Galway Bay fm newsroom - GMIT has recorded a significant increase in demand for STEM-related CAO programmes this academic year, with points increasing for almost 60% of honours degree programmes.
The higher education institute has, however, noted a drop in demand for programmes linked to the hospitality sector.
The largest increase is for the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in 'furniture design, making and technology' at the GMIT Letterfrack campus which jumped by 205 points.
Increases for the other Level 8 programmes ranged from 10 to 80 points.
Despite factoring in up to 150 additional places across its suite of programmes, GMIT notes its points continue to rise.
Dr Michael Hannon, GMIT Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar says it has been a challenging year for Leaving Certificate students who had the choice of sitting exams or opting for calculated grades or a combination of both.
Despite the challenges, he notes the CAO system works and continues to be a fair, equitable and transparent system of distributing access to programmes nationally.
However Dr Michael Hannon feels the system of giving options to students isn’t working and different arrangements need to be considered for next year.
GMIT will open its doors to all first years on campus from 27th September.
