 Career experts say the new bonus points system for maths – which awards 25 extra points to higher level exam candidates – is among factors putting upward pressure on points levels for many courses.
It is expected that CAO requirement could increase by 10-15 points for courses in arts, law, social sciences and business, as students who sat higher-level maths chase places on these courses.
Points are expected to increase for high-demand courses in science, technology and agriculture, which appear to offer better job prospects.
Earlier this year, the CAO reported an 18 per cent rise in applications for higher degree courses in science. Strong demand for science courses will put upward pressure on CAO points. Last year, the entry requirement for science at UCD increased to 455 points. In 2006, students could gain entry to this programme with fewer than 300 points.
Read the full article by Sean Flynn in the Irish Times |
