POINTS FOR science, computing and other technology courses will increase this year as students clamour for programmes with better job prospects.
The first round of CAO offers – due at 6am on Monday morning – will also see a surge in points for agriculture and related areas as students seek places in this booming sector. But points for some degree courses, such those in teaching, business, arts and humanities, could fall amid sluggish demand from students.
The following is an indication of the likely trends in the key areas
ARTS AND BUSINESS
Arts and business degrees are the big hitters in the CAO process, accounting for close to 30,000 first-preference applications. Arts at University College Dublin is the largest undergraduate course in the State with more than 1,000 students.
When the recession began in 2008, students viewed arts and business courses as safe ports in the storm, something that would equip them with a range of flexible skills.
But the high level of unemployment among arts and business graduates is concentrating minds. Last year, applications in both these areas were up by 5 per cent. This year, they are down by close to 2 per cent and 4 per cent respectively.
As a result, points will either be the same as last year or they could even decline in some colleges.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The surge in the numbers seeking places on science courses (up 6 per cent on 2010 and 14 per cent since 2009) will see points increase for virtually all level eight or higher-degree courses in this area.
Points will also move upwards for engineering and technology courses, which have registered a 1.7 per cent increase in demand.
Part of the problem is the relatively small number of courses on offer in these areas, reflecting years of poor student interest.
Science and technology account for only 21 per cent of all higher-degree first-preference applications. More than 42 per cent of applications are still for courses in arts, social science or business.
TEACHING
In a striking trend, demand for teaching jobs has declined for the second year in succession, and by more than 7 per cent since 2009. This reflects increasing concern about a much tighter jobs market for teaching graduates as education spending is cut.
AGRICULTURE
With applications for courses up 27 per cent, there is considerable upward pressure on points.
VETERINARY SCIENCE
Applications are up by 3 per cent this year, to show a two-year growth in interest of 5 per cent. Expect points to increase.
CONSTRUCTION/ARCHITECTURE/LAW
Only 236 students in the State listed a property-related course as their first preference this year. In a related move, points requirements are set to fall for areas such as architecture and law, which are also suffering in the downturn.
MEDICINE, NURSING AND RELATED HEALTH CARE
Points requirements for medicine are expected to remain broadly unchanged. But demand for nursing and areas such as occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy remains strong – which could mean a modest increase in points. Points for dentistry should fall.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
First preferences rose by 21 per cent last year, and are up by 2.4 per cent this year. This should see points increase again.
PHARMACY
Student demand has bounced back after a 21 per cent drop in applications last year; this year it is up 23 per cent which will mean higher points needed for entry.
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Brian Mooney's College Choice column – on your best CAO options – begins in tomorrow's Irish Times