Sign up to get all the latest Careers and Education news delivered to you - - >
TUS Ad
IADT Generic

Maths - Second Chance

If a poor Leaving Cert Maths result has made a significant impact on your chances of getting a specific course, all hope is not lost. Students who failed to gain access to a particular college or secure a place on a course due to their Leaving Cert Maths result, may have a second opportunity to sit an alternative exam. A number of colleges offer students a Maths Entry Exam or Maths Competency Test (MCT).

Some colleges also facilitate Preparation Courses to assist students that have difficulty with Maths to prepare for these exams.

The Maths Entry Exam is designed to assist students who have not achieved the required grade in Maths for college entry. The MCT or equivalent will give the student a chance to boost their Maths results where a certain grade in Maths is required for course entry. If a poor Leaving Cert Maths result is the only thing preventing a student from getting an offer for a specific course, all hope is not lost.

Please note that the alternative Maths exam does not apply to all courses in all colleges, please check the links of each college below for specific details on which courses they are applicable to.

Final word of caution – if you have problems with Maths, are you wise in applying for a course requiring maths?  Take advice from your Guidance Counsellor or if possible, consult with college staff.


ATU Donegal – run an 'Enabling Maths' course which is available to students that fail their Leaving Certificate Maths paper.  The programme is designed to provide a third level pathway for learners that face this situation. For more information on this course and how to apply click here.

ATU Galway Mayo

ATU Sligo holds an Alternative Maths Exam for students who do not obtain a pass in ordinary level Maths in the Leaving Cert. Click here …

DkIT is running an additional maths Exam

MTU (Kerry Campus and Cork Campus) hold a Second Chance Maths Exam

TU Dublin holds a Mathematics Competency Test (MCT)

University of Galway holds an Engineering Maths Qualifying Examination.

SETU Waterford and SETU Carlow provide a Maths Entry Exam option for any student who did not achieve the required grade in Maths.

TUS Midwest offer a Maths Entrance Exam for students who have not reached the required grade for their course.

University of Limerick (UL)

More information listed here on the CAO site …

Languages top
envelopemenu-circlecross-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram