New CAO figures show an increase in the popularity of agriculture as a third-level choice for school leavers. The numbers of those studying farming are up by almost 7 per cent since last year.

But there has been a drop in those deciding to become teachers.

Applications for teaching courses have fallen by 8 per cent since last year, largely due to ongoing cuts in education.

Numbers applying to study medicine are also down by six 6.5 per cent.

But there is welcome news for the government with a 4 per cent growth in the numbers of students choosing science, technology, engineering and maths courses.