Information for PRospective Students

What can I study?
A wide range of part-time programmes are on offer. These cover a variety of different subject areas such as English Literature, Archaeology, Irish Music Studies, Business Studies and Management, Information Technology, Technology Management, Social Care, Languages, Community Development, Training and Education, Science and Technology Studies. Many of these programmes lead to a recognised NUI award, a Certificate, a Diploma, a Degree or Masters.

The programmes on offer vary in terms of level of award (whether Certificate, Diploma or other) and also in duration. Certificate programmes usually last 1 year. A Diploma programme usually lasts 2 years, a Degree programme can take 4 years, while a Masters can take 2 to 3 years to complete. The prospectus introduces you to the range of programmes available and gives contact details for all programme coordinators. If you are unsure about the best programme for your needs or you would like to find out more information, you can contact the relevant course coordinator directly.

We also run a series of short liberal education courses extending across a wide range of disciplines, which do not lead to an award. These short courses consist of 8-10 weeks of lectures in areas such as Philosophy, Art History, Creative Writing, Film Studies,  English Literature, Environmental Studies and many others.
Classroom Based

How and where do I study?
Adult education programmes are offered in different ways at NUI Galway. As an adult learner you can study on a part-time or a full-time basis. This website concentrates mainly on the part-time courses available in NUI Galway; however, if you are considering returning to full-time education, check out the Mature Students section of the website for some introductory information.

Classroom-based programmes
Classes for most part-time programmes take place in the evenings or at weekends, while a small number of part-time programmes are offered during the day. We have both Classroom-based and Blended learning programmes. For our Classroom-based programmes you attend lectures each week in NUI Galway or at our outreach locations.
As well as the time spent in the classroom, you also spend time studying on your own and completing assignments.

Blended-learning programmes
Certain programmes are taught using Blended learning, which allows students to study at times that suit them best. Blended learning is simply an extension of what was traditionally called distance learning. It is a combination of self-instructional learning materials, traditional face-to-face lectures and workshops, online discussions, self-assessment activities, assignments and formal examinations. Students who enrol on a Blended learning programme receive a set of self-paced, self-instructional learning materials, in hard copy. This material is also available online over the Internet using our designated learning portals.

When a Blended learning programme involves online activities, e-tutors are assigned to each module and are available to provide help and feedback on your online classroom activities. It is also possible to discuss course topics with other students on a virtual discussion board. You don’t need to have IT skills when you enrol on a Blended learning course; course tutors and the programme coordinator will provide training and support when you commence the programme. Course fees generally cover tuition costs and all course materials. However, for certain programmes, you may be required to purchase additional textbooks.

How long does it take and what award do I receive?
We are conscious of the many demands placed on adult learners and as a result all new courses are developed on a modular basis. This means that students are provided with manageable amounts of learning, to enable them to combine their work and family commitments with their studies.  As a general rule, it is recommended that students on programmes taught in a classroom spend at least one hour studying or researching at home for every hour spent in class. This may increase coming up to examination time.

Certificate programmes typically require you to attend classes one evening per week for one year. Diploma programmes typically require you to attend classes one or two evenings per week for two years. On many programmes you can receive a Certificate when you successfully complete the first year, and you then have the option of continuing on to complete the Diploma programme in the second year. Degree programmes continue over 4 years and require a high level of commitment from students. As a degree student you are required to attend classes up to three times per week with occasional classes scheduled for Saturday mornings.  Masters programmes, a number of which are available on a part-time basis, vary in duration and attendance  requirements vary with the mode of study involved. However, most Masters programmes take 2 to 3 years and you must submit a research dissertation in the final year.

The amount of study time involved in a Blended learning programme depends entirely on the individual student.  Students complete each module at their own pace. Students must also allow time to complete assignments. Most Blended learning programmes involve attendance at workshops or Classroom-based lectures at different stages during
the academic year. The number and duration of these activities tend to vary across the different programmes. 

Applying for a part-time programme
The part-time programmes offered by the University vary each year. Many courses are offered on a cyclical basis, every two to four years while others accept students on an annual basis. If you are interested in any of the programmes listed in this booklet, contact the relevant programme coordinator to ensure that your chosen programme is on offer this year.

Assessment and examinations
Assessment is required for all programmes that lead to a Certificate, Diploma, Degree or a Masters. Course assessment is generally a combination of continuous assessment, including written essays, written examinations, projects or practical assignments, for example, field trips. Some programmes that do not lead to an award, for example, the short, non-accredited courses, do not involve any assessment.

But I never completed the Leaving Certificate…
Don’t let that stop you. At NUI Galway, we have designed courses for adults with limited prior education who would like to enter mainstream University programmes. These Returning to Learning courses provide an alternative pathway to third level education for those whose background education was limited by socio-economic circumstances and/or educational disadvantage, but who want to continue their education at third level, on either a full-time and or a part-time basis.

If you have a limited educational background, check out the Returning to Learning courses found on this website.  These programmes provide students with introductory-level University courses as a starting point to continuing their studies to a higher level at NUI Galway.  Participants who successfully complete the Access programme are eligible to apply for direct entry to full-time University degree courses in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, College of Science, College of Engineering and Informatics and the College of Business, Public Policy & Law.

A similar Foundation course in Science, Technology and Engineering and another in Business Studies is offered in conjunction with the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. These courses are particularly valuable as a preparatory course for students interested in progressing to further studies in Science, Engineering, Information Technology or Commerce.

Ongoing student support
Many of the students registering for adult education programmes may have been away from formal education for some time. Students sometimes doubt their own ability to succeed or find submitting assignments and doing
written examinations a very daunting prospect. 

The staff at the Adult and Continuing Education Office are very aware of these anxieties and our lecturers and tutors are conscious of the difficulties that students experience in returning to education. They are fully supportive and are there to assist you in any way possible. Help is there when you need it - all you have to do is ask. 

Additional study, examination techniques, applied writing, reading skills and memory technique workshops are generally offered to students on our Diploma and Degree programmes. These are provided outside of regular class hours and assist students in preparing course assignments and preparing for end of semester examinations. While
these workshops are optional, students are encouraged to attend as many as possible, particularly during the first year of their study programme. Students who attend these workshops regularly comment on how useful the workshops are, particularly in providing valuable study tips and techniques.

Making your decision
If you decide to enrol on a Certificate, Diploma or Degree programme, it will require immense time commitment on your part. There is also a financial commitment; as well as your tuition fees, you need to consider the cost of course materials in some cases, childcare expenses, time off work and other general associated costs.  It is important that you spend time researching the options available and exploring the course most suited to your educational needs.

You might want to consider some of the following when you are making your choice:
•  Research which course suits your talents, experience and interests before you begin studying
•  Consider what pace of study, full-time, part-time or modular, suits your needs best
•  Read the relevant section of this information booklet
•  Contact the programme coordinator listed if you require further course details or perhaps set up an appointment to meet them if you wish to discuss the programme in person
•  Attend any information evenings that are provided by the Adult & Continuing Education Office on its programmes. Information evenings for entry in September of each academic year usually take place from April to June of that year.
• Check programme entry requirements – while there are no formal educational entry requirements for many of our courses, certain programmes may require candidates to have some work experience in the area of study, partake in an informal interview or perhaps meet the University’s mature student entry criteria.
• As each programme varies, you are advised to contact the coordinator for specific details or contact the Adult & Continuing Education Office by telephone on (091) 492062 or by e-mail: adulteducationnuigalway.ie.

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