Shift towards teaching and health at third level

Arts degrees remain the most popular choice for college applicants, but official statistics suggest teaching and health professions have become increasingly attractive.

The figures are based on choices up to March 1 of the 62,345 people who have so far registered interest with the Central Applications Office in level 8 (honours bachelor degree) courses. They are among 73,091 total applicants to date, a figure that is already almost 2,000 more than this time last year, but thousands more are likely to make late applications up to May 1.

A comparison with final application statistics last year shows a slight shift back towards teaching courses, which account for 7.5% of first preferences among those picking level 8 degrees on their application, up from 7% last year.