There IS little justification for institutes of technology providing degree programmes in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, says the adjunct professor of UCD's agriculture faculty, Dr Liam Downey. UCD should instead join with these institutions to provide degree programmes, he says.

He suggests that institutes of technology and Teagasc colleges should provide basic science, animal and crop components of agricultural education. Students could then progress to UCD for the "more advanced dimensions of degree and postgraduate programmes". This year, Teagasc colleges have linked up with institutes of technology for the first time, to offer a variety of courses, available through the CAO.

For instance, in Blanchardstown IT, there are two national diplomas in horticulture, offered in association with the Salesian Collge of Horticulture, Warrenstown, Co Meath, and the College of Amenity Horticulture, Botanic Gardens, Dublin. Cut-off points for entry 2001 were 255 and 280 respectively.

The admission literature states the college's intention of offering an add-on degree in horticulture, subject to HETAC accreditation. The college director Dr Mary Meaney says this is in line with the college ethos of access, transfer and progression.

"I think it's appropriate, given the large level of interest in the national diploma in horticulture, that students should be given the opportunity to progress to degree level.

" I have no problem if UCD would recognise the diploma and guarantee that our students were able to progress.

"But UCD should not be allowed to have a monopoly on degree provision (in horticulture and agriculture)," says Meaney.

The new programmes began this year and progression issues are unlikely to worry students until 2003. At present, UCD does offer transfer routes for national or institute of technology certificate and diploma holders on a competitive basis and subject to certain minimum academic requirements.

There is no automatic transfer route. Progression to add-on degrees in institutes of technology is also subject to academic attainment. Usually a merit in a national or institute of technology diploma is required although this may be waived if a candidate does a year's approved work experience.