Degree options remain open to Donegal students despite CAO deadline

Donegal ETB and ATU are offering an alternative route for students as the CAO deadline closes.

Tertiary Degree options available in Donegal include the Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Science in Industrial Laboratory Science, Bachelor of Science in General Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Engineering Technologies at Donegal ETB and ATU. 

“A new way to earn a degree – without the points race, without CAO deadlines, and with applications open until late September,” Dr Fiona Maloney, Director of the National Tertiary Office said. “There’s still time for students in Donegal to start on the path to their dream career.” 

A first-of-its-kind initiative across Europe, there are now over 40 tertiary degree courses offered in 19 locations across Ireland through partnerships between local Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). 

Courses are co-designed and co-delivered by ETBs and HEIs, with students beginning their studies in a further education college before progressing directly to complete their degree in a higher education college.

Dr Maloney says tertiary degrees offer school leavers and mature students a new way to earn a degree. “Students who complete a tertiary degree will graduate with exactly the same degree as those who begin at a HEI. What tertiary degrees offer is an alternative route. 

“For many students, there are barriers which can hold them back from pursuing their dream career - the points race, the application deadlines, the cost of higher education, moving away from home, the leap from the school classrooms into huge lecture halls.

“Tertiary degrees are learner-centred – applications are based on a student’s potential and passion for their dream career; they can start their studies in a local town or county rather than moving away from home; and importantly for many, there are no tuition or student contribution fees for the first year or two spent in an ETB.

“When they progress to complete their studies at higher education, it is a direct, smooth experience, and the Free Fees and SUSI supports are available to those who are eligible.”

Throughout their degree, tertiary degree students have access to both campuses, facilities and supports offered by the partnered ETB and HEI.

Maria Doherty, Regional Tertiary Manager for Connacht and Ulster, urged school leavers in Donegal concerned about the CAO change of mind deadline to consider all the options open to them. “Applications for tertiary degrees remain open until late September and without the worry of points, students can focus on their career goals. New tertiary degrees are coming online all the time so check out what’s available here.