Mounting job losses in the hi-tech sector have prompted thousands of students to turn away from third-level computer courses, according to CAO figures released today, write Emmet Oliver and Sean Flynn, Education Staff.
Students have instead opted to take places in more traditional areas such as law, arts, business and nursing. Reflecting this, points for courses in such large, broad-based universities as UCD and Trinity College have risen in some areas.
In contrast, newer universities with a strong focus on the hi-tech area, such as DCU and the University of Limerick, have experienced sharp falls in points for some of their courses. Overall, the trend in relation to points is, as expected, downward. Points for about 200 degree courses fell, with about 166 courses experiencing a rise. The picture was broadly similar in the diploma/certificate area.
The shift in student preferences has caused points for many computer courses to tumble dramatically. For example, the points required for computer science in DIT have dropped from 400 last year to 300 this year.
This morning about 47,000 applicants (72 per cent) will receive at least one offer from the CAO. However, this is down from 75 per cent the year before. One reason for this is that over 5,000 students failed ordinary level maths this year and many of them will not be eligible for any course.
Due to industrial action by postal staff, some applicants in rural areas may not receive a letter from the CAO until late this morning. But offers will also be available at www.cao.ie from 6 a.m.
Last night, education figures reacted with dismay to the falling points for computer-related courses. "This is worrying at a time when we need a large pool of highly skilled graduates for the IT sector," said one.
Guidance counsellors said the main cause for the shift away from IT was high-profile job losses last year. They also said parents had played a large part in persuading their children to stay away from such courses.
Despite this trend, the overall picture for this year's applicants remains positive. Almost half of applicants for degree courses, for example, will be offered their first choice this morning. Almost 70 per cent of certificate and diploma applicants will be offered their first choice.
Arts courses have proven particularly popular this year. For example, UCD's arts course - one of the biggest in the country - requires 375 points, up five points on last year. This compares with UCD's science courses, which require 325 points this year.
Despite declining interest in second-level science, points in the area have held up relatively well this year. Teachers claim some of those who might normally be interested in computers have diverted to science this year.
Despite industrial unrest in the sector, nursing has attracted a healthy level of interest this year. Almost 10.000 students applied for a nursing place this year, although less than a third will receive an offer this morning.
The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) advised students to take their time and consider their options. "There is a better chance this year that one of their choices will come up in subsequent rounds", said NYCI director Ms Mary Cunningham.