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Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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About NUI Galway
About NUI Galway
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at NUI Galway
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Alumni, Friends & Supporters
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At NUI Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Diploma in Foundation Studies: Access Course for Higher Education – Mature Students
Course Overview
The Access Course is a 1 year course that aims to provide mature students with the opportunity to prepare personally and academically, for an undergraduate course of full-time study of at least 3 years duration at NUI Galway.
The course is designed to meet the learning needs of the adult student and provide individual attention and assistance where appropriate. Participants who successfully complete the Access Course receive a Diploma in Foundation Studies (Level 6 30 ECTs) from NUI Galway and are eligible to apply for direct entry via the CAO to full-time University degree courses in the Colleges of Arts, Business, Public Policy and Law, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, Science, Engineering and Informatics. In certain instances, interviews with the Department Head or School Head may also be required.
Applications and Selections
APPLICATIONS:
Application Procedure: Application forms can be downloaded from the following address: www.nuigalway.ie/access
Closing Date: End of May each year
Application Fee: Not applicable
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
The criteria for successful completion of this course involve satisfactory attendance and performance in all elements of the programme. Students’ academic progress is measured through a process of written and oral continuous assessment and examinations held at the end of each semester.
This course runs over the academic year from September to May. Personal (home) study is an integral and important part of the course. Students also have the opportunity to attend some undergraduate lectures on campus, by arrangement.
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
There are no specific entry requirements, such as Leaving Certificate or aptitude tests, but typically candidates have a keen interest in reading and learning in general and aspire to continue their education to degree level and/or beyond. Applicants must be 22 years of age or over on January 1st in the year of application.
Additional Requirements
Duration
The course runs over the academic year September to May. Part time students should note that this programme may be delivered on a day or evening basis and includes one Saturday per month.
Next start date
The programme commences in September of each academic year.
A Level Grades ()
Average intake
20
Closing Date
End of May each year
Next start date
The programme commences in September of each academic year.
NFQ level
6
Mode of study
Classroom-based
ECTS weighting
30 ECTS
Award
CAO
PAC code
Course Outline
The course content consists of core subjects and academic options. The core subjects include:
- Study Skills
- Applied Writing
- Information Technology
- Educational Guidance
The academic options provide students with introductory University courses as a prelude to continuing their studies at a higher level. Students generally study four academic options, from the following subjects:
Arts: Philosophy, Sociology, History, Irish, English, Mathematics, Economics
Science/Engineering/IT: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology Commerce: Economics, Mathematics
Celtic Studies: Irish
The exact subjects on offer in a given year may vary, depending on the availability of specialist tutors. There may also be guest lectures in subjects such as Psychology and Archaeology or on other subjects.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
The Access programme prepares students for re-entry to either full-time or part-time education and prepares students for future employment through its educational guidance, study skills and information technology modules.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
€
Fees: Tuition
€
Fees: Student levy
€
Fees: Non EU
€
Course costs for those selected to attend the course are borne by the University, subject to sufficient funding being available.
Find out More
Access Programme Coordinator
Tel: 091 493553
Email: access@nuigalway.ie
About NUI Galway
Founded in 1845, we've been inspiring students for 170 years. NUI Galway has earned international recognition as a research led university with a commitment to top quality teaching.
CONTACT
National University of Ireland
Galway,
University Road,
Galway, Ireland
T. +353 91 524411
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