The points for Ag Science in UCD have jumped to 465 this year on the back of increased demand from students for the course.
Back in 2007, Ag Science in UCD was 315 points, but today Leaving Certificate students need 465 points to gain entry to the course.
The CAO points system is driven by demand, with the most ‘popular’ courses commanding high points. Ag Science has gained popularity in recent years, with the number of points required to gain entry to the course increasing year on year. It reflects the positive outlook many have for the agricultural industry.
This was reflected in our recent poll, which looked at whether farming can provide a viable future for young people. Some 42% of those who voted said ‘yes’ it does provide a viable future, while 32% said it would only provide a viable future on a part-time basis. Just 26% said it does not provide a viable future.
The Ag Science course at UCD now commands the same entry points as Computer Science with Business in Trinity College. Demand for the ever popular primary teaching training course at St. Patricks Drumcondra puts points for it at 465 this year.
Veterinary Medicine is at 580 this year in UCD and Veterinary Nursing is at 465.
With 465 points, students could have also chosen Civil Engineering in Limerick (450), Law in Maynooth (450) and Science with Teaching (440) in Limerick. The points for Financial Maths and Economics in Galway this year are 450, while Commerce with German in Galway is 460 points.
The other agricultural science programmes at UCD have points as follows: Animal Science (Equine) 425; Dairy Business 445; Food Science 490; Forestry 375; Horticulture 395.