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.
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.
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.
ECTS weighting: 30 ECTS
Average intake: 20
Closing date: End of May each year
NFQ level: 6
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.
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
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.
Find out more
Access Programme Coordinator
091 493553
access @nuigalway.ie
Adult and Continuing Education - NUI Galway, Access Office www.nuigalway.ie/adulteducation
Fees for this course
Course costs for those selected to attend the course are borne by the University, subject to sufficient funding being available.
Current Students
Gavan O'Sullivan
MSc in Technology Management
"...offered both flexibility and structure by setting out a clear timetable from the very start of year 1, which outlined the content of the modules and the examination methods. Module assessment enabled me to analyse and improve on everyday work practices, in addition to opening discussions with company employees and managers. The overall course content was sufficiently comprehensive to greatly help me s set up my own technology led company..."