Courses.ie is delighted to feature this guest blog from Dublin College Blackrock, highlighting the growing opportunities offered by Tertiary Degrees as an alternative pathway into higher education. As Leaving Certificate students receive their results and consider their next steps, the article explores how these programmes allow students to begin their degree journey in a Further Education and Training setting before progressing to a partner higher education institution. With smaller class sizes, dedicated support and no CAO points requirement for entry, Tertiary Degrees can provide a flexible route to a Level 8 honours degree while giving students access to both college and university environments throughout their studies. The article also introduces three Tertiary Degree options available at Dublin College Blackrock, covering Politics, Society and Media, Networks and System Administration, and Digital Business.
As Leaving Certificate students receive their results and begin making decisions about their future, many are focused on the traditional CAO route into higher education. However, there is another pathway that is growing in popularity and opening doors for students who want a more supportive and flexible route to a university degree: the Tertiary Degree.
Tertiary Degrees are a new education pathway developed through partnerships between Further Education and Training (FET) colleges and Higher Education Institutions. Students begin their studies in a Further Education college and progress seamlessly into university, graduating with a full honours degree. Tertiary Degrees are co-designed and co-delivered by colleges and universities, offering learners the benefits of both environments throughout their studies.
For many students, the appeal is clear. There are no CAO points requirements, no tuition fees during the initial Further Education phase, smaller class sizes, dedicated support, and a direct pathway to a Level 8 honours degree from day one. Students are registered with both institutions and can access supports and opportunities across both sectors.
Dublin College Blackrock is at the forefront of this exciting development and now offers three innovative Tertiary Degree options across technology, business, and social sciences.
For students who are interested in current affairs, politics, communications, media, social issues, and creating positive change, the BA (Honours) in Politics, Society and Media offers a unique and engaging pathway.
Students spend their first two years studying at Dublin College Blackrock, building strong foundations in political studies, communication, media analysis, and social sciences before progressing to TU Dublin for the final two years of the degree. The programme combines academic knowledge with practical experience, including work placements and opportunities to engage with policymakers, media professionals, advocacy organisations, and community groups.
Graduates can pursue careers in communications, public affairs, journalism, advocacy, public service, community development, and many other areas where critical thinking and effective communication are highly valued.
Technology continues to shape every aspect of modern life, creating strong demand for skilled professionals in networking, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IT infrastructure.
The BSc (Honours) in Networks and System Administration has been developed in partnership with Technological University Dublin and provides students with a practical, industry-focused pathway into one of the fastest-growing employment sectors. Students complete their first and second years at Dublin College Blackrock, with increasing engagement with the TU Dublin campus, before progressing fully to TU Dublin for years three and four.
The programme combines hands-on technical skills with theoretical knowledge, covering areas such as networking, operating systems, cybersecurity, programming, virtualisation, cloud technologies, and enterprise IT systems. It is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, technology, and understanding how the digital world works.
Business has been transformed by technology, and organisations increasingly need professionals who understand both the digital and commercial sides of modern business.
The BA (Honours) in Digital Business, delivered in partnership with the Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), offers students the opportunity to develop expertise in areas including digital marketing, business strategy, project management, cloud technologies, web applications, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.
Students begin their journey at Dublin College Blackrock before continuing their studies at IADT. The programme is designed to help learners understand how organisations use technology to innovate, solve problems, engage customers, and create value in a rapidly changing business environment. Industry projects and work placement opportunities ensure that graduates are career-ready and equipped with highly relevant digital skills.
For students who may be uncertain about the traditional university route, or who would benefit from a smaller, more supportive learning environment as they transition from school, Tertiary Degrees provide a compelling alternative.
Students can start their degree journey locally at Dublin College Blackrock, benefit from smaller classes and personalised support, and graduate with a recognised honours degree from leading higher education institutions such as TU Dublin and IADT. Most importantly, they begin their degree pathway from the very first day without the pressure of competing for CAO points.
As Leaving Certificate students consider their options this autumn, it is worth remembering that there is more than one route to success. Tertiary Degrees are helping to make higher education more accessible, more inclusive, and more closely connected to the needs of today's learners and employers.
Find out more about Tertiary Degrees at Dublin College Blackrock by visiting Dublin College Blackrock or the https://nto.hea.ie/.
