A record number of CAO applicants have included Dublin City University as their first preference, according to recent figures.
Almost 6,000 individuals applied to undergraduate programmes in DCU, an all-time high in the history of the university.
The increase in numbers is suggested to be as a result of the DCU Incorporation. This initiative was the extension of the university identity across three other campuses; St. Patrick’s College, Mater Dei Institute of Education and Church of Ireland College of Education.
In response to the figures, Professor Brian Mac Craith, President of DCU, said “the increase in popularity of our courses, specifically in the areas of law, engineering and business reflects a desire amongst school-leavers to develop skills through industry-relevant programmes.”
The highest surge in demand overall was seen in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, which rose by 15 per cent. The BA in Economics, Politics and Law proved to be the most popular in the department with an increase of 43 per cent.
There was also greater interest in the area of STEM subjects. Electronic and Computer is up by 81 per cent and Biomedical Engineering by 61 per cent. This increase coincides with the nation’s shift in awareness of relating industries.
A strong level of interest was seen in two recently added courses, BA Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance and also the new BSc Data Science.
Current first-year student of DCU, Ellen Fitzpatrick told the College View why she chose to study here.
“I chose to apply to DCU because the journalism course here is notably the best in the country. Upon attending the open day, I could see that the facilities for any media course were outstanding and it only drew me further to going.”
She also offered advice to incoming first-years, “try anything and everything, even if it’s something completely out of your comfort zone.”
Catherine Gallagher
Image Credit: Cyril Byrne