New data indicates rising confidence levels among students about the prospect of careers in areas related to the construction industry and in law.
Figures released by the Central Applications Office show a significant increase for the second year running, in numbers hoping to begin studying architecture and other construction-related courses in colleges this autumn.
The numbers choosing courses in areas such as law, engineering and technology have also gone up.
This data relates to the course choices students made on the CAO applications that they submitted for this year's 1 February deadline.
It confirms a shift that occurred last year in the choices students were making.
After years of decline, it is clear there is a growing interest in architecture.
Last year the numbers choosing architecture as their first preference rose by 15%, this year it is up again by another 15%.
This year sees a 12% increase in the number of students making law their first choice.
That is on top of a 4% increase last year.
Interest in engineering and technology courses is up by 9%.
The popularity of general arts or science degrees has dropped a little, by just under 3% in each case.
The number choosing nursing also continues to fall.
Also, after years of growing popularity, interest in agricultural and horticultural courses is beginning to wane, with 18% fewer students choosing courses in these areas as their first preference.
