The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) has called on the new national qualifications authority of Ireland (NQA) to address the issue of transfer of students from institutes of technology to universities. The NQAI, which met for the first time earlier this month, is charged with promoting and maintaining procedures for access, transfer and progression in further and higher education.

Julian de Spainn, president of USI. It was expected that the NQAI would be established on a statutory basis this January. The new body has been charged with drawing-up a framework of qualifications in order to facilitate access, transfer and progression in further and higher education. "As a member of the designate NQAI I will be making a strong case for increasing opportunities for transfer and progression, particularly to degree courses at universities. We have conducted some research on this issue and there is a clear need for universities to do more in this regard," de Spainn said.

"The publication,

First Destination of Awards Recipients in Higher Education (1998), published by the Higher Education Authority earlier this year points out that almost half (48 per cent) of those who successfully completed diploma courses in 1998 continued with their studies. This represents almost 3,000 students. We know from our research that one in 10 or 333 students with diplomas transferred to degree courses in universities last year. This suggests that the scope for transfer into universities is quite limited."

He said there also appeared to be major differences among universities. Some accepted significant numbers of transfer students in relation to the size, while other larger universities had "an indifferent record in this area".

Colm Jordan, education officer with USI, said there were many ways in which USI could facilitate transfer between institutes of technology and universities.

"Obviously, the work of the NQAI in drawing up a framework of qualifications will be a major step forward. It is also crucial that some consistency be brought to the transfer process. For example, the UCD transfer regulations clearly state that `in no circumstances will an applicant be admitted to the third year of a course'. On the other hand, NUI Galway regulations state that, for example in science, it is possible to transfer to the third year. It is not surprising, therefore that NUI Galway has a better record in this regard that UCD."

Jordan said the application dates for those wishing to transfer also varied for no apparent reason. NCEA qualification holders needed to apply by June 1st for TCD, but had until July 14th to send in their applications for UCD. USI also say that only in very limited circumstances should a student transferring from a relevant course have to recommence at the first year of a degree course. Institutions should develop their course structure in such a way as to allow access for such students, Jordan said.