Top 5 Underrated Courses in Ireland That Students Actually Love
Quick Summary
Difficulty
⭐⭐⭐ Moderate
Salary Potential
€30k–€55k+
Job Opportunities
Strong across all sectors
Student Satisfaction
9.2/10 avg
Work-Life Balance
Balanced to demanding
Career Flexibility
Varies by course
Nursing, Law, Medicine, Computer Science - these are the courses everyone talks about. But what about the degrees students are quietly giving 9s and 10s to on CourseCompare.ie? We dug through our real student reviews to find the 5 most underrated courses in Ireland - high satisfaction, strong career outcomes, and nowhere near enough credit.
The Rankings
Why Students Choose It
Thomas C, a 2021 TUD Tourism Management graduate now working with Expedia Group, gave this course a perfect 10/10 - the only verified 10/10 on CourseCompare.ie. He praised the interactive modules, field trips, guest speakers and incredible lecturers. 'The modules cover everything a standard BA Business would but tailored to Tourism - I found it a lot more interesting.'
Biggest Downsides
Tourism can feel niche if you're not sure about the industry. Graduates sometimes have to educate employers on the breadth of the degree - it's more than hotel management.
Job Prospects
Tourism management, hospitality operations, event management, international sales. Thomas went on to work at Hostelworld and Expedia Group. The degree's transferable skills open doors beyond tourism too.
Salary Expectations
Starting: €30k–€38k. Senior and commercial roles: €45k–€60k+.
Student Sentiment
"'The modules cover everything a standard BA Business would cover but tailored to Tourism - I found it a lot more interesting.' - Thomas C, TUD, grad 2021"
Why Students Choose It
Natasha O, a current student, gave this course 9/10 on CourseCompare.ie - praising its wide range of career paths, meaningful placements, and rewarding nature. 'This course takes you into a wide variety of different career paths and it is very rewarding.'
Biggest Downsides
Social Care is emotionally demanding work. The placement element is intensive, and emotionally challenging situations are part of the job. Not for everyone - but those who are suited to it love it.
Job Prospects
Child protection, disability services, addiction services, youth work, homelessness, community development. Strong HSE and NGO employment market.
Salary Expectations
Starting: €30k–€38k. Senior social care manager and specialist roles: €45k–€55k+.
Student Sentiment
"'This course takes you into a wide variety of different career paths and it is very rewarding. You complete placements which helps significantly with your learning!' - Natasha O, ATU Sligo"
Why Students Choose It
Ciara S rated this 9/10 on CourseCompare.ie, praising the Froebel playful pedagogy approach, strong community feel and excellent lecturer support. Teaching quality was rated 10/10. 'There is a great sense of community in the BEd course and support from lecturers.'
Biggest Downsides
Primary teaching jobs can be competitive in certain areas of the country. Placement semesters are intensive and juggling college assignments at the same time is a challenge.
Job Prospects
Primary school teacher. Strong demand in Ireland and internationally (Australia, Middle East, UK). Maynooth Froebel graduates are respected for their modern pedagogy approach.
Salary Expectations
Starting: €36k–€44k on Department of Education scale. Incremental increases to €64k+.
Student Sentiment
"'I would highly recommend the BEd program in Maynooth. Froebel teaching is based around playful pedagogy which is valued in today's classrooms.' - Ciara S, Maynooth"
Why Students Choose It
Ellen Doyle rated this specialist course 9/10, giving student support a perfect 10/10. Despite going through difficult personal circumstances during college, she said: 'I couldn't recommend this course and the staff more. The support and commitment I received was second to none.'
Biggest Downsides
A niche degree - not widely known by employers outside health and wellness. Graduates may need to build their own client base or further specialise. Salary ceiling in massage therapy is lower than clinical healthcare roles.
Job Prospects
Exercise physiologist, sports therapist, massage therapist, health promotion officer, PT business owner. Growing wellness industry demand.
Salary Expectations
Starting: €28k–€38k. Self-employed therapists and specialists can earn €40k–€55k+.
Student Sentiment
"'I couldn't recommend this course and the staff more. The support and commitment I received for everything I needed was second to none.' - Ellen D, MTU Kerry, grad 2021"
Why Students Choose It
Aoife Duffy, now a Trainee Solicitor, rated DCU's BCL Law and Society 9/10 - giving assessments and student support both 10/10. 'DCU is a fantastic university. There was around 80 in our course - a real range in module choices.' She notes that students planning on FE1s should choose exam subjects as modules throughout their 3 years.
Biggest Downsides
Law is competitive and the route to qualification (FE1 exams, Law Society, Barrister's School) is long and expensive after the degree. Strategic module choice matters for those pursuing solicitor or barrister careers.
Job Prospects
Solicitor, barrister, legal executive, compliance, corporate law, public sector law. Strong demand for qualified solicitors across Ireland.
Salary Expectations
Starting (trainee solicitor): €28k–€36k. Qualified solicitors: €45k–€70k+. Partners: €100k+.
Student Sentiment
"'DCU is a fantastic university. Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Real range in module choices.' - Aoife D, DCU BCL Law and Society, now Trainee S."
Compare Similar Courses
What Students Are Saying
The modules cover everything a standard BA Business would cover but tailored to Tourism - I found it a lot more interesting. - Thomas C, TUD Tourism M.
This course takes you into a wide variety of different career paths and it is very rewarding. - Natasha O, ATU Sligo Social C.
I would highly recommend the BEd program in Maynooth. Froebel teaching is based around playful pedagogy which is valued in today's classrooms. - Ciara S
I couldn't recommend this course and the staff more. The support and commitment I received was second to none. - Ellen D, MTU Kerry
DCU is a fantastic university. Thoroughly enjoyed this course. Real range in module choices. - Aoife D, DCU BCL