Expand+For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

• score the necessary CAO points and
• meet the minimum entry requirements.

Minimum Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate in 5 Subjects
Subjects O6/H7 5
Subjects H5 0
Maths Grade O6/H...

Hide-For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

• score the necessary CAO points and
• meet the minimum entry requirements.

Minimum Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate in 5 Subjects
Subjects O6/H7 5
Subjects H5 0
Maths Grade O6/H7
English or Irish Grade O6/H7

Helpful Leaving Certificate subjects: English, Mathematics, Biology and Agricultural Science.

Minimum entry requirements may be satisfied by the results of more than one Leaving Certificate.

Bonus Points for Mathematics
25 bonus points will continue to be awarded in 2017 for Higher Level Mathematics at grades H6 or higher.

Foundation Level Mathematics
Most (but not all) CAO courses in CIT require Mathematics. A pass in Foundation Level Mathematics does not satisfy the entry requirements in regard to Mathematics. There are two exceptions to this rule, CR 655 Culinary Studies, and CR 657 Hospitality Studies, the requirement for O6/H7 Mathematics may also be satisfied by Grade F2 or higher in Foundation Level Mathematics.

Some courses have no requirement for Mathematics. A Grade F2 or higher in Foundation Level Mathematics is recognised as a subject for entry to CIT Crawford College of Art & Design: CR 210, CR 220; and CR 600. CIT Cork School of Music: CR 121; CR 125; CR 126; CR 127; CR 128; CR 129; and CR 700; and CIT Bishopstown Campus: CR 620 and CR 035.

In such cases CAO Points awarded for Foundation Level Mathematics as follows: F1 = 20 points, and F2 = 12 points.

CIT Mathematics Exam
Some students who apply for CIT courses may not achieve the required entry standard in Mathematics through the Leaving Certificate. For such applicants, the Institute offers a second chance to reach the required entry standard through a CIT Mathematics Exam. This second chance facility allows applicants (depending on their results in the CIT Mathematics Examination) to gain entry to courses with an Ordinary Leaving Certificate Mathematics entry standard and (with a higher level of performance) courses with a Higher Leaving Certificate entry standard.

In order to sit the CIT Mathematics Examination, students MUST APPLY ONLINE (www.cit.ie/maths) by 12.00 noon on Monday 21st August 2017 (provisional).

Important Information
The CIT Mathematics Examination is provisionally scheduled to take place on 22nd August 2017 and is open to all applicants to CIT programmes. A fee will be charged to cover administration costs. In case of over-subscription, CIT reserves the right to restrict the number of candidates for this examination.

This examination is not obligatory and does not result in the award of CAO points. Its sole purpose is to allow a student a second chance to achieve the qualifying standard in mathematics necessary for admission to certain CIT courses. It does not interfere in any way with an application made to other courses or colleges within the CAO system.

In June, sample mathematics examination papers and full details of the arrangements for the CIT Mathematics Examination will be posted on the CIT website at www.cit.ie/maths

The CIT Mathematics Examination reflects the actual Mathematical requirements of CIT programmes. It is marked according to procedures and criteria set out by the Department of Mathematics at CIT.

This examination is specifically for applicants who have applied through the CAO for courses in CIT.

This examination does not interfere with your application for any other course in the CAO system. A pass in the CIT Mathematics Examination (i.e. 40% in Paper 1 or 40% overall) will allow an applicant to replace the Leaving Certificate Mathematics requirement of Grade O6/H7 minimum with a Grade O6/H7 minimum in another Leaving Certificate subject.

Attaining a qualifying standard in the CIT Mathematics Examination does not in itself guarantee a place on any course in CIT. The cut-off points for all courses will still apply.

Expand+FETAC Awards (now QQI): Admission to CIT
QQI operates within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), and has awards (formerly FETAC awards) placed at Level 5 (Certificate) or Level 6 (Advanced Certificate) of the framework. Holders of former...

Hide-FETAC Awards (now QQI): Admission to CIT
QQI operates within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), and has awards (formerly FETAC awards) placed at Level 5 (Certificate) or Level 6 (Advanced Certificate) of the framework. Holders of former FETAC awards at Level 5 of the NFQ should apply through the CAO system. Points will be allocated and will be used to place applicants in order, in the same rounds of CAO offers as Leaving Certificate applicants. Applicants must present a full award totalling 120 credits. This full award may be accumulated over more than one academic year.

Practical steps to calculating your own scoring of FETAC Awards in the CAO are available in the Learners Section (click on Higher Education Links Scheme) at www.qqi.ie
Details of Minimum Entry Requirements for FETAC (now QQI) Award Holders and Portfolio guidelines are available on the QQI information section of www.cao.ie

Revised Scoring For QQI-FET Awards
From 2017 the points awarded for QQI-FET (formerly FETAC) awards will also be revised. This is required to maintain the existing equivalence with the current points scale, and reflects the overall marginal reductions in student points scores under the new points scale.

From 2017, the maximum possible total score of 360 will be multiplied by 13 and divided by 12, to give a revised maximum overall points score of 390 for applicants from further education and training.

Expand+1. Student Contribution Charge
The Student Contribution Charge is an annual fee which is set by the Government for all full-time third level students.
The fee for 2016/17 is €3,000.

Students can apply to the Student Universal Support Ireland (SU...

Hide-1. Student Contribution Charge
The Student Contribution Charge is an annual fee which is set by the Government for all full-time third level students.
The fee for 2016/17 is €3,000.

Students can apply to the Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) for a grant which, if approved, may cover 100% of the Student Contribution Charge. Please visit www.susi.ie for information on Grants. The Application system opens in April each year so students should apply early. You do not need to know what course or college you will be attending when submitting an application.

2. Union of Students in Ireland (USI) Levy
The USI membership levy of €7.00 applies to all full-time undergraduate students and must be paid in September before the start of Semester 1. This Levy is not covered by a SUSI grant.

3. EU Tuition Fees
Many undergraduate students attending publicly funded third-level courses do not have to pay tuition fees. Under the terms of the Free Fees Initiative, the Government will pay these fees to the colleges instead.

Students undertaking a second undergraduate course, non-EU students, students studying by Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects (ACCS) mode, and students taking a year of a course for a second time (i.e. repeating a year/level) may be liable for tuition fees.

Payment of Fees
• Students are notified of their fees by e-mail to their CIT student e-mail account, CIT does not post out invoices unless specifically requested.
• Students are expected to pay 50% of their fees in September before the start of Semester 1 and the remaining 50% in January before the start of Semester 2.
• Students awaiting grant approval can apply to pay their fees in monthly instalments.

Refund of Fees paid
Full-time students who officially withdraw from their course before 31st October (Semester 1) or before 28th February (Semester 2) will be refunded their semester fees less a 15% administrative charge.

Students must complete an official Withdrawal Form and return it to the Admissions office (E: admissions@cit.ie) by 31st October or 28th February in order to be eligible for a refund.

Withdrawing from a Course
Should you wish to withdraw from your course at any stage during the academic year you must ensure that you inform the admissions office directly as it may impact on their fees should you return to CIT or another 3rd level institute in the future.

CIT Student Fees Office Contact Details:
The Student Fees Office is located on the ground floor of the Administration Building adjacent to the Admissions Office,
Bishopstown Campus.
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 12.30pm & 2.00pm - 4.00pm
T: 00 353 21 433 5440
E: fees@cit.ie
W: www.cit.ie/coursefees

Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2...

Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2017 at 5:15 pm

Change of Mind: Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1st July 2017 5:15 pm

Exceptional online late application - see page 14 of the 2017 CAO Handbook: Fee €50 Closing Date: 22nd July 2017 at 5:15pm

You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.

LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5:15pm on 1st February 2017 and will be accepted up to 5:15pm on 1st May 2017, subject to the restricitions listed on page 3 of the 2017 CAO Handbook.

Late Applications (Exception to Timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22nd of July at 5:15pm applies only to applicants who are currently undergraduate students in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system.

If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.

Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.

Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Trinity College Dublin and the University of Limerick have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these three HEIs, you should apply through CAO.

Refer to page 15 of the 2017 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.

Restricted-category Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature.

Applying for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes – to be considered for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm and must have completed the HEAR/DARE application form by 1st March 2017 at 5:15pm – supporting documents must be sent to CAO offices before 1st April 2017 at 5:15pm.

Expand+What is Agriculture?
Agriculture is of major importance in the Irish economy and represents the art and science of growing plants and the raising of animals for food, other human needs, or economic gain. The agri-food sector contributes significant...

Hide-What is Agriculture?
Agriculture is of major importance in the Irish economy and represents the art and science of growing plants and the raising of animals for food, other human needs, or economic gain. The agri-food sector contributes significantly to Ireland’s GDP, employment and exports. Most Irish farms are family operated, with the farmer being the owner, manager and provider of much of the labour. This wide remit calls for a range of knowledge and skills. In addition, the agri-business sector has been identified as a major sector for growth in the coming years across a range of associated industries.

Work Placement
Formal work placement (minimum of 15 weeks) is an integral element of the course and takes place in Year 2.

First Year at a Glance
• Crop Production: using land for maximum benefit while growing crops
• Human/Animal & Plant Biology
• Components of food and their role in human and animal nutrition
• Maintenance and operation of farm machinery including tractors, crop sowing and harvesting
• Finance for the agribusiness sector
• Basic mathematics to assist on decision making in an agricultural enterprise
• Workshops in animal management including experience with dairy, sheep and beef herds
• IT Skills
• Soil Science: understanding the properties of soil and their impact of crop and animal production
• Site Visits e.g. National Ploughing Championships

About the Course
The students attend both Cork Institute of Technology and Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College throughout the course.

• In Year 1, students typically spend four days in Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College and one day in CIT.
• In Year 2, students typically spend two days in Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College and three days in CIT.
• In Year 3, students typically spend five days in CIT.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 15 weeks work placement in Year 2 in an agriculture related business. It will involve a set of agreed objectives for your placement, as well as the assistance of a person on site and a member of the academic staff at Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College or CIT. Students can travel on work placement to international destinations such as New Zealand, Australia, USA, or UK. It is a fantastic opportunity for students to travel and learn simultaneously. Placement can also be organised in Ireland.

Expand+What level of Business is involved in the course?
The programme is taught using one third business modules and two third agriculture or science related modules.

Do I have to be a farmer to study Agriculture?
No. The course has access to the far...

Hide-What level of Business is involved in the course?
The programme is taught using one third business modules and two third agriculture or science related modules.

Do I have to be a farmer to study Agriculture?
No. The course has access to the farm resources at Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College necessary to complete the programme.

What are my other career prospects if I don’t want to go into farming?
Graduates can progress to complete the one year add-on BSc (Honours) in Agriculture or pursue employment opportunities with agricultural related business, e.g. sales representative, quality control and production manager.

Are there travel opportunities?
Each year, students undertake placement opportunities overseas, e.g. with large dairy farms in New Zealand. Graduates have travelled abroad to continue their career in agriculture.

CAO Points in 2015 Round 1
CR 010 360*
*Please note that the points above were calculated under the Pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale. Points for entry in September 2017 will be calculated under the new Leaving Certificate grading scale. Details of the new grading scale can be found at www.transition.ie

Expand+Further Studies
For details, see http://business.cit.ie

Suitably qualified graduates are eligible to apply for entry to the one year add-on

> Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture (Level 8)

Graduates of the programme can also pursue...

Hide-Further Studies
For details, see http://business.cit.ie

Suitably qualified graduates are eligible to apply for entry to the one year add-on

> Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture (Level 8)

Graduates of the programme can also pursue specialisations in Agriculture with other Higher Education Institutes in Ireland and overseas.

Career Opportunities
The course develops farming, business and management skills to enable graduates to follow careers as successful commercial farmers or in the agri-business sector. It will provide graduates with the skills they will need to be able to participate actively in policy decisions – whether they are local, regional or international – which will influence their profession and its role in a modern economy.

Potential Areas of Employment
• Farm Manager
• Agricultural Consultant
• Sales Representative
• Retail Management