NCI Blog

Did You Know...? Some FAQs About NCI for CAO Students

Posted by Andrea Leyden on 23 January 2025

Frequently Asked Questions about NCI

Are you beginning your journey to third-level education? If you're thinking about your college choices and filling in your CAO application, then you might be considering joining us at National College of Ireland which means you might have some questions for us! 

As for many students, this process will be completely new to you. We understand how challenging being on the verge of a big decision can be so we're here to help by providing answers to some of the most common questions we have been asked by previous students who have been in your shoes.

Keep reading to learn some information that can help you take the next step in your education journey.

Q1. What courses does NCI offer?

Students can join full-time undergraduate courses in Business, HRM, Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Psychology, Computing, Data Science and Early Childhood Education and Care.

Access the course information and other useful resources below:

Head to our CAO Hub for more details.

Q2. Is NCI a private college?

No, NCI is not a private college. Students who enrol on our undergraduate courses are eligible for the Free Fees Initiative and Student Grant Scheme (SUSI). However, the BA (Hons) in Psychology and BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education and Care programmes at NCI do not qualify under the Free Fees Initiative. Students who enrolled on this programme in the past, and were eligible for a grant, received funding from SUSI to cover either 100% or 50% of the course tuition fees.

Please contact SUSI directly to see if the grant will cover your Student Contribution Charge.

Q3. What are the entry requirements for your courses?

The minimum entry requirements for our Level 8 Honours Degrees are a grade H5 and above in two higher level subjects, together with a minimum of O6/H7 in four other subjects. A minimum of grade O6/H7 must be obtained in English and Mathematics.

Students who wish to undertake one of our Level 6 Higher Certificate courses will only need a grade O6/H7 or above in 5 subjects with a minimum grade O6/H7 or above in English and Mathematics. (The Higher Certificate in Business will also accept an F2 in Maths).

However, the exception to this is our data science courses. For the BA (Honours) in Data Science, the minimum entry requirements are a grade H5 and above in two higher level subjects together with a minimum of O6/H7 in four other subjects. A minimum of grade O4/H7 must be obtained in Mathematics. A minimum of grade O6/H7 must be obtained in English or Irish. While the Higher Certificate in Data Science requires a minimum entry requirements are a grade of O6/H7 or above in five subjects. A minimum of grade O4/H7 must be obtained in Mathematics. A minimum of grade O6/H7 must be obtained in English or Irish.

Students who meet these requirements are eligible for entry to our courses at National College of Ireland, provided they also achieve the required CAO points. See our full list of CAO courses for further details.

Q4. Does NCI offer any academic scholarships?

Yes, full-time registered students can apply for our Sports Scholarship. The package includes a financial bursary of €2,000, annual gym membership, personal training sessions, nutrition and dietary advice, performance coaching and a branded athlete pack.

Applicants are required to have reached or have the potential to reach a very high level of performance competing at international, national, inter-provincial or inter-county level. Visit our Sports Scholarship page to hear from previous scholars and to learn how to apply. 

Q5. What other supports are available for NCI students?

When you become an NCI student, you will have access to a range of financial, academic, wellness and other support services. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

There's an abundance of information available on our website related to the various supports available, showing how are team is here for you every step of the way through your studies. 

Club and Societies are a great way to meet other students who share a similar interest to you or to discover an entirely new hobby. Check out the full range of Clubs and Societies available at NCI.

Q6. Do you need a second language to attend NCI?

No, unlike many other colleges, students are not required to have a language other than English to obtain entry to our courses.

Q7. When is your next Open Day?

The NCI team host a range of both online and in-person information events throughout the year. Visit our events page to register for any upcoming sessions you may find useful. 

Q8. Can you tell me more about the Psychology course at NCI?

The BA (Hons) in Psychology at NCI is a three year full-time level 8 degree accredited by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). Students who undertake this course will gain a solid understanding in all the core areas of psychology including Clinical psychology, Organisational psychology and Forensic psychology. Upon completion of the course graduates can progress to postgraduate programmes at level 9 in clinical, educational, occupational and counselling psychology.

Q9. Where is NCI located and is it accessible by public transport?

National College of Ireland is located at the IFSC, in the heart of Dublin's city centre, with our campus buildings at Mayor Square and Spencer Dock conveniently located just 300m (or a 3-minute walk) from each other.

We are fully serviced by all forms of public transport, including:

  • Bus - Over 70 Dublin bus routes terminate in the vicinity of NCI's campus. The IFSC is also located beside the central mainline bus terminal (Busáras) which services routes around the country.
  • Rail - All trains travel into either Heuston Station or Connolly Station, which are both city-centre based and serviced by the Red Line Luas. Connolly Station also provides access to the DART line and is a 10-minute walk from NCI.
  • Luas - The Red Line of the Luas links Saggart and Tallaght to the 3Arena and stops right outside both NCI campus building.

For further information on NCI's location, directions on how to get here, as well as information on our car park, please see NCI Location.

Q10. Does NCI provide student accommodation?

While NCI does not own or manage a student residence, nor do we offer an accommodation placement service, we have compiled some tips and advice for students looking to live in Dublin.

See Student Accommodation for further information.

If you have any further questions about undergraduate education at NCI, check out the FAQs section on our website or contact our School Liaison Officers and they will be happy to help!

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Topics: CAO, Full-Time Courses