Prospective third-level students should be encouraged by the latest list of courses advertising vacant places. In all, 37 courses within the CAO system have advertised vacancies. This includes TCD's new BA (mod) in information and communications technology and Carlow IT's computer networking degree.
At post-Leaving Cert level, a number of colleges have contacted College Places about vacant places. Courses include green enterprise, auctioneering, international tele-services and computing. There are no fees for PLC courses and students are eligible to apply for maintenance grants.
The British clearing process is in full swing and there are still thousands of third-level vacancies there.
CAO vacant places
The following is an updated list of vacancies notified to us yesterday by the CAO: Degrees: American College: International business (fee paying); Carlow IT: Computer networking; UCD: Arts (modular) and arts (single subject) (fee paying).
Certificates and diplomas: Portobello College: Computing (fee-paying); LSB College: Business studies (office information systems) (fee paying); Carlow IT (Kilkenny campus): Business studies; Office information systems; Carlow IT (Wexford campus): Business studies; Office information systems;
Dundalk IT: Electronics (pro duct development); civil engineering; construction studies; manufacturing engineering; mechanical engineering; biology; food science; chemistry; environmental science; applied cultural studies (French); applied cultural studies (German); Dun Laoghaire IADT: Computing multimedia; business studies;
Letterkenny IT: Accounting technician; corais eolais oifige; European languages and business; civil engineering; electronics; mechanical engineering; NCI: Computing; Sligo IT: Civil engineering; mechanical engineering; electronic engineering; science; analytical chemistry;
WIT: Chartered accountancy (this course requires a valid training contract with a recognised firm).
You must apply through the vacant places procedure. These courses are open to everyone whether you have already applied to the CAO or not. Write to the CAO at Tower House, Eglin ton Street, Galway. There is no additional fee if you have already applied to the CAO. Those who haven't previously applied must pay an £18 fee.
CAO timetable
September 2nd: closing date for acceptance of round one offers; there is no need to reply to the CAO if you wish to reject an offer. September 7th: CAO will post out round two of fers. September 8th: Round two cut-off points will be published.
Vacancies in TCD
Trinity College has some places available on its new information and communications technology degree. This programme focuses on the design and development of software used in networked information systems similar to those being built for the Internet.
Students will study French or German during the first two years. The degree was announced after the CAO handbook was printed and has 120 first-year places.
Leaving Cert subject requirements include a minimum of grade C in higher-level maths and a grade D in higher-level French or German as well as the minimum matriculation requirements. A knowledge of computers is not required.
Interested students should phone TCD at (01) 608 1039 or (01) 608 1072. Applications are through the CAO vacant places procedure. Information about the course is also on the Web at: http://www.cs.tcd.ie/courses/ baict/
Post-Leaving Certificate vacancies Ballsbridge College of Business Studies, Dublin
There are places available on the college's auctioneering, estate agency and valuation course as well as computerised business studies, direct marketing, marketing, advertising and management and international tele-services. The college is open and accepting enrolments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
There has been a major expansion of places available on international tele-services courses this year with 1,100 new places created in PLC colleges around the country. You need a minimum of grade B in ordinary-level English and one continental language in the Leaving Cert or equivalent. The course includes an overseas placement of at least 17 weeks to give both on-the-job training and immersion in the chosen foreign language and culture.
Senior College Dun Laoghaire
Vacancies exist on accounting, marketing, auctioneering, hairdressing and beauty care and some computing courses. For "immediate, direct personal attention", students may drop into the college in Eblana Avenue, Dun Laoghaire, from August 27th between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Staff will discuss student needs, give advice and process applications on the spot for all existing and arising vacancies.
St Kevin's College, Clogher Road, Dublin
The college's media production course is now a two-year full-time BTEC national diploma. Students study 18 modules in TV video and film production, TV video studies, journalism, script writing, art and design in media, media technology and work placement.
Over the past 12 years, the college has built up a network of work placements. As well as going directly into employment, students may also use the course as a stepping stone to a degree in communications or media production, according to the college.
One former PLC student went on to do a masters in DIT, via a degree in Warwick university. A number of students have also gone to Tallaght IT to pursue diploma courses there.
Pearse College, Dublin
The college has vacancies on three new programme - computer work skills, green enterprise and bar management with business studies.
Green enterprise should prove popular with environmentally conscious students. The course includes green technology, organic gardening, environmental issues, marketing, enterprise and computers. Other courses with vacancies include holistic health, amenity horticulture, architectural draughting with CAD, international trade, languages and tourism, retail management, warehouse and storage management, media production skills.
The college is accepting applications for both PLC and repeat courses. Phone for an appointment: (01) 453 6661 or (01) 454 1544 or call on Tuesday, September 1st (bring a copy of your Leaving Cert results with you).
PLC grants
As with all PLC courses, there are no tuition fees and eligible students will receive maintenance grants. For grants, apply to your local Vocational Educational Committee by October 16th. Grants will be paid in December or January and all payments will be backdated to September 1998.
Clearing in British and Northern Ireland colleges
The process of filling vacancies in colleges in Britain and Northern Ireland is continuing. The official UCAS vacancies are advertised in the British Independent and Sunday Independent.
Yesterday's London Independent listed vacancies in some of the most sought-after courses in the Republic - optometry; occupational therapy; physiotherapy; radiography and medical lab sciences. Some of these courses are in colleges, such as the University of Wales, Robert Gordon University and Queen Margaret College, which traditionally take on a number of Irish students.
You may have to pay fees on a sliding scale up to £1,000 sterling a year. Meanwhile, the pound is not holding up well against sterling so accommodation and food will cost proportionately more.
College Places will appear from Monday to Friday for the duration of the college offers season. Teachers can place group orders for The Irish Times by calling free phone 1 800 798884 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Irish Times College Places help line is open tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Readers should phone (01) 671 0328