With the Central Applications Office (CAO) now open for applications, many students have begun the process of deciding what courses to include on their CAO form.
I attended the 2024 CAO Conference last week, where colleges outlined a significant number of new courses for 2026.
Most of these programmes are listed in the printed CAO handbook, but several fully approved courses missed the print deadline and now appear on the CAO Alert List, with more to follow as final approvals are completed.
Last year saw an unusually high number of late additions, including some so late they were only offered in Round 2, such as Physiotherapy in Letterkenny, Pharmacy in Sligo, and Nursing in Maynooth.
Whether the same will happen this year remains to be seen, but late additions are certainly a feature of the CAO cycle.
I’m not covering all of the new courses this week, but the ones below are likely to attract a great deal of interest from students and parents.
Veterinary, Medicine and Health
Two new Veterinary Medicine courses have been added for 2026. Up to now, Veterinary Medicine was only available at UCD.
The new programmes are SE526 Veterinary Medicine at SETU Waterford and AU375 Veterinary Medicine at ATU Letterkenny.
ATU applicants must complete the online Casper test (Situational Judgement Test) before the end of February 2026. Casper assesses skills such as communication, empathy, ethics, problem-solving and professionalism.
It is scored out of 300 and added to Leaving Certificate points, with LC scores above 550 moderated (one extra point awarded for every 5 points above 550, up to a maximum of 565).
UL’s new LM301 Medicine becomes Ireland’s sixth undergraduate medical degree, joining UCD, UCC, Trinity, RCSI and the University of Galway.
Given the unprecedented demand for medical places, this expansion will be welcomed by many students hoping to study medicine in Ireland.
In Pharmacy, SE525 Pharmacy at SETU Waterford becomes the sixth programme nationally, joining Trinity, UCC, University of Galway, RCSI and the newly launched ATU Sligo course.
UL has also introduced LM106 Speech and Language Therapy, now the fourth SLT degree in the country.
This will help address ongoing shortages of speech and language therapists across health and education settings.
Engineering, Science and Technology
A major engineering addition this year is US904 at TUS Limerick, a common-entry route into four engineering degrees: Automotive Engineering and Transport Management, Engineering Technology Management, Mechanical Engineering and Precision Engineering.
Importantly, a H4 in Maths is not required, making engineering accessible to a broader range of students compared with similar routes at UCD, UCC, DCU, UG, Trinity, Maynooth and UL.
Several new science and biopharma options have also been announced. In Galway, GY323 Zoology allows students to specialise in animal behaviour, ecology and ecosystems, with strong field and laboratory experience.
MH205 Biomedical Science at Maynooth University offers strong foundations in human disease, diagnostics and laboratory science.
UL’s LM175 Immersive Bioscience and Biotherapeutics blends bioscience with emerging digital technologies, with portfolio entry and a clear Level 9 progression pathway.
SETU Waterford’s SE527 Forestry is the first full Level 8 Forestry degree offered outside UCD, moving beyond the previous one-year add-on model.
UCC’s CK010 Sustainability provides an interdisciplinary route for students interested in climate action, renewable energy and environmental policy.
TU841 Biomedical Design at TU Dublin (Tallaght) combines biomedical engineering with product design to prepare students to develop medical devices and health-tech solutions.
Business, Arts and Social Sciences
MH410 Finance at Maynooth University offers an in-depth grounding in financial markets, investment and decision-making, preparing students for careers in banking and financial services.
In Arts, TU980 Arts at TU Dublin is one of the most flexible pathways available, with students given up to 18 months before choosing their major and minor subjects.
At IADT, DL866 Psychology (Environmental and Social) explores how behaviour is shaped by our environment and communities—an emerging area linked to sustainability, wellbeing and social change.
Creative Industries
Students interested in music, media and digital arts will find a wide range of new options this year.
TUS Athlone has launched US813 and US705 Music and the Live Events Industry.
IADT offers DL864 Film Studies, while TUS Clonmel adds three portfolio-entry digital programmes: US701 Digital Animation, US706 Game Art and Design and US707 Visual Effects for Film, TV and Animation.
Final Guidance for Students
When exploring any new course, students should look carefully at entry requirements, module content across all years, assessment methods, placement or portfolio expectations and progression options.
It’s equally important to consider your own interests, strengths and natural abilities – the “you of you” – to ensure the course is a good personal and academic fit.
Students are strongly advised to keep a close eye on the CAO Alert List throughout the year.
In addition to listing new courses as they are approved, the Alert List also includes:
- changes to entry requirements
- updates to course titles or content
- discontinued or withdrawn courses
- changes to quotas or number of places
- corrections to handbook information
- new portfolio or assessment deadlines
It is the first place where colleges publish updates, and the fastest way for students to stay informed as they finalise their CAO choices.
Regular updates will also be posted on GSC Instagram as well.
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.
Follow on Instagram for updates and reminders about all things careers, or head over to the website to book a personalised guidance session.
SEE ALSO – Check out all of the Martina Mulhall pieces here
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