Applying
The ISE entrance submission
ISE looks beyond points. Alongside your CAO application you complete an entrance submission, worth up to 200 points, so we can see how you think and build. Please read this page carefully before you begin.
Please read carefully
Two options, both worth up to 200 points
The ISE entrance submission has two options, each worth a maximum of 200 points. It applies to CAO (Leaving Certificate), mature and international applicants to Immersive Software Engineering, CAO code LM173. We are interested in many kinds of students, so show us your skills and interests in science, technology, engineering, maths and innovation, in a way that connects with you.
Once you select LM173 on the CAO you will receive an email with a link to the submission portal. International applicants apply directly to UL and receive the same link. If you have any questions, email [email protected].
Choose one route
Two routes, one submission
Choose one of two routes. Both carry equal marks and are worth up to 200 points. Pick the one that lets you best show your skills and interests.
Route A · Technology Project
Up to 800 words on a project where you used technology to do something interesting. Tell us what you did and how you did it, with evidence.
Route B · Personal Profile
Respond to three of four questions, up to 400 words each. A shorter, narrative route that suits applicants with or without hands-on software experience.
| Route A Technology Project | Route B Personal Profile | |
|---|---|---|
| Graded questions | One written report | Respond to three of four questions |
| Word limit | Up to 800 words | Up to 400 words per response |
| Question type | Essay | Shorter narrative |
| Main focus | Creative use of technology | Personal characteristics and achievements |
| Evidence | Yes | Yes |
| Points | 200 | 200 |
| Submission | Upload a single document to the portal | Enter responses in the portal |
The submission
Three steps
1 · Personal details
Not graded. Your name, email, CAO number if applicable, and mobile number. Use the email from your original CAO or UL application, and give your mobile with the country code in 00 format, not +.
2 · Choose your route
Choose Route A or Route B. Both carry equal marks and are worth up to 200 points. Pick the one that best represents you.
3 · Final stage and submission
Not graded. Sign an honour pledge that the work is your own and that all sources are acknowledged. Your work can be part of a team project, but the submission must focus on your own contribution. Anything found not to be your own work leads to rejection of the whole submission.
Route A guidance
The Technology Project
Up to 800 words, submitted as a single document through the portal. Using technology does not have to mean writing a program; it can be any situation where you used technology to do something interesting. We want to know what you did, and just as much, how you did it.
Overview of your work
What did you do? Include screenshots, photos and links to repositories, websites or other illustrations. If you wrote code, add short fragments with a brief explanation of what they do, and link to the full implementation.
Project impact
Why did you do it? Were you solving a problem or learning something new? What was the impact, and did anyone use it? What are you most proud of, and what would you do differently next time?
A few notes
Team projects are fine, but be clear about the parts you did yourself. Leaving Certificate or other coursework projects are allowed if you improve on them and explain how. Always provide and explain your evidence. If you are unsure whether an idea fits, it probably does, but you can email [email protected] to check.
Timeline
When you will hear from us
When you hear from us depends on when you select LM173 on the CAO.
Dates may differ for international applicants; contact UL Admissions for details.
Good to know
Before you submit
You may be invited to talk
You may be called for a short online discussion to clarify parts of your submission. You will hear more when you receive your portal link.
Everyone submits
Mature and international applicants complete the submission too. Mature applicants also send a short motivation letter; email [email protected] for instructions.
Watch the workshop
For a full walkthrough, watch the ISE Entrance Submission Workshop on the ISE YouTube channel.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the differences between the Technology Project and the Personal Profile?
Route A (Technology Project) is a single written report of up to 800 words focused on creative use of technology. Route B (Personal Profile) asks you to respond to three of four questions, up to 400 words each, as shorter narratives focused on your personal characteristics and achievements. Both carry 200 points and both require evidence. Route B opens the course to students who may not have an extensive technical background.
Can I gain a place on ISE without completing an entrance submission?
No. All applicants, through the CAO or by direct application to UL, must submit either Route A or Route B.
What are the minimum requirements aside from the entrance submission?
Full course entry requirements are on the University of Limerick website.
Can I make changes after I have submitted?
No, changes cannot be made once you send your submission through the portal. Email [email protected] with any queries.
I have not received the link to complete my submission. What should I do?
Check your spam or junk folder first. If you still cannot find the email, contact [email protected].
I am a mature student. Do I need to complete an entrance submission?
Yes. Mature students also submit a short motivation letter outlining why they would like a place on ISE. Email [email protected] for instructions on submitting it.
I am an international student. Do I need to complete the entrance submission?
Yes. All applicants complete either Route A or Route B.
Can I choose both Route A and Route B?
No, choose only one. Pick the option that best represents you.
Is ISE a restricted course?
No. ISE can be selected in each of the three submission windows (normal CAO, late applications and Change of Mind), unlike restricted courses such as Medicine.
Can I use a Leaving Certificate project?
Yes, if it meets the criteria. Try to make it unique and add something to it, especially if other students may have similar projects.
Can I use a group project?
Yes, but clearly specify which parts you worked on, as you may be called for an interview to discuss it further.
Questions about the submission?
Email the ISE admissions team, or apply through the CAO with code LM173.
Immersive Software Engineering, University of Limerick. A radically practical computer science degree.