Access Course for Higher Education – Matures

Aims

The Access Course is a 1 year full-time/part-time daytime/evening course that aims to provide mature students, aged 22 or over, with the opportunity to prepare, personally and academically, for an undergraduate course of full-time study of at least three years duration at NUI, Galway. The course is designed to meet the learning needs of the adult student; to provide individual attention and assistance where appropriate.

Intended for

The Access Course is designed specifically for people who may not have the conventional educational requirements and/or who come from socio-economic backgrounds that are under represented at third level. The aims of the course is to enable students to acquire the skills, knowledge and confidence to compete on an equal footing with those students who enter NUI Galway through the conventional entry channels. Currently there are programmes running at the following Access centres:

1. Galway (Campus, NUI Galway)
2. Ballinsloe
3. An Ceathrú Rua (Outreach bi-lingual programme)
4. Sligo (St. Angela’s College, Lough Gill)

What are the course objectives?

• To expose Access students to introductory 'taster' courses at University level which will relate to their interests and their future subject choices which will enable them to make subject choices which are related to their ability. (For example: making students aware of the special difficulties and demands involved in choosing language courses)
• To ensure that the abilities of Access students are recognised and appropriate supports are given to them within the programme
• To ensure that Access students acquire the necessary writing and study skills which will enable them to maximise their full academic potential at NUI Galway
• To create an understanding amongst Access students regarding the skills and discipline necessary to manage time at University
• To ensure that Access students have a working knowledge of Information Technology

How is the course organised?

It is a 20 week full-time or par-time course over a full academic year, normally September - May.

What are the subjects?

Course Content The course content consists of two supporting elements: core subjects and academic options.
Core subjects include Study Skills, Applied Writing, Information Technology, and Educational Guidance.

Academic Options: provide students with introductory university courses as a prelude to continuing their studies to a higher level. Students generally study four options (two per semester) from the following subjects *:

• College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies: Philosophy, Sociology, History, Irish, English, Mathematics, Geography
• College of Science: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• College of Engineering & Informatics: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• College of Business, Public Policy and Law: Economics/Accountancy, Mathematics

Assessment

The criteria for successful completion of the Access Course involve satisfactory attendance and performance in all elements of the programme, which include written / oral assignments and essays. Students’ academic progress is measured through a process of continuous assessment - written and oral - as well as end of term examinations.

Award

Participants who successfully complete the Access Course will receive a Diploma in Foundation Studies from NUI Galway, and will be eligible to apply for direct entry (via the CAO) to full-time University degree courses* in the faculties of College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies; College of Science; College of Engineering & Informatics; College of Business, Public Policy and Law: (* in certain instances, interviews with the Department / College Head may also be required).

Costs

Course costs for those selected are borne by the University, contingent upon funding.
Further Enquiries to: access@nuigalway.ie