Start your Degree Close to Home with LOETB - Laois & Offaly Education and Training Board

Many school leavers (and parents) assume that studying for a degree means competing for CAO points, leaving home, trying to secure student accommodation and the high cost that go along with it. That is no longer the only path.

Through Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB), students can now start their degree journey locally through tertiary degree and advanced entry programmes delivered in our Further Education and Training (FET) centres in Abbeyleix, Birr, Tullamore and Portlaoise.

These pathways are designed to be practical and accessible and are a stepping stone into South East Technological University (SETU), Carlow and Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), Athlone.

What is a Tertiary Degree?

A tertiary degree is a new type of pathway that combines Further Education and Higher Education.

In simple terms:

You start your degree locally with LOETB

You complete year 1 of your course in a smaller, supportive environment

You progress directly into university to finish your honours degree

This means you can begin your studies without the pressure of traditional entry routes.

No CAO Points Required

One of the most common questions from parents and students is:

“Do you need CAO points?”

The answer is no.

Tertiary degree routes are designed to:

Remove CAO pressure for entry

Offer an alternative route into university

Recognise commitment, attendance, and continuous assessment instead of exam-only entry

This opens doors for students who may not have achieved their desired CAO points but still want a degree. Tertiary degrees give you a guaranteed place on a university degree course, as places are set aside for LOETB learners from the start.

What are Advanced Entry Courses?

Advanced entry courses allow learners to:

Complete a Level 6 course in LOETB

Progress directly into Year 2 of a university degree course

This is a smart route for students who want:

more practical, hands-on learning first

A stronger foundation before moving to university study

to ensure the course is for them before committing to a 4/5 year university course

save some money before starting university

What’s the difference between a tertiary degree and an advanced entry course?

These two routes are similar in that they both lead to a university degree; however, the key difference is how progression into university is secured.

Tertiary Degrees are formal structured partnership programmes between LOETB and a university, such as SETU ad TUS.

Key feature: Students have a guaranteed place in year 2 of the linked university degree, on successfully completing Year 1 in LOETB.

Advanced entry courses are also progression routes into university, but places are not guaranteed.

Key feature: Students apply independently for a place in Year 2 of a university degree course after successfully completing their LOETB course.

Who are these courses for?

These programmes are ideal for:

School leavers who want an alternative to the traditional CAO route

Students who are unsure about committing to a course/university straight away

Students who prefer or would benefit from smaller class sizes and more support

Students who want to remain closer to home while studying

Parents often value:

Lower costs compared to immediate university entry

Clear progression routes

Strong employability outcomes

A structured and supported learning environment

Timetable

While university students may have 20 hours of classes spread across five days, our students attend on a much more concentrated schedule. For example, in Portlaoise Institute, Business students are typically on campus for three full days per week, while IT students attend for three and a half days. This allows students greater flexibility to work part-time, manage childcare responsibilities, or balance other commitments alongside their studies.

What kind of courses are available?

LOETB offers tertiary and progression pathways in areas such as:

Business, Finance, Management and Marketing

IT Management

Software Development

Mental Health Nursing

Art and Design

Agriculture

You can view more details here: LOETB Degree Courses

What are the benefits of these courses?

Study closer to home
No immediate expense of university accommodation.
No college fees for Year 1
For both Tertiary degree and advanced entry courses
Smaller classes
More support from tutors and stronger student engagement.

Clear progression
Direct links into university degree programmes.

Practical learning
A strong focus on skills that employers actually need.
Confidence building
Students develop academic skills before moving to larger university settings.
Explore before you commit
Discover if the course is right for you and make an informed decision before committing to a 4-5 year degree.

Common Questions from Parents

Is this a “lesser” degree?
No. The final qualification is the same university degree as traditional entry routes.

Will I need to pay university fees for Year 1 in LOETB?
No, there are no fees for Tertiary degree programmes while studying with LOETB.

Is it recognised by employers?
Yes. These are nationally and internationally recognised qualifications.

What if my child is not sure what they want to do?
These programmes are ideal for exploration, with built-in progression options.

Will my child get a qualification if they do not complete the full degree programme?
Yes, both advanced entry and tertiary degree programmes include embedded awards, this means we will recognise the learning achieved during the time on the programme. If a student successfully completes Year 1 and does not want to continue into Year 2, they will graduation with a Certificate.

Will my child miss out on university life?
No. Students still progress to university for later stages of their degree.

Will my child have a student card?
Yes, tertiary degree students are registered with both LOETB and the partner university from the start of the programme. This means they will receive a university student card and can access a range of university services and supports while studying with LOETB.

Are there grants or financial supports available?
Students are eligible to apply for the SUSI Grant and may also be eligible to apply for the Back to Education Allowance. Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to inform DEASP if they are applying for the SUSI Grant.
Learn more about student financial supports.

Why provide these pathways?

Many students feel pressure after the Leaving Certificate. These pathways provide:

A chance to study locally with no college fees for Year 1

a first choice for students who prefer a different route

a more flexible, supportive way into higher education

It is not about lowering expectations. It is about making courses accessible.

How do I apply?

If you are a school leaver, or a parent exploring options, these programmes offer a realistic and supported route into a degree without the traditional barriers.

LOETB is helping students take the next step in education with confidence, structure, and clear progression.

For full course details and entry routes, visit:
LOETB Degree Courses or contact the centre directly for more information.