STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects are at the heart of a very wide variety of jobs and professions. Studying these subjects in college will give you the skills you need to take part in building the world of our future.
Studying STEM subjects in school and college and their importance in industry.
There are a huge range of disciplines from which to choose. We have grouped these into 8 categories below to help you find the area that suits you most.
From this page you can explore hundreds of career possibilities, all CAO courses in the STEM disciplines, and watch videos of people involved in STEM professions.
Once you have identified an area of interest, use our Course Search Wizard to shortlist suitable courses for your CAO application.
Note: Most courses in the Medical and Healthcare sector also involve studying STEM courses, although we treat this area seperately.
The Work: Creating high quality drugs or chemicals, testing them to ensure they are effective and safe, and monitoring their effect on people and the environment. More...
At College: Many of these courses provide students with a broad scientific education. Subjects studied include biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences (creation, development and make-up of drugs and medicines) chemistry and biochemistry. You may also study subjects such as cell biology, microbiology and molecular biology. Laboratory work often forms a substantial part of these courses. View courses...
The Work: Working in the manufacture, sales or support of all forms of computers and computer systems, or in the creation and development of software. More...
At College: Courses that involve the investigation and exploration into the theory, practice and use of computers software. Study subjects such as programming, web design and development, e-commerce, information systems and networking. View courses...
The Work: Work with technologies that monitor and predict changes in our environment, with the development of renewable and sustainable energy sources and on the protection and conservation of natural resources. More...
At College: Study one or more of the following sample subjects: oceanography, environmental science, marine biology, environmental management, conservation, geography, bioscience, earth science, energy engineering etc. View courses...
The Work: Designing or manufacturing electronic or telecommunication devices, or being involved in the generation and supply of electricity. More...
At College: Study of electrical or electronic systems. Study subjects such as advanced computer skills in both hardware and software, automated systems, robotics, microelectronics, satellite communications, telecommunications and power energy. View courses...
The Work: Work on the development of technology that enhances the diagnosis, prevention, monitoring, and treatment of diseases and disabilities. More...
At College: Study one or more of the following sample subjects: Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering etc. View courses...
The Work: Researching and investigating aspects of the physical universe, or using Mathematics to solve complex issues in science or business. More...
At College: Study one or more of the following sample subjects: physics, mathematics, statistics, computing, chemistry, experimental physics, astronomy, optics and electronics. View courses...
The Work: Exploring and developing the technology used to build satelites, space vehicles and the instruments and experiments that they carry. More...
At College: Study subjects such as Astronomy, Applied Maths, AstroPhysics, Climate and Earth science, and varoius types of engineering. View courses...
The Work: Working in the planning, building, selling or management of construction projects (housing estates, roads, warehouses etc.). More...
At College: Study one or more of the following sample subjects: structural engineering, land and building surveying, site management, building technology, mining engineering, roads and transport engineering, architecture. View courses...
The Work: Working in the design, use, maintenance and control of all forms of mechanical devices, e.g. in construction, manufacturing, aviation, automobiles and related areas etc. More...
At College: Study one or more of the following sample subjects: technical drawing / computer aided design (CAD), mechanics, power systems, fluid mechanics, aerospace engineering, materials, stress analysis, thermodynamics, and computerised manufacturing systems. View courses...
The biopharma pharmachem sector has a high economic impact in the Irish economy, providing significant high skilled employment. This report examines trends and drivers of change and potential impact on employment and skills over 2010-2015
This report presents the findings of a survey of physics graduates from third level colleges in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. [pdf file, 4mb]
A Video series that looks at the kind of skills needed to work in STEM professions, examines the careers available and includes advice from research scientists, engineers and project managers.
Website showcasing the huge range of exciting, aspirational and rewarding jobs available to students if they choose science and maths careers. Excellent video interviews with approx 20 employees
Site provides a single starting point for those wishing to know where studying mathematics can lead. The website has a particular focus on young people between the age of 11 and 19.
Digital 21 is a campaign to highlight the imperative of creating an action programme to secure the digital infrastructure and services upon which the success of the economy depends.
