Record number of college applications this year

A record number of students have applied for third level courses this year - up by more than 12% on the 2008 figure.

A quarter of applicants have put arts as their first choice - while there has been a significant decline in the numbers seeking places on construction-related courses.

The Higher Education Authority says it expects more college places than ever before will be offered this autumn - with two out of every three 18-year-olds going on to study at third level.