CAO course · Level 7 · Round 1 2026
AU491 Early Childhood Education and Care, ATU: CAO points 2026
Atlantic Technological University, Level 7. Round 1 2026 points: 185. Round 2: 185. Up 22 on 2025, when Round 1 was 163. Points last checked 5 October 2026.
CAO lists this course as “Early Childhood Education and Care [Castlebar]”. "Castlebar" is the campus or stream the course runs on.
- Round 1 points
- 185
- 2025 Round 1
- 163
- Level
- 7
- College
- ATU
AU491 points 2026 and 2025
Round 1 is the main cut-off. Round 2 shows only when the course made offers in that round. The last column is the latest published figure: for 2025 that is the end-of-season cut-off, for 2026 the most recent round so far.
| Year | Round 1 | Round 2 | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 185 | 185 | 185 |
| 2025 | 163 | 163 | 163 |
2026 figures from the CAO points lists, checked 5 October 2026. 2025 figures from the CAO 2025 points chart.
How far are you from 185?
Put your grades into the calculator. It applies the best-six rule, the Higher Maths bonus and LCVP the way CAO does, then compare your total with 185.
185 points is above roughly 9% of 2026 candidates (about 91.2% scored 180 or more). See the full 2026 points distribution.
Similar courses
Courses in the same subject area or at the same college, within 30 points of 185.
- SE935Early Childhood Education and PracticeSouth East Technological University · Level 7214
- AU221Tourism and Hospitality OperationsAtlantic Technological University · Level 7187
- AU200Business - Common EntryAtlantic Technological University · Level 7188
- AU429Culinary Arts Professional Chef ProgrammeAtlantic Technological University · Level 7182
- AU800BusinessAtlantic Technological University · Level 7188
- AU725ComputingAtlantic Technological University · Level 7180
- AU401BusinessAtlantic Technological University · Level 7179
- AU821Creative DesignAtlantic Technological University · Level 7172
Other courses at ATU
The ATU courses closest in points to AU491. All ATU courses and points.
- AU270Science - Common EntryLevel 7220
- AU590Outdoor EducationLevel 7208
- AU242Construction - Common EntryLevel 7204
- AU730ScienceLevel 7199
- AU200Business - Common EntryLevel 7188
- AU800BusinessLevel 7188
- AU221Tourism and Hospitality OperationsLevel 7187
- AU429Culinary Arts Professional Chef ProgrammeLevel 7182
- AU725ComputingLevel 7180
- AU401BusinessLevel 7179
- AU821Creative DesignLevel 7172
- AU261ComputingLevel 7168
Round 2
Round 2 cut-off: 185 points, unchanged from Round 1.
The main figure on this page is the Round 1 cut-off: the points of the last applicant offered a place. It is not a fixed entry requirement. When Round 1 offers are turned down, places free up and points can fall in Round 2. See the CAO key dates and how CAO offers work.
Questions about AU491
What were the CAO points for AU491 in 2026?
Early Childhood Education and Care (AU491) at Atlantic Technological University had a Round 1 cut-off of 185 points in 2026. The Round 2 cut-off was 185.
What were the points for AU491 in 2025?
The 2025 Round 1 cut-off for AU491 was 163 points, Round 2 was 163. Up 22 on 2025, when Round 1 was 163.
Is AU491 a Level 8 course?
No. AU491 appears on the CAO Level 7/6 list, so it is an ordinary bachelor degree or a higher certificate, not a Level 8 honours degree. Many Level 7 courses offer a route on to Level 8 afterwards.
Did points for AU491 drop in Round 2?
Round 2 cut-off: 185 points, unchanged from Round 1. Round 2 offers went out on Monday 7 September 2026. Later rounds only matter for courses that still have places.
Search all 1,376 CAO courses or go back to the points calculator.