Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 1

Written Answers. - Third Level Education.

Simon Coveney

Question:

160 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Education and Science the current rate of non-completion of courses at universities throughout the State; the rate according to certificate, diploma, undergraduate degree and postgraduate degree courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15799/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Dempsey)

The statistical information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. The most recent figures on attrition rates for university education can be found in the report A Study of Non-completion in Undergraduate University Courses, which was undertaken by the Educational Research Centre, ERC, at the request of my Department. The report found an overall non-completion rate of 16.8% for all first-time entrants to university undergraduate courses. The study also highlighted the differences in numbers of students completing courses by field of study. Computer studies was identified as the field of study with the highest non-completion rate – 26.9% – followed by Science – 22.2% – and engineering-architecture – 19.6%. The lowest rate of non-completion was in law – 7.1%.

Preparations for further research to explore the qualitative factors involved in the withdrawal of students from the university sector are under way. This research will draw on other research carried out under the Higher Education Authority's targeted initiative programme, as well as the findings of similar research in the institute of technology sector. The findings and recommendations of the existing report and the qualitative study will be taken into account by my Department and the universities with a view to strengthening existing initiatives and developing new measures.