UCC: electronic engineering 490 Cork IT: electronic engineering 380 DCU: electronic engineering 380; mechatronics 385; Euro electronic systems 425 UCD: engineering 430* DIT: electronic engineering 330 NUI Galway: physics/ electronics 345; engineering 440*; electronic engineering 405; electronic and computer engineering 425 UL: electronic engineering 455; electronic manufacturing 345 TCD: engineering 420 WIT: electronics 300 * means random selection applied; not all applicants with this points level were offered a place

Cut-off points for certs/diplomas 1998/ 99:

Athlone IT: electronics and computer engineering 250; electronic engineering 180 Cork IT: electronic engineering 245 Carlow IT: electronic engineering 200; electronics and computer technology 190; electronics and communication systems 190; electro-mechanical engineering 180 Dundalk IT: electronics/ product development 140; electronics 110 DIT: electronic engineering 320; electronic cert 255 Galway Mayo IT: electronic engineering: 290; electronic engineering (Castlebar campus) 100 Limerick IT: electronics 270; electromechanics 210 Letterkenny IT: electronic engineering AQA; electronics and computer engineering 125 Sligo IT: electronic engineering AQA Tallaght IT: electronic engineering 265 Tralee IT: physics/ electronics 190; mechanical and electronic engineering 165 Waterford IT: electronic engineering 240 AQA signifies that all qualified applicants were offered a place

Professional body:

Institution of Engineers of Ireland, 22, Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 - phone (01) 668 4341

The industry

There are more than 300 electronics companies in Ireland. About half are foreign-owned and these employ 35,000 people. Many of the world's top companies, such as Intel, HP, IBM, Motorola, AST, and Gateway 2000, have manufacturing facilities here.