How to Choose Your Leaving Certificate Subjects
Your Leaving Certificate subject choices directly affect your CAO options, points potential, and career pathways. This guide covers the key factors, common questions, and subject-to-career mappings for Irish students.
Key Factors to Consider
- Interest and enjoyment — You will study these subjects for two years. Choose subjects you genuinely find engaging.
- Ability and past performance — Look at your Junior Cycle results. Strong performance at Junior Cycle is the best predictor of Leaving Cert performance.
- CAO course requirements — Many courses have specific subject requirements (e.g., a laboratory science for Science courses, a language for Arts).
- CAO points strategy — Consider which subjects you can achieve the highest grades in.
- Career aspirations — If you have a career direction in mind, ensure your subjects align.
- School availability — Some schools have limited subject offerings or timetable clashes.
Higher Level vs Ordinary Level
General advice: Take as many subjects at Higher Level as you can manage. Higher Level gives significantly more CAO points (max 100 vs 56 at Ordinary Level).
Higher Level Maths bonus: Students who achieve H6 or above in Higher Level Mathematics receive 25 bonus CAO points.
Subject-to-Career Mapping
| If you're interested in... | Consider these LC subjects | CAO fields this opens |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine / Health Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths | Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy |
| Engineering / Technology | Maths, Physics, Applied Maths, DCG | Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture |
| Business / Finance | Business, Accounting, Economics, Maths | Business, Finance, Economics, Marketing |
| Law / Politics | English, History, Politics & Society | Law, Political Science, International Relations |
| Arts / Humanities | English, History, Art, Music, Languages | Arts, Journalism, Education, Social Science |
| Science / Research | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths | Science, Environmental Science, Biomedical |
| Design / Creative | Art, DCG, Construction Studies | Architecture, Design, Digital Media |
| Teaching / Education | Subject you want to teach + Irish | Primary Teaching, Secondary Teaching |
| Agriculture / Environment | Agricultural Science, Biology, Chemistry | Agricultural Science, Forestry, Environmental |
| Trades / Apprenticeships | Construction Studies, Engineering, DCG | Craft apprenticeships, Electrical, Plumbing |
Common Questions
How many subjects should I take?
You must take a minimum of six subjects (including Irish, English, and Maths). Most students take seven. Your best six results count for CAO points.
Can I change subjects after starting 5th Year?
Some schools allow changes in the first few weeks of 5th Year. After that, it becomes very difficult.
Do I need Irish?
Irish is compulsory unless you have an exemption. For NUI universities (UCD, UCG, UCC, Maynooth), you need Irish and a third language for most courses.
What if I don't know what career I want?
Choose a broad spread of subjects. Include at least one science, one business/practical subject, and subjects you enjoy. This keeps the most CAO options open.
Does it matter which language I choose?
For CAO points, all languages carry equal weight. Choose the language you enjoy most or have the strongest background in.
Using CourseCompass to Help
The Subject Interest Test identifies your top academic interests and recommends subject combinations aligned with your strengths and career goals. It takes 10–15 minutes and costs €14.99.
The Course Compass goes further by matching you with specific CAO courses based on your interests, personality, and aptitudes.