The UCC PLUS+ Programme has been in existence since 1996, it
aims to increase the number of students from socio-economically disadvantaged
background enrolling and graduating from UCC. The programme has three main areas; an outreach
programme focused on increasing the aspirations and attainment of students from
disadvantaged backgrounds, a special admissions route to assist students to
gain entry to UCC and a support programme for students once they enter
UCC. To-date, over 450
students supported by UCC PLUS+ have graduated from UCC, 95% of
these students graduated with honours.
The report documents the successes of students from disadvantaged
backgrounds who graduated from UCC and points to the fact that despite the lack
of requisite points, students nevertheless graduated from the University with
honours degrees and went on to secure graduate employment.
Mr John Higgins, Partner in Charge, Ernst & Young, Cork, “Ernst
& Young are delighted to be in a position to support this programme; the
positive outcomes from the programme ensure that there are talented graduates
from diverse backgrounds available for Ernst &Young to recruit, having a
diverse workforce enriches our company.”
The report examines the career destinations of
students supported by UCC PLUS+ who graduated between 2001 and
2008. The report demonstrates that
high levels of success have been achieved at both undergraduate and
postgraduate levels and this has translated positively into the labour market.
- The retention
rate of UCC PLUS+ students matches that of the mainstream student
cohort.
- 95% of UCC PLUS+
Graduates achieved an honours degree, 15.1% achieved first class honours.
- Since 2004 UCC
PLUS+ students have outperformed and maintained a higher exam
success rate than all other UCC students.
- 72% of the
respondents had engaged or were still engaging in further postgraduate studies.
- 87.7% of
employed graduates are employed within the graduate labour market.
- 95.2% of
respondents felt that the supports they received from UCC PLUS+
contributed to their success at UCC.
For further information on the UCC PLUS+ Programme, and to download the report please go to: http://www.ucc.ie/uccplus/
Pictured at the launch were L-R:
Ms Natasha Underhill, Graduate, Olive Byrne, Programme Manager, UCC PLUS+ Programme and Dr Joey Byrne, Graduate.
Format of the Evening:
President Michael Murphy
will welcome guests to the launch, a number of graduates will speak of their
experience in UCC and post graduation and Mr John Higgins, Ernst & Young
will launch the report.
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