Overview
Leaving Certificate
The Leaving Certificate is easier to navigate when your own subject combination, levels and the relevant source material are viewed together. This guide organises the subjects and topics registered in the EuraStudy curriculum into one coherent editorial map, from first orientation to focused study.
Start by identifying the subjects and levels that apply to you, then open each subject to inspect its mapped themes and set priorities. The related guides support the move from overview to study plan; current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements should always be checked with your school and the responsible authority.
Levels and pathways
Levels and pathways
- 01
Higher Level
Higher Level — the more demanding level, with broader and deeper content and the H1–H8 grade scale.
- 02
Ordinary Level
Ordinary Level — the foundational level covering the core of the syllabus, graded O1–O8.
All subjects
37 Subjects in the guide
All entries: 37 / 37
English15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate English (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
15 Topics mapped
- Comprehending
- Composing
- Oral Language and Oracy
- The Language of Information
- The Language of Argument
- The Language of Persuasion
Irish (Gaeilge)Gaeilge14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Irish (Gaeilge) (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
14 Topics mapped
- Éisteacht (Listening / Aural Comprehension)
- Labhairt (Speaking / Oral Production)
- Léitheoireacht (Reading Comprehension)
- Scríobh (Writing / Composition)
- The Comhrá / Oral Conversation
- An tSraith Pictiúr (Picture Sequence)
MathematicsMaths21 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Mathematics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
21 Topics mapped
- Strand 1.1 Counting
- Strand 1.2 Concepts of Probability
- Strand 1.3 Outcomes of Random Processes
- Strand 1.4 Statistical Reasoning with an Aim to Becoming a Statistically Aware Consumer
- Strand 1.5 Finding, Collecting and Organising Data
- Strand 1.6 Representing Data Graphically and Numerically
Applied MathematicsApplied Maths16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
16 Topics mapped
- Mathematical Modelling (the problem-solving cycle)
- Formulating and Translating Problems
- Networks and Graphs
- Matrices and Adjacency
- Minimum Spanning Trees and Optimisation Algorithms
- Dynamic Programming and Shortest Paths
Biology18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Biology (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
18 Topics mapped
- The Scientific Method and the Characteristics of Life
- Food and Nutrition (Biomolecules)
- Ecology and the Study of an Ecosystem
- Cell Structure and Cell Diversity
- Enzymes and Energy Carriers
- Photosynthesis and Respiration
Chemistry13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Chemistry (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
13 Topics mapped
- Periodic Table and Atomic Structure
- Chemical Bonding
- Stoichiometry, Formulas and Equations
- Volumetric Analysis
- Fuels and Heats of Reaction
- Rates of Reaction
Physics10 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Physics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
10 Topics mapped
- Mechanics
- Temperature
- Heat
- Waves
- Vibrations and Sound
- Light
French18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate French (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
18 Topics mapped
- Meeting people and maintaining social relations
- Making plans and discussing future action
- Climate and weather
- Travel and transport
- Buying goods and services
- Dealing with emergencies
German18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate German (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
18 Topics mapped
- Meeting people and maintaining social relations
- Making plans and discussing future action
- Climate and weather
- Travel and transport
- Buying goods and services
- Dealing with emergencies
Spanish14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Spanish (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
14 Topics mapped
- Aims and General Outcomes
- Basic Communicative Proficiency
- The Learner, Identity and Daily Life
- Social Relations and Everyday Transactions
- Leisure, Interests and Lifestyle
- Education, Work and Future Plans
Geography9 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Geography (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
9 Topics mapped
- Core Unit One – Patterns and Processes in the Physical Environment
- Core Unit Two – Regional Geography
- Core Unit Three – Geographical Investigation and Skills
- Elective Unit Four – Patterns and Processes in Economic Activities
- Elective Unit Five – Patterns and Processes in the Human Environment
- Optional Unit Six – Global Interdependence
History18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate History (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
18 Topics mapped
- The Nature of History and the Work of the Historian
- Working with Evidence: The Documents-Based Study
- The Research Study Report (RSR)
- Early Modern Field of Study, 1492-1815 (overview)
- Early Modern Ireland
- Early Modern Europe and the Wider World
Business15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Business (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
15 Topics mapped
- People in Business (Unit 1)
- Enterprise (Unit 2)
- Managing 1: Management Skills (Unit 3)
- Managing 1: Management Activities (Unit 3)
- Managing 2: Household and Business Manager (Unit 4)
- Managing 2: Human Resource Management (Unit 4)
Economics18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Economics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
18 Topics mapped
- Economics as a Way of Thinking
- The Economic Concepts of Scarcity and Choice
- Economic, Social and Environmental Sustainability
- The Market Economy
- The Consumer
- The Firm
Accounting16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Accounting (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
16 Topics mapped
- The Conceptual Framework of Accounting
- The Regulatory Framework of Accounting
- Accounting Records and Double-Entry Bookkeeping
- Final Accounts of the Sole Trader
- Company Accounting: Capital and Financing
- Financial Statements of Limited Companies
Art18 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Art (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
18 Topics mapped
- Research Strand: Looking
- Research Strand: Recording and Documenting
- Research Strand: Experimenting and Interpretation
- Research Strand: Contextual Enquiries
- Research Strand: Process (Investigation)
- Create Strand: Making
Music14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Music (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
14 Topics mapped
- Three Core Areas of Musical Experience
- Performing: Solo Performance
- Performing: Group Performance and Performing Options
- Performing: Unprepared Tests
- Composing: Melody Writing
- Composing: Harmony and Chord Work
Computer ScienceCompSci16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Computer Science (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
16 Topics mapped
- Practices and Principles
- Computational Thinking
- Reading, Writing, Testing and Modifying Programs
- Designing and Building Computational Artefacts
- Computer Science and Society
- Core Concepts: Abstraction
Politics and SocietyPol & Society12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Politics and Society (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
12 Topics mapped
- Strand 1: Power and decision-making
- Topic 1: Power and decision-making in school
- Topic 2: Power and decision-making at national and European level
- Strand 2: Active citizenship
- Topic 3: Effectively contributing to communities
- Topic 4: Rights and responsibilities in communication with others
Religious EducationRE10 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Religious Education (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
10 Topics mapped
- Section A: The Search for Meaning and Values
- Section B: Christianity — Origins and Contemporary Expressions
- Section C: World Religions
- Section D: Moral Decision-Making
- Section E: Religion and Gender
- Section F: Issues of Justice and Peace
Home EconomicsHome Econ13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Home Economics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
13 Topics mapped
- Core 1 – Food Studies: Food Science and Nutrition
- Core 1 – Diet and Health
- Core 1 – Food Commodities and Preparation
- Core 1 – Food Technology and Preservation
- Core 2 – Family Resource Management
- Core 2 – Household Technology
Agricultural ScienceAg Science16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
16 Topics mapped
- Strand 1: Scientific Practices
- Hypothesising
- Experimenting
- Evaluating Evidence and Communicating
- Strand 2 - Soils: Formation and Classification
- Soil Properties: Chemical, Physical and Biological
Design and Communication GraphicsDCG15 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Design and Communication Graphics (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
15 Topics mapped
- Projection Systems
- Plane Geometry
- Conic Sections
- Descriptive Geometry of Lines and Planes
- Intersection and Development of Surfaces
- Graphics in Design and Communication
Physical EducationPE12 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Physical Education (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
12 Topics mapped
- Strand 1 — Towards Optimum Performance
- Topic 1: Learning and Improving Skill and Technique
- Topic 2: Physical and Psychological Demands of Performance
- Topic 3: Structures, Strategies, Roles and Conventions
- Topic 4: Planning for Optimum Performance
- Strand 2 — Contemporary Issues in Physical Activity
Construction StudiesConstruction13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Construction Studies (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
13 Topics mapped
- General Principles
- Substructure
- Superstructure
- Internal Construction
- Services and External Works
- Heat and Thermal Effects in Buildings
Engineering16 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Engineering (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
16 Topics mapped
- Workshop Processes
- Health and Safety
- Classification and Origin of Metals
- Structure of Metals
- Iron and Steel
- Non-Ferrous Metals
Technology13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Technology (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
13 Topics mapped
- A Process of Design
- Project and Quality Management
- Materials and Production
- Communications and Graphic Media
- Information and Communications Technology
- Structures and Mechanisms
Physics and ChemistryPhys & Chem13 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Physics and Chemistry — the combined SEC science subject, distinct from standalone Physics and standalone Chemistry (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level.
13 Topics mapped
- Mechanics
- Heat, Temperature and Kinetic Theory
- Light — Optics
- Light — Wave Theory
- Static and Current Electricity
- Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Latin14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Latin (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
14 Topics mapped
- Latin Grammar and Morphology
- Latin Syntax and Constructions
- Prescribed Latin Text — Prose
- Prescribed Latin Text — Verse
- Prescribed Text: Literary, Cultural and Historical Context
- Unseen Latin Translation — Prose
Classical StudiesClassics10 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Classical Studies (NCCA specification), taught and examined in English, Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
10 Topics mapped
- The Odyssey of Homer
- Virgil's Aeneid
- Greek Tragedy
- Roman Spectacle
- Alexander the Great
- Julius Caesar
Italian14 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Italian (NCCA specification), Higher and Ordinary Level, with the SEC examination.
14 Topics mapped
- Oral Communication
- Listening Comprehension (Aural)
- Reading Comprehension
- Written Production
- Meeting People and Social Interaction
- Daily Life and Family
Japanese7 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Japanese, including the SEC oral examination at Higher and Ordinary Level. The 2026 assessment arrangements are administered by the State Examinations Commission.
7 Topics mapped
- Oral: general conversation
- Oral: prepared material
- Listening comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Written production
- Language portfolio and cultural awareness
Russian7 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Russian, including the SEC oral examination at Higher and Ordinary Level. The 2026 assessment arrangements are administered by the State Examinations Commission.
7 Topics mapped
- Oral: general conversation
- Oral: prepared material
- Listening comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Written production
- Language portfolio and cultural awareness
Mandarin ChineseMandarin7 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Mandarin Chinese, including the SEC oral examination at Higher and Ordinary Level. The 2026 assessment arrangements are administered by the State Examinations Commission.
7 Topics mapped
- Oral: general conversation
- Oral: prepared material
- Listening comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Written production
- Language portfolio and cultural awareness
Polish7 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Polish, including the SEC oral examination at Higher and Ordinary Level. The 2026 assessment arrangements are administered by the State Examinations Commission.
7 Topics mapped
- Oral: general conversation
- Oral: prepared material
- Listening comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Written production
- Language portfolio and cultural awareness
Lithuanian7 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Lithuanian, including the SEC oral examination at Higher and Ordinary Level. The 2026 assessment arrangements are administered by the State Examinations Commission.
7 Topics mapped
- Oral: general conversation
- Oral: prepared material
- Listening comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Written production
- Language portfolio and cultural awareness
Portuguese7 Topics mappedOpen subjectClose subject
Leaving Certificate Portuguese, including the SEC oral examination at Higher and Ordinary Level. The 2026 assessment arrangements are administered by the State Examinations Commission.
7 Topics mapped
- Oral: general conversation
- Oral: prepared material
- Listening comprehension
- Reading comprehension
- Written production
- Language portfolio and cultural awareness
Official sources
Official sources
This editorial selection points to the relevant official bodies. Always confirm current requirements, dates and exceptional arrangements with your school and the responsible authority.
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Official sources
Q&A
Frequently asked questions
01Where do I find the specification for my subject?
On Curriculum Online and the NCCA site, which publish the specifications and syllabuses for senior cycle. Past papers, marking schemes and Chief Examiners’ reports come separately, from the State Examinations Commission.
02What is the difference between the specification and the exam papers?
The specification sets out what is taught and what the learning outcomes are. The SEC papers, marking schemes and Chief Examiners’ reports show how that has actually been examined and rewarded. The first is the territory; the second is the evidence of the route.
03Should I sit Higher or Ordinary Level Maths?
Higher Level is the more demanding course — broader and deeper content, graded H1 to H8 — while Ordinary Level covers the core of the syllabus and is graded O1 to O8. The honest test is performance, not pride: if you can score consistently on Higher past-paper questions with reasonable effort, Higher rewards the work; if every paper is a cliff face, a strong Ordinary result beats a weak Higher one. Talk to your teacher early, and check with your school how and when a level change is possible for your year — those arrangements are decided outside this article.
04What are the five strands of the Maths course?
The NCCA specification organises the course into five strands: statistics and probability (from counting to analysing data); geometry and trigonometry (including synthetic geometry with its theorems and constructions, co-ordinate geometry and trigonometry); number (number systems, indices, arithmetic including financial maths, and length, area and volume); algebra (expressions, equations, inequalities, complex numbers); and functions with calculus (differentiation and integration). The exam draws on all of them — which is why an audit strand by strand is the right way to start.
05Is eight weeks enough to prepare for the Leaving Cert?
Eight weeks is a realistic frame for structured study — if you have broadly kept up during the course. It will not replace a lost year, and it works best as the final act of sixth year: an audit, several spaced rounds through every subject, then full papers. Remember too that parts of some subjects are already decided before the written papers — orals, practicals and project work — so the eight weeks are about optimising what remains, not about carrying everything.
06How many hours a day should I study?
Rarely more than four or five hours of genuinely focused work — and that is normal. Two or three blocks of 60 to 90 minutes with real breaks beat a ten-hour marathon that dissolves into screens and passive rereading. Keep at least one day a week completely free: recovery is part of the method, not a reward for it.
07What is the difference between Higher and Ordinary Level?
Higher Level is the more demanding version of a subject — broader and deeper content, graded on the H1–H8 scale. Ordinary Level covers the foundational core of the syllabus and is graded O1–O8. They are different courses with different papers, not just different grade labels: the right level is the one where you can genuinely score, and the choice is made per subject, with your teacher’s advice worth taking seriously.
08Can I mix levels across subjects?
Yes — the level is chosen subject by subject, which is exactly how most students sit the Leaving Cert: Higher where they are strong, Ordinary where that is the honest fit. A small number of subjects also offer Foundation Level. How and when you can change level in the run-up to the exams is governed by your school’s arrangements and the SEC’s rules for your year — ask your teacher or exams-coordinator early rather than assuming.