Dramatic increase in demand for DCU programmes

Today's first round CAO offers reveal that 67% of DCU's degree programmes have increased in entry points in 2012. These increases are particularly strong in science, technology and engineering subjects, as well as programmes combining business and languages. Today, DCU has made 2,364 first round offers to CAO applicants, providing an additional 284 available places, a rise of 13.6% since last year, to prospective students.

Significant increases include:

• First round points for Computer Applications have increased by 60 points year on year and by 75 points in the last 2 years.
• Mathematical Sciences and Physical Sciences programmes have performed strongly with first preference applications in Physics up by a third since last year. Increases in Maths points for Maths and Physics programmes range between 24 points for Actuarial Mathematics to 50 points for Applied Physics.
• Common Entry to Engineering has increased by 70 points with 51% of students having made DCU their first preference.
• Analytical Science and Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences are up by 40 and 45 points respectively.

A fall in points for a number of Humanities and Social Sciences programmes is reflective of a 20% increase in the number of places being made available for applicants of many programmes including Communication Studies & Journalism, Economics, Politics and Law and International Relations.

Welcoming today's announcements, DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith said,

"The increased demand for DCU courses reflects a growing recognition by Irish students of DCU as an institution delivering a first-class education with a strong focus on the graduate attributes necessary to flourish in and contribute to 21st Century society. This is due in no small part to the excellence and efforts of our academic community."

He continued,

"I am delighted to note that over two thirds of our degree programmes are showing increased demand, most evident in STEM and Business degrees. Although Maths bonus points may have contributed somewhat, it is significant that in most cases the points increases far exceed the extra 25 points on offer in Higher Maths."