CAO points demand shows study of agriculture at degree level on rise

THE number of points now needed to study agriculture at degree level shows the sector is continuing to rise as a career option for students, Agri Aware claimed yesterday.

It said 395 points is now the bar that has been set for students hoping to study at UCD, an increase of 20 points compared with last year.

Coupled with the 60 point hike in 2008, students now need 80 extra points in comparison to two years ago. Food Science has also increased by 35 points in UCC and 20 points in UCD.

Agri Aware said the sharp interest in points can be partly attributed to nearly 500 extra students sitting agricultural science at Leaving Cert level this year. First place applications to study the subject at third level were also up by 23%.

Agri Aware chairman Máiréad Lavery said Leaving Certificate students of 2009 are very forward-thinking, identifying agriculture as an area with good career opportunities and interesting jobs. Upon completion of these courses, students will be equipped with science and business qualifications which will play a central role both in development of their own careers and that of the industry.

Accepting that it is disheartening for those not offered a course in the first round, Ms Lavery urged them to remain optimistic in anticipation of round two offers. “Furthermore, with many post-Leaving Certificate courses available, there are other opportunities to access a career in agriculture through an alternative route. Students should investigate different options and try not to give up on their ambitions to study this interesting and worthwhile subject.”

Jim Phelan, Dean of Agricultural Science in UCD, said in times of recession the vast career opportunities in the country’s largest indigenous sector become highlighted. Students who study the agricultural science programme have many different employment avenues to explore upon completion. These include business, animal science, crops, horticulture, environmental science or dairy business.

“Students are thinking about their future careers and can see that agriculture is an attractive option,” he said.