• 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
  Engels and biologie or scheikunde or natuurkunde as a VWO exam subject i

  Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.

  Sources

  ucc.ie

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

  English … Irish … Maths … Lab Science

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  The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.

  www2.cao.ie

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

  ?

  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, Maths and Lab Science subject; Biologie or scheikunde or natuurkunde or wiskunde B or wiskunde D or informatica: 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

  1 more from this page

  H4 in either a Lab Science subject, Maths or Applied Maths or Computer Science

  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

  3 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 a higher maths requirement these scores must be in Maths B or D

  ?

  For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects and grades to check. No grade entered for biologie or scheikunde or natuurkunde or wiskunde B or wiskunde D or informatica. 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.

  Sources

  www2.cao.ie

  The minimum eligibility criteria follow. Proof of English proficiency is required in all cases. … 2 H5 required … 6 distinct recognised subjects which must include 2 subjects grade 8 and 4 subjects grade 6 in the VWO

  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

  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.

• 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, Cambridge English scale) 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 (at least merit in each skill)

  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

  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.

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

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

  ?

  For you, Not yet clear: English: enter your grade for engels. Add a language test
• Minimum age
  Born before 16 January 2011 i

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

  Source

  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.

  Physics and Astrophysics 8 CK408 Degree options in:

• Other requirements
  Irish is required for all UCC programmes unless the applicant is exempt. Candidates born and fully educated outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) who present qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate are automatically exempt and do not need to apply to NUI; others must apply to NUI for an exemption. i

  Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.

  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.

  ✓

  For you, Met: Not required for you: you were born and permanently live outside Ireland.
• Score needed to get in
  2026 cut-offs: 578–582 CAO points, depending on the study option or admission route; they change every year. i

  2026 published cut-offs: 582 CAO points (CAO Round 1); 578 CAO points (CAO Round 2). Cut-offs differ by admission route or study option; check the relevant published cut-off yourself. They change every year.

  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: 565 in 2025 (CAO Round 1), 543 in 2025 (CAO Round 2), 590 in 2024 (CAO Round 1), 578 in 2024 (CAO Round 2), 567 in 2023 (CAO Round 1), 578 in 2022 (CAO Round 1), 577 in 2022 (CAO Round 2).

  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 … CK408 Physics and Astrophysics 582 578

  ucc.ie

  CAO Points | 2026: 582

  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

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  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 … 10 600 … 9 595 … 8 541 … 7 374 … 6 250 … 5 200

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

  ?

  For you, Not yet clear: Cut-offs differ by admission route or study option; check the relevant published cut-off yourself.

How places are given

• Cap on places (numerus fixus)
  30 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

  Round 1 Points 2026 … Approximate Overall Places^ … Physics and Astrophysics CK408 582 30 3 2

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  ^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.

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

  1 more from this page

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

  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 582 (CAO Round 1).

  In 2026 the lowest score that got in was 578 (CAO Round 2).

  There are 30 places for the 2026 intake.

  In 2025 the lowest score that got in was 565 (CAO Round 1).

  In 2025 the lowest score that got in was 543 (CAO Round 2).

  In 2024 the lowest score that got in was 590 (CAO Round 1).

  In 2024 the lowest score that got in was 578 (CAO Round 2).

  In 2023 the lowest score that got in was 567 (CAO Round 1).

  In 2022 the lowest score that got in was 578 (CAO Round 1).

  In 2022 the lowest score that got in was 577 (CAO Round 2).

  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 … CK408 Physics and Astrophysics 582 578

  ucc.ie

  CAO Points | 2026: 582

  ucc.ie · entryreqs

  Round 1 Points 2026 … Approximate Overall Places^ … Physics and Astrophysics CK408 582 30 3 2

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

  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

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  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.

  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.

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

After you graduate

• Where graduates go
  Named career fields include computer science, data science, education, environment, medicine, space and climate science, sustainability, IT management, banking and finance, engineering, meteorology, astronomy, health, marketing and technology. Many graduate courses look for physics graduates; the School of Physics offers MRes and PhD programmes.

  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 career fields to choose from include computer science, data science and analysis, education, the environment, medicine, space science, climate science, sustainability, IT management, banking and finance, engineering, meteorology, astronomy, health, marketing, and technology.

  There are many options for further study. Many graduate courses - both taught and research-based – look for students with undergraduate degrees in Physics.

  1 more from this page

  The School of Physics offers postgraduate research programmes to MRes (Masters by Research) and PhD level

• 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

  Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.

  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