THIS MORNING, MORE than 76,000 people will discover what third-level institution they will be accepted into.

Framed as one of the biggest decisions of their lives, 43,989 Leaving Certificate students applied to the CAO to gain entry into various degrees and other courses over the summer months.

It will not just be Leaving Cert candidates learning their fate this morning though. Almost 2,300 residents of Northern Ireland and Great Britain have applied for courses across Ireland, while over 13,000 mature applicants will hope to receive an offer in the post.

There are also thousands more presenting FETAC and other further education results and 8,295 people with previous third-level experience. Another 13,000 are using access college programmes, including HEAR (Higher Education Access Route) and DARE (Disability Access Route to Education).

Over the summer, more than 41,000 applicants submitted a ‘Change of Mind’ form to ensure their choice is the correct one for them.

With the collapse of the property boom – and the subsequent recession – the pattern in demand for courses has changed dramatically, with less interest in fields related to the building industry.

The demand for business, agriculture and food courses has all risen, while teaching and pharmacy dropped in popularity.

Science courses have become much more popular since the recession hit in 2008, leaping from 5,477 applications five years ago to 9,496 this year.

This year’s first preferences were:

Arts and Social Science – 16,921

Science – 9,496

Agriculture/Horticulture – 778]

Education – 4,735

Administration/Business – 11,200

Engineering/Technology – 6,429

Architecture – 533

Art and Design – 2,394

Law – 2,126

Human Medicine – 615

Veterinary – 615

Dentistry – 323

Pharmacy – 390

Physiotherapy – 729

Nursing – 5,892

Other healthcare – 1,377

Built Environment – 195

Quinn: Bonus Leaving Cert maths points could continue for three more years

So, how DID Robert do in the Leaving Cert?

In pics: The guy that got 9 A1s and other Leaving Cert students’ results