Applying to UCAS for 2026

In this episode, Sarah asks Donnchadh about the UCAS application and how Irish applicants can tackle it.What is UCAS, how does the application work, how do I write a personal statement, what is student finance and how do repayments work?  What courses in Northern Ireland are popular and have no fees?All will be answered in this episode presented by findmycollegecourse.ieDont forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

Donnchadh and Sarah chat on the first Leaving Cert Guidance episode of the academic year, bout Tertiary Degrees.Donnchadh reckons the landscape of the Irish education system has changed with the development of Tertiary degrees.Find out more about Tertiary degrees at nto.ieThe episode is brought to you by IADT Tertiary degrees in Business & Psychology and Immersive Media Production.  Check out IADT.ie or nto.ie for more information on these courses.Follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date.

Ray Lanigan is a high impact study skills coach and a school motivational speaker.  he joins Donnchadh to discuss his study skills strategies such as the 30 minute study sprint and the whiz grid.  What advice does Ray have for students doing their mocks and advice for parents on this journey also?Dont forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

Substance misuse expert, Sinead Carey, joins the Leaving Cert Guidance podcast to help students stay safe this Christmas.  What do students who are going out this Christmas need to know so they can keep themselves safe, the 5 As that parents should do when their child is out, the best website for information and how schools can assist students also.Don't forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

Over the next few weeks there are important upcoming deadline dates.  Many students will take the opportunity over the Christmas break to prepare for these deadlines.Donnchadh explains to us what deadlines are fast approaching and what students need to do to get ready for these.From applying to the CAO, UK, Europe, HPAT and even a course in America, Donnchadh has you covered.Don't forget to follow us @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

Roisin O'Donohoe is back with Donnchadh this week, this time to discuss the HEAR and DARE application processes and what students need to know and some tips and advice for the application.Don't forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok

Donnchadh is joined by Ava Rose Gallagher, a 4th year Commerce International student in UCC who talks about her Erasmus experience.  Ava Rose talks about:The process of applying to ErasmusApplying for the Erasmus grantHow the Erasmus process worksHer experience in GermanyHow she settled inWhat her Erasmus has taught herAnd what she intends to do once she completes her degreeDon't forget to follow us @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok.

This is one of our biggest podcast episodes of the year.  Eileen Keleghan from the CAO joins Donnchadh to give advice for 2025 CAO applicants.They talk about:What applicants can expect from the CAO applicationKey deadline datesGenuine order of preferenceChange of mind facilityLevel 6/7 and Level 8 listRestricted coursesLast minute adviceDont forget to follow us @leavingcertguidance Instagram and TikTok.

Language teacher Katie Lenehan (@mslenslanguages) join Donnchadh on the pod this week to talk about preparing for languages exams for the LC.Katie and Donnchadh discuss:Key challenges for studentsimproving oral and listening skillspractising languages outside of the classroomImproving vocabManaging your time during examsTips for the oral examAnd lots moreDont forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok

Donnchadh is joined by Guidance Counsellor Roisin O'Donohoe to talk effective study methods and how students can get the most from themselves while studying. Donnchadh and Roisin discuss:Most common study mistakesthe importance of active studyingcreating an effective study scheduleavoiding procrastination or burnoutthe importance of sleep and nutrition for study and tips for handling stress and anxiety leading up to the LCDon't forget to follow @leavingcertguidance on Instagram and TikTok