics Technology, Science with
Nanoscience, Clinical Measurement( HC3)
NUIM:
Product Design (OD3)
UL:
All Science and Engineering courses except Nursing,
Physiotherapy, Sport and Exercise Science.
Engineering: Higher/ Ordinary Level: Project: 25% Practical 25%
Written 50%
Business
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Business is concerned with how organisations are formed, financed
and run.
It is an ideal subject for entry into any business course.
Business Courses at third level are often taken with Computer Studies,
Language Studies, Law and Technology/ Engineering.
Useful for such careers as Sales, Marketing, HRM, Advertising,
Corporate law, Insurance etc
LC Business Syllabus: Theory based 100% exam
Geography
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Geography is concerned with the interrelationships between human
activities and the physical environment.
Very useful for careers in Environmental Planning, Town Planning,
Civil Engineering, Development work, Conservation, Teaching etc
Usually studied through Art Faculties in the 7 Universities (language
requirement in NUI Colleges), GMIT, Mary I, St Patrick’s College
but can be studied through science at TCD.
T.C.D, Geography is accepted as a Higher Grade C Science Subject.
LC Geography: 20% Field Report: 80% exam
Social Group
Home Economics (Social and Scientific)
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Ideal subject for students considering careers in Hotel and Catering,
Dietetics, Child Care, Nursing, Social Studies, Food Industry, Fashion
Design etc.
Leaving Certificate Exam: Journal 20% Written Exam 80%
Teacher Training Courses at St. Angela’s Sligo have a language
requirement for entry purposes and a Lab Science subject if taking
Biology as an elective.
Art/Craft and Design
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Important for entry into Art Colleges where Portfolios are required.
Useful for Art and Design Based work, Architecture, Graphic Design, Art
Administration, etc
A Portfolio is required for the following courses:
AIT:
Design( Communications)
Carlow IT:
Art
CIT:
Fine Art and Ceramics, Visual Communications
DIT:
Photography, Design- Visual Merchandising and Display
DLIADT:
All Art based courses
NCAD
All Courses
Griffith:
Fashion Design, Interior Design (OD3)
LIT:
Art and Design
Sligo IT:
Fine Art
Art is a specific requirement for:
Graphic Design (Letterkenny IT- OD3), Visual Arts (WIT- OB3).
LC H/O
37.5% Art History: 62.5% practical (May- Papers given in advance)
– Practical: Divided into three areas
– Design or Craft: Imaginative Composition or Still Life: Life Drawing
Music
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Students must be able to read music and have the ability to play a
musical instrument or sing.
Junior Certificate music is not necessary to study music at Leaving
Certificate. However it is recommended that students take a music
lesson outside school tuition in their chosen instrument.
Higher Grade C or equivalent is required for Music at NUIM while
CIT, UCC, DCU, DIT, Mater Dei, TCD and WIT require all
intending students to take an Entrance Exam.
LC Music Syllabus:
– 50% practical ( 50% playing instrument or singing: or
– 25% technology/ 25% playing instrument or singing
– 50% exam
SCIENCE GROUP
For certain areas and courses you need a science subject. Should you
apply to Engineering, Medical, Paramedical, or science areas at
Universities, you will need to have a pass in at least one lab science
subject. You also need to have a science subject for nursing.
Two science subjects are required for:
T.C.D.- Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Medicine, Dental Science, Human
Genetics, Human Health and Disease
 U.C.C.- Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy
 No science subject required L6/L7 science or engineering courses at
Institutes of Technology.
 Arts, Business Studies, Social Science, Law etc at Universities does
not require a science subject at Leaving Certificate.
BIOLOGY
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Important for Health related careers, Nursing, Medical, Paramedical
Careers, Veterinary Nursing and Home Economics teaching if
Biology is chosen as an elective.
Industrial careers including Biotechnology, Biomedical, Food
Industry, Environmental science etc
HC3 in Biology specific requirement for
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Human Health and Disease (TCD)
Biology through Arts (NUIM)
Genetics HB1 (UCC)
LC Biology Syllabus: 100% exam
Experiments must be written up as part of coursework
CHEMISTRY
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Important for a wide range of career options within the scientific field
ranging from Environmental Science, Food Science, Pharmaceutical
and Med Lab Science.
Necessary for Healthcare Professions including Medicine, Nutritional
science, Dentistry.
Higher C a specific requirement for the following courses:
Human Nutrition and Dietetics (D.I.T.)
Pharmacy (T.C.D)
Medicine/ Dentistry/ Pharmacy (U.C.C.)
Veterinary Medicine (U.C.D.)
LC Chemistry syllabus: 100% exam
 Experiments must be written up as part of coursework
Physics
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Physics is of key importance in Technology and extremely useful for
Engineering which has a high physics content.
Physics is a Specific requirement for the following course:
Theoretical Physics HB3 (T.C.D.)
Some Paramedical Careers involve the study of Physics e.g. Clinical
Measurement, Radiography, Physiotherapy.
LC Physics syllabus: 100% exam
– Experiments must be written up as part of coursework
Agricultural Science
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Useful for Agricultural Science, Biosystems Engineering, Earth Science,
Environmental Science, Food Science, Forestry, Horticulture, etc
Satisfies the Lab- Science Entry Requirement for most Third Level Science/
Engineering/ Technology/ Nursing courses. However there are some
exceptions:
UCC:
Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine
DIT:
Forensics, Biomedical Science, Human Nutrition and
Dietetics, Chemical Science and Molecular Chemistry
TCD:
Theoretical Physics, Radiation therapy, Chemistry with
Molecular Modelling, Nanoscience
UL:
Mathematics and Physics
LC Ag Science syllabus: 25% project: 75% exam
LCVP
LEAVING CERT VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME
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An enhanced Leaving Certificate.
Requirements for the LCVP are as follows:
– LCVP students must take a minimum of five Leaving Cert subjects
including Irish
– Two of the above must be selected from one of the designated
Vocational Subject Groupings
– Must study two Link Modules, namely Preparation for the World
of Work and Enterprise Education
– Students are required to follow a recognised course in a Modern
European Language( other than Irish or English).
VOCATIONAL SUBJECT GROUPINGS
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In order to qualify for LCVP, a student must have two linked
subject combinations:
Construction Studies (C.S) or Engineering (ENG) or DCG (any two)
Physics and C.S or ENG
Ag Science and C.S or ENG
Ag Science and Chemistry or Physics
Home Economics and Ag Science or Biology
Home Economics and Art
Accounting and Business
Physics and Chemistry
Biology and Chemistry or Physics
VOCATIONAL SUBJECT GROUPINGS
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
ENG and Business or Accountancy
C.S. and Business or Accountancy
Home Economics and Business or Accountancy
Agricultural Science and Business or Accountancy
Art and Business or Accountancy
Music and Business or Accountancy
Assessment for LCVP
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At a common level
Takes two forms:
Portfolio of Coursework(60%)
Terminal Examination Paper (40%)
Points awarded for H.E.I.
70 Distinction
50 Merit
30 Pass
Further Information

www.cao.ie
 www.careersportal.ie
 www.qualifax.ie
 careers@portumnacs.com
 www.ncca.ie/seniorcycle