March Demand for NUI Galway Degrees on the Rise

Over 5% increase in CAO first preference applications by 1^st February 2019

NUI Galway has seen a substantial increase in demand for its courses this year, with over 5,000 students making it their university of choice for the 2019-2020 academic year. This marked a year-on-year increase of over 5% in first preference applications, against a national picture which saw the number of applications received by the CAO by 1 February grow by 0.5% on last year’s levels.

The increased demand for places was experienced across traditionally popular subject areas including business, law, engineering, biomedical science, nursing and medicine and also resulted from applications to three new arts degrees and a new law degree enrolling in September 2019 for the first time. The much anticipated Law and Human Rights degree is an innovative and unique programme and will be the first of its kind in Ireland. Building on the Irish Centre for Human Rights’ global reputation, graduates will be well positioned for work in international human rights law, policy or legal practice and will also pursue professional legal training as a solicitor or as a barrister.

College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies are launching three new degrees in 2019. The BA (History and Globalisation Studies) and the BA Government (Politics, Economics and Law) are two new inter-disciplinary degrees that will give graduates unique knowledge and understanding across a range of related subjects, whilst the BA Education (Computer Science, and Mathematical Studies) is a four-year concurrent initial teacher education programme which will prepare graduates for eligibility to teach computer science and mathematics.

According to Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh: “Our young people are socially conscious and looking to tackle the most pressing issues facing society, from climate change to social justice.  We can see this in the course choices of CAO applicants, who are opting for courses and preparing for fulfilling careers where they can have a powerful and positive impact on the world around them. The new Law and Human Rights degree has attracted strong interest from Ireland and Europe from students who are choosing NUI Galway for its global reputation for excellence in the field. We look forward to supporting this next generation as they further develop their skills and make their mark in the world.

“Employability prospects remain an important consideration for students choosing a course and the current buoyant graduate jobs market is giving confidence to students to choose courses which will allow them to follow their passions, develop expertise and transferable skills, gain experience abroad and in the workplace and prepare for highly flexible and rewarding careers.”

Students and parents are invited to find out more at NUI Galway’s upcoming undergraduate open day is taking place on Saturday, 6 April, 9am-3pm. Register now at https://www.nuigalway.ie/opendays/.