Getting a second chance at maths

A significant number of school-leavers with sufficient CAO points don't get the necessary grade in maths for their course of choice.

There are lifelines. A number of colleges are running second-chance maths exams over the next week to allow students meet the minimum entry requirements for certain courses and some even offer preparation classes.

The exams are mainly, but not exclusively, geared to those pursuing Level 8 (honours) engineering degrees, for which higher level C3 is usually the minimum requirement.

Students should contact the colleges for further information. Fees may be charged.

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) will hold its special maths exam at DIT Kevin Street on Wednesday, August 24, for entry to its Level 8 honours engineering programme. Prior to the exam, there will be a two-day workshop on August 22 and 23.

NUI Galway will hold a special maths entrance exam on Wednesday August 24, a pass in which allows entry to its engineering programmes, Bsc in computer science and information technology and BSc in project and construction management.

The university is also holding an intensive five-day preparatory course for applicants, limited to those who have applied for the NUIG programmes through the CAO.

NUI Maynooth's special maths exam is on Friday August 26 for students who wish to undertake a degree in engineering but who do not have the required higher level C3. Applications may still be made for Maynooth's four engineering courses through the CAO's vacant places procedure.

University of Limerick will hold its special maths exam on Thursday, August 25, for whose who did not achieve the requisite grade for its science and engineering courses. There will be a higher and ordinary level version of the paper, depending on the minimum mathematics requirement of the undergraduate programme.

Waterford Institute of Technology has announced a special maths exam, at ordinary level standard, on Wednesday, August 31, for entry to its courses. Successful students will be offered a place in CAO third round. Depending on demand, the City of Waterford VEC will run a revision course from August 23.

- Katherine Donnelly

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