Leaving Cert subject choice in SHSS
Students will study seven examination subjects for Leaving Certificate
Core Subjects
What must I consider?
You will only be motivated to meet the demands of senior level subjects if you consider the following:
Ability: What am I good at? What was my JC experience like?
Interests: What do I enjoy? Do I want to learn what the subject covers?
Ability and interests are very important as you will work harder and achieve more in subjects you enjoy
Careers/courses: What are the subject requirements for college entry?
Some careers/courses have very specific subject entry requirements while others have general entry requirements
Keep options open: Current career preference may not reflect future career decision.
Who can help?
- Yourself - Do your own independent research (as directed in class)
- Teachers
- Senior cycle students
- Guidance Counsellor
- Parents
Where to get information
- Subject requirements
- Subject overview and statistics
- Subject content
- Exam structure
Research worksheets (e-mailed to students)
Self-assessment in the Reach+ programme. Please complete and reflect.
Essential Subjects
Check all requirements on www.qualifax.ie
Six subjects 2 at higher level and 4 at ordinary level are required as minimum entry requirements for 3rd level colleges.
National University of Ireland (NUI) require English, Irish, Maths and a 3rd language.
Third language not required by Institutes of Technology, UL, DCU, Mary Immaculate
Exceptions:
Maths not needed for Law and Arts (TCD accept Foundation level) 3rd language not needed for Nursing, Science, Ag Science and Engineering.
University of Limerick, Mary Immaculate College, require Math, Irish or another language and English.
Institutes of Technology require Maths and English or Irish.
A modern European language is a requirement for any international or language based course. It is also a requirement for the Army/Air Corps cadets.
Subject Requirements for Medical and Science based courses are quite complex.
Check them carefully.
One Science subject is a requirement for all science and science related courses.
Trinity College Dublin requires 2 higher level science subjects for their science based courses. Though Maths, Applied Maths and Geography are accepted as fulfilling the 2nd science requirement in some courses.
One science subject is required for all Nursing courses.
Agricultural, horticultural and animal courses require a science subject.
Note that while only a small number of courses require 2 science subjects, if one is seriously interested in pursuing a science related career, particularly at degree level one should consider taking 2 science subjects.
Most UK colleges require 2 higher level science subjects for their science based courses.
See: www.ucas.com (UK) and www.eunicas.ie (central European courses)
Specific Science Requirements
Chemistry
Dentistry UCC & 1 other science
Medical and Health Science & 1 other science UCC
Medicine UCC & 1 other science
Pharmacy UCC, RCSI, TCD & 1 other science
Veterinary UCD
Human Nutrition DIT
Biology
Genetics UCC
Human Health and Disease TCD
Beauty Therapy College of Commerce, LCA modules 1&4
Physics
Theoretical Physics TCD
Please note
Garda Vetting to be considered with all health/education options and fit to practice requirements.
Portfolio/HPAT/Music/ Drama performance requirements for related courses.
Points are calculated from the best 6 subjects. See www.transition.ie (and leaflet) for grade system and points
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this document, no responsibility can be taken for any errors or omissions. Students with specific enquiries should always check with their Guidance Counsellor.
Guidance Department January 2018
Sacred Heart Secondary School
Subject Choice 2018