What major should you choose when studying abroad in Ireland? Top promising majors for international students

Courses in Ireland
writer content
Quynh Khanh
  • Published: 10 October 2025
  • Updated: 9 October 2025

You are cherishing the dream of studying abroad but are still wondering: "What major should you study in Ireland to make it easier to find a job and have the opportunity for long-term development?". Choosing the right major will give your degree a competitive advantage when entering the potential labor market, not only in Europe but also around the world. Join IDP to find out what are currently attractive majors in Ireland to find the right option for your study abroad journey.

1. Information Technology and Computer Science

Information Technology (IT) and Computer Science are among the most promising majors in Ireland, especially for international students. Dubbed the "Silicon Valley of Europe", Ireland is currently home to many global technology corporations such as Google, Facebook (Meta), Apple, Microsoft, Intel, IBM and a series of technology startups. This provides you with a practical learning environment and open employment opportunities after graduation.

Popular teaching majors:

  • Software Engineering

  • Data Science and Analytics

  • Cybersecurity

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Some universities offer strong training in IT and Computer Science:

  • Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

  • University College Dublin (UCD)

  • University College Cork

  • Dublin City University (DCU)

  • National University of Ireland Galway (University of Galway)

  • Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin)

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2. Pharmaceutical Science and Biotechnology

What major should I choose to study in Ireland? Ireland is known as one of the world's largest pharmaceutical and biotechnology centers, home to the manufacturing plants and research centers of many leading corporations such as Pfizer, Novartis, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Amgen, AbbVie, etc. This is a great advantage for international students studying Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology.

Popular teaching majors:

  • Pharmaceutical Science

  • Biotechnology

  • Bioanalysis and Biotechnology

Some universities offer strong training in Pharmaceutical Science and Biotechnology:

  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

  • University College Dublin (UCD)

  • University College Cork (UCC)

  • National University of Ireland Galway (University of Galway)

  • University of Limerick (UL)

3. Education and Teaching

Education in Ireland has a long tradition and is always highly appreciated in international rankings for teaching quality. Education and Teaching degrees from these universities are widely recognized globally, giving international students a great advantage who want to develop a career in this field.

Ireland is famous for its extremely strict and high-quality teacher training standards. This is also a field that always has a demand for highly qualified human resources at all levels (from kindergarten, primary, secondary school to university lecturers).

Popular teaching majors:

  • Post-Primary Education

  • Primary Education

  • Educational Leadership

  • Special and Inclusive Education

  • Educational Technology

Some universities offer strong training in Pharmaceutical Science and Biotechnology:

  • Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

  • University College Dublin (UCD)

  • Dublin City University (DCU)

  • National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)

4. Healthcare and Nursing

The health system in Ireland has always developed strongly and is internationally recognized for the quality of human resource training, especially in the field of Nursing and Healthcare. With a rapidly aging population and an increasing demand for medical care, this is one of the industries with a serious shortage of human resources in Ireland as well as many European countries.

With a curriculum that combines clinical practice in hospitals, medical centers, and nursing homes, you can gain practical experience right from the time you are in school. Nursing and health professional positions are always on the Irish government's Critical Skills Occupations List, making it easy for you to find employment and settlement opportunities in the future.

Popular teaching majors:

  • General Nursing

  • Specialty Nursing (e.g., Geriatric Nursing, Pediatric Nursing)

  • Biomedical Science

  • Physiotherapy

  • Community Care and Health Management

  • Educational Technology

Some universities offer strong training in Pharmaceutical Science and Biotechnology:

  • Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

  • University College Dublin (UCD)

  • Dublin City University (DCU)

  • University College Cork (UCC)

  • National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)

5. Agriculture

Ireland is famous for its modern agriculture, particularly in the areas of animal husbandry, dairy production, sustainable agriculture, and food technology. It is also one of the country's key economic sectors, contributing significantly to GDP and exports. Therefore, if you are wondering which major to choose to study in Ireland, agriculture is the choice that gives international students the opportunity to access an advanced, practical, and sustainability-oriented training program.

Graduates can work in agricultural research, food technology, farm management, agricultural export businesses, or international development organizations.

Popular teaching majors:

  • Food Science and Technology

  • Sustainable Agriculture

  • Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

  • Agribusiness Management

Some universities offer strong training in pharmaceutical science and biotechnology:

  • University of Limerick (UL)

  • University College Dublin (UCD)

  • University College Cork (UCC)

  • National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)

6. Business Management and Finance

Ireland is one of the most developed financial and business centers in Europe, with the capital, Dublin, being one of the cities where many of the world's largest banks, investment funds, insurance companies, and consulting firms, such as Citibank, JP Morgan, Deloitte, PwC, EY, etc, EY... It is this presence that gives students practical learning opportunities and open career prospects after graduation.

When studying this major, you will have access to a practical learning environment through projects and internships at international enterprises and at the same time, accumulate knowledge of law, the EU market, and financial management and analysis skills—areas where there is a shortage of high-quality human resources. Besides, Ireland's dynamic environment also opens up many opportunities for career development after graduation.

Popular teaching majors:

  • Business Analytics

  • Finance and Accounting

  • Human Resource Management (HR)

  • Digital Marketing

  • Supply Chain Management

Some universities offer strong training in pharmaceutical science and biotechnology:

  • University of Limerick (UL)

  • University College Dublin (UCD)

  • University College Cork (UCC)

  • National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG)

IDP is ready to accompany you on your journey to study in Ireland

Studying in Ireland not only provides a high-quality education but also opens up learning opportunities in industries that are thriving, have a shortage of human resources, and have open immigration prospects. From information technology and pharmaceutical science to nursing and business, finance, or agriculture, you'll always find the right choice for your passion and career direction.

What major should I choose to study in Ireland? Choosing the right major is just the beginning of your study abroad plan. With 56 years of experience and a global network of more than 800 partner schools, IDP will help you:

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