• School diploma required
  VWO (Dutch pre-university diploma) i

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  www2.cao.ie

  Netherlands … What qualifications are accepted? … Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) diploma)

  Netherlands What qualifications are accepted? Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) diploma)

  ucc.ie

  EU/EFTA/UK applicants presenting an equivalent school-leaving qualification should review the EU/EFTA/UK Applicants page for information on equivalent grades and how to prove their level of English.

  ✓

  For you, Met: Your VWO diploma counts.
• Required school subjects
  Biologie as a VWO exam subject i

  Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.

  Source

  ucc.ie

  English … Irish … Maths … Lab Science … O6/H7 … O6/H7 … O6/H7 … H4 in Biology

  ?

  For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects to check. Add your subjects
• Minimum subject grades
  6 different subjects at 6 or higher, at least 1 of them at 9 or higher, at least 2 of them at 8 or higher, including English and Maths; Biologie: at least 9 i

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  ucc.ie

  At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects.

  English … Irish … Maths … Lab Science … O6/H7 … O6/H7 … O6/H7 … H4 in Biology

  www2.cao.ie

  6 distinct recognised subjects which must include 2 subjects grade 8 and 4 subjects grade 6 in the VWO

  Table 1: Subject Grade Comparisons … H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 … 10 10 9 9 8 8 7

  2 more from this page

  O1 O2 O3 O4 O5 O6 … 8 8 7 7 6 6 or Pass in HAVO

  If two versions of the same subject are presented, the average score will be included in the calculation.

  ?

  For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects and grades to check. No grade entered for biologie. Add your subjects
• Minimum overall grade
  None i

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Source

  www2.cao.ie

  The minimum eligibility criteria follow. Proof of English proficiency is required in all cases. … 6 distinct recognised subjects which must include 2 subjects grade 8 and 4 subjects grade 6 in the VWO

  What grade counts as a pass for purposes of admission to HEIs? 6 (on a scale of 5-10 where 10 is best)

• Language level required
  English: VWO engels 8 or higher or an accepted language test i

  English: at least 8 for engels on your VWO list or IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT (current 1-6 scale) 4.5 or TOEFL iBT (2025 test results, 0-120 scale) 90 or Duolingo English Test 120 or Cambridge English (C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency) 176 or Cambridge Linguaskill 176 or PTE Academic 63 or LanguageCert Academic 70 or Oxford Test of English 140 or IELCA Academic 35 or Trinity ISE III

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  www2.cao.ie

  The minimum acceptable level of English is 8 in the VWO or equivalent English Language competence (see page 9). Note applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.

  ucc.ie · euapply

  Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.

  Matriculation Examinations from European Countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved can be used to prove level of English.

  11 more from this page

  An average score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.00 in each band in the IELTS Academic Test.

  Internet-based test: 4.5 overall and at least 4.5 in every other section in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

  2025 test result: Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

  A minimum score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.

  176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English

  Cambridge Linguaskill An average score of 176 overall and a minimum of 169 in each skill.

  A minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)

  An average score of 70 overall and a minimum of 65 in each skill of the LanguageCert Academic Test.

  A minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.

  IELCA Academic Minimum score 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band

  Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category

  ?

  For you, Not yet clear: English: enter your grade for engels. Add a language test
• Minimum age
  Born before 16 January 2011 for 2027, going by the 2026 rule (born before 16 January 2010) i

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  nui.ie

  Students must normally have attained the age of seventeen years by 15th January following entry to a Constituent University

  ucc.ie

  CAO applicants for full-time degrees must normally have reached 17 years of age by the 15 January of the year following entry to UCC.

  ?

  For you, Not yet clear: Enter your birth year to check. Add your birth year
• Extra steps
  None i

  Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  ucc.ie · euapply

  If you are applying on the basis of your school-leaving examination results, you are not required to provide a personal statement, letters of recommendation, or any additional material to the documents listed above. You will be assessed on your grades alone.

  www2.cao.ie

  Restricted courses are identified in the handbook by the words "(Restricted - see page 3)" on the same line as the restricted course's title.

  8 CK405 Genetics

• Other requirements
  English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish. Applicants born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland who present qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate are automatically exempt from Irish. i

  How it works: A Dutch VWO applicant born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland is exempt automatically and does not need to apply to NUI.

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  ucc.ie

  English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish .

  ucc.ie · euapply

  Candidates born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation are automatically exempt from Irish and do not need to make an application to NUI.

  An average score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.00 in each band in the IELTS Academic Test.

  10 more from this page

  2025 test result: Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

  A minimum score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.

  176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English

  A minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)

  An average score of 70 overall and a minimum of 65 in each skill of the LanguageCert Academic Test.

  A minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.

  IELCA Academic Minimum score 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band

  Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category

  For all proficiency tests, the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your course

  (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only)

  www2.cao.ie

  Note applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.

  ✓

  For you, Met: Not required for you: you were born and permanently live outside Ireland.
• English tests must meet all score, section and validity rules. Not required with VWO English 8 or higher. i

  If English is proven by a test instead of the VWO English grade, each test also needs its section minimums: IELTS Academic 6.0 in each band; TOEFL iBT 4.5 in every section (for 2025 results, at least 21 in writing and 19 in every other section); Duolingo 110 in each subscore; Cambridge English and Linguaskill 169 in each skill; PTE Academic 59 in each Communicative Skills item; LanguageCert Academic 65 in each skill; Oxford Test of English 125 in each skill; IELCA Academic 33 in each band; Trinity ISE III at least merit in each skill. Tests are from a single sitting, and results must normally have been issued within two years before the course starts.

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  ucc.ie

  English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish .

  ucc.ie · euapply

  Candidates born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation are automatically exempt from Irish and do not need to make an application to NUI.

  An average score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.00 in each band in the IELTS Academic Test.

  10 more from this page

  2025 test result: Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

  A minimum score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.

  176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English

  A minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)

  An average score of 70 overall and a minimum of 65 in each skill of the LanguageCert Academic Test.

  A minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.

  IELCA Academic Minimum score 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band

  Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category

  For all proficiency tests, the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your course

  (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only)

  www2.cao.ie

  Note applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.

  ?

  For you, Not yet clear: Check this yourself.
• Applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English. i

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  ucc.ie

  English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish .

  ucc.ie · euapply

  Candidates born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) who are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation are automatically exempt from Irish and do not need to make an application to NUI.

  An average score of 6.5 overall and a minimum of 6.00 in each band in the IELTS Academic Test.

  10 more from this page

  2025 test result: Internet-based test: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

  A minimum score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each subscore.

  176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English

  A minimum of 63 (with at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section)

  An average score of 70 overall and a minimum of 65 in each skill of the LanguageCert Academic Test.

  A minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.

  IELCA Academic Minimum score 35 with a minimum of 33 in each band

  Trinity ISE III with at least merit in each skill category

  For all proficiency tests, the results must normally have been issued within two years prior to the start of your course

  (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only)

  www2.cao.ie

  Note applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.

  ·

  For you, Good to know: Good to know: for information; it does not change whether you qualify.
• Score needed to get in
  521 CAO points or more: the 2026 cut-off, which changes every year i

  Applicants are ranked by CAO points; the highest get the places. The cut-off is the lowest score that got a place, so it moves with each year's applicants.

  Earlier cut-offs: 521 in 2025 (CAO Round 1), 521 in 2024 (CAO Round 1), 516 in 2024 (CAO Round 2), 509 in 2023 (CAO Round 1), 507 in 2023 (CAO Round 2), 543 in 2022 (CAO Round 1).

  How the score is worked out: Average of the best 6 distinct recognised subjects taken in a single sitting: 10 → 600, 9 → 595, 8 → 541, 7 → 374, 6 → 250, 5 → 200.

  +25 for wiskunde B or wiskunde D at 6 or higher, if it is one of the subjects counted.

  Two versions of one subject, such as wiskunde B and D, count once, at their average.

  Grades are rounded to whole numbers first, as on the diploma.

  The university gives only these rows and does not say how averages between them convert, so a score between two rows is a range.

  Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.

  Sources

  www2.cao.ie

  Points Required for Entry to Level 8 Courses 2026 … RND 1 RND 2 … CK405 Genetics 521

  ucc.ie

  CAO Points | 2026: 521

  www2.cao.ie

  The indicative equivalence will be calculated, based on the average of the best 6 distinct recognised subjects taken in a single sitting as follows:

  Table 2: Points Conversion … Average Mark … IPS … 10 … 600 … 9 … 595 … 8 … 541 … 7 … 374 … 6 … 250 … 5 … 200

  4 more from this page

  NB Sample grades only. The steps between points shown are not necessarily even as they are based on statistical comparisons.

  If two versions of the same subject are presented, the average score will be included in the calculation.

  Bonus points of 25 will be awarded for grade 6 or better in Advanced level Mathematics (i.e., B or D) where mathematics is one of the subjects counted for points.

  The indicative equivalence will be calculated, based on the average of the best 6 distinct recognised subjects taken in a single sitting as follows: Table 2: Points Conversion Average Mark IPS 10 600 9 595 8 541 7 374 6 250 5 200

  ?

  For you, Not yet clear: Needs grades for at least 6 different subjects; you have entered 0. Add your grades

How places are given

• Cap on places (numerus fixus)
  25 a year

  The 2026 figure; the 2027 one is not out yet.

  i

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Source

  ucc.ie · entryreqs

  Minimum Cut-Off Points / Approximate Places

  Programme … Course Code … Round 1 Points 2026 … Approximate Overall Places^ … Genetics … CK405 … 521 … 25

  1 more from this page

  ^Whilst every effort is made to ensure these figures are accurate, these figures are only published for the guidance of students and staff.

• How applicants are picked
  Ranked by school grades; the highest get the places i

  Eligible applicants are ranked by CAO points (for VWO: converted from the average of the best six subjects) and offers go from the highest score down; ties at the last place are broken by random number. UCC assesses school leavers on school-leaving exam results only.

  Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.

  Sources

  www2.cao.ie

  After the points have been calculated, applicants are placed on a list in order of merit for each course for which they are eligible.

  If there are five applicants with an identical points score competing for one remaining place, random number selection applies

  1 more from this page

  random number selection applies and the place will be offered to the applicant with the highest random number.

  ucc.ie

  Where it is found necessary to limit entry to a particular programme, places will be allocated on merit to qualified applicants.

  ucc.ie · euapply

  You will be assessed on your grades alone.

• Past admission numbers
  In 2026 the lowest score that got in was 521 (CAO Round 1).

  There are 25 places for the 2026 intake.

  In 2025 the lowest score that got in was 521 (CAO Round 1).

  In 2024 the lowest score that got in was 521 (CAO Round 1).

  In 2024 the lowest score that got in was 516 (CAO Round 2).

  In 2023 the lowest score that got in was 509 (CAO Round 1).

  In 2023 the lowest score that got in was 507 (CAO Round 2).

  In 2022 the lowest score that got in was 543 (CAO Round 1).

  i

  Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  www2.cao.ie

  Points Required for Entry to Level 8 Courses 2026 … RND 1 RND 2 … CK405 Genetics 521

  ucc.ie

  CAO Points | 2026: 521

  ucc.ie · entryreqs

  Programme … Course Code … Round 1 Points 2026 … Approximate Overall Places^ … Genetics … CK405 … 521 … 25

Once you have started

• First-year minimum to continue
  Pass all 60 credits in the first year; if you do not, you can resit or repeat the year i

  Every course is worth a number of credits, which you earn by passing it; a full year is 60.

  In the university’s words: To pass a year and progress, a student needs an overall mark of 40%, at least 50 credits passed at 40% or more, and any remaining modules (up to 10 credits) at 30% or more (pass by compensation). Failed modules can be resat at the Autumn supplemental examinations or repeated in a repeat year; a student who does not pass within three academic years of first registering for the year cannot continue without special permission.

  Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. This is the 2025 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Source

  ucc.ie

  BSc Genetics … To pass a year and progress to a subsequent year, candidates must achieve: 1. an overall mark of 40% across all modules 2. at least 50 credits with a mark of not less than 40% in each module 3. a pass by compensation to a maximum of 10 credits with a mark not less than 30% in these modules.

  A maximum of 60 credits, equating to Total Marks of 1,200 may be awarded per year of a programme unless a module is assessed on a PASS/FAIL basis only.

  6 more from this page

  For candidates failing to achieve the pass standard at the Summer Examination Board, there will be a Supplemental Examination in Autumn with an Autumn Examination Board.

  Students who fail to achieve the pass standard for the year at the first attempt must repeat all failed/absent modules at the Supplemental Examination

  Students repeating the year may do so choosing one of the following mechanisms.

  Candidates must pass/progress within three academic years of the date of first registration for a year, otherwise they cannot continue in the programme without special permission.

  Where a student passes the year according to the Pass and Progression Rules, they shall be awarded credits (e.g. 60 credits in the case of an undergraduate degree programme).

  Candidates must pass/progress within 3 academic years of the date of first registration for Third Year, otherwise they cannot continue in the programme.

After you graduate

• Where graduates go
  UCC lists careers in animal breeding, biotechnology, forensics, genetic counselling, medical genetics, the pharmaceutical industry, molecular diagnostics, medical research, science journalism and teaching. Recent graduates work as research scientists, research assistants, laboratory technicians, technical writers and quality control analysts. Graduates can go on to MSc and PhD study.

  What University College Cork says its graduates go on to do; not measured.

  i

  Fairly sure — Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Source

  ucc.ie

  The practical applications of these disciplines include: animal breeding, biotechnology, forensics, genetic counselling, and medical genetics, making you an attractive candidate for a variety of careers.

  Recent graduates work in a variety of jobs including: research scientist, research assistant, laboratory technician, technical writer, quality control analyst, and medical laboratory analyst.

  1 more from this page

  As a graduate, you will be eligible to compete for entry into MSc and PhD programmes, in Ireland and overseas, in many disciplines

• Where graduates went (measured)
  University College Cork honours-degree graduates of 2024 in natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, nine months after graduating: 44.3% working full-time, 5.1% part-time, 1.5% about to start a job; 42.5% in full-time and 1.8% in part-time further study; 3.0% unemployed; 1.8% other activities.

  Measured from all natural Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics graduates of University College Cork, not just this programme (2024). Past graduates, not a promise.

  i

  Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.

  Sources

  public.tableau.com · HEI Comparison

  Undergraduate Honours Degree Programmes … Field of Study: Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics … University College Cork … Working full-time 44.3% … Working part-time 5.1% … Due to start a job in the next 3 months 1.5% … Engaged in full-time further study, training or research 42.5% … Engaged in part-time further study, training or research 1.8% … Other Activity 1.8% … Unemployed and looking for work 3.0%

  hea.ie

  HEI level data (GO Class of 2024) … 3. HEI-Level Information (UG Honours Degree): This looks at employment outcomes for undergraduate honours degrees for each HEI