Levels 6, 7 and 8 on your CAO application explained…

Many students are finalising their CAO course choices now and, in the weeks ahead before the final CAO deadline at 5:15pm on 1st July 2021. It is important to consider all your options and be prepared with plan A, B, C and D. No one knows how things will go in terms of results and points, so it is vital that you plan for all eventualities. Do not put all your eggs in one basket.

As part of your CAO application, you should consider level 6, 7 and 8 courses. You have up to 10 choices at both level eight honours degrees and level seven and six ordinary degrees and higher-certificate courses. Do not make the foolish mistake of disregarding the level seven and six courses out of snobbery as nearly all these courses allow you to progress to the level eight honours degree with an additional year or two of study. Always check that you meet the entry requirements before submitting a course choice on your CAO application. Applicants who complete both lists on their C.A.O. application, could have 2 offers in August, one offer from the Level 8 list and one offer from the Level 7/ 6 list. You will then decide which offer you wish to accept and decline the other. One list does not impact on the other list and it is like two applications in one.

What is a Level 8 course?

A Level 8 is known as an honours degree.  They are generally four years in duration, with some exceptions. For example, Medicine is five or six years, Home Economics Teaching is 5 years and Arts degrees are often three years. A level 8 is the highest level of qualification that a school leaver can apply to. Minimum requirements for all Level 8 courses are normally two H5 grades and four O6 grades (with the exception of Trinity College Dublin which requires three H5 and three O6/H7).

What is a Level 7 course?

A Level 7 is known as an ordinary degree. They are generally three years in duration. Minimum entry requirements for level 7 courses are normally five O6/H7 grades, although there are some exceptions. Many Level 7 courses contain an option of an 'add on' year. This makes it possible for students to complete one extra year and receive a Level 8 qualification.

What is a Level 6 courses?

A level 6 is known as a Higher Certificate and are usually two years in duration. They can be used as a platform for progressing to Level 7/8 courses on lower entry requirements and lower points. They can also be used as a qualification to gain employment. Sometimes, the idea of a four- year degree overwhelms students, and they find that signing up to a two- year level 6 more manageable. Very often, students will ‘add-on’ a year and progress onto level 7 and then ‘add-on’ another year and progress onto a level 8 course. Minimum entry requirements for Level 6 are five H7/O6 grades.

Use the next six weeks to fine tune your CAO choices. Put your courses in genuine order of preference, not points. Put as much research into your lower preference courses as you do for your 1st preference course.  The course level is clearly identified in the CAO Handbook, college websites and at www.qualifax.ie or www.careersportal.ie. Try your best to complete your Level 8 and level 7/ 6 lists. Do not put a course on your CAO application without researching the entry requirements and course content. It will be a long year at college if you are not enjoying the subjects taught on your course.

Contact McCullagh Careers today at info@mccullghcareers.ie or 0872120527 for advice and support on completing your CAO application.