What do they really need to know? Mathematics requirements for incoming engineering undergraduates

Engineering programmes in Irish universities have a minimum mathematics requirement for all incoming students. At least 55% in Higher Level Leaving Certificate mathematics (the final examination after secondary school) is required in order to enter an accredited honours engineering degree programme. However, in recent years, a wide variety of practices have developed to allow students who have not obtained the necessary mathematics grade a second chance to enter into such programmes. These practices range from one-off mathematics examinations offered by individual universities to summer schools or bridging years to allow students an opportunity to improve their mathematical skills, and the initiatives have been of mixed success. Previous research undertaken in the Dublin Institute of Technology has shown that the greatest predictor of successful completion of first year for an engineering undergraduate is their incoming mathematics level. Therefore, with the ultimate aim of establishing the minimum level desirable for new entrants into engineering programmes, we compare the Irish situation to the approach taken in other countries with equivalent engineering qualifications. We explore some of the various “secondchance” mechanisms on offer in other countries, with a view to attracting as many students as possible into engineering programmes while maintaining necessary standards.