Leaving Cert Students

According to the Irish Medical Times, the points requirement for undergraduate medicine is up again, following the recent initial round of Central Applications Office offers for third-level courses.

 Trinity is up 10 to 741, the RCSI is also up 10 to 733, UCD is up 13 to 738 and NUI Galway and UCC are up nine points to 729 and 734 respectively.

A big change in course preference has emerged among students. CAO points required for entry to courses in science, technology and agriculture have increased dramatically, as students opt for programmes with better job prospects.

The points needed for courses in arts and business, meanwhile, are in decline, as are places on courses associated with the construction industry.

In contrast, science and computer courses, which have traditionally struggled to attract students, are booming.

The requirement for entry to science at UCD is up again this year to 455.

Five years ago, school-leavers could secure a place on the course with fewer than 300 points.