This is the time of year when Transition Year students, and those moving straight from third year into fifth, are asked to choose their Leaving Certificate subjects.
It’s also when they start hearing all sorts of things about what they “should” take, what they “mustn’t” drop, and what supposedly gives the best points. It can get confusing very quickly.
Subject choice works best when it’s based on facts rather than fear.
The goal is to choose subjects that suit how you learn, that keep the right doors open, and that you can stay motivated in across fifth and sixth year.
February 1 matters – a CAO reminder
While this article is aimed at students choosing Leaving Certificate subjects, there is one important deadline coming up on February 1 that other readers should be aware of.
By 5pm on February 1, the following must be done:
- Students applying for DARE or HEAR must be registered with the CAO (course choices are not required yet)
- Students applying for restricted courses, including courses with auditions, portfolios, interviews or other additional assessments, must be registered and must list those courses
- Mature students must have their CAO application submitted and course choice listed
The CAO will reopen on May 5 and remain open until July 1, during which applicants can make any number of changes to their course choices. This later window does not apply to the categories listed above.
If you’re unsure whether February 1 applies to you, assume that it does and check now.
Back to Subject Choice
Curriculum online groups subjects as follows:
In general, students take seven subjects for the Leaving Certificate. All students must take Maths, English and Irish (unless exempted), and then choose an additional four subjects from those offered by their school.
The range of subjects available varies from school to school, and students are usually asked to rank their choices, as not all subjects can always run.
The range of subjects available varies from school to school, and students are usually asked to rank their choices, as not all subjects can always run.
Assessment has changed in more subjects
Most students are already familiar with practical assessment. If you take languages or subjects such as Art, Home Economics, Construction, Engineering, PE or Music, you’ll know that not everything comes down to one written exam at the end.
What’s new for students sitting the Leaving Certificate in 2027 is that this now applies to more traditionally exam-based subjects.
Biology, Chemistry and Physics now include a significant practical or investigative component, while Business includes a compulsory project. As a result, assessment is now spread more evenly across the two years.
*The roll-out of two new subjects Dance, Film and Theatre Studies (DFTS) and Climate Action and Sustainable Development(CASD) commenced in 100 schools in September 2025.
Third languages: why it’s worth checking
One area that regularly causes confusion for students is the question of third languages.
I’ve worked with many sixth years who are genuinely shocked, and sometimes regretful, when they realise they dropped a language without understanding the impact it could have.
The reality is that language requirements vary widely between colleges and courses. All colleges require English. Most require Irish.
A third language is required for entry to National University of Ireland colleges, but not other colleges, for many degree programmes in areas such as Arts, Human Sciences, Social Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences, though not all courses fall under this requirement.
Many courses in areas such as engineering, nursing, science and technology do not require a third language.
It’s also worth noting that a third language is required for entry to Defence Forces cadetships.
If a language really isn’t for you, that’s okay. But before dropping it completely, it may be worth considering taking a language as a seventh subject, possibly at Ordinary Level.
Only six subjects count for points, but having a language can quietly keep options open.
The Qualifax Subject Requirements tool is the best place to check exactly what is required for each course.
Science subjects: why details matter
Many students include a science subject because they’ve heard it “keeps options open”, and in many cases that’s true.
But just like with languages, this is an area where assumptions can cause problems.
At Leaving Certificate level, there are five recognised laboratory science subjects:
- Agricultural Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Chemistry & Physics (Joint)
Many courses require one laboratory science, and some require two.
Chemistry is the science most frequently specified, particularly for courses such as Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, and some health science programmes.
That doesn’t mean everyone should take Chemistry or load up on sciences they don’t enjoy.
If science genuinely isn’t your thing, there are excellent courses, apprenticeships and further education pathways where it isn’t required.
But before deciding, it’s important to check what the courses you might be interested in actually ask for.
Again, Qualifax is the most reliable place to confirm:
• whether a course needs a laboratory science
• whether it specifies which one
• and whether one or two are required
As with languages, the message is simple: don’t assume, always check.
Don’t forget about levels
When choosing subjects, students sometimes overlook how important levels in Irish, English and Maths can be.
Some drop to Ordinary Level very early in fifth year out of fear or pressure.
For some students, that’s the right choice. For others, it can limit future options.
For example:
• Primary teaching requires Higher Level Irish (H4)
• Most common-entry engineering courses require Higher Level Maths (H4)
• Some business-related and computer science courses also require Higher Level Maths
In many cases, it’s worth starting at the highest realistic level and reviewing the decision once teachers have had time to see how you’re doing.
Thinking about balance in subject choice
When choosing subjects, it helps to think about balance.
That might include:
- a “joy subject” – something you genuinely enjoy and feel confident in
- a hands-on or active subject – something that involves making, building or performing, and gives you a break from sitting and writing all day.
Practical subjects are sometimes overlooked, despite suiting many students very well and offering strong opportunities to achieve solid results, while also providing a welcome contrast to more heavily academic, memory-based subjects.
A final word
Think about:
• what you might need
• what you’re likely to enjoy
• what might help you achieve your best overall result
Then match all of that to the you of you – your interests, abilities, values and learning style.
Talk to subject teachers. Chat to current fifth and sixth years. Flick through course books. Research subject content online, using resources such as Curriculum Online and CareersPortal.
Research subject content online, using resources such as Curriculum Online and CareersPortal.
Put real effort into choosing subjects that are the right fit for you. That effort will pay off.
Put real effort into choosing subjects that are the right fit for you. That effort will pay off.
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.
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