Michael Kelly

There has been a slight upturn in the number of Leaving Certificate points required to study Theology and Religious Education, indicating a higher demand for courses than in recent years.

At Maynooth, the number of points required for Theology and Arts has risen by 20 from last year to 335. The number of points for pure Theology has risen by 10 to 310. At Dublin's All Hallows, Theology and Philosophy has risen from 280 to 295, while demand for Theology and English literature is also up pushing points up by 30 to 340. At nearby Mater Dei in Drumcondra, Education, Religion and English (aimed at second level teachers) has increased marginally from 410 to 415, while Irish studies and Religion has risen from 310 to 330.

Demand is also high for places in the country's largest Catholic college, Mary Immaculate College in Limerick. The liberal arts has increased by 10 to 405, while Early Childhood Care and Education has increased from 360 last year to 270 this year.