Over 2000 first years commence studies at GMIT
Largest ever first year intake, up 400 since 2012
GMIT welcomed just over 2,000 first years to its campuses in Galway and Mayo this week, some 140 more than last year’s intake (2013) and 400 more than 2012.
Almost 40% of all first years are studying level 8 (honours) degree programmes, an increase of 10% compared to last year (2013).
60% of first years are studying level 7 (ordinary) degrees and Higher Certificate (L6) programmes combined, a drop of 10% on 2013, indicating a shift away from L6 and L7 to honours degree choices.
The biggest intakes of first years this year are in the GMIT Schools of Science and Engineering, reflecting demand for programmes in the STEM disciplines at national level. The School of Science is running additional evening laboratory sessions this year for the first time, to cater for the increase in student numbers on their programmes.
All GMIT first years attended a two-day induction programme hosted by GMIT Students Services last week, and commenced their programmes on Wednesday (10 September). All other students returned for the start of their academic year on Thursday (11 September).
Michael Hannon, GMIT Registrar, says the Institute is delighted to welcome its largest ever intake of first years. “We have seen a significant increase in CAO acceptances for our honours degree offerings. Our decision to increase the number of level 8 programmes by over 50 % in the past few years has proved successful.”
“We plan to further increase our level 8 offerings in new and exciting niche areas in response to recommendations from our stakeholders and external experts as part of a very successful review of programmes conducted in the last academic year.”
“GMIT operates a very successful transitions programme for first years known as the First Year Experience. This consists of a mandatory Learning and Teaching Skills module and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) whereby students form senior years provide mentoring support to first years.”
“These programmes greatly support our new students and help them adapt to third-level study and college life.”