Universities in Ireland have agreed to reduce the number of courses on the Central Applications Office (CAO) list that pupils can apply to.

The decision of the academic councils of all seven universities indicates plans to reform the Leaving Certificate - which are aimed at decreasing the pressures of the points system - now have one less obstacle to pass, the Irish Independent reports.

It is anticipated that rather than limiting choice, such a move would represent a step away from over-specialisation when people enter college, with first-year students enrolling on courses that are much more broader-based.

The second year - or even later - will then see more focus placed on specialisation.

Students currently have more than 1,400 courses to choose from, but the changes should result in considerable reductions in the number of honours degree programmes available, as well as the amount of level eight programmes in business, science, engineering and arts.

Written by Donal Walsh

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