1. Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
Subject Choice 2017
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
Ms Denise Lyons
Guidance Counsellor

2. GUIDELINES FOR SUBJECT CHOICE
3 Core subjects: Irish, English, Maths
4 option subjects:
Choose subjects in order of preference plus 2 reserve subjects
LVCP( Pendant on Subject Combination)

3. STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL SUBJECT CHOICE
Pick subjects that are best for you- not because of friends.
Pick subjects that are relevant to your choice of career.
No subjects are specifically designed for boys or girls.
Keep options open when selecting. If unsure of career choice – select one subject from a broad balanced range of subjects. If sure, select subjects which are specific to career choice.
There should be continuity from Junior Certificate to Senior Certificate.
Check out subject requirements for 3rd level.

4. STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL SUBJECT CHOICE CONT.
Remaining subjects should be selected from those which will maximize students’ points and in which students have an interest.
Students should enjoy and participate fully in the subjects they have chosen.
Speak to subject teachers who will explain about course structure and content.
Talk to fellow senior students- borrow some notes and textbooks to see what lies ahead! Research subjects on line using

5. THIRD LEVEL EDUCATION ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
APPLICATION THROUGH CAO: Four main categories for entry purposes:
1. Minimum entry requirements
Matriculation: L8 TCD, UL, DCU, IoT’s: 2 H5& 4 O6/H7 including Maths, Irish, English
NUI’s :UCC, UCD, NUIG, MU, Milltown Institute, R.C.S.I., St. Angela’s Sligo.
2 H5& 4 O6/H7 including Maths, Irish, English and ThirdLanguage*
IOT’s: L6 5 O6/H7
2. Specific course requirements
college faculties and courses require specific grades in subjects that they feel are most relevant to their particular course.
3. Points system
Where demand exceeds the number of places on a course, most colleges operate a points system.
4. Aptitude test/ other entry criteria
Restricted application courses require applicants in addition to Leaving Cert results to present for aptitude test, audition and interview.

6. New Common Points Scale for entry to Higher Education from 2017
Changes to the LC grading system
Higher Level Grade Ordinary Level Grade
H1 (90-100) O1 (90-100)
H2 (80 < 90) O2 (80 < 90)
H3 (70 < 80) O3 (70 < 80)
H4 (60 < 70) O4 (60 < 70)
H5 (50 < 60) O5 (50 < 60)
H6 (40 < 50) O6 (40 < 50)
H7 (30 < 40) O7 (30 < 40)
H8 (0 < 30) O8 (0 < 30)

7. Changes to the Common Points Scale
The HEIs developed a new common points scale, aiming to minimize the need for random selection.
Higher Level Grade Points Ordinary Level Grade Points H
H2 88
H3 77
H4 66
H O1 56
H O2 46
H O3 37
H8 0 O O5 20
07 0
08 0

8. New common points scale
Points for H7
HEIs considered the level of achievement represented by H7 and it was decided that points would be awarded for this grade.
It was noted that accepting an OD3/O6 (for entry requirements and points) but rejecting a H7 grade was not reflecting the level of achievement represented by a HE/H7.
In addition, it is hoped that this will encourage the take-up of higher level curricula in senior cycle and reduce the risk in taking higher level examinations.
The points awarded to a pre-2017 HE is less ( i.e. 33 points ) to reflect the different scale of HE ( 25 < 40 %) to H7 ( 30 < 40 % )

9. Changes to the Common Points Scale
Maths Bonus Points
25 bonus points will continue to be awarded for Higher Level Mathematics for H6 grades and above. For example, if an applicant receives a H6 grade, an additional 25 points will be added to the 46 points already awarded for a H6 grade i.e. Higher Level Mathematics now carries a points score of 71 for this applicant.
Foundation Level Mathematics
Universities do not award points for foundation level.
IOT’s may award F1 20: F2 12* check wit h each HEI
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme
LCVP Grade Revised LCVP Points
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28

10. CORE GROUP IRISH
Required for all N.U.I. Universities, Nursing at N.U.I. Universities, Gardai O6/H7 Civil Service, Army.
H NUIG: Gaeilge agus Leann an Aistriuchain.
UCC: Law and Gaeilge
H4: DCU: Gno agus Gaeilge; Gaeilge agus Iriseoireacht
NUIG: Na Dana Cumarsaid/ Riarachan Gno.
NUIG: Commerece (Gaeilge)
H5 S.P.C.T: Education, Irish and Religion.
WIT: Business with Irish.
Needed for all Primary Ed Courses.
Can be used to satisfy the modern language requirement for entry to T.C.D., U.L. and D.C.U.
Course: Higher/ Ordinary Level: 40% Oral/ 10% Aural/ 50 % Written- 2 papers
Foundation course: 40% Oral 20% Aural Written 40%- 1 paper

11. ENGLISH
Essential for everything including all Uni’s, I.T.’s and all job areas.
H4 UL: Journalism and New Media
DCU: Journalism, Communications, Media Studies
DIT: Language and English studies; Film and Broadcasting, Contemporary Visual Culture , Creative Industries
TCD: Clinical Speech, English/ English Studies, Deaf Studies
DIADT: English, Media & Cultural studies
O1/H5 Dundalk IT: Public Relations
Gardai: O6/ H7
The Institutes of Technology, D.C.U., U.L., T.C.D will accept English and or Irish for entry purposes.
Leaving Certificate Exam: Higher/ Ordinary- two papers

12. MATHS
Needed for everything including Universities, I.T.S., Apprenticeships, Nursing and Gardaí (O6/ H7)
H2: UCD: Actuarial and Financial Studies
DCU: Data Science
MU: Theoretical Physics and Mathematics
H3: DCU: Actuary Studies
TCD: Theoretical Physics, Mathematics
H4: TCD: Computer Science, Chemistry and Molecular Modelling, Nanoscience O2/H4, Computer Science and Business O2/ H4, Mgt Sc and Info systems H4
UL: Financial Maths/ Maths Sciences/ Maths and Physics
UCD: Quantitative Business
H4: Needed for all Level 8 Engineering Courses (exception CIT O1/H6 CR500)
H5 NUIG: Maths Education O1/ H5, Mathematical Science O1/ H5, Financial Maths O1/ H5
DKIT: Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical
H6: NUIG: Comp Sc and Project and Cons Mgt O2/ H6

13. MATHS
Higher Maths can be substituted for a second science subject in T.C.D.
Project Maths: : Two Papers in Exams
Bonus Points for Higher Maths: 25 Bonus points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade H6 or above in HL Maths.
H1 = 125
H2= 113
H3= 102
H4= 91
H5= 81
H6= 71 .

14. FOUNDATION LEVEL MATHS
AIT: Design, Social Care, Childcare Supervisory Mgt, Society and Communications
ALL HALLOWS: All courses
CARLOW COLLEGE: All courses
CARLOW IT: Early Childcare Ed, Social Studies, Social and Community Courses, Art, Media and PR, Sport and Exercise
CORK IT: Music, Art, Drama, Early Childhood Ed, Visual Comm., Culinary/ Hospitality Studies, Bar Supervision.
UCC: Arts, Social Science, Early Childhood Studies, Drama, P.E., Law, Applied Psychology, Music.
DUNDALK IT: All L6/L7 courses except engineering courses.
DBS: Film Literature and Drama, Arts, Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies.
DCU: Gno agus Gaeilge
DIT: Planning and Enviro Studies, Film and Broadcasting, Visual Communications, Fine Art, Journalism, Creative Industries, Visual Merchandising and Display
DLIADT: Animation, Design, English and Media, Photography, Film and TV Production
GRIFFITH COLLEGE: Law, Journalism, Photographic Media
IT TALLAGHT: All course except Engineering

15. ITB All Courses except Engineering and Computing Courses
IBT: All Courses
MATER DEI: All courses
MILLTOWN INSTITUTE: All courses
NCAD: Core Art Course
TCD: Arts/ Social Courses
UCD: Law, Arts courses
GMIT: All courses except Construction, Engineering, Nursing Courses.
NUIG: Arts courses, Civil Law
LETTERKENNY IT: All Level 6/7 courses except Construction, Engineering and Nursing
LIT: Law and Taxation, Art, Business and Social Studies
MARY I: BA in Early Childhood Studies
UL: Arts courses, PE, Architecture, Sport and Exercise Science, Physiotherapy
MU: Arts courses, Law
PONTIFICAL,MAYNOOTH: All courses
ST PATRICKS, THURLES: All courses
SLIGO IT: FB2 for all courses except Construction, Engineering
ST ANGELA’S SLIGO: Health and Disability Studies.
TRALEE IT: Early Childcare Studies, Performing Arts, Folk Studies, L6 courses in Business and Science
WIT: Culinary Arts, Hospitality Studies, Business Tourism
Universities do not award points for Foundation Level, the IOT’s may award
F1 20: F2 12

16. FRENCH
Useful subject for many careers including Translations, Teaching, International Relations, Law, Tourism, Journalism, etc.
Needed for UCC, UCD, NUIG, NUIM, Milltown Institute, R.C.S.I., St. Angela’s Sligo, Shannon College of Hotel and Catering and for the Cadetships in the Army and the Air Corps.
Arts/ Law/ Languages/ Business/ Health Care/ Medicine/ Psychology/ Social Science/ Veterinary Medicine courses at the NUI Colleges all require language at LC Level.
H3/H4: Specific entry requirement if taking a Language to Degree Level.
H4: Speech and Language Therapy (UCC)

17. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
A continental language is Not needed for T.C.D.,U.L.,D.C.U.,D.I.T., and all the Institutes of Technology- unless the course includes the study of a language. However student’s must then present Irish at O6 level to satisfy the language requirement for TCD, UL and DCU.
Nurse training does not require a language for entry.
Primary teacher training colleges do not require a language for entry
NCAD will accept Art or Language as a requirement.
UCD, UCC, NUIG, M U have removed the language requirement for Engineering and Science courses
* NEW Jan 2017: MU now only requires a third language for their Arts Faculty
LC French : Oral 25% Aural 20% Written exam 55%

18. Construction Studies
Ideal subject for students considering Apprenticeships, Architecture, Construction professions or Engineering Courses.
Suitable for students who are practical, enjoy making and designing things
Satisfies Specific Entry Requirements for the following colleges/ courses:
H4 DIT: Architectural Technology,
NCAD: Product design
H5 GMIT: Design and Technology Education
O4/ H7 UL: Aircraft Maintenance, Technology Mgt,,Product Design and Technology, Construction Management and Engineering, Materials Technology and Architectural/ Engineering Education
Construction St.: Higher Level: 25% project 25% practical exam 50% written exam
Ordinary Level:30% project 30% practical exam 40% written exam.

19. Design Communications Graphics
Ideal subject for careers in Technology, Computer Science, Architecture, Product Design, Engineering etc.
Satisfies Specific Entry Requirement for the following colleges/ courses:
H4 DIT: Physics Technology, Science with Nanoscience, Physics with Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Science, Architectural Technology
GMIT: Design and Technology Education
O4 NCAD: Product Design
O6/ H7 Griffith C: Interior Design, Fashion Design, Interior Architecture
MU: Product Design
UL: All Science and Engineering courses except Maths/ Physics, Physiotherapy, Nursing
DCG Syllabus: 40% Design based project with emphasis on use of CAD and Technology
60% 3 Hr Geometry Drawing Exam

20. Engineering
Ideal subject for careers in Engineering, Mechanical trades, Aircraft Technician, Technology based careers etc.
Suitable for subjects who are practical, enjoy making and designing things from metal
Satisfies specific entry requirement for the following colleges/ courses:
H4 DIT: Physics with Energy and Environment, Physics with Medical Physics and Bioengineering, Physics Technology, Science with Nanoscience, Clinical Measurement
O6/H7 MU: Product Design
UL: All Science and Engineering courses except Nursing, Physiotherapy, Sport and Exercise Science.
Engineering: Higher/ Ordinary Level: Project: 25% Practical 25% Written 50%

21. Accounting
Accounting involves book-keeping which is the making of records but it is concerned with the use these records are put to, their analysis and interpretation.
Accounting is useful for any business based career including Accountancy, Banking, Financial Services, Management etc.,.
Often combined with Law, can be taken as a single subject degree or as a specialism within Business/Commerce courses.
NUIG: Accountancy H4
LC Accountancy syllabus: 100% exam

22. Business
Business is concerned with how organizations are formed, financed and run.
It is an ideal subject for entry into any business course.
Business Courses at third level are often taken with Computer Studies, Language Studies, Law and Technology/ Engineering, International Business
Useful for such careers as Sales, Marketing, HRM, Advertising, Corporate law, Insurance etc.
LC Business Syllabus: Theory based 100% exam

23. Geography
Geography is concerned with the interrelationships between human activities and the physical environment.
Very useful for careers in Environmental Planning, Town Planning, Civil Engineering, Development work, Conservation, Teaching etc.
Usually studied through Art Faculties in the 7 Universities (language requirement in NUI Colleges), GMIT, Mary I, St Patrick’s College but can be studied through science at TCD.
H4 T.C.D: Geography is accepted as a Science Subject for the following courses: Earth Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacy, Science
LC Geography: 20% Field Report: 80% exam

24. Social Group Home Economics (Social and Scientific)
Ideal subject for students considering careers in Hotel and Catering, Dietetics, Child Care, Nursing, Social Studies, Food Industry, Fashion Design etc.
Leaving Certificate Exam: Journal 20% Written Exam 80%
Teacher Training Courses at St. Angela’s Sligo have a language requirement (O6) for entry purposes and a Lab Science subject(O6) if taking Biology as an elective, otherwise O6/H7 in Home Economics

25. Art/Craft and Design
Important for entry into Art Colleges where Portfolios are required.
Useful for Art and Design Based work, Architecture, Graphic Design, Art Administration, etc.
A Portfolio is required for the following courses:
AIT: Graphic Design
Carlow IT: Art
CIT: Fine Art and Ceramics, Visual Communications
DIT: Photography, Design- Visual Merchandising and Display
DLIADT: All Art based courses
NCAD All Courses except Visual Cultures
Griffith: Fashion Design, Interior Design Interior Architecture(O6)
LIT: Art and Design, Design, Game Art and Design, Digital Animation
Sligo IT: Fine Art
Art is a specific requirement for:
Graphic Design (Letterkenny IT- O6), Visual Arts (WIT- O6).
NEW Course 2018: LC H/O 37.5% Art History written exam: 62.5% practical
Practical: Divided into two projects and one art practical exam
Design or Craft: Project completed over 10 weeks
Imaginative Composition or Still Life: Project completed over 10 weeks
Life Drawing: Art practical exam May/ LC2

26. Music
Students must be able to read music and have the ability to play a musical instrument or sing.
Junior Certificate music is not necessary to study music at Leaving Certificate. However it is recommended that students take a music lesson outside of school in their chosen instrument outside of school
H4/ equivalent: DCU Post Primary Teaching
H5 or equivalent is required for Music at MU while CIT, UCC,DIT, Mater Dei, TCD and WIT require all intending students to take an Entrance Exam.
LC Music Syllabus:
50% practical ( 50% playing instrument or singing: or
25% technology/ 25% playing instrument or singing
50% exam

27. SCIENCE GROUP
For certain areas and courses you need a science subject. Should you apply to Engineering, Medical, Paramedical, or science areas at Universities, you will need to have a pass in at least one lab science subject. You also need to have a science subject for nursing.
Two science subjects are required for:
T.C.D.- Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Medicine, Dental Science, Human Genetics, Human Health and Disease
U.C.C.- Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy
No science subject required L6/L7 science or engineering courses at Institutes of Technology.
Arts, Business Studies, Social Science, Law etc. at Universities does not require a science subject at Leaving Certificate.

28. BIOLOGY
Important for Health related careers, Nursing, Medical, Paramedical Careers, Veterinary Nursing and Home Economics teaching if Biology is chosen as an elective.
Industrial careers including Biotechnology, Biomedical, Food Industry, Environmental science etc.
H4 is a specific requirement for
Human Health and Disease (TCD)
Biology through Arts (MU)
Genetics (UCC)
LC Biology Syllabus: 100% exam
Experiments must be written up as part of coursework

29. CHEMISTRY
Important for a wide range of career options within the scientific field ranging from Environmental Science, Food Science, Pharmaceutical and Med Lab Science.
Necessary for Healthcare Professions including Medicine, Nutritional science, Dentistry.
H4 is a specific requirement for the following courses:
Human Nutrition and Dietetics (D.I.T.)
Pharmacy (T.C.D)
Medicine/ Dentistry/ Pharmacy (U.C.C.)
H5: Veterinary Medicine (U.C.D.)
LC Chemistry syllabus: 100% exam
Experiments must be written up as part of coursework

30. Physics
Physics is of key importance in Technology and extremely useful for Engineering which has a high physics content.
Physics is a Specific requirement for the following course: Theoretical Physics H3(T.C.D.)
Some Paramedical Careers involve the study of Physics e.g. Clinical Measurement, Radiography, Physiotherapy.
LC Physics syllabus: 100% exam
Experiments must be written up as part of coursework

31. Agricultural Science
Useful for Agricultural Science, Bio systems Engineering, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Food Science, Forestry, Horticulture, etc.
Satisfies the Lab- Science Entry Requirement for most Third Level Science/ Engineering/ Technology/ Nursing courses. However there are some exceptions:
UCC: Dentistry, Pharmacy, Medicine
DIT: Forensics, Biomedical Science, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Chemical Science and Medicinal Chemistry
TCD: Theoretical Physics, Radiation therapy, Chemistry with Molecular Modelling, Nanoscience
UL: Physics
LC Ag Science syllabus: 25% project: 75% exam

32. LCVP LEAVING CERT VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME
An enhanced Leaving Certificate.
Requirements for the LCVP are as follows:
LCVP students must take a minimum of five Leaving Cert subjects including Irish
Two of the above must be selected from one of the designated Vocational Subject Groupings
Must study two Link Modules, namely Preparation for the World of Work and Enterprise Education
Students are required to follow a recognised course in a Modern European Language( other than Irish or English).

33. VOCATIONAL SUBJECT GROUPINGS
In order to qualify for LCVP, a student must have two linked subject combinations:
Construction Studies (C.S) or Engineering (ENG) or DCG (any two)
Physics and C.S or ENG
Ag Science and C.S or ENG
Ag Science and Chemistry or Physics
Home Economics and Ag Science or Biology
Home Economics and Art
Accounting and Business
Physics and Chemistry
Biology and Chemistry or Physics

34. VOCATIONAL SUBJECT GROUPINGS
ENG and Business or Accountancy
C.S. and Business or Accountancy
Home Economics and Business or Accountancy
Agricultural Science and Business or Accountancy
Art and Business or Accountancy
Music and Business or Accountancy

35. Assessment for LCVP At a common level Takes two forms:
Portfolio of Coursework(60%)
Terminal Examination Paper (40%)
Points awarded for H.E.I.
66 Distinction
46 Merit
28 Pass

36. Further Information www.cao.ie www.careersportal.ie www.qualifax.ie