CAO application figures show a rise in demand for programmes at the University of Limerick continues.
Thirty seven of UL’s sixty nine programmes registered a CAO first round points increased and this is in the context of an enhanced capacity being provided by UL. While maintaining or increasing enrolment levels over last year, six UL programmes require 500 points or more.
UL Vice President Academic and Registrar, Professor Paul McCutcheon welcomed the results. “There is a continued demand for the innovative programmes on offer at UL. It is encouraging to witness increased popularity for UL’s STEM programmes as we are committed to supporting Ireland’s success as a Knowledge Economy by encouraging greater numbers of students to study science, technology, and engineering. The most significant points increase was with the BEng in Aeronautical Engineering which is up 40 points from last year. Our International Business Programme has also seen an increase reinforcing the quality of the education and student experience on offer at UL. ”
There was a strong increase in demand for the programmes offered by UL’s Faculty of Science and Engineering with eighteen of thirty two programmes registering point increases. Popular engineering programmes include the BEng in Aeronautical Engineering up 40 CAO points on last year to 500 (the largest points increase); and BEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering up by fifteen points to 425.
Science programmes are also up with a twenty point increase in entry points for the BSc in Applied Physics to 415, and a BSc in Mathematics and Physics with an increase of fifteen points to 475. The trend towards smart economy skills can be seen in the growing demand for UL’s innovative programmes again this year. Product Design & Technology (435) have both seen marked increases.
Business programmes at UL’s Kemmy Business School have seen an increase in applications across the board. The Bachelor of Business Studies, UL’s single largest programme, continues to be sought-after at 425*, Business Studies with French up 10 points to 430 and Business Studies with German up 10 points to 430 also. The BA in International Business is up to 500 points making an increase of 25 points from last year.
UL’s suite of offerings of construction related programmes has seen increases across the board, with Architecture increasing by 30 points to 420. There has been an increase in demand for UL’s nursing programmes with Nursing (General) (460*) and Mental Health Nursing (450) proving especially popular. UL’s highly regarded, Sports and Exercise Science programme continues to demand every year with entry level for 2016 at 475*.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology has seen an increase also this year as points now stand at 525, up 15 on last year. The Faculty of Education and Health Sciences at UL have introduced a new BSc in Paramedic Studies which will be the first course in Ireland to be at undergraduate entry level.
A large number of Education and Arts programmes also saw increases in points with Bachelor of Laws (Law Plus) up by 10 points to 460 and the Bachelor of Arts in Law and Accounting remaining popular at 440. BA in Economics and Sociology also saw an increase by 10 points to 380. Bachelor of Arts in Applied Languages continues to be popular at 415 points and the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology has seen an increase in demand with a jump of 15 points to 505*.
Criminal Justice is a new four-year degree inter-disciplinary programme and points stand at 400 this year.
Physical Education with concurrent teacher education is up at 505* points; BSc with concurrent Teacher Education (Physical Sciences with Chemistry and Physics) is up 5 points at 420 and Science Education – Biological Sciences with Physics or Chemistry is up at 480.