Posted 22 August 2011
Rise in points at UCD follows economic trend
The term SET may become more commonplace as students opt for degrees in science, engineering and technology, with consequent increases in points across these degrees.
Omnibus science (DN200) at UCD is up 20 points to 455. Omnibus engineering (DN150) is up 5 points to 430 and computer science, which was struggling during the boom years of the Celtic tiger, has risen by 35 points to 410, despite an increase in the number of places. UCD has been moving more towards omnibus entries so that students can specialise at a later stage in their studies.
Agriculture (DN250), another degree area closely aligned with the performing sector of the economy, climbed 10 points to 430. With the exception of Horticulture, all of the agriculture and food programmes increased with the BSc in Human Nutrition (DN262) climbing to 520 points.
Commenting on the first round points, the new Acting Deputy President, Professor Mark Rogers said: "We have moved to a common entry for a number of programmes and it appears that students have responded well to the flexibility that these programmes offer. Demand for science, engineering and agriculture programmes reflect the career focus of many students."
Now in its third year of the HPAT entry route, points in medicine (DN400) have climbed again and now stand at 738 points (up 13). Demand for undergraduate medicine places remains extremely high with tenfold the number of first preference applicants for the places. Graduate entry to medicine (DN401) is becoming increasingly popular and there was a small fall in points from 60* to 58* in this route.
Other healthcare professions such as physiotherapy (DN420) at 540 and radiography (DN410) at 535 also show increases in points (up 5 and 10 respectively).
Nursing continues to require strong points with General nursing (DN450) rising to by 15 to 415 and Children’s & General (DN451) climbing to 500* from final round points of 480* last year. Midwifery (DN452) dropped 6 points to 455 but had risen by 40 points last year.
The fall in points (355) for the omnibus entry to Arts (DN500) was expected as first preferences for this option were down 10% this year. 1,200 students coming in to this joint honours degree and can choose from within 22 subjects ranging from archaeology to sociology so the range of points tends to be very broad.
Points for denominated language BAs all fell this year and range from 335 to 415.
Points for degrees with languages fluctuate annually, so the decision by UCD to group all language options – including Chinese – under Commerce International (DN660) has resulted in a first round offer of 465 points; 20 points higher than the regular BComm (DN650).
Law (DN600) at 485 points showed a small increase over last year’s 480 points but the Business & Law (DN610) took a reverse pattern, falling by 5 points to (480).
Both Veterinary Medicine (DN300) at 565 and Veterinary Nursing (DN310) at 450 show an increase in points this year.(Produced by UCD University Relations)
