Digital arts tertiary bachelor’s degree provides a confident career transition

Dr Sarah O’Toole

Tertiary Manager, TUS, Mid-West Tertiary Strategic Alliance 

Jenny Whelan

Tertiary Manager, Tipperary ETB, Mid-West Tertiary Strategic Alliance 

The Mid-West Tertiary Strategic Alliance highlight their digital arts tertiary degree, with no college fees in the first year, local enrolment and ability to sample modules from three different degree specialisms with no portfolio requirements. 

Expecting students to know exactly what they want to do when they leave school is often unrealistic. Specific tertiary bachelor’s degrees in Tipperary, Limerick and Clare are allowing students to explore their interests with seamless progression to university. 

Making an informed choice of degree

“Our digital arts programme offers students a unique opportunity to engage with modules from three different degrees, covering digital animation, game art and design and visual effects,” explains Jenny Whelan, Tertiary Manager at Tipperary ETB. “At the end of year one, students can decide which of the three degree programmes they wish to progress to in year two.” 

“This is just one of several programmes designed in this way, offering flexibility and choice, and it is also a unique opportunity to study digital arts without needing a portfolio or Central Application Office (CAO) points, something which is not available through traditional routes,” she continues. 

With the added benefits of no college fees and local ETB enrolment with dual-registration, the advantages of tertiary degrees are clear. They combine flexibility, improved access and a supportive transition to a career fit for the student. 

At the end of year one, students
can decide which of the three
degree programmes they wish
to progress to in year two.

New pathway to higher education

This Mid-West Tertiary Strategic Alliance is a collaboration bringing together the knowledge and expertise of the Technological University of the Shannon, Limerick and Clare ETB and Tipperary ETB with one common goal: to further improve opportunities for local students. 

“The CAO route will suit many, but there was a real need for a new pathway,” explains Dr Sarah O’Toole, Tertiary Manager in TUS. “We’re giving students the opportunity to start their degree locally, in smaller classes and with guaranteed progression to university.” 

She adds: “We are seeing huge benefits from working together as an alliance, and we are committed to combining our resources to set up new tertiary degree programmes to be co-delivered across multiple locations, to meet the needs of the region.” In September 2025, programmes in areas such as sport, digital arts, business and computing are available. 

A supportive learning environment

Tertiary degree programmes are aimed at improving access for students who may not, or could not, have pursued higher education in the traditional manner. “Feedback from students is extremely positive, with smaller class sizes and increased academic support,” says Dr O’Toole. “The teachers really do act as mentors within our tertiary programmes, with hands-on learning and transitional support.” 

Students can also access all of the facilities of both the ETB and the university during their enrolment, including the university library, gyms, learning supports, academic resources and counselling services.