There has been a large increase in the demand for science courses in DCU, according to recent CAO figures. As many as eight courses in the faculty of science have received an increased number of applications this year.
The numbers applying for physics with biomedical science has increased by 120 per cent while the demand for chemical and pharmaceutical science has increased by 54.5 per cent.
Other courses in the faculty of science that have seen increases are Genetic cell biology, financial and actuarial maths and psychiatric nursing. DCU’s engineering programmes in general have seen a 33 per cent increase in applicants across the board. This includes common entry engineering (up 67.6%), mechanical and manufacturing engineering (up 42.9%) and electrical engineering (up 53.8%).
DCU business school programmes also saw an increase in applications, with the international programmes seeing a particularly large increase in demand. Business Studies International, which gives students an opportunity to study for a year at a university in either Europe, Central America, Japan or China, experienced a rise of 44.4% in first preference applications.
The business in Irish programme saw a substantial increase in demand as well, with a third more people applying for the course through the CAO this year.
The Global Business programmes have also seen increased first preference applications, with the figure rising by 21%. The programme, which enables student to undertake internships in France, Spain, Germany or USA, has been popular with students this year and there was a particularly strong increase in interest in the USA programme, which rose by 35%.
In a statement, DCU President Brian MacCraith expressed his satisfaction with the figures.
“The increased popularity for courses at DCU, particularly in the areas of Business, Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, reflects the university’s established reputation in delivering dynamic, industry-relevant programmes with transformative work placements”, he said.
“DCU will continue to review and enhance its course offerings to reflect the changing demands of students and employers alike.”
The figures for increased applications in DCU were very much in line with universities around the country, which all saw increases in the areas of business and science. The demand for business courses has risen by 4% nationally, which is the first sign of growth in the area since 2008.
The amount of students applying for science courses in Ireland has risen by 4% and by 70% since 2008. Areas with fewer applications from students nationally are medicine, architecture, healthcare and law.
Will Slattery
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