CAO Round 1 Saw More Than 3500 Offers From University Of Galway

CAO Round 1 Saw More Than 3500 Offers From University Of Galway. The University of Galway has made significant strides in the 2024/25 academic year, issuing offers to 3,753 prospective students following Round One of the Central Applications Office (CAO) process. This marks a notable milestone for both the university and the incoming students, many of whom have navigated the challenges of the Leaving Certificate amidst a global pandemic.

Recognition Of Achievement By University Leaders

In light of this achievement, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of the University of Galway, and Professor Peter McHugh, Deputy President and Registrar, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the Leaving Certificate class of 2024. This cohort, for the most part, was sitting state exams for the first time, making their accomplishments particularly noteworthy.

Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh expressed his admiration, stating, “Comhghairdeas to the Leaving Cert class of 2024 as they embark on the next stage of their studies.” He further emphasized that these students have made a wise decision by choosing the University of Galway, a choice that will greatly benefit them as they begin this new chapter.

Continued High Demand For University Places

For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Galway has experienced substantial demand for places in higher education. In response, the university is offering 3,753 places to first-year undergraduate students. This sustained interest underscores the university’s reputation as a premier institution for higher learning.

Deputy President and Registrar Professor Peter McHugh highlighted the resilience of the students, acknowledging the impact of the pandemic on their educational journey. He assured incoming students of a vibrant and enriching campus experience at the University of Galway, recognizing the pivotal role of the admissions and registration team in managing the large influx of applications.

Professor McHugh also welcomed the Government’s commitment to addressing the issue of inflated grades in the Leaving Certificate, a topic of growing concern in recent years.

Key Trends From CAO Round One Offers

The CAO Round One offers reveal several key trends that reflect both the growing demand for specific courses and the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence:

• Mixed Movement in Cut-Off Points: The cut-off levels for points across University of Galway degrees showed varying trends, with nearly a third of courses either increasing in points or remaining steady.
• High Demand in Specific Programmes: Approximately 40% of the university’s degree programmes fall within the 500-600 points range, indicating high demand. Notably, there was a 41-point increase for the Arts (Drama, Theatre, and Performance Studies) programme, reflecting the university’s strong reputation in the creative arts and its strategic education partnerships.
• Increased Points for Programmes with Erasmus Opportunities: Courses such as BA Global Languages, BComm International (Spanish), and BSc Biotechnology, which offer extensive Erasmus opportunities, saw an increase in points, showcasing the value students place on international study experiences.
• Strong Performance in Engineering and Law: All Engineering and Law programmes at the University of Galway continue to require a minimum of 500 CAO points, underscoring the competitiveness of these fields.
• Flagship Programmes: Biomedical Engineering and Biomedical Science remain among the university’s flagship programmes, with points increasing to 578 and 577, respectively, highlighting their ongoing popularity.
• Medicine: The Medicine programme remains highly competitive, with a random allocation process at 728 points, further emphasizing the demand for this prestigious course.
• Expanded Capacity in Health Sciences: There has been a nearly 50% increase in the number of places for students pursuing degrees in Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy. This expansion aligns with the Government’s increased funding in these critical areas of healthcare.
• Commerce Programmes: Five out of eight Commerce programmes now require more than 500 points, reflecting the high academic standards and the appeal of business-related degrees at the University of Galway.

Conclusion

The University of Galway’s Round One offers through the CAO process for the 2024/25 academic year have solidified its position as a leading institution of higher education. With 3,753 offers extended to incoming students, the university continues to attract a diverse and talented cohort of learners. The trends observed in the cut-off points and the increasing demand for specific programmes underscore the university’s commitment to providing a top-tier educational experience. As these students embark on their academic journey, the University of Galway promises a supportive and enriching environment that will help them thrive in their chosen fields.