As an applicant for the CAO 2024 among the over 80,000 hopefuls and still exploring the variety of course alternatives before the decisive first of July, the counsel I’ve always given keeps its value: lay out your desired courses by preference, without overly considering projected points scores or your own potential Leaving Cert results in June, engulfed in guesswork.
A frequent pitfall students encounter annually is strictly listing courses from their top-choice institutions, without considering the potential in the broader CAO system.
The five newest Technological Universities (TUs), with their recent curriculum revamps, have their programmes listed in CAO Handbook, viewing it in pdf format is manageable on the CAO online portal, each course has the details of its location on the respective TU pages.
Focusing solely on conventional research-related universities within their geographical premises is still a choice for some students.
Every applicant to the CAO system has the privilege to select up to ten courses at both Level 8 and levels 6/7, and neglecting to consider the technological universities can lead to missed opportunities in the application strategy, notably when one fails to meet the points needed for the most sought-after courses.
TUs present a lot of appealing features that often go unnoticed by potential applicants.
Traditional universities have always maintained an emphasis on continuous research, which can limit access to listed lecturers even in the most prestigious institutions, due to the requirements of their research duties.
The teaching staff at TUs predominantly focuses on their students’ needs.
Over the years, these universities could foster a strong team of research-oriented teachers, although this is not an immediate goal, which is to the advantage for students opting for their courses in 2024.
In addition, TUs have gone through rigorous processes and fulfilled the necessary conditions to gain their status as universities, as a result, they hold a strong purpose and expanded significantly, compared to their early days as institutes of technology.
The push to establish a common culture has enhanced the student experience. This cohesive culture coupled with increased student numbers across different campuses, provides fantastic platforms for individuals with academic, cultural, or sporting objectives.
Technological Universities (TUs) currently have branches across the nation, predominantly in territories where students formerly preferred to venture to larger cities to study. This has resulted in a robust local emphasis, providing a university option in regions previously devoid of one.
An increasing regional spread means that students may now enrol in institutions outside of cities, where rental and living expenses are notably cheaper. This helps relief the financial strain associated with finding housing away from home.
Of course, what sets technological universities apart from traditional learning institutions is their unique educational and investigative concentration, particularly valuing practicals. Students have the chance to learn through direct involvement and participation. Moreover, due to the practical necessities of courses within the technological university domain, many programmes incorporate an internship component with local businesses.
Employability prospects
Students earn real-world working experience, allowing them to display potential to prospective employers. This positively impacts employment prospects post-graduation, often resulting in job offers extended following the placement or graduation.
Post-graduation, TUs are legally required to improve their research operations, creating opportunities for those with the drive and determination, especially at a postgraduate level. TUs must maintain a set proportion of research students, almost doubling this within a decade of operation.
The technological sector is increasingly providing master’s programmes, leveling the field with traditional research universities. For applicants using CAO, some technological institutions often require lower points due to the less demand for spots.
Over time, as TUs leverage investments to fulfil their potential, points requirement for courses are predicted to increase. However, they currently offer a competitive and appealing option.
All TUs function within the framework of European University constructs, affording significant opportunities for students to explore further study options across Europe, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Lastly, despite being larger than their predecessor institutes of technology, TUs still maintain their compact academic units, preserving the friendliness and accessibility that students have lauded as a key allure of the sector.
In closing, I am not implying that your first-choice course should be abandoned if it’s not offered at a technological university.
What I’m suggesting is that you consider the broad selection of course options in your interest areas, inclusive of those offered at the five latest establishments, in addition to the ongoing technology institutions at IADT and Dundalk. This could potentially result in diversifying the list of course codes for your final CAO submission before the deadline on the 1st of July.