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DCU increasingly a University of first preference in 2012 CAO figures

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DCU increasingly a University of first preference in 2012 CAO figures

IASI award

DCU defies the national trend in key academic areas

Recently released CAO application figures have shown that the number of students choosing DCU as their University of first preference for study in 2012 has increased by 7% since 2010.

Overall, the number of CAO applicants choosing DCU as their first option this year is up on last year's figures with 4,256 students identifying a DCU course as their first preference. The top growth areas for DCU in 2012 are Computing, Engineering, Business and some Science degrees.

While the trend nationally has seen a decline in applications for courses in business and related subjects, DCU Business School has seen a continued increase in demand for its courses with a consolidated growth of 22% over the last 3 years. Not surprisingly, reflecting the trend to look overseas for career prospects, International Business Studies (up 47.2%) and Business Studies with German (up 15.8%) are some of the most popular business courses. DCU continues to develop its course offerings to reflect the changing jobs market and first preference applications for courses such as Marketing, Innovation & Technology are up 71% this year. However, the more traditional route remains a popular choice with first preference applications for Accountancy and Finance up 14% year on year.

Within the faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Languages & International Communications has seen its first preference applications increase by 29% this year, once again reflecting the trend amongst prospective students to prepare themselves for going overseas for employment.

Increasingly, students are making informed decisions and are keenly aware of the emerging trends in the jobs market. The number of applications for courses in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) - which have been identified by employers as key areas for graduate recruitment - reflect this; first preference applications for courses in Computer Applications and Enterprise Computing are up by a massive 38%. Biomedical Engineering in DCU is proving to be even more popular with an increase in first preferences of 56%. Total applications for courses in Physics programs are up 21.8% this year. Within the School of Physical Sciences, Applied Physics is up 34.2% and Physics with Astronomy is up 31%.

Reflecting on this year's CAO statistics, Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU said: "I am delighted that DCU Degree programmes continue to increase in popularity with students all across Ireland. This is a tribute to our DCU staff who strive continually to enhance the quality and relevance of our programmes. I am particularly pleased with the significant increases in preferences for degree programmes in Computing, Engineering, Science and Business, which are so critical for Ireland's future economic prosperity".

For further information please contact:
Teresa Murray, Director of Communications and Marketing, DCU
01 7005217 / 085 174 4279
Grainne Mooney PR Manager, DCU
01 700 8518 / 087 227 0002

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