CAO entry points for agricultural science course up 40% in five years

Entry points to the degree course in agricultural science in UCD have increased by over 40% since 2007 — a product of the 120% increase in applications, according to Agricultural Science Association president Karina Pierce.

Citing an increase in the minimum CAO points from 430 to 445 in the recent first-round offers, Dr Pierce said: “This dramatic increase is a direct reflection of the increasing demand from students. In 2007, just 281 students listed agricultural science as their first preference course. The figure this year was 613, an increase of almost 120%.”

She said the continuing increase in the points needed for the degree programme in dairy business since the programme was launched in 2009 reflects the confidence among students and their parents in the future of the dairy sector.