Vol. 442 No. 5
194 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Education the reason for the inconsistency in pass marks for the architectural technology diploma in the Regional Technical College in Limerick and Cork where there is a pass mark of 40 per cent whereas the Regional Technical College in Waterford has a pass mark of 60 per cent; and if she will rectify the matter before the end of the present college year.
There are three different arrangements for diploma courses covered by the Deputy's question: a three year ab initio national diploma course at Limerick Regional Technical College validated by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland; a three year ab initio national diploma course at Cork Regional Technical College validated by the National Council for Educational Awards, NCEA, and a two year national certificate course in Waterford Regional Technical College validated by the NCEA. Waterford Regional Technical College also offers a third year add-on national diploma in construction studies, architectural technology, to those students who have acquired the national certificate with a merit grade, minimum 60 per cent which enables them to progress in Waterford to the higher qualification.
The pass level for the award of the diploma in all colleges is 40 per cent. The only instance where the 60 per cent minimum is required is in the case of students progressing to the higher level diploma course from the national certificate course. This is the standard progression ladder associated with all NCEA courses in all disciplines.
