FAQs

Common Questions & Answers about the course

What points and/or entry requirements will apply for 2026?

Leaving Certificate applicants must present a minimum of six subjects, including at least two H5 grades. A minimum of O6 or H7 in Mathematics is required. A minimum of O6 or H7 in English or Irish is also required.

QQI applicants may apply with any Level 5 or Level 6 award, with a minimum of three distinctions.

Mature applicants aged 23 or over are also eligible to apply.

As this is a new course commencing in 2026, CAO points will not be confirmed until offers are issued in August 2026.

How many places are available on the course?

There will be 60 places available for the first intake in 2026. A smaller intake in the first year will help ensure students have strong access to academic staff and resources.

Is there a particular reason the Arts programme is structured over four years rather than three? And is there an option for students to complete it in three years by taking additional credits?

Opting for a four-year arts degree over a three-year one gives you more time to explore different subjects, discover new interests, and develop a wider range of valuable skills like critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. This extra year allows for a deeper, more well-rounded education that can better prepare you for a future where jobs are constantly changing, making you more adaptable and giving you more career options down the line, even for jobs that don't exist yet. The formal selection of their preferred stream is not required until the conclusion of Year 2 and the extra year allows them the freedom to choose their preferred path. It would not be possible to offer this flexibility without the extra year.

Up to what stage can a student switch to a different major if they decide their original choice isn’t the right fit?

Students are encouraged to explore a range of available Majors, with the formal selection of their preferred stream not required in most cases until March of Year 2. Your academic adviser will provide support in reaching your decision around the best choice of major for you.

Can I study Politics and Law within the Arts degree?

A combined Politics and Law major is not currently available within the Arts degree. Students wishing to study Law must apply for it as a separate undergraduate programme, TU917 or TU918.

The Arts degree provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate study across a wide range of disciplines. However, Politics and Law cannot currently be taken together within this programme.

How often can I change my minor focus?

The programme offers significant flexibility. Taking a minor is optional and students may instead choose free elective modules.

If you begin a minor and decide it is not the right fit, you may count those modules as free electives and choose an alternative pathway. There are multiple opportunities throughout the degree to adjust your focus.

Are there Erasmus opportunities to study abroad on the course?

Currently, the four Language major streams we offer (French, German, Italian and Spanish) provide the option for the students to take a semester abroad with one of our partner institutions. At the moment, the other major streams do not explicitly provide this option. However, the overall programme has been structured so as to provide the space to allow for a semester to be taken abroad in the programme’s third year should this relevant to the major stream in question and of interest to the student.

Can I study Economics if I have not taken Business for the Leaving Certificate?

Yes. There is no requirement to have studied Business, Economics, or related subjects prior to entry.

Is prior practical experience required for the Contemporary Art Practice major?

No prior experience is required before starting the course. The majors are designed to accommodate students without pre-entry experience.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the Major section of the course website for detailed information about specific modules and expectations.

Is there any disadvantage to studying Mathematics as part of the Arts degree rather than taking a BSc in Mathematics?

Graduates of this programme receive a Level 8 Bachelor of Arts degree with their chosen major specified. In contrast, students completing a pure Mathematics degree graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics.

The BSc focuses exclusively on Mathematics, while the Arts degree allows students to combine Mathematics with other disciplines. Students taking the Mathematics major will cover the core areas of the subject and may also choose additional Mathematics electives.

There is no inherent disadvantage. The best option depends on your career goals. If your intended career requires a dedicated Mathematics degree, the BSc may be preferable. If you want strong mathematical training alongside broader skills, the Arts degree may be more suitable.

Is Media Studies a good option for someone interested in journalism?

Yes. The Media Studies major is broad and flexible, allowing students to select core and elective modules aligned with their interests.

Students who wish to specialise further in media may also choose a Media minor alongside their major.

Is a portfolio required for entry?

Students intending to pursue the Contemporary Art major will need to submit a portfolio. However, this does not need to be completed before starting the course.

Students will have time during first year to develop and compile their portfolio, with guidance from their student advisor.

What are the requirements for the Music Performance Studies major? Can someone apply without Leaving Certificate Music?

Students intending to pursue the Music Performance major will be required to complete an audition. This may take place during first year rather than before entry.

Prior study of Leaving Certificate Music is not mandatory. Students with instrumental experience may apply. Performance areas include classical, jazz, traditional, and Rock or Pop as a minor option.

Students will also study music theory, with classes designed to support those who need to strengthen their theoretical background.

What is the difference between the Music Performance and Music Composition majors?

Both pathways include core modules, but students may specialise according to their strengths and interests in either performance or composition.

Academic guidance is available to help students decide which pathway best suits them.

What is the difference between a Music major and a Music minor?

A major consists of 80 to 120 ECTS credits. A minor consists of 40 to 80 ECTS credits.

A minor provides a broad introduction to a discipline, while a major allows for deeper specialisation.

There is considerable flexibility, and students may add free electives in areas of interest, subject to availability and timetable compatibility. The Music minor can be structured in several different ways.

Is there a lot of project work?

Students typically take six modules per semester. Most modules are assessed primarily through continuous assessment, such as project work completed throughout the year.

Some modules may include examinations, but assessment is largely project based.

Can the course be completed over more than four years?

At present, the programme is structured as a four-year full-time degree. Part time options may be introduced in the future.

Is it possible to transfer internally to another TU Dublin course?

No. Internal transfers are not facilitated as a standard option.

However, the programme’s high level of flexibility means students can tailor their studies to suit their evolving interests without needing to change course.

What is the total cost of the course?

For EU students, tuition fees are €3,000 per year.

Fee info and payment options can be found at: https://www.tudublin.ie/for-students/student-services-and-support/fees-grants/full-time-undergraduate-fees/

Grant info can be found at: https://www.tudublin.ie/for-students/student-services-and-support/fees-grants/grant-information/

Can can get into teaching on completion of the course?

Students who completed the Arts degree would need to go on and do the PME (Professional Master's in Education) to become primary or post-primary teachers.  

In order to complete Post-Primary PME you must meet the Teaching Council's Curricular Subject Registration requirements for at least one subject. Please find the Teaching Council's requirements for subjects here: https://www.teachingcouncil.ie/assets/uploads/2026/01/05.01.26-Curricular-Subject-Requirements.pdf

In order to complete Primary School PME: Students would need to do a two-year Professional Master of Education (PME) (Primary Teaching) programme. Minimum requirements in mathematics, English and Irish at Leaving Certificate level are required for primary teaching.  These PME programme are at DCU, Mary Immaculate College (Limerick), Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education (Maynooth University), Marino Institute of Education, Dublin and Hibernia College.

Additional Information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/publications/im-thinking-of-studying-to-become-a-teacher-post-graduate-options/.