Routes to success at Cavan Institute

What is a CAO ‘Round Zero’ option?

This is an early college offer to PLC students before the main offers are released under the first round of the CAO system. Many colleges and universities have specific quotas for QQI FET applicants, making it a viable pathway to further your education. The number varies from college to college and from course to course.

Is this a popular option for students?

In 2024, there were 7,082 offers made in Round Zero, on Level 6-8 courses. Each course may also have specific requirements, so it’s important to check the details for the courses you’re interested in.

Why should students go for a CAO Round Zero option?

Many students at Cavan Institute avail of the opportunity to apply for a college course and use the CAO Round Zero option to progress further with their studies. Getting a Round Zero Offer means students can secure their college place early, before offers are made to Leaving Certificate students.

“This helps students to plan ahead, reduce stress, and allows them to arrange accommodation and other details in advance,” explained Aoife Ward, Guidance Counsellor at Cavan Institute.

SUCCESS STORIES

Forensic detail

Mary Clarke progressed on a round zero offer from TUD Tallaght to study the level 8 DNA Analysis & Forensics Degree.

She studied applied science - forensics and went on ERASMUS to Estonia.

Her passion for learning and strong work ethic helped her to achieve excellent results.

Course Name: Applied Science - Forensics

A teacher in the making

Comhghairdeas o chroí le Ruth Connolly ó Cheanannas a chríochnaigh an cúrsa Múinteoireachta Réamh-Ollscoile in Institiúid an Chabháin in 23-24.

Cuireann an cúrsa seo bealach dul chun cinn den scoth ar 3ail do ghairm mhúinteoireachta. D’éirigh le Ruth tairiscint Round O CAO a fháil ar an gclár céime BA san Oideachas, sa Ghaeilge agus sa Reiligiún I gCampas Choláiste Mhuire gan Smál I nDurlas ag tús mhí Lúnasa. Molaimid do chuid iarrachtaí acadúla go dtí seo mar a ghlacann tú an chéad chéim eile I d’aistear oideachais chun bheith I do mhúinteoir Gaeilge agus Reiligiúin. Go n-éirí an t-ádh leatsa arís Ruth as an éacht iontach seo, maith thú agus tapaidh an deis.

Course Name: Pre-University Primary and Post Primary Teaching

Getting down to business

Gustas Daugirda completed the Business Studies course in Cavan Institute and secured a college place on the level 8 Bachelor of Commerce programme at the University of Galway with his CAO round zero offer.

Course Name: Business Studies

A creative route

As a result of a Round Zero CAO offer, Ben McCabe secured a place on the Bachelor

of Technology (Education) in Graphics and Construction Technology concurrent with Teacher Education at UL.

Course Name: Carpentry Techniques, QQI Level 5

Megan Whelan

Megan Whelan, past student of Art, Craft and Design, secured an offer on the Art and Design Teacher Education-BEd (hons) in TUS Limerick City. Technological University of the Shannon as a result of her CAO Round Zero offer.

Course Name: Art Craft and Design

Physical Education

Evan Jacob Fox secured his place on the Bachelor of Science in Physical Education Degree course in University of Limerick as a result of his CAO Round Zero offer.

Course Name: Sport and Fitness with Personal Training, QQI Level 6

A caring profession

Julie Connors, from her CAO round zero offer, progressed to the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Care Practice in Sligo ATU.

Course Name: Social Care with Counselling Skills, Level 6

Cooking up a storm!

Kai McCafferty secured a place in the Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Art, at DKIT, as a result of his CAO Round Zero offer.

Course Name: Pre-Apprenticeship Commis Chef

Top of the class

From Butlersbridge, Caolán Smith received a UCAS offer for BA in Primary Teaching (QTS) in the University of Sunderland earlier this year. He is taking the next step in his journey to becoming a primary school teacher.

Course Name: Pre-University Primary and Post Primary Teaching

A career in fashion

Jana Miller progressed to Ulster University to study Textile Art, Design and Fashion after receiving an unconditional UCAS offer in May.

Course Name: Fashion Design and Styling, QQI level 5

Get the job!

Some students progress from Cavan Institute straight into the workplace. Deepi Kanwalpreet Kaur secured employment upon completion of her award in her local nursing home.

Course Name: Healthcare Support, QQI level 5

Early years sector

Similarly, Lita Ozolina successfully completed her courses at Cavan Institute and secured employment in the early years sector.

Course Name: Early Learning and Care Stage 1 and Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care Stage 2 (Level 6).

Check out our courses

Discover the wide array of course on offer at Cavan Institute through our website www.cavaninstitute.ie

You can apply online today to book your place for September 2025.

OPEN DAY

Come in and meet with us at our Open Day on Thursday, February 13, 2025, 9:30am to 3:30pm to find out more.