STEM degrees in high demand at GMIT

Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) has made up to 20% more offers at honours degree level this year (2015) compared to last, this year’s CAO figures show.

Reflecting CAO trends in 2014, demand is still strong for Science related programmes, as well as Agriculture, Mechanical Engineering, Computing and Health Science programmes.

The Bachelor of Business in Accountancy course increased by 35 points compared to last year, reflecting an overall increase in demand for Business programmes. The Institute is offering a new suite of specialist degree programmes in Business that will allow graduates obtain awards in Entrepreneurship, Finance & Economics, and Marketing.

To satisfy demand for computing graduates, GMIT now offers a new Level 8 honours degree in Software Development, which is on offer at 320 points. This programme complements the existing Level 7 Software Development degree.

Also new this year is an Honours degree in Contemporary Art at 300 points. One of the unique features of this programme is applicants will not be required to submit a portfolio as an entry requirement.

Mr. Michael Hannon, GMIT Registrar explains:

“This is a major change to the entry requirements for such an applied and practical programme. This course offers the potential to open up new progression opportunities to students, without the burden of time and costs associated with preparing a specific portfolio.”

In general, Construction programmes are reflecting the national trend of increased demand, with points either remaining the same or increasing by up to 60 points for some course offerings.

At the Centre for Creative Arts and Media (formerly known as Cluain Mhuire), strong demand continues for the popular Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Film and Documentary, increasing by 30 points this year to 350.

GMIT Registrar Michael Hannon continued to say:

“The Institute’s strategy of providing additional Level 8 programmes is proving popular with students. While we plan to continue to offer more Level 8 degrees to meet the growing needs of the region, applicants should also be aware that we offer a comprehensive range of Level 7 degrees, all of which allow progression to a Level 8 award.”

Students who did not apply to the CAO (approximately 6,000) still have the option of applying for courses through the ‘Available Places’ route on www.cao.ie.

GMIT, like many other third-level institutions, has a number of courses available at this time. This option is open to prospective students from Tuesday 18 August, 2015.