Studying STEM in College

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects are at the heart of a very wide variety of jobs and professions. Studying these subjects in college will give you the skills you need to take part in building the world of our future.

There are a huge range of disciplines from which to choose. We have grouped these into 8 categories below to help you find the area that suits you most. 

From this page you can explore hundreds of career possibilities, all CAO courses in the STEM disciplines, and watch videos of people involved in STEM professions.  

Once you have identified an area of interest, use our Course Search Wizard to shortlist suitable courses for your CAO application. 

Note: Most courses in the Medical and Healthcare sector also involve studying STEM courses, although we treat this area seperatly.
Click here for CAO courses in the Medical and Healthcare sector.

STEM Areas:

Biological, Chemical & Pharmaceutical Science The Work: Creating high quality drugs or chemicals, testing them to ensure they are effective and safe, and monitoring their effect on people and the environment.  More... At College: This study area includes subjects such as biological science, pharmaceutical science, chemistry and biochemistry. You may also study subjects such as cell biology, microbiology and molecular biology. Laboratory work often forms a substantial part of these courses.  View courses... Biomedical Technologies & Medtech The Work: Work on the development of technology that enhances the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, and treatment of diseases and disabilities.  More... At College: This study area includes subjects such as manufacturing engineering, biotechnology (technology based on biology), biomedical science and process engineering.  View courses... Earth & Environment The Work: Work with technologies which monitor and predict changes in our environment, the development of renewable energy sources, and the conservation of ecosystems.  More... At College: This study area includes subjects such as environmental science, environmental management, conservation, geography, bioscience, earth science, oceanography, meteorology and energy engineering.  View courses... Information Technology (IT) The Work: Working in the manufacture, sales or support of all forms of computers and computer systems, or in the creation and development of software.  More... At College: This broad study area includes subjects dealing with computer hardware (for example PCs, networking) and software (such as operating systems, programming languages). Subjects also could include computer science (such as theory, maths) to complete systems (such as process control systems, software or web applications).  View courses... Physics, Mathematics & Space Science The Work: Researching and investigating the laws of the universe, or using mathematics to solve complex issues in science or business.  More... At College: This study area includes subjects such as physics, mathematics, statistics, computing, experimental physics, astronomy, optics, astrophysics, climate science, and earth science.  View courses... Construction, Architecture & Property The Work: Working in the planning, building, selling or management of construction projects (housing estates, roads, warehouses and so on).  More... At College: This study area includes architecture, land and building surveying, construction management, building technology, interior design, quantity surveying,  computer aided design, property management and estate agency.  View courses... Engineering, Manufacturing & Energy The Work: Working in one of the many engineering or technology fields such as Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, Motor and Energy.  More... At College: This study area includes a wide variety of engineering subjects, such as electrical, mechanical, civil/structural (roads/bridges and so on), electronic, marine, aerospace, biomedical, energy and automation.  View courses...

Online STEM Resources Engineers Ireland    Professional body for practicing Engineers in Ireland. Student Finance    This website is a convenient and user-friendly source of information on financial support for further and higher education + Plus Magazine    Career interviews with over 50 people who use their knowledge and training in maths professionally. Maths Careers [UK]    Site provides a single starting point for those wishing to know where studying mathematics can lead. The website has a particular focus on young people between the age of 11 and 19. Futuremorph [UK]    Website showcasing the huge range of exciting, aspirational and rewarding jobs available to students if they choose science and maths careers. Excellent video interviews with approx 20 employees Database of STEM resources [US]    A huge data bank of websites that teachers and students may use to strengthen concept/topics covered in the main STEM courses. Physics in Ireland    This report presents the findings of a survey of physics graduates from third level colleges in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. [pdf file, 4mb] Future Skills Requirements of the Biopharma-Pharmachem Sector    The biopharma pharmachem sector has a high economic impact in the Irish economy, providing significant high skilled employment. The objective of the study is to review the supply of, and demand for, skills required to address the skill needs of the Biopha Report of the Research Prioritisation Steering Group    Priority areas for future investment in research

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