The State's first direct-entry degree in astronomy has got under way. NUI Galway's new degree in physics and astronomy has attracted eight women and two men.

Professor Michael Redfern says the cut-off points were 480 - though the course was not actually offered through the CAO. This year, it goes into the CAO handbook under the course code GY312.

The course provides an education in astronomy, physics, computing and maths. Redfern quotes the Astronomer Royal of Scotland on his graduates: "They find jobs as easily, if not more easily, than other technical graduates. In fact, some of them find jobs in astronomy."

This year, NUI Maynooth is offering a new degree in physics with astrophysics (MH204).