{"id":8749,"date":"2026-06-11T16:06:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:06:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loetb.ie\/?p=8749"},"modified":"2026-06-11T16:12:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T16:12:46","slug":"start-your-degree-close-to-home-with-loetb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loetb.ie\/ga\/start-your-degree-close-to-home-with-loetb\/","title":{"rendered":"Start your Degree Close to Home with LOETB"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Many school leavers (and parents) assume that\u00a0studying for a\u00a0degree means\u00a0competing for CAO points,\u00a0leaving home,\u00a0trying to secure student accommodation and the\u00a0high cost\u00a0that go along with it. That is no longer the only path.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Through Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), students can now start\u00a0their degree journey locally through\u00a0<\/span>tertiary degree and advanced entry programmes<\/span><\/b>\u00a0delivered in\u00a0our\u00a0Further Education and Training (FET) centres\u00a0in\u00a0Abbeyleix, Birr,\u00a0Tullamore\u00a0and Portlaoise.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

These\u00a0pathways\u00a0are designed\u00a0to be practical\u00a0and\u00a0accessible\u00a0and are a stepping stone into\u00a0South East\u00a0Technological University (SETU), Carlow and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What is a Tertiary Degree?\u00a0<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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A tertiary degree is a new type of pathway that combines Further Education and Higher Education.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

In simple terms:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

  • You start your degree\u00a0locally with LOETB<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
    • You\u00a0complete\u00a0year 1 of your course\u00a0in a smaller, supportive environment<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
      • You progress directly into university to finish your honours degree<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

        This means you can begin your studies without the pressure of traditional entry routes.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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        No CAO Points Required\u00a0<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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        One of the most common questions from parents and students is:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        \u201cDo you need CAO points?\u201d<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        The answer is\u00a0<\/span>no<\/span><\/b>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        Tertiary degree routes\u00a0are designed\u00a0to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

        • Remove CAO pressure for entry<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
          • Offer an alternative route into university<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>
            • Recognise commitment, attendance, and continuous assessment instead of exam-only entry<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li><\/ul>

              This opens doors for students who may not have achieved their desired CAO points but still want a degree.\u00a0<\/span>T<\/span>ertiary degrees give you a\u202f<\/span>guaranteed place<\/span><\/b>\u202fon a university degree course, as places are set aside for LOETB learners from the start.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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