The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science are continuing to expand the options available to adult learners and students for progressing to higher education, outside of the CAO points race. These degrees have been increasingly expanded by the Department over the last couple of years.
Minister James Lawless TD announced a further 14 courses open for applications in areas like information and communications technology (ICT), nursing, social work and healthcare.
“Students can now begin their journey on a degree course at a local further education institute and progress seamlessly to higher education, bypassing the traditional reliance on the Central Applications Office (CAO) points system and reducing the cost of accessing higher education for learners,” Minister Lawless said.
“From day one, they are registered in both institutions and can use the resources and facilities of both a further education college and a higher education institution.”
“Over the past year, we have witnessed a 68% surge in enrolments for tertiary degree programmes, confirming the increasing demand for this new approach, which offers unparalleled flexibility, breaking down the barriers that have traditionally limited access to higher education. It’s about creating a more inclusive education system that meets the needs of today’s learners.”
“The courses are designed in direct response to the needs of our society. Demand is high for graduates in sectors such as ICT and healthcare, which also represent some of the most rewarding career paths out there.”
We at AONTAS have long believed that the Leaving Certificate has been and continues to be a cause of indirect discrimination against people from more working-class communities or those living in poverty. We have consistently advocated for alternative and flexible pathways across the Tertiary system.
We will continue to work with the Department to ensure increased flexibility for learners. We will also continue to advocate for increased funding and supports for wraparound supports and public services to enable learners to actually take up these courses, including the availability, accessibility, and affordability of childcare, public transport, and accommodation.
Explore the Tertiary Degree programmes through the National Tertiary Office on www.NTO.ie
Writing by Dr Kate Smyth, Strategic Comms Officer