Engineering is the latest prestigious college option to experience a downturn in student interest, according to the second round of CAO offers published this morning.
Points for engineering courses have tumbled in several colleges as students shy away from courses associated with computers or maths. In the first round of offers last month, points for computer courses fell dramatically.
Courses such as electronic engineering, which are associated with computers by many students, have experienced a serious fall-off in points. For example UCC's electrical and electronic engineering course is down 65 points.
The colleges made a significant number of engineering offers in the first round, but admission officers yesterday expressed surprise at the number of students turning down these offers.
The latest trend will increase the pressure on the Government to address declining interest among students in engineering, science and computers.
Later this month, the Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, is expected to bring a report to Cabinet on the issue. Several large multi-nationals, most notably Intel, have expressed concern about the trends. Overall the second round brings good news for about 3,000 students who will get an improved offer.