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Mature Students Officer

Top 10 Tips

Trish Bourke, Mature Students Officer for NUI Galway

Welcome to the Mature Students website.  My name is Trish Bourke and I am the Mature Students Officer for NUI Galway. Part of my role is to assist prospective mature students with information on application procedures, course criteria and on ways to adjust to University life.

I graduated from NUI Galway as a mature student in 2000 with a BA Honours degree in English and Irish.  Having been through the process of entering and studying as a mature student I have learned much and know many of the highs and lows of student life. It was an honour to be student at NUI Galway and it is only fair to say that without the help of all the support services I probably would have given up many times!

Successfully completing a degree at NUI Galway is the first step to changing your career.  Before contemplating the degree you wish to pursue here are my top 10 tips:

  1. Read the Mature Students Guide carefully so as to see the minimum entry criteria, entry exams and quotas of places along with useful tips on application and finances.
  2. Also read the Undergraduate Prospectus for a detailed explanation of the individual degrees and subjects.
  3. The  Postgraduate Website will give you information on what you can study next after your degree.
  4. If unsure whether a full-time degree is for you try a Foundation Course first or an Access course  http://www.nuigalway.ie/mature_students/courses.html
  5. If unsure what Career you should pursue, try some careers tests at http://www.careerdirections.ie/
  6. Come to the Mature Students Public Information Evening on January 18th and learn more!
  7. Apply through the CAO on-time! Before January 20th for the on-line discount. All applications must be in before Feb 1st. http://www.cao.ie/
  8. Ensure you have registered correctly for any Entry Assessments as outlined in the Mature Students Guide.
  9. Complete your CAO application correctly ticking Mature. Do not be afraid to add all relevant experiences and courses you have participated in that has now lead you to wishing to pursue a degree.
  10. Having a clear career plan will keep you focused, motivated and determined.

See you all in January!!

The Mature Students Office is situated on the ground floor of Áras Uí Chathail  in the Access Centre. Appointments with the Officer are advised.

Contact Tel: 091 492695 or 091 493553 
Email: maturestudents@nuigalway.ie