The Summer between 5th and 6th year is a great time for incoming 6th years to get to grips with exploring career options.
This will give them a head start in understanding what careers might suit their interests, abilities, values and life goals.
Any time spent figuring out what pathways are available to achieve those goals, PLCs, Tertiary courses, CAO options or Apprenticeships, will pay huge dividends in advance of heading into a year that will be very busy for students and parents alike.
Most colleges and universities hold open days early in the first term.
Having an idea about which ones to attend, and which talks to target will be a big plus.
Practical Tips
It is also a good time to get some work-shadowing in, and to make sure of things like mandatory work experience required for Veterinary; and becoming familiar with the HPAT exam required for Medicine.
Tackling the Driving Theory test and taking driving lessons is also to be recommended.
Having a full driver’s licence is always useful, but is particularly so for courses such as Paramedics, and for many trade apprenticeships too, where it can be highly advantageous when trying to secure a position.
While end of term open days such as DCU on June 25 and Maynooth on June 28 are mainly attended by outgoing 6th years, it’s a very worthwhile opportunity for incoming 6th years too.
Applying for Courses in the UK
The summer is a particularly important time for students who are considering applying for courses in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland or Wales.
This must be done through UCAS. See here for a previous LT article explaining the process in detail, and here for information on Department of Health-funded courses offered by Ulster University.
UCAS is now open, which means students can begin to explore what courses are on offer, prepare their applications, work on personal statements and seek references. Completed applications may be submitted from September 2, 2025.
The usual closing date (Equal Consideration Deadline) is January 14, 2026 – two weeks earlier than last year – but those wishing to apply for any course in Oxford or Cambridge, and most courses in Medicine, Dentistry, or Veterinary in any UK college, must comply with the earlier closing date of October 15, 2025.
Don’t Dismiss UCAS as an Option
I have worked with many students who expressed regret about not being aware of these deadlines.
I’ve also worked with many others who without encouragement would never have considered applying for the UK. It’s an option well worth considering.
I always advise students to apply and to simply turn down the offer if they change their minds. A small effort now, can lead to big rewards later on.
Prospective students should be aware of significant updates to the UCAS application process. One of the major changes relates to the personal statement.
Up until now this entailed an open-ended essay, but now it’s formatted to include three distinct sections, with specific prompts:
- Why do you want to study this course or subject?
- How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?
- What else have you done to prepare outside of formal education, and why are these experiences useful?
The total character limit of 4000 remains the same.
UCAT Exam Required for Medicine and Dentistry Applicants
The competition for medical and dental courses in Irish institutions is intense. Applying to universities in the UK can offer a practical alternative to limited places in Ireland.
Graduates from UK programmes are recognised globally and are eligible to register with the Irish Medical Council or Dental Council upon return.
Anyone wishing to apply for Medicine or Dentistry through UCSAs must take the additional step of completing the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)- a two-hour, computer-based admissions test used to test a range of cognitive abilities and professional attributes.
Results are used alongside other selection criteria such as academic qualifications and interviews to offer places.
Plenty of cost-free official preparation materials are available, and there is a free UCAT webinar and live Q&A session on June 10. Places are limited, so it’s a good idea to register now.
Key UCAT Dates for Your Diary
In summary, 5th years, use your summer well! Follow me on Instagram for updates and reminders, or head over to my website to book an on-line or in-person personalised guidance session. Happy Holidays!
Martina Mulhall, Gold Star Careers, offers one-to-one or small group career advice, in-person or online, to people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. See www.goldsarcareers.ie or Gold Star Careers Instagram for more information.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of the other Martina Mulhall pieces here
