New tertiary degrees available in Laois for upcoming academic year
Tertiary degrees are not based on a points system, and provide enhanced access for people of all ages to earn a Bachelor's Degree, with no tuition fees for the first one to two years.
There will be a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Honours), and Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Software Development all available at the Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB) (Portlaoise Institute).
All three degrees will provide a seamless transition into year two at the South East Technological University's (SETU) Carlow campus.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless announced the third round of degree programmes.
'These initiatives are giving more students than ever the chance to pursue their ambitions without being tied down by the CAO points race,' he said.
'I understand that many young people feel anxious about their educational future, worrying each year if their Leaving Certificate results will be enough to get into the course they want.
'These programmes ensure that your exam results won't limit your options. If you're willing to study and work hard, there's a path for you in tertiary education,' the minister added.
Tertiary Bachelors' Degrees were first open to applicants for the 2023/2024 academic year. There were 13 programmes in the first year.
That has almost trebled for 2025/2026 with 38 programmes nationwide, across business, ICT, arts, engineering, social sciences, early learning and care, agricultural science, sport, manufacturing and construction, and health and welfare.
Deputy director of the National Tertiary Office, Tanya Jones said: 'There are no compromises; students earn the same Bachelor's Degree, it's just a different route.
'Options and demand are increasing year on year, demonstrating the need for and importance of a more accessible route like the one presented by tertiary Bachelors' Degrees.'
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