THE array of courses on offer at third level expands annually. "This year there seems to have been an expansion in tourism, computing and engineering, mirroring the buoyant job scene in these sectors. Courses with a European dimension are also increasing.
This column takes a look at some of the newer offerings. While it is difficult to predict exactly how these courses will pan out in the jobs market - there have been no graduates as yet - it seems most of them promise students an interesting few years at college.
Culture and heritage: The culture and heritage "industry" is now estimated to have an annual turnover of hundreds of millions of pounds, according to a recent report. A number of third level colleges have responded by designing courses to meet the industry's needs.
Dundalk RTC, a traditionally "techie" establishment, is a somewhat surprising newcomer to the cultural scene. Its three year diploma in applied cultural studies is divided into four main strands - Irish civilisation and heritage; art, theatre and communication; organisation, finance and marketing; and the languages.
The aim is to prepare students to work in tourism by arming them with the skills to present and interpret Irish culture for local and foreign tourists. Students will also acquire the skills to organise cultural events. Forty students are enrolled for the first year of this course. It is hoped that by the time these pioneers complete the three year diploma, a one year add on degree will be available. In addition to this diploma, this year's CAO applicants are also being offered the choice of two further new courses - applied cultural studies, with French or German.
At the other end of the State, the University of Limerick is offering a new degree in language and cultural studies. This course should suit students with an interest in languages and literature as well as other cultural areas. As with Dundalk RTC's course, it is intended that graduates will be able to explain and interpret Ireland for other nationalities. The course should give students a high degree of language competence in either French or German and will equip them to teach English as a foreign language.
Computing: Computing graduates are being snapped up on the jobs market, so the expansion in computing courses is likely to be welcomed by the industry and the IDA.
Dundalk RTC has a new diploma in computing which combines software development with French or German. This course is a response to the increasing number of international software companies establishing in Ireland. Students spend part or all of their third year in France or Germany. The college has also introduced a certificate in computing (applications and support) which will train students in the relatively new and expanding, area of computer support and maintenance.
Limerick RTC has developed a certificate in engineering (computer systems) which will train students to set up and configure option cards, such as network cards, and to diagnose and resolve hardware problems. Students who complete the course are known as computer engineering technicians.
European dimension: Sligo RTC offers an innovative degree in European environmental engineering science, which is designed to produce graduates: capable of producing engineering solutions that meet EU regulatory requirements. The course is held in conjunction with three other European colleges, Aalborg University in Denmark, Middlesex University in England, and Universidad Politecnica de Valencia in Spain. Students spend three semesters in one of these colleges and those who chose Aalborg or Valencia must take either Danish or Spanish as a module in first year.
Dublin City University is expanding its range of programmes which look to Europe with a new degree in European Business (with French or German). Half of this four year course is spent in either Germany or France. Students receive a dual qualification - a BA in European Business from DCU and a French or German equivalent.
In UL, the elements that make up a traditional arts degree (history, politics and social studies) are being combined with an attempt to foster awareness of political and social features of Irish and European society. Students also study public administration. Engineering: UL is now offering students the opportunity to combine their studies in mechanical engineering with German. Students are placed in a company in a German speaking country for a nine month "co operative education" period, at the end of second year. A Grade C3 or higher in honours maths is a minimum requirement entry.
RTC Athlone has set up a certificate in electronics and computer engineering to cater for the increasing demand for computer technicians who have a good knowledge of electronics, computer hardware and software. After successfully completing the course, the student should have developed skills of assembly, testing and computer servicing.
Environmental monitoring: A certificate in environmental monitoring is being offered by Dundalk RTC. It is designed for students wishing to work in environmental protection. A new add on diploma in environmental monitoring is also available for those who want to continue their studies.
Limerick RTC has developed a new certificate in environmental and analytical science which should provide students with a basic understanding of environmental science, with particular emphasis on environmental protection and control.
International commerce: The Bachelor of International Commerce with modern Irish, on offer from UCD for the first time this year, should prove very popular, but there are only 15 places available. The course is effectively a combination of a B.Comm and a BA in Irish. None of the commerce subjects will be taught through Irish. In third year, students will have the opportunity to travel to a Scottish university where Gaelic languages are offered. Prospective students must have a higher level C in Irish.
Equine studies: Prompted by the huge numbers of applicants for its equine science degree, UL has introduced a two year certificate in equine science. Graduates of the certificate may progress to a one year add on diploma. And if these achieve sufficient grades they can transfer to the third year of the degree. It is desirable that prospective students have a reasonable level of competency in horse riding, although options exist for those who cannot ride or who do not want to learn.
Graduates of equine science may end up in enterprise management (stud farms, race tracks etc) or in equitation, in which case they might work in the leisure, recreation or teaching areas. There are 40 places on the degree (last year there were in excess of 1,000 applicants) and 30 places on the certificate.
Audiovisual communications: Tallaght RTC is offering a new certificate in audiovisual communications which provides; training in multimedia and audiovisual skills. Students are prep pared for information based careers in the media production, analysis and dissemination. A C3 grade or higher in honours English is a special requirement for this course.
Human genetics: Trinity College introduced a denominated course in human genetics last year. The admissions officer says the course was put in place because of huge interest in this area. This is borne out by the points level - the cut off was 515 last year. There are only eight places available each year but the admissions officer says students can still do genetics through natural sciences, which is usually offered at a much lower points level.
TCD information evening: TCD will hold two information evenings for parents and their sons and daughters - on Thursday, January 16th, and Thursday, January 23rd, at 7.30 p.m. These evenings have proved very popular in the past. Numbers are limited to 400 and admission is by ticket only, so book early. Contact the TCD admissions office for tickets.
NCEA directory: The National Council for Educational Awards, which approves non university third level courses, has published its 1997 directory of approved courses. The directory includes 81 new courses which have been approved by the council and indications are that a further 100 or so new courses will be contained in the 1998 directory. The directory includes information on award levels, grants, scholarships and exemptions, as well as details on all NCEA approved courses. And best of all this very useful directory is now available free of charge (previously it cost £3.50) from the NCEA, 26 Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1.
Additional research by Emmet Oliver
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