Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton has welcomed confirmation from her colleague, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris, that students in the west will be able to benefit from the introduction of new degrees which will be offered to students outside the traditional CAO system.
“Minister Harris has confirmed to me that four degrees, in science, engineering, business and nursing, will be on offer to students in the region this year without the necessity of having to go through the CAO process," the Government Chief Whip and Galway West TD said. "It is a welcome development that will see many who do not necessarily thrive in the gruelling CAO process still being able to avail of a degree.”
Students can apply to the new degree programmes, which will begin in a further education college before transitioning to a university or a technological university, from July.
“In the case of this region, this will mean that students locally will be able to apply to the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board [GRETB] directly, commence their studies in that institution, and then transition to finalise their course in the Atlantic Technological University,” Minister Naughton noted.
The first three degrees will consist of a year in GRETB plus three years in ATU. Nursing will be one year in GRETB, plus four years in ATU, based in each of the campuses at Letterkenny, Castlebar and St Angela’s, Sligo.
“The programmes are being introduced as part of an initiative to create alternative pathways to third-level education," Minister Naughton continued. "I know from my own experience as a teacher that all pupils have potential. That potential sometimes cannot be realised though the points race, and I am delighted to see this new programme commence.
“Further details will be forthcoming shortly and I very much hope that, over time, the range of degree courses offered will be expanded so as to ensure that every child’s potential is acknowledged and encouraged.”
