Mature StudentGuide 2021
Entry & Access Pathways to UL
NOTE: The contents of this guide are for information purposes only and should not be viewed as the basis of a contract between a student and the University. No guarantee is given that courses, fees or regulations may not be altered, cancelled, or otherwise amended at any time.
All enquiries in relation to admission of students on undergraduate programmes should be addressed to:
Academic RegistryUniversity of LimerickLimerickIreland
+353 61 202015
https://www.ul.ie/academic-registry/about/contact-us https://www.ul.ie/academic-registry/
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH
Mature StudentGuide 2021
Entry & Access Pathways to UL
SECTION 1: WELCOME2
we extend a warm welcome
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 3
1 WELCOME 5
2 IMPORTANT DATES FOR ENTRY IN 2021 6
3 MATURE STUDENTS IN UL 8 Mature Student Office 8 Who is considered a Mature Student? 10 What can I apply for? 10 WherecanIgetinformationoncourses? 10 Whataretheentryrequirements? 10 HowmanyMatureStudentsareinUL? 11 Whendocoursesstart? 11 Whatlevelofcommitmentisrequired? 11 WelcomeProgrammeforMatureStudents 11 InformationforMatureStudentparents 13
4 PREPARATORY PROGRAMMES FOR MATURE STUDENTS 15 MatureStudentAccessCertificate 16 MathsforSTEMCertificate 18 QQI/FurtherEducationProgrammes 19 OtherAccessCoursesinLimerick 20
5 MAKING AN APPLICATION 22 Initial steps to consider 23 How to apply 26 Writingapersonalstatement 27 How are applications assessed? 27 CanIdefermyplace? 29
6 COSTS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORTS 30 Programmefees 31 Cost of living 32 Financialsupport 32
7 APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 37
8 LEARNING AND SUPPORT SERVICES IN UL 67
9 MATURE STUDENT PROFILES 71
10 TOP TIPS FROM UL MATURE STUDENTS 76
Table of Contents
SECTION 1: WELCOME4
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 5
Welcome to the University of LimerickULiscommittedtoimproving access to higher education for adults andwewelcomeapplicationstoallofourundergraduateprogrammesfrommaturestudentapplicants.
Maturestudentsonfull-timeundergraduateprogrammesaretypicallystudentswhocommencehighereducationstudies,forthefirsttime,whentheyareaged23orover.Manyadultschoosetostudyincollegeasmaturestudentsforavarietyofreasons.Somearemotivatedbyaninterestincareerdevelopmentorinnewemploymentopportunities,whileothersareinterestedintheirownpersonaldevelopment,orinfulfillingalifelongambitionbyundertakingthird-levelstudy.Whateveryourownmotivation,backgroundorexperience,maturestudentsarehugelywelcomedandvaluedbyeveryoneinUL.
Manyofyouwillbejugglingvariousrolesasyoutakeonyetanotherone-thatofmaturestudent.Manyofyouwillhavebeenawayfromformalstudyforanextendedperiodoftime.Yourtaskmayappeardauntingandwewilldoourverybesttoassistyoubyprovidingasupportiveenvironment.Thisguideisintendedasashortinformationguideformaturestudentswhoarethinkingofreturningtothird-levelstudy.ItdetailssomeofthesupportswhichareavailableinUL,aswellasgivinginformationonhowtogoaboutapplyingtoUL,helpingyoutomakeaninformeddecisionaboutreturningtothird-leveleducation.
Again,averywarmwelcomeisextendedtoyou.ItismysincerestwishthatifyoudodecidetocometoULthatyourexperienceherewillbeanenrichingandrewardingone,andthatultimatelyyouwillachieveyourownpersonalgoalsandwillenjoyanexcitingandfulfillinglearningjourney.
RHONA McCORMACKMature Student Officer
EM021,MainBuilding,UniversityofLimerick 061-213481 [email protected] www.ul.ie/mso Twitter@MSO_UL
1 2 3 4 5 76 8 9 10 11 12 1413
Register with CAObetween5th November 2020 and 1st February 2021.
Rememberto place your course choices in genuine order of preference.
PostallsupportingdocumentationtotheCAOby1st March 2021.
Screening of applications and schedulingofmaturestudentinterviews,wheretheseareheld,takesplacebetween April and June 2021.
If applying for Nursing & Midwifery programmes,youmustapplytowww.publicjobs.ie during the first few weeks of February 2021 in order toregistertositawrittenassessmenttestformaturenursingplaces.The test is usually held in mid-April. See yellow box below*
Input your course choices using the ‘My Application’ facility before 1st February 2021 at 5.15pm.Notethatbecauseofassessmenttestsyoumustapplyby1stFebruaryforthefollowing courses: •LM089Sport&ExerciseSciences•LM100Physiotherapy•LM102Psychology•LM103ParamedicStudies•LM150Nursing(General)•LM152Nursing(MentalHealth)•LM154Nursing(IntellectualDisability)•LM156Midwifery
LateapplicationsbymaturestudentsforsomecoursesinULmaybemadethrough the CAO up to 1st May 2021.CheckwiththeAdmissionsOfficeforprogrammeswhichacceptlateapplications. Note exceptions in Step 2.
1
2 4 6
3 75
SECTION 2: IMPORTANT DATES FOR ENTRY IN 20216
Important datesfor entry in 2021IMPORTANTDATESINBOTHTHECAOAPPLICATION&ULASSESSMENTPROCESSES:
*IfapplyingforLM089,LM100 or LM102,youmustregisterfortheMatureStudentAdmissionsPathwaytest(MSAP)byearly February.The test is usually held in early March.
1 2 3 4 5 76 8 9 10 11 12 1413
MatureapplicantswithfullLeavingCertificateorrelevantQQIawards,whohavealreadymadeaCAOapplication,mayamendtheirprogrammechoices up to 1st July 2021,inordertobeassessedforplacesbasedsolelyontheirLeavingCertificatepointsorQQIaward.MatureapplicantswiththeMSACmayamendtheirprogrammechoicesupto1stJuly2021fordirectentryprogrammesonly.
OffersofplacestomatureapplicantsbasedonfullQQIawardsorLeavingCertificatearemadeattheendofJulyandmid-Augustrespectively.
End August / early September 2021: Orientationforallfirstyearstudents.Studentswillbenotified of the relevant datefortheirprogramme.
Formatureapplicantswhohadappliedby1stFebruary,theCAO‘change of mind’facilitymaybeusedbetween5th and 12th May 2021 to include additional ULprogrammes(otherthanprogrammeslistedinStep2)onyourCAOlist.
Offers of places to matureapplicantsaremadeinRound‘A’,inearly July 2021.
Late August 2021:ULWelcomeProgrammefornewMature Students who have accepted theirCAOoffers.
Early September 2021: Classes commenceforallstudents.
8 10 12 14
This chart is provided as a reference guide only.
9 11 13
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 7
SECTION 3: MATURE STUDENTS IN UL8
Mature Students in ULMature Student Office TheMatureStudentOffice(MSO)ispartoftheStudentAffairsDivisioninULandtheworkoftheofficeisguidedbyacommitmenttoequityofaccessforalltothird-leveleducation.WeaimtosupportallmaturestudentstofullyparticipateinyourstudiesinUL,regardlessofyourbackground,prioreducationalachievementsoryourlifecircumstances.TheofficealsoactsasaguideformaturestudentsastohowbesttousetheservicesandsupportsavailablewithintheUniversity.TheworkandsupportsprovidedbytheMSOfocusprimarilyonsupportingthetransitionofmaturestudentstothird-levelstudiesandtocreatinganinclusiveenvironmentformaturestudentsinUL.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 9
Rhona McCormackMature Student Officer
061-213481 [email protected]
Lucy McGrathOffice Administrator
061-202735 [email protected]
Our main areas of work within this transition period include:• Offeringinformationandadvicetoprospectivematurestudentswhoareconsidering
comingtoULviainformationsessions,outreachvisits,opendaysandpersonalenquiries• Co-ordinatinganddeliveringtheMatureStudentAccessCertificate• Co-deliveringtheMathsforSTEMCertificatewithLimerickandClareEducationand
TrainingBoard• HostingaWelcomeProgrammeforincomingfirstyearmaturestudentsinAugustevery
year• Helpingmaturestudentstoavailofthewiderangeoflearningandothersupportsavailable
intheUniversityofLimerick&connectingmaturestudentswitheachother
TheMatureStudentOfficesupportsmaturestudentswhoareregisteredonfull-timeundergraduateprogrammesinULaswellasstudentsontheMatureStudentAccessCertificate.Itisaplacewherematurestudentscancometotalkandbelistenedto,inafriendlyandempatheticenvironment.TheMatureStudentOfficeislocatedintheMainBuildingontheULcampusinRoomEM019a(nearEdenRestaurant).
Some of the other supports we offer include:• UL40MatureStudentScholarshipScheme(seep32)• MatureStudentCoffeeMornings• Regularemailstoallmaturestudentsadvisingofrelevantevents,deadlinesandsupports
SECTION 3: MATURE STUDENTS IN UL10
Who is considered a Mature Student?Amaturestudentissomeonewhois23yearsofageorolderon1stofJanuaryinthecalendaryearofentrytoafull-timeundergraduateprogramme.
What can I apply for?MaturestudentapplicantscanapplytoanyofUL’sprogrammesuptotheclosingdateof1stFebruary.IndividualswithintheEuropeanUnionmustmakeanapplicationthroughtheCentralApplicationsOffice.Someprogrammesofstudymayacceptapplicationsafter1stFebruary.PleasecontacttheUndergraduateAdmissionsOffice(see below)forfurtherdetails.IndividualsfromcountriesoutsideoftheEuropeanUnionshouldcontacttheInternationalEducationDivision(T: +353-61-202414 F: +353-61-213062 E: [email protected])
Where can I get information on courses?InformationonallundergraduateprogrammesofferedbyULcanbefoundintheULprospectus.Theprospectusisavailableonlineatwww.ul.ie/courses/ or contact the UndergraduateAdmissionsOffice(T: 061-202015 https://www.ul.ie/academic-registry/about/contact-us)foraprintedcopy.
What are the entry requirements?Eachmaturestudentapplicationisconsideredonanindividualbasis.Academicqualifications,workandlifeexperience,motivationandoverallpotentialtobesuccessfulonyourchosenprogrammeofstudyareconsideredandevaluatedfromyourwrittenCAOapplicationandsometimesalsoaninterview.MaturestudentapplicantsarenotassessedforplacesonthebasisofLeavingCertificatepoints.However,ifyouhaveLeavingCertificateresultsand/orarelevantQQILevel5/6award,youmay,ifyouwish,submityourapplicationtotheCAOtobeconsideredforentryunderthesepathways,aswellasunderthematurestudentpathway.
Asamaturestudentapplicant,someprogrammesinULdolookforspecificacademicrequirementspriortoentrye.g.someEngineeringprogrammesrequirematurestudentapplicantstohavehigherlevelLeavingCertificateMathematics,orequivalent.PleaseseeSection7ofthisguideforfurtherinformationonapplicationandassessmentcriteriaforindividualprogrammes.
Ifyoualreadyholdathird-levelqualificationandwishtoapplyforadvancedentrytoUL,orifyouwishtobeconsideredforentryunderUL’sRecognitionofPriorLearningPolicy,seehttps://www.ul.ie/academic-registry/transferring-another-3rd-level-institutionforfurtherinformation.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 11
How Many Mature Students are in UL?ThenumberofmaturestudentsstartinginULcanvaryfromyeartoyear.In2019/20therewereapproximately460maturestudentsregisteredacrossallfouryearsofalldegreecoursesinUL.Thisequatedtoabout5%ofallfull-timeundergraduatestudents.ULreservesupto15%ofplacesonfulltimeundergraduatecoursesformaturestudents,howevernotallcourseswillnecessarilyfilltheseplaces,assomeprogrammesaremorepopularthanothers.
When do courses start?Allfull-timeundergraduateprogrammesinULstartinSeptemberofeachyear.ThemostuptodateinformationontheULacademiccalendarisavailableon: www.ulsites.ul.ie/academiccalendar/
AnacademicyearrunsfromearlySeptembertomidMay.Therearetwosemesters(orterms)ineachacademicyear.Eachsemesterlastsfifteenweeks–twelveteachingweeks,followedbyonestudyweekandthenaperiodoftwoweekswhenexaminationsareheld.
What level of commitment is required?Undergraduateprogrammesrequireasignificantlevelofcommitmentfromstudents.Full-timestudentscanexpecttohavebetween10and20ormoreclasscontacthoursperweek,dependingontheprogrammeyouareenrollingfor.Thesehourscanbemadeupofacombinationoflectures,tutorials,andlaboratoryorotherpracticalsessions.ClassesarescheduledanytimefromMondaytoFriday,between9.00amand6.00pm.Thereforestudentsneedtobeavailabletoattendclassesonafull-timebasis.Inaddition,youcanexpecttodosupplementaryreading,study,projectandassignmentworkoutsideofclasstime.
Welcome Programme for Mature StudentsTheMatureStudentOfficehostsaWelcomeProgrammeformaturestudentseachyearattheendofAugust.Thisprogrammeisheldover2daysandoffersincomingfirstyearmaturestudentstheopportunitytovisittheULcampusinadvanceofthegeneralfirstyearOrientationprogramme.Yougettolearnmoreaboutservicesandsupportsavailabletostudentsoncampus,meetwithothernewmaturestudentsandwithkeysupportpersonnel,andundertakeanintroductiontosomekeylearningskills(e.g.studyskills,writingskills)tokick-startyourlearningjourneyinUL.
SECTION 3: MATURE STUDENTS IN UL12
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 13
Information for Mature Student ParentsManyofyoumayalreadybeparentsbythetimeyoudecidetoreturntothird-leveleducationoryoumaybecomeaparentduringyourtimeincollege.Onewayortheother,itisundoubtedlyasignificantchallengeforanyonetocommittofull-timestudyforanumberofyearswhileparenting,buthopefullyyouwillfindthatitisalsoarewardingandpositiveexperience,bothforyouandforyourchildren,andthatyouwillgettoconnectwithothermaturestudentparentsoncampus.
TherearemanysupportsandservicesavailablewithinULtostudentparentse.g.StudentHealthCentre,Counselling,Chaplaincy,StudentLife(whomanagethechildcarebursaryandcanofferadviceonsocialwelfareentitlements),someorallofwhichmightberelevanttoyouifyouarealreadyaparentorifyoulearnthatyouaretobecomeaparent,dependingonyourparticularneed(medical,emotional,financial).MoredetailedadviceandinformationisalsoavailablefromsourcessuchasCitizensInformation(www.citizensinformation.ie)andtheDepartmentofEmploymentAffairsandSocialProtection(www.gov.ie).
Someofthemostrelevantfinancialsupportsformaturestudents,includingstudentparents,aredetailedinsection6ofthisGuide.TheseincludetheBacktoEducationAllowance,SUSIGrant,StudentAssistanceFund,1916BursaryFund(loneparents,inparticular,areaspecificsub-groupconsideredwithinthe1916BursaryFund),andthechildcarebursaryfromUL’sFinancialAidFund.
SILVER APPLES CRÈCHESilverApplesCrècheislocatedontheULcampusandbothstudentsandstaffcanapplyforplacesinthisfacilityonafirstcomefirstservebasis.Childrencanbefrom13weeksolduptoschoolgoingage(5yearsold).Openinghoursarefrom8.30amto6pmMondaytoFridayfor49weeksintheyear.Themajorityofplacesofferedarefull-timehowevertheydofacilitatepart-time(2/3daysperweek).Fees(as of Jan 2019)are€175perweeklessanygovernmentsubsidy.StudentsmaybeentitledtoapplyforthechildcarebursarythroughULStudentLife(seep35ofthisGuide)forfurtherassistancewiththesefees.Tomakeanenquirypleasecontact E: [email protected]
SECTION 3: MATURE STUDENTS IN UL14
MOTHER AND BABY ROOMThereisamotherandbabyroomoncampusforbothstaffandstudentswhowishtofeed/changetheirbaby.TheroomislocatedintheMainBuilding,RoomE0-010aandaccessisprovidedbyUL’sHumanResourcesDepartment.TheMatureStudentOfficeishappytoreferyouifyouwishtoaccessthisservice.
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE VS ONE PARENT FAMILY PAYMENTIfyouarealreadyonOne-ParentFamilyPayment(OPFP)youwillneedtocalculatewhetheritismorebeneficialforyoutoapplyfortheBacktoEducationAllowance(BTEA)onreturningtoeducationortoremainonyourcurrentpaymentandapplyforastudentgrant.Youshouldfactoryourchild/ren’sageintothisdecisionwhenplanningforincomesupport.IfyouareeligibleforSUSI,youmayreceivethemaintenancecomponentoftheSUSIgranttogetherwithyourOPFP,whereasyoucannotreceivebothBTEAandthemaintenancegrantsimultaneously.However,ifyouarenearingtheendofyourOPFP,BTEAmaybeofgreaterbenefittoyoubecauseitispaidforthedurationofyourprogrammeofstudy.Seehttps://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/social_welfare/social_welfare_payments/back_to_education/formoreinformation.
15UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH
Preparatory Programmes for Mature Students
SECTION 4: PREPARATORY PROGRAMMES FOR MATURE STUDENTS16
Mature Student Access Certificate TheMatureStudentAccessCertificate(MSAC)isaoneyearfull-timepre-degreecoursedesignedformaturestudentswhowishtodeveloporrefreshkeylearningskillsbeforeapplyingdirectlyforadegreecourse.
TheMSACwillfacilitateyoutodevelopcoreskillswhichwillbeveryusefultoyouinthird-level,suchasstudyskillsandITskills,andgivesyouanopportunitytostudyaspecialistsubjectareasuchasHumanities,ScienceorEngineering.YoualsogettoexperiencelifeoncampusinULasafulltimeregisteredstudentbeforecommittingtostudyonafour-yeardegreeprogramme.
The modules offered on the programme include the following:
A. CORE MODULES completed by all participants
1. Mathematics/EngineeringMathematics2. ComputerSkills3. StudySkills4. Educational Guidance
B. ELECTIVE MODULES choose one of the modules below
1. Humanities:History,Politics&PublicAdministration,Sociology,EnglishLiterature;2. Science:Biology,Chemistry&Physics;3. Engineering:IntroductiontoEngineering,ManufacturingTechnologyandComputerAided
Design(CAD).
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 17
PROGRESSION FROM THE MATURE STUDENT ACCESS CERTIFICATEStudentswhosuccessfullycompletetheMSACareguaranteeddirectentryonto17degreeprogrammesinULintheHumanities,Science,EngineeringandBusinessdisciplinesandtoonedegreeprogrammeinMaryImmaculateCollege.TheprogressionopportunitiesavailablearedependentontheelectivemodulechosenbythestudentontheMSAC.Seebelowforalistoftheseprogrammes.
StudentsmustachieveanoverallQCAof2.6oraboveontheMSACinordertosecureaguaranteedplaceonyourchosendegreeprogramme.YoualsohavetheoptionofapplyingonacompetitivebasistoanyotherprogrammeofyourchoiceinUL,outsideofthedirectprogressionlist.
Candidatesmustbeatleast22yearsofage,by1stJanuary2021toapplyforentryinSeptember2021.Therearenostandardeducationalentryrequirementsbutevidenceofamotivationtoprogresstothird-leveleducationisdesirable.EvidenceofEnglishlanguageproficiencymayberequiredwhereEnglishisnotthefirstlanguageofapplicants.
UL programmes to which progression is guaranteed from the MSAC:
Science and EngineeringLM068 Food Science and HealthLM077 AeronauticalEngineeringLM082ConstructionManagementandEngineeringLM093EquineScienceLM115 Chemical&BiochemicalEngineeringLM116 EngineeringLM118 Electronic&ComputerEngineeringLM121 ComputerScienceLM122 CreativeMedia&InteractionDesignLM123 Biological&ChemicalSciencesLM125 PhysicsLM180 Certificate/DiplomainEquineScience
Arts, Humanities and Social SciencesLM002 ArtsMI002 Arts(MaryImmaculateCollege)LM039 Journalism&DigitalCommunicationLM040 European Studies BA/DiplomaArts(Evening)
BusinessLM063 TechnologyManagementLM050 BusinessStudies
SECTION 4: PREPARATORY PROGRAMMES FOR MATURE STUDENTS18
Maths For Stem CertificateLeadingtoQQIMathsforStemLevel5SpecialPurposeAward(5S2246)
ThisprogrammeisofferedbytheFurtherEducationandTrainingDivisionofLimerickandClareEducationandTrainingBoardinpartnershipwiththeUniversityofLimerick(UL).ItisdesignedforlearnerswhowishtoimprovetheircompetencyandknowledgeinmathematicsparticularlyasitrelatestoworkorstudyintheSciences,Technology,EngineeringandMathematics(STEM)disciplines.
TheMathsforSTEMCertificateisrecognisedbyULasequivalenttoHigherLevelLeavingCertificateMathematics(HLLCM)forthepurposesofmeetingtheminimumentrymathsrequirement,formatureapplicants,tocertaindegreeprogrammes.AMeritintheMathsforSTEMCertificateisdeemedequivalenttoaH4inHLLCM,whileaDistinctionisdeemedequivalenttoaH3.
The course content is set out in the Award Specification for the QQI Maths for STEM Award (5S2246)(see:https://qsearch.qqi.ie/WebPart/AwardDetails?awardCode=5S2246).Thefollowingmathematicaltopicsarecovered:
1. MathematicalProficiency2. Number3. SetTheoryandLogic4. Algebra5. Functions and Calculus6. GeometryandTrigonometry7. ProbabilityandStatistics
The Mature Student Access Certificate will facilitate you to develop core skills which will be very useful to you in third-level .
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 19
PROGRESSION FROM PROGRAMMEAllmature-ageparticipantsinthiscoursewhowishtoprogresstoadegreeprogrammeinULarerequiredtoapplyviatheCAOby1stFebruaryintherelevantyear.AchievementoftheminimumrequiredgradeintheMathsforSTEMCertificatedoesnotguaranteeparticipantsaplaceonarelevantdegreeprogramme.Participantswillstillbeassessedonacompetitivebasis,asnormalforallmatureapplicantstoUL(seeSection7ofthisGuide).
PROGRAMME DELIVERYThecourseisdeliveredviablendedlearning.ClassestakeplaceinUL’sAccessCampusonWednesdayevenings.Anadditionalthreehoursofonlinelecturecontentandmaterialswillalsobedeliveredeachweek.ParticipantsonthecourseareregisteredlearnersofLimerickandClareEducationandTrainingBoard.
Applicant requirements for entry in September 2021:• Mature-ageapplicantsmustbeaged22yearsorolderby1stJanuary2021.• HoldaminimumofaDistinctioninaQQI/FETACmathsawardatLevel4oraPassin
OrdinaryLevelLeavingCertificateMathematicsorequivalent• HavegoodITskillsandgoodEnglishlanguageskills
QQI / Further Education ProgrammesCompletingafurthereducationprogrammeisanotherexcellentwayofpreparingyourselfacademicallybeforeprogressingontoafull-timedegree.ULhasdevelopedanumberofentryroutestothefirstyearof14ofourdegreeprogrammesforstudentswhohaveachievedarelevantQQIaward.TheseentryroutesaretoprogrammesintheHumanities,Nursing,LawandBusinessdisciplines.
FurtherinformationontheseQQIlinkedprogrammesisavailablefromtheUndergraduateAdmissionsOfficeatT: 061-202015 https://www.ul.ie/academic-registry/about/contact-us or on https://www.ul.ie/academic-registry/prospective-students/pathways-ul
SECTION 4: PREPARATORY PROGRAMMES FOR MATURE STUDENTS20
Other Access Courses in LimerickBothMaryImmaculateCollege(MIC)andLimerickInstituteofTechnology(LIT)alsoofferaccesscourseswhicharedesignedspecificallytopreparematurestudentsforentrytothird-leveleducation.MICoffersthreecourses:
• Pre-UniversityProgramme• FoundationCertificateforMatureLearners• TeacherEducationAccessProgrammeforMatureLearners
FurtherinformationonthesecoursesisavailablefromtheMICAdmissionsOffice, T: 061-204348, E: [email protected]
LimerickInstituteofTechnologyoffersoneaccesscourse:
• CertificateinTransitiontoHigherEducation(FoundationProgramme)
FurtherinformationonthiscourseisavailablefromtheLIT’sFlexibleLearningDepartment, T: 061-293802,E: [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 21
returning to third-level study
SECTION 5: MAKING AN APPLICATION22
Making anApplication
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 23
Initial steps to consider ThereareanumberofkeystepswhichareadvisableformaturestudentstoundertakepriortomakinganapplicationforanundergraduateprogrammeinUL.
1. RESEARCH PROGRAMMES OF INTEREST HavealookattheULprospectus(availableonlineatwww.ul.ie/courses/ orrequestaprintedcopyfromtheUndergraduateAdmissionsOfficeT: 061-202015)toseethevarietyofprogrammesonofferandthinkaboutwhatarea(s)areofmostinteresttoyou.Taketimetolookatthedetailofprogrammesandnotjustthetitles,astheinformationthetitleprovidesyouwithcanbelimited.Lookathowaprogrammeisstructured,whatsubjectsaretaught,whethertherearespecificentryrequirements(suchashigherlevelLeavingCertificateMathsforEngineeringprogrammes),andwhatcareeroptionsareavailableafterwards. Ifyouareinterestedinwhereaparticulardegreemaytakeyou,havealookattheUsingYourULDegreepageontheCooperativeEducation&CareersDivisionwebsite (www.ul.ie/cecd/students/careerservices/options).
2. EDUCATIONAL GUIDANCE ‘Guidance’referstoarangeofactivitiesdesignedtoassistpeopletomakeappropriatelearningchoices.Itcanbeveryusefultomeetwithaguidancecounsellortotalkthroughyourlearningoptionsbeforemakingyourapplication.Aguidancecounsellorcanhelpyoutoidentifythewiderangeofopportunitieswhichareopentoyouandcanhelpyoutoconsideryourdecisiontoreturntothird-leveleducationfromaholisticperspectivee.g.Haveyoutakenintoaccountthekindsofsupportyouwillneedathome?Haveyoulookedatpossiblepart-timeoptions?Haveyoufullylookedatthefinancialimpactofreturningtostudy?Haveyouconsideredstudyoptionsavailableindifferentcolleges? TheUniversityofLimerickhasadedicatedCareersAdviserformaturestudents.PatsyRyanworkswiththeCooperativeEducationandCareersDivisionandmaybeavailable,outsideofacademictermtime,tomeetwithoradviseanyprospectivematurestudentwhoisconsideringapplyingtoUL. PatsycanbecontactedatT: 061-234227 or E: [email protected]. AdultEducationGuidanceServices(AEGS)arealsoavailableinmostcountiesinIrelandandprovideguidanceandinformationservicestovariousdesignatedclientgroups.Seewww.aegai.ieforcontactdetailsforyournearestservice.AEGSinformationservicesaregenerallyopentomembersofthepublic.
SECTION 5: MAKING AN APPLICATION24
3. OPEN EVENINGS & INFORMATION SESSIONS ULhostsanumberofOpenDaysduringtheyear.OpenDaysin2020/21willtakeplaceonThursday15thandFriday16thOctober2020andSaturday16thJanuary2021.ProspectivematurestudentsareencouragedtoattendtheseeventsastheyprovideanopportunitytomeetwithteachingandsupportstaffworkinginULandtolearnmoreaboutthevariousprogrammesonoffer.ChecktheMatureStudentOfficewebsite(www.ul.ie/mso)forfurtherdetails or www.ul.ie/courses/ul-open-day. SomeeveninginformationsessionsarealsoofferedbytheMatureStudentOffice,usuallyinApril,tohelpmatureapplicantstoprepareformaturestudentinterviews.Detailsareupdatedon www.ul.ie/mso.
4. COMPLETE AN ACCESS COURSE OR OTHER PROGRAMME OF STUDY IfithasbeenalongtimesinceyousatyourLeavingCertificate,orifyoudidn’tcompleteyourformalschoolingwhenyouwereyounger,itcanbeagoodideatoconsiderdoingsomepreparatorystudybeforeapplyingforadegreeprogramme.Bydoingthis,youwillgetanopportunitytobuildupyourconfidence,particularlyinrelationtoyourlearningskills.Itcanalsogiveyoutheopportunitytoexperiencethecommitmentrequiredtoundertakestudyonafull-timebasis. Usefulcoursestoundertakebeforeapplyingfordegreeprogrammescanbethird-level‘access’courses,suchasUL’sMatureStudentAccessCertificate;QQIprogrammes(offeredbypost-leavingcertcollegesoradulteducationcentres);orLeavingCertificatesubjectswhichcanbestudiedforeitherindependentlyorthroughyourlocaladulteducationcentreorVTOSprogramme. ULhasalsodevelopedanumberofentryroutestothefirstyearof14degreeprogrammesforstudentswhohaveachievedarelevantQQIaward.TheseentryroutesaretoarangeofprogrammesintheHumanities,Nursing,LawandBusinessdisciplines.Theinformationonthelinkedprogrammesinthesedisciplinesmaybeusefultomaturestudentswhoareconsideringundertakingsomepreparatorystudybeforestartingonadegreeprogramme. FurtherinformationontheseQQIlinkedprogrammesisavailablefromtheUndergraduateAdmissionsofficeatT: 061-202015 https://www.ul.ie/academic-registry/about/contact-us or on https://www.ul.ie/academic-registry/prospective-students/pathways-ul
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 25
5. COMPUTER SKILLS Beingcomfortableusingcomputersbeforeyoustartonadegreeprogrammewillmakeyourlifesomucheasier!Computerskillsreallyare‘lifeskills’whenitcomestostudyinginthird-level.Itishighlyrecommended,ifyoudonotcurrentlyhavegoodcomputerskills(e.g.familiaritywithusingemail,theinternet,Word,andExcel),thatyouundertakeabasiccomputerskillscoursebeforestartingyourdegreeprogrammeastheskillsyoudevelopwillbeinvaluabletoyouduringyourtimeatULandwillgiveyoumuchmoreconfidencewhenstartinginfirstyear.
6. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS English Language Requirements: FormatureapplicantsforwhomEnglishisnottheirfirstlanguage,proofofcompetenceintheEnglishlanguagemayberequiredaspartofyourapplicationtoUL.ForfulldetailsregardingacceptablequalificationsandspecificEnglishlanguagerequirementspleaseconsulttheUniversityofLimericklanguagecentrewebsiteatwww.ul.ie/languagecentre.WhereassessmenttestsorinterviewsareheldinEnglishhowever,aspartofthematurestudentapplicationassessment,successinthesemaybedeemedsufficientproofofEnglishlanguagecompetency. Non-EUapplicantstoULshouldapplythroughtheInternationalEducationOfficeat: T: 061-213034 E: [email protected] W: www.ul.ie/international Foreign Language Requirements: MatureapplicantswhoareapplyingforprogrammeswitharequirementtohaveLeavingCertificatelevellanguage,orequivalent,priortoentry,arestronglyrecommendedtospendtimeimprovingtheirlanguageskillsintheyearpriortoentrytothedegreecourse.Thiscanbedonebyattendingrefresherlanguageclassesinlanguageinstitutesoradulteducationcolleges;immersingthemselvesinspeakingthelanguageinthecountryoforigin;orattendingsocialclubsorlanguagecircleswherethelanguageisspoken.Interviewsfordegreeprogrammeswherealanguageisasignificantcomponentofthecourseofstudy,willmorethanlikelybeheldinthelanguagetobestudied.
7. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS Considerthefinancialimplicationsofcomingbacktostudyonafull-timebasisforuptofouryears.Furtherinformationoncostsandfundingareavailableinthenextsectionofthisguide.
SECTION 5: MAKING AN APPLICATION26
How To Apply ALL PROGRAMMESTosubmitanapplicationforconsiderationasamaturestudent,thefollowingstepsmustbecompleted:
• MatureapplicantsmustapplyonlinethroughtheCentralApplicationsOffice(CAO)by1stFebruary2021.
• MatureapplicantsmustindicateintheirCAOapplicationthattheyareamatureapplicant.Theywillbethendirectedtoanadditionalsectionoftheonlineformforcompletion.
• Allsupportingdocumentation(personalstatements,evidenceofqualifications,employmentetc)mustbepostedtotheCAOby1stMarch2021.
See https://www.ul.ie/academic-registry/prospective-students/applying-UL/mature-students forfulldetailsonthesupportingdocumentationrequiredfordifferentprogrammes.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SOME PROGRAMMES • ApplicantstoLM038PsychologyandSociologyarerequiredtosubmitanessaytothe
CAOaspartoftheirsupportingdocumentation.• ApplicantstoLM089SportsandExerciseSciences,LM100PhysiotherapyandLM102
PsychologyarerequiredtoregisterfortheMatureStudentsAdmissionsPathway(MSAP)testbyearlyFebruaryeachyear,withthetestgenerallytakingplaceinearlyMarch.Furtherdetails,includingtestvenues,areavailablefromhttps://msap-ireland.acer.org/. Performanceinthistestistheonlybasisonwhichplacesontheseprogrammesareallocatedtomaturestudents.
• ApplicantstoLM103ParamedicStudiesarerequiredtositanassessmenttest.Furtherinformationontheassessmenttestisavailablefromwww.ul.ie/gems/para.Interviewsarealsoheldforthisprogramme.
• ApplicantstoallNursingandMidwiferyprogrammesmustalsoapplytothePublicAppointmentsService(PAS)www.publicjobs.ie-inordertoregistertositawrittenassessmenttestwhichPASrunsonbehalfoftheNursingandMidwiferyBoardofIreland.Thewrittenassessmenttakesplaceononedateonly,usuallyinApril.PerformanceinthistestistheonlybasisonwhichplacesonNursingandMidwiferyprogrammesareallocatedtomaturestudents.Furtherinformationisavailablefrom www.nmbi.ie/Careers-in-Nursing-Midwifery/How-to-Apply/Mature-Applicants.
Lateapplicationsmaybeconsideredforsomeprogrammesupto1stMay2021,otherthanforallprogrammesabovewhichholdassessmenttests,orprogrammeswhichreceiveasufficientnumberofapplicationsby1stFebruary.
Non-EUapplicantsshouldcontacttheInternationalEducationDivisionT: +353-61-213034 F: +353-61-213062 E: [email protected]
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 27
Writing a Personal Statement Some,butnotall,programmesrequireatailoredpersonalstatementfrommaturestudentapplicants.Apersonalstatementgivesyouanopportunitytoprovideadditionalinformationonwhyyouwishtopursueadegreeprogramme.Thisisyouropportunityto‘sell’yourselfandtoemphasisetheexperienceand/orinterestsyouhavewhicharerelevanttoyourchosencourse.Apersonalstatementisimportant,especiallyifyouareapplyingtoacompetitiveprogrammeforwhichthereisahighdemandforplaces.Insuchcases,ifatailoredpersonalstatement(ifspecifiedasanapplicationrequirement)isnotincludedwithyourapplication,youmaynotbeshort-listedforconsideration.Bespecificandproactivelydemonstratehowyourexperienceoryourinterestsmatchthecourseyouareinterestedindoing.
YourpersonalstatementshouldbenogreaterthanonesideofasingleA4pageandcoverthe following areas:
1. ReasonsforwishingtoundertakeLMXXX.2. Programme’spotentialcontributiontoyourfuturecareerorlifeplans3. Highlightrelevantexperiencesorskillsgainedthroughemployment,voluntarywork,or
personalinterestswhichhavepreparedyoutoundertakeLMXXX.4. Yourknowledgeandunderstandingofthecareerareainwhichyouareinterested5. AnyspecificpreparationyouhaveundertakeninanticipationofcommencingLMXXX.
• Titleyourdocument‘PersonalStatementforLMXXX’• EnsurethatyouincludeyourCAOnumberonyourPersonalStatement
How are Applications Assessed? GENERAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATIONMaturestudentapplicationsareassessedbyacademicstafffromtheprogrammetowhichyouhaveapplied.Eachmaturestudentapplicationisconsideredonanindividualbasis.Academicqualifications,workandlifeexperience,motivationandoverallpotentialtobesuccessfulonyourchosenprogrammeofstudyareconsideredandevaluatedfromyourwrittenCAOapplicationandsometimesalsoaninterview.Applicantsmaybeshort-listedifthenumberofapplicationsreceivedforaparticularprogrammeishigh.PleasebearinmindwhenapplyingthatsomeprogrammesinULmaylookforspecificacademicrequirementspriortoentrye.g.someEngineeringprogrammeswillrequireapplicantstohavehigherlevelLeavingCertificatemathematics,orequivalent.Seesection7forfurtherinformationonapplicationandinterviewassessmentcriteria.
SECTION 5: MAKING AN APPLICATION28
SPECIFIC ASSESSMENT INFORMATIONIn the case of LM038 Psychology and Sociology applicants are assessed on the essay that theyincludewiththeirapplication,aswellasonthequalityoftheirwrittenCAOapplication.For LM089 Sports and Exercise Sciences,LM100 Physiotherapy and LM102 Psychology,applicantsareassessedbasedontheirperformanceintheMatureStudentsAdmissionsPathway(MSAP)test.Thetestisdesignedtoassessarangeofcompetenciesconsideredimportantforsuccessinhighereducationstudies.Thepurposeofthetestistoassessabilitytounderstandandanalysematerial,tothinkcriticallyaboutissuesandtoorganiseandexpressthoughtsinalogicalandeffectiveway.Furtherdetailsareavailablefrom msap-ie.acer.edu.au.
Applicants to LM026 Performing Artsareexpectedtoundertakeaninterviewandauditionaftertheyhavesubmittedtheirapplication.
Applicants to LM099 Architectureareexpectedtosubmitaportfolioofpersonalworkaftertheyhavesubmittedtheirapplication.
For LM103 Paramedic Studies,applicantsarerequiredtositanassessmenttestandattendaninterview.Furtherinformationontheassessmenttestisavailablefrom: www.ul.ie/gems/para.
For LM028 Criminal Justice and LM029 Law Plus,applicantswillbeinvitedtocompleteawrittenassessmentinUL,priortobeingshort-listedforinterview.
For LM076 Product Design and Technology,applicantswhoareshort-listedforinterviewwillberequestedtobringaportfolioofworkwiththem.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 29
Can I defer my place?Astudentwhoisofferedaplacemay,undercertainconditions,deferentryforoneyear.Inordertodeferentry,onreceiptofanofferofaplacefromtheCentralApplicationsOffice(CAO)astudentshould:
• Write/emailimmediatelytotheUndergraduateAdmissionsOfficesettingoutreasonsfortherequest.Mark“DEFERREDENTRY”clearlyontheenvelope/messageline.
• Theletter/emailmustarriveintheUndergraduateAdmissionsOffice,atleasttwodaysbeforethe“ReplyDate”shownontheOfferNotice.Pleasequoteyourname,CAOnumberandcourseintheletter/email.
• ApplicantsshouldnotaccepttheofferthroughtheCAO.• Inordertotakeupthedeferredplace,re-applythroughCAOby1stFebruaryofthe
succeedingyearplacingthedeferredcourseasthefirstandonlychoice,andtickthedeferredindicatorboxontheCAOapplicationform.
Adecisionontherequestwillbecommunicatedtotheapplicant.
Matureapplicantswhochoosenottodefertheirofferofaplace,andwhoapplyforthesameprogrammeagaininafutureyear,cannotbeguaranteedtoreceiveafutureoffer,asoffersofplacesinanyyeardepend,forexample,ontheassessmentcriteriaapplied,andthenumberofmaturestudentplacesavailableontheprogrammethatyearvis-a-visthenumberofapplicationsreceived.
Mature Student Applications are assessed by academic staff from the relevant faculty or programme to which you have applied. Each Mature Student Application is considered on an individual basis.
3030
Costs and Financial Supports
SECTION 6: COSTS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORTS
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 31
Programme Fees Forfull-timeundergraduateprogrammes,therearethreemaincategoriesoffeeswhichapply:
• TUITION FEES• STUDENT CONTRIBUTION CHARGE• STUDENT CENTRE LEVY
TUITION FEES Tuitionfeesforwhichyouareliablearebasedonanumberofcriteriaincludingcitizenship,residency,courseandprioreducation.Typicallyifyouareafirst-timeentranttohighereducation,havebeenresidentintheEUfor3ofthe5yearspriortostartingyourcourse,andyoufulfiltherelevantcitizenshipcriteria,youwillbedeemedeligiblefor“freefees”,i.e.theIrishGovernmentcoversthecostofyourtuitionfees.Tuitionfeesmaynotbepaidforstudentswhoarepursuingasecondundergraduateprogramme,repeatingayearofstudyorwhoholdapostgraduatequalification.
FurtherinformationoneligibilityfortheFreeFeesInitiativeisavailableon www.studentfinance.ie.InformationonthetuitionfeespayableforULcoursesisavailablefromtheULFeesOffice,T: 061-202026;E: [email protected]
Ifyoudohavetopaytuitionfeestaxreliefmaybeavailableforstudentsonapprovedfull-timeandpart-timeundergraduateprogrammes.Programmesmustbeofatleasttwoyearsduration.Toqualifyforrelief,fulltuitionfeesmustbepaidbytheindividualonhis/herownbehalforonbehalfofaspouse,childorpersonforwhomtheindividualisthelegalguardian.Asclaimsshouldbemadeontheindividual’staxreturntotheRevenueCommissioners,proofoffeepaymentmustbesubmittedwithyourclaim.
STUDENT CONTRIBUTION CHARGEAllfull-timeundergraduatestudentsarerequiredtopaytheStudentContributioncharge,eveniftheyareeligibleforfreetuitionfees.ThischargehasbeenEUR3,000forthepastnumberofyears.EligiblestudentsmayapplytotheStudentUniversalSupportIreland(SUSI)tohavethischargepaidontheirbehalf(seeHigherEducationGrantssectionoverleaf).
STUDENT CENTRE LEVYThisannualchargeisEUR92forthe2020/21academicyearandisexpectedtogoupinincrementsofEUR2peryeartoreflectinflation.ItispayablebyallstudentsandisnotcoveredbytheSUSIGrant.Thislevycontributestothedevelopmentofanumberofstudentprojects.See www.ulstudentlife.ie/leave-a-legacy-project/formoredetails.
SECTION 6: COSTS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORTS32
Cost of Living Thecostoflivingassociatedwithbeingafull-timestudentverymuchdependsonyourindividualcircumstances.Typicalcostscanincluderent,utilities,food,travel,booksandmaterials,clothes,medicalcostsandsocialcosts.Asamaturestudentyoumayneedtoalsofactorinadditionalcostssuchasyourmortgage,childcarecosts,familysupportcostsandsoon.
Itisstronglyadvisablethatyouspendsometimeworkingoutthepotentialcostsassociatedwithbeingafull-timestudent.Thefollowingwebsitehasusefultoolsforhelpingyoutoworkoutabudgetbasedonyourindividualcircumstances:www.nca.ie/tools-calculators.
Financial Support Therearearangeoffinancialsupportswhichareavailableforfull-timeundergraduatestudentsinthird-level.Anexcellentsourceofinformationonalloftheseis www.studentfinance.ie.
BACK TO EDUCATION ALLOWANCE TheBacktoEducationAllowance(BTEA)isakeyfinancialsupportformanymaturestudents.TheBTEAallowsqualifyingpersons(whoareinreceiptofcertainsocialwelfarepayments)toretainthosepayments,subjecttoregularmeans-testingwhereapplicable,whilstreturningtofull-timeeducationinapprovedcourses.
Ingeneral,toqualifyfortheBTEAparticipantsmustbeaged21yearsorover,andbeinreceiptofspecifiedsocialwelfarepaymentsforatleastninemonthspriortostartingthefirstyearofanapprovedthird-levelcourse.PersonsawardedstatutoryredundancyunderIrishlegislationmayhaveimmediateaccesstotheBTEAscheme(orwithinoneyear)oftheawardofthestatutoryredundancy,providedanentitlementtoarelevantSocialWelfarepaymentisestablishedpriortocommencinganapprovedcourseofstudy.
FullinformationontheBTEA,andonhowtoapply,canbeobtainedfromyourlocalDepartmentofSocialProtectionOfficeorfrom:www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/353_Back-to-Education-Allowance.aspx
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 33
STUDENT UNIVERSAL SUPPORT IRELAND (SUSI) ThestudentgrantisanotherprimarysourceoffinancialhelpavailablefromtheIrishStateforstudentsonfull-timehighereducationcourses.SupportisavailabletoeligiblestudentsinmostcollegesinIrelandaswellaseligibleIrishstudentsinmanycollegesinNorthernIreland,theUKandotherEUStates.
SUSI–StudentUniversalSupportIreland(www.susi.ie)–istheonlineapplicationsystemforallhighereducationgrantsforfull-timestudents.Foreligiblestudentsthegranthelpswiththevariouscostsofparticipatinginfurtherorhighereducation.Studentsonpart-timecourses,accessorfoundationcourses(inhighereducationinstitutions)andshortcoursesarenoteligibletoapplyforastudentgrant.Asthegrantsaremeans-tested,familyand/orpersonalincomeisakeyfactorthatwillbeassessedwhenyouapplybuttherearealsosomeotherconditions.
Ifyouthinkyouareeligibleforthestudentgrant,youdonothavetowaituntilyoureceiveanofferofaplaceorenrolincollege.YoushouldmakeyourapplicationasearlyaspossibleaftertheAprilopeningdate.YoucanrevieweligibilitycriteriaforSUSIbyusingtheEligibilityReckonerontheSUSIwebsitewww.susi.iewhereyoucanquicklyandeasilyself-assesswhetheryoumaybeentitledtoafullorpartialgrantdependingonyourcircumstances.YouareadvisedtomakeyourapplicationassoonaspossibleasonlywhenyourapplicationhasbeencompletedinfullandsubmittedtoSUSIcanyoureligibilityforfundingbedetermined.
TheSUSIgrantmaycoverthestudentcontributionfeeortuitionfees,ifthesearepayable,andalsopossiblyamaintenancegrant.StudentscannotreceivebothamaintenancegrantandtheBTEA.
STUDENT ASSISTANCE FUND TheStudentAssistanceFund(SAF)providesfinancialsupporttofullorpart-timestudents(otherthanstudentsonaccessprogrammes)whoareexperiencingfinancialdifficultieswhileattendingcollege.TheSAFisdesignedtoprovideasourceoffinancialsupportinadditiontoaSUSIgrantandisavailabletohelpwithcostssuchas:booksandclassmaterials,rent,heatingandlightingbills,food,essentialtravel,childcarecosts,andmedicalcosts.ThisFundismanagedbytheAccessOfficeinUL.
ApplicationstotheFundcanonlybemadeafteryouregisterasastudentinSeptember.TheMatureStudentOfficeadvisesallregisteredmaturestudentswhenthisFundopens.
TheStudentAssistanceFundisfundedbytheIrishGovernmentandpart-fundedbytheEuropeanSocialFundProgramforEmployability,InclusionandLearning(PEIL)2014-2020.
SECTION 6: COSTS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORTS34
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 35
FINANCIAL AID FUND InconjunctionwithULStudentLifeandthePostgraduateStudents’Union,theUniversityadministerstwotypesoffinancialaid.TheFinancialAidFundissupportedbygiftsfromULAlumnithroughtheULFoundation’sAlumniAnnualFundAppealandthroughULStudentCapitation.Thisschemeisdesignedtohelpstudentswhoexperienceshort-termfinancialproblems.Ifthestudentqualifiesforassistance,she/hewillreceiveaninterestfreeloan.Thisloanisrepayableinfullpriortograduation.
Additionally,studentparentswhoareexperiencingfinancialdifficultiescanapplyforaChildcareBursarytosupportthemwiththeirchildcare/child-mindercosts.
Ifastudentisexperiencingfinancialdifficultyandwishestoapplyforeithertypeoffunding,theyareencouragedtocontacttheULChaplaincyService(email [email protected]),theWelfareOfficerintheStudentsUnionortheStudentInformationandSupportCoordinator,email [email protected].
FUND FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES TheFundforStudentswithDisabilitiesallocatesfundingtofurtherandhighereducationcollegesfortheprovisionofservicesandsupportstofull-timestudentswithdisabilities.TheFundaimstoensurethatstudentscanparticipatefullyintheiracademicprogrammesandarenotdisadvantagedbyreasonofadisability.
YoudonothavetobeinfirstyearofacoursetobeeligibleundertheFund.Applicationforthefirsttimecanbemadeonyourbehalfduringanyyearofstudyonanapprovedcourse.AclaimundertheFundismadeonbehalfofaneligiblestudentbyULfollowinganassessmentofneedbytheDisabilitySupportService.ApplicationscannotbemadedirectlytotheFundbystudents.Studentswithdisabilitiesenrolledinpart-timecourses,accessorfoundationcoursesinhighereducationinstitutionsorshortcoursesarenoteligibleforconsiderationundertheFund.
TheFundforStudentswithDisabilitiesisfundedbytheIrishGovernmentandpart-fundedbytheEuropeanSocialFundProgramforEmployability,InclusionandLearning(PEIL)2014-2020.
SECTION 6: COSTS AND FINANCIAL SUPPORTS36
SCHOLARSHIPS DetailsonallscholarshipsavailablewithinULareavailablefromtheULprospectus (www.ul.ie/ courses/about-ul/scholarships).Themostrelevantscholarshipsformaturestudentsarelistedbelow.
• UL40 Mature Student Scholarships TheUL40ScholarshipSchemeformaturestudentsoffers10scholarships,worth€2,000eachasaone-offpayment,tonewentrantmaturestudentsinfirstyearofafull-timeundergraduatecourse.Twoscholarshipsareawarded,inorderofmerit,tostudentspresentingMatureStudentAccessCertificateresultsinthecalendaryearofentrytotheirundergraduateprogramme.Theremainingeightscholarshipsareawardedonacompetitivebasistofirstyearmaturestudents.ApplicationscanonlybemadeafteryouhaveregisteredasastudentinSeptember.Applicationdetailsandeligibilityguidelinesarecirculatedtoallfirst-yearmaturestudentsbytheMatureStudentOffice.
• 1916 Bursary Fund The1916BursaryFund,fundedbytheDepartmentofEducationandSkills,commemoratesthecentenaryof1916aspartofanoverallseriesofmeasurestoencourageparticipationandsuccessbystudentsfromsectionsofsocietythataresignificantlyunder-representedinhighereducation.Bursariesworth€5,000perannumforthedurationofstudiesareavailable.Applicantsmustbeassessedassocio-economicallydisadvantagedtobeeligible.20%ofthe1916Bursariesarereservedforstudentswhoareloneparents.Seehttps://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/1916-bursary-fund/forfurtherdetails.
• University of Sanctuary Bursaries TheUniversityofSanctuaryBursariesofferopportunitiesforthosefromrefugeeandasylum-seekingcommunitiestostudyattheUniversityofLimerick,includingnewmaturestudents.Thebursaryofferssupporttowardsthecostsofhighereducation,includingfeewaivers,ifapplicable.Ifyouareanewentranttofirstyearonanyfull-timeundergraduatecourseinULandmeettheeligibilitycriteria(internationalprotectionapplicantorhavebeengrantedinternationalprotection)pleaseseefulldetailson www.ul.ie/ul-university-sanctuary.
• Uversity Higher Education Scholarships for Adult Learners Uversity’sScholarshipsareintendedtounlockadultlearners’potential.Byprovidingmulti-annualfinancialsupport,Uversity’sScholarshipsaimtoremovethefinancialbarrierstopursueaBachelor’sdegreeforthefirsttime.Scholarshipsarenotlimitedtoparticularsubjectareasandwillenableindividuals23yearsoroldertocompleteaBachelor’sdegreeinoneoftheparticipatinginstitutionsintheRepublicofIrelandorNorthernIreland.Seewww.u-versity.eu/forfurtherdetails.
37UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH
Application and Interview Assessment Criteria
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA38
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM038 BA PSYCHOLOGY & SOCIOLOGY 5 SubmissionofessaywithCAO application
•Prioreducation•Work/lifeexperience•Transferableskills• Essay
Nointerview.Placesawardedonbasisofapplication&essayonly.
LM089 BSC SPORT & EXERCISE SCIENCES
11
N/A
ApplicantsarerequiredtoundertaketheMatureStudentsAdmissionsPathway(MSAP)test.See https://msap-ireland.acer.org/ for test dates, details on how to register and prepare for the test.
Nointerview.PlacesawardedonbasisofperformanceintheMSAP.
LM100 BSC PHYSIOTHERAPY 4
LM102 BSC PSYCHOLOGY 8
LM090 BSC PHYSICAL EDUCATION WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
11 SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM090withCAOapplication
•Prioreducation•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience• Teaching and/or coaching awards• Evidence of desire to do this course•Overallapplicationquality
•Personalinformationandbackground•Knowledgeoftheprogramme•Relevantlife/workexperience•Copingwiththeprogramme
LM091 BA LANGUAGES WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
3 HB3(H3)inoneofthecorelanguages(French/German/Irish/Japanese/Spanish) SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM091withCAOapplication
•Prioreducation–Leavingcertificateperformanceand additional educational/professional qualifications
•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience• Evidence of desire to do this course•Demonstrationofanunderstandingofthenature
and philosophy of languages education•Overallapplicationquality
•Understandingofteachinglanguages as a career
• Evidence of language proficiency•Communicationskills•Relevantknowledgeandexperience•Knowledgeofcourseand
preparedness for third-level
Education and Health Sciences
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 39
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM038 BA PSYCHOLOGY & SOCIOLOGY 5 SubmissionofessaywithCAO application
•Prioreducation•Work/lifeexperience•Transferableskills• Essay
Nointerview.Placesawardedonbasisofapplication&essayonly.
LM089 BSC SPORT & EXERCISE SCIENCES
11
N/A
ApplicantsarerequiredtoundertaketheMatureStudentsAdmissionsPathway(MSAP)test.See https://msap-ireland.acer.org/ for test dates, details on how to register and prepare for the test.
Nointerview.PlacesawardedonbasisofperformanceintheMSAP.
LM100 BSC PHYSIOTHERAPY 4
LM102 BSC PSYCHOLOGY 8
LM090 BSC PHYSICAL EDUCATION WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
11 SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM090withCAOapplication
•Prioreducation•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience• Teaching and/or coaching awards• Evidence of desire to do this course•Overallapplicationquality
•Personalinformationandbackground•Knowledgeoftheprogramme•Relevantlife/workexperience•Copingwiththeprogramme
LM091 BA LANGUAGES WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
3 HB3(H3)inoneofthecorelanguages(French/German/Irish/Japanese/Spanish) SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM091withCAOapplication
•Prioreducation–Leavingcertificateperformanceand additional educational/professional qualifications
•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience• Evidence of desire to do this course•Demonstrationofanunderstandingofthenature
and philosophy of languages education•Overallapplicationquality
•Understandingofteachinglanguages as a career
• Evidence of language proficiency•Communicationskills•Relevantknowledgeandexperience•Knowledgeofcourseand
preparedness for third-level
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA40
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM092 BSC SCIENCE WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION (Biology with Physics or Chemistry or Agricultural Science)
10 HC2(H4)inatleastoneLeavingCertSciencesubjectANDOC2/HD3(O4/H7)inLeavingCertMathematicsorequivalent
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM092/LM096withCAOapplication
•Prioreducation-LeavingCertperformanceandadditionaleducational/professionalqualifications
•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience• Evidence of desire to do this course•Demonstrationofanunderstandingofthenature
and philosophy of science education•Overallapplicationquality
•Understandingofteachingscienceas a career
•Communicationskills•Relevantknowledgeandexperience•Knowledgeofcourseand
preparedness for third-level
Interviewsmaybeconductedinperson or over the phone
LM096 BSC SCIENCE WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION (Physical Sciences with Physics and Chemistry)
3
LM094 BTECH MATERIALS AND ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
10
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM094/LM095withCAOapplication
•Prioreducation,includinganythird-levelqualificationsorothercoursescompleted
•Personalstatement•Preparednessforteaching•Demonstrationofanunderstandingofthenature
and philosophy of technology education
Nointerview.PlacesawardedonbasisofapplicationandPersonalStatement.
LM095 BTECH MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
8
Education and Health Sciences
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 41
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM092 BSC SCIENCE WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION (Biology with Physics or Chemistry or Agricultural Science)
10 HC2(H4)inatleastoneLeavingCertSciencesubjectANDOC2/HD3(O4/H7)inLeavingCertMathematicsorequivalent
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM092/LM096withCAOapplication
•Prioreducation-LeavingCertperformanceandadditionaleducational/professionalqualifications
•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience• Evidence of desire to do this course•Demonstrationofanunderstandingofthenature
and philosophy of science education•Overallapplicationquality
•Understandingofteachingscienceas a career
•Communicationskills•Relevantknowledgeandexperience•Knowledgeofcourseand
preparedness for third-level
Interviewsmaybeconductedinperson or over the phone
LM096 BSC SCIENCE WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION (Physical Sciences with Physics and Chemistry)
3
LM094 BTECH MATERIALS AND ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
10
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM094/LM095withCAOapplication
•Prioreducation,includinganythird-levelqualificationsorothercoursescompleted
•Personalstatement•Preparednessforteaching•Demonstrationofanunderstandingofthenature
and philosophy of technology education
Nointerview.PlacesawardedonbasisofapplicationandPersonalStatement.
LM095 BTECH MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
8
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA42
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM097 BSC MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
4 HC2(H4)inLeavingCertificateMathematicsorequivalentorMeritinQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556)orPassinULSpecialMathsexam
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM097withCAOapplication.
•Prioreducation–Leavingcertificateperformanceand additional educational/professional qualifications
•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience• Evidence of desire to do this course•Demonstrationofanunderstandingofthenatureandphilosophyofmathematicseducation
•Overallapplicationquality
•Understandingofteachingmathematicsandcomputerscienceas a career
•Communicationskills•Relevantknowledgeandexperience•Knowledgeofcourseand
preparedness for third-level Interviewsmaybeconductedinpersonoroverthephone.
LM103 BSC PARAMEDIC STUDIES 12 A valid provisional C1 or fullC1licenceisrequiredpriortoofferofaplaceontheprogramme.ApplicantsmustproduceafullC1licencebytheendofYear1.Penaltypointsmayprecludeprogression.
Please note this is anentry requirement, proof of licences will be requested.
Applicantsarerequiredtoundertakeanassessmenttest.Applicantsarerankedonthebasisofperformanceinthetestandthetop24arecalledtointerview.
See www.ul.ie/medicine/programmes/bsc-paramedic-studies for further details on the test.
•Demonstrationoflifelonglearningthroughexamples
•KnowledgeoftheperceivedattributesofamodernParamedic
•Knowledgeofthemodern Paramedicrole
•Examplesofcalmnessanddecisionmakingunderpressure
•ExamplesofcommonconditionsencounteredbyParamedicsinIreland
•StudentsadmittedtotheprogrammearerequiredtoundergoandsuccessfullycompleteaGardaVetting process and an Occupational Health Clearance
Education and Health Sciences
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 43
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM097 BSC MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTER SCIENCE WITH CONCURRENT TEACHER EDUCATION
4 HC2(H4)inLeavingCertificateMathematicsorequivalentorMeritinQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556)orPassinULSpecialMathsexam
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM097withCAOapplication.
•Prioreducation–Leavingcertificateperformanceand additional educational/professional qualifications
•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience• Evidence of desire to do this course•Demonstrationofanunderstandingofthenatureandphilosophyofmathematicseducation
•Overallapplicationquality
•Understandingofteachingmathematicsandcomputerscienceas a career
•Communicationskills•Relevantknowledgeandexperience•Knowledgeofcourseand
preparedness for third-level Interviewsmaybeconductedinpersonoroverthephone.
LM103 BSC PARAMEDIC STUDIES 12 A valid provisional C1 or fullC1licenceisrequiredpriortoofferofaplaceontheprogramme.ApplicantsmustproduceafullC1licencebytheendofYear1.Penaltypointsmayprecludeprogression.
Please note this is anentry requirement, proof of licences will be requested.
Applicantsarerequiredtoundertakeanassessmenttest.Applicantsarerankedonthebasisofperformanceinthetestandthetop24arecalledtointerview.
See www.ul.ie/medicine/programmes/bsc-paramedic-studies for further details on the test.
•Demonstrationoflifelonglearningthroughexamples
•KnowledgeoftheperceivedattributesofamodernParamedic
•Knowledgeofthemodern Paramedicrole
•Examplesofcalmnessanddecisionmakingunderpressure
•ExamplesofcommonconditionsencounteredbyParamedicsinIreland
•StudentsadmittedtotheprogrammearerequiredtoundergoandsuccessfullycompleteaGardaVetting process and an Occupational Health Clearance
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA44
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM105 BSC IN EXERCISE AND HEALTH FITNESS MANAGEMENT
5 (additionalspacesmaybeavailable
dependant on application numbers)
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM105withCAOapplication
•PriorEducation•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience•HealthFitness/Sportrelatedawards•Personalstatementoutliningwhyyouwanttotakethecourseandhowyouintendtouseit
•Overallapplicationquality
•Knowledge/understandingofcoursecontentandcommitmentrequired
•Personalknowledgeandexperience•Relevantlife/workexperience•Relevantlife/work/professionalcompetencies
LM150 BSC NURSING (General)
8
NA
•MatureapplicantsmustapplytothePublicAppointmentsService(PAS)-www.publicjobs.ie -inordertoregistertositawrittenassessmenttest.ThistestisusuallyheldinApril.
Furtherinformationisavailablefromwww.nmbi.ie/Careers-in-Nursing-Midwifery/How-to- Apply/Mature-Applicants.
Nointerview.Placesawardedonbasisofassessmenttestperformanceonly.
LM152 BSC NURSING (Mental Health)
11
LM154 BSC NURSING (Intellectual Disability)
7
LM156 BSC MIDWIFERY 4
Education and Health Sciences
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 45
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM105 BSC IN EXERCISE AND HEALTH FITNESS MANAGEMENT
5 (additionalspacesmaybeavailable
dependant on application numbers)
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM105withCAOapplication
•PriorEducation•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience•HealthFitness/Sportrelatedawards•Personalstatementoutliningwhyyouwanttotakethecourseandhowyouintendtouseit
•Overallapplicationquality
•Knowledge/understandingofcoursecontentandcommitmentrequired
•Personalknowledgeandexperience•Relevantlife/workexperience•Relevantlife/work/professionalcompetencies
LM150 BSC NURSING (General)
8
NA
•MatureapplicantsmustapplytothePublicAppointmentsService(PAS)-www.publicjobs.ie -inordertoregistertositawrittenassessmenttest.ThistestisusuallyheldinApril.
Furtherinformationisavailablefromwww.nmbi.ie/Careers-in-Nursing-Midwifery/How-to- Apply/Mature-Applicants.
Nointerview.Placesawardedonbasisofassessmenttestperformanceonly.
LM152 BSC NURSING (Mental Health)
11
LM154 BSC NURSING (Intellectual Disability)
7
LM156 BSC MIDWIFERY 4
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA46
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM058 BSC FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS
4 HB3(H3)inLeavingCertMathsorequivalentorDistinctioninQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556) orPassinULSpecialMathsexam SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM058withCAOapplication.
•Demonstratedmathematicalability•Prioreducation•Relevantworkexperience•Personalstatement•Interestinprogramme
Inrarecases,aninformalinterviewmaybescheduledtoclarifyquestionsarisingfromtheapplicationmaterial.
LM063 BSC TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
5 OB3(O3/H7)inLeavingCertificateMathsorequivalent
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM063withCAOapplication.
•Prioreducation- key subject performance (business, engineering, technology / construction) with a proven ability to engage and deliver
•Othercoursescompleted•Interestinprogramme-evidenceofunderstandingwhattheprogrammeinvolves
•Personalstatement-clearlyshowadesiretoreturntoeducation
•Work/voluntaryexperience-candidatetoshowaprovenabilitytobemotivatedtowork.Relevantexperiencetobehighlighted,transferableskillstobenoted
•Preparednessforthird-level,particularlythepaceatwhichdifficultmaterialiscovered
•Relevantknowledgeandexperience
•Communicationskills
Science & Engineering
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 47
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM058 BSC FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS
4 HB3(H3)inLeavingCertMathsorequivalentorDistinctioninQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556) orPassinULSpecialMathsexam SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM058withCAOapplication.
•Demonstratedmathematicalability•Prioreducation•Relevantworkexperience•Personalstatement•Interestinprogramme
Inrarecases,aninformalinterviewmaybescheduledtoclarifyquestionsarisingfromtheapplicationmaterial.
LM063 BSC TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
5 OB3(O3/H7)inLeavingCertificateMathsorequivalent
SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM063withCAOapplication.
•Prioreducation- key subject performance (business, engineering, technology / construction) with a proven ability to engage and deliver
•Othercoursescompleted•Interestinprogramme-evidenceofunderstandingwhattheprogrammeinvolves
•Personalstatement-clearlyshowadesiretoreturntoeducation
•Work/voluntaryexperience-candidatetoshowaprovenabilitytobemotivatedtowork.Relevantexperiencetobehighlighted,transferableskillstobenoted
•Preparednessforthird-level,particularlythepaceatwhichdifficultmaterialiscovered
•Relevantknowledgeandexperience
•Communicationskills
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA48
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM082 BSC CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING
7 N/A •Prioreducation-keysubjectperformance(business,engineering,technology/construction)withaprovenabilitytoengageanddeliver
•Othercoursescompleted•Interestinprogramme–evidenceofunderstandingwhattheprogrammeinvolves
• Evidence of desire to do this course•Work/voluntaryexperience-candidatetoshowaprovenabilitytobemotivatedtowork.Relevantexperiencetobehighlighted,transferableskillstobenoted
•Preparednessforthird-level,particularlythepaceatwhichdifficultmaterialiscovered
•Relevantknowledgeandexperience
•Communicationskills
LM068 BSC FOOD SCIENCE & HEALTH
7 SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM068withCAOapplication.
•Applicationformandpersonalstatement•Evidenceofsufficientabilityinscienceandmathstocompleteprogrammesuccessfully
•Othercoursescompletedandworkexperience
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplicationalone.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.Withinthis,motivationforapplication,relevantacademicandworkexperience,preparedness for third- level educationandcommunicationskillswillbeassessed.
LM076 BSC PRODUCT DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
7 Portfoliosubmission •Demonstrableinterestinprogramme•Understandingofdesignasacareer•Prioreducationandlearninge.g.educationalqualifications,ITskills,transferableskillsetc.
•Portfolioofworkthatdemonstratescreativeand/orproblemsolvingability(e.g.sketches,designedobjects,3Dimensionalwork,photography,TechnicalDrawingsetc.)
• Evidence of desire to do the course
•Demonstrateanunderstandingofthe course
•Evidenceofcreativethinkingandproblem-solvingability
•Relevantknowledgeandexperience
•Preparednessforthirdlevel•Communicationskills
Science & Engineering
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 49
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM082 BSC CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT & ENGINEERING
7 N/A •Prioreducation-keysubjectperformance(business,engineering,technology/construction)withaprovenabilitytoengageanddeliver
•Othercoursescompleted•Interestinprogramme–evidenceofunderstandingwhattheprogrammeinvolves
• Evidence of desire to do this course•Work/voluntaryexperience-candidatetoshowaprovenabilitytobemotivatedtowork.Relevantexperiencetobehighlighted,transferableskillstobenoted
•Preparednessforthird-level,particularlythepaceatwhichdifficultmaterialiscovered
•Relevantknowledgeandexperience
•Communicationskills
LM068 BSC FOOD SCIENCE & HEALTH
7 SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM068withCAOapplication.
•Applicationformandpersonalstatement•Evidenceofsufficientabilityinscienceandmathstocompleteprogrammesuccessfully
•Othercoursescompletedandworkexperience
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplicationalone.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.Withinthis,motivationforapplication,relevantacademicandworkexperience,preparedness for third- level educationandcommunicationskillswillbeassessed.
LM076 BSC PRODUCT DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
7 Portfoliosubmission •Demonstrableinterestinprogramme•Understandingofdesignasacareer•Prioreducationandlearninge.g.educationalqualifications,ITskills,transferableskillsetc.
•Portfolioofworkthatdemonstratescreativeand/orproblemsolvingability(e.g.sketches,designedobjects,3Dimensionalwork,photography,TechnicalDrawingsetc.)
• Evidence of desire to do the course
•Demonstrateanunderstandingofthe course
•Evidenceofcreativethinkingandproblem-solvingability
•Relevantknowledgeandexperience
•Preparednessforthirdlevel•Communicationskills
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA50
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM077 BE AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
6 HC2(H4)inLeavingCertificateMathsorequivalent
or
MeritinQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556)
or
PassinULSpecialMathsexam
•Prioreducation-keysubjectperformance(business,engineering,technology/construction)withaprovenabilitytoengageanddeliver
•Othercoursescompleted•Interestinprogramme-evidenceofunderstandingwhattheprogrammeinvolves
•Personalstatement-clearlyshowadesiretoreturntoeducation
•Work/voluntaryexperience-candidatetoshowaprovenabilitytobemotivatedtowork.Relevantexperiencetobehighlighted,transferableskillstobenoted
•Preparednessforthird-level,particularlythepaceatwhichdifficultmaterialiscovered
•Relevantknowledgeandexperience
•Communicationskills•Understandingofprogramme
LM115 BE CHEMICAL & BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
4
LM116 BE ENGINEERING Common entry with choice (subject to restriction) to pursue defined Degree Options in any of the following:• Biomedical Engineering• Mechanical Engineering• Civil Engineering• Design and Manufacture
25
LM118 BE ELECTRONIC & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
8
LM093 BSC EQUINE SCIENCE 3 HC2(H4)intwoLeavingCertificatesubjectsatleastoneofwhichmustbeclassifiedasasciencesubject
•Relevantworkexperience•Othercoursescompleted• Evidence of desire to do this course
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplication.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.
LM180 CERT/DIPLOMA EQUINE SCIENCE
2 N/A •Evidenceofexperiencestudyingscience•Relevantworkexperience•Othercoursescompleted• Evidence of desire to do this course
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplication.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.
Science & Engineering
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 51
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM077 BE AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
6 HC2(H4)inLeavingCertificateMathsorequivalent
or
MeritinQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556)
or
PassinULSpecialMathsexam
•Prioreducation-keysubjectperformance(business,engineering,technology/construction)withaprovenabilitytoengageanddeliver
•Othercoursescompleted•Interestinprogramme-evidenceofunderstandingwhattheprogrammeinvolves
•Personalstatement-clearlyshowadesiretoreturntoeducation
•Work/voluntaryexperience-candidatetoshowaprovenabilitytobemotivatedtowork.Relevantexperiencetobehighlighted,transferableskillstobenoted
•Preparednessforthird-level,particularlythepaceatwhichdifficultmaterialiscovered
•Relevantknowledgeandexperience
•Communicationskills•Understandingofprogramme
LM115 BE CHEMICAL & BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING
4
LM116 BE ENGINEERING Common entry with choice (subject to restriction) to pursue defined Degree Options in any of the following:• Biomedical Engineering• Mechanical Engineering• Civil Engineering• Design and Manufacture
25
LM118 BE ELECTRONIC & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
8
LM093 BSC EQUINE SCIENCE 3 HC2(H4)intwoLeavingCertificatesubjectsatleastoneofwhichmustbeclassifiedasasciencesubject
•Relevantworkexperience•Othercoursescompleted• Evidence of desire to do this course
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplication.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.
LM180 CERT/DIPLOMA EQUINE SCIENCE
2 N/A •Evidenceofexperiencestudyingscience•Relevantworkexperience•Othercoursescompleted• Evidence of desire to do this course
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplication.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA52
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM099 BARCH ARCHITECTURE 5 Portfoliosubmission+ULMinimumentryrequirementsLink to FAQs and the Procedurefor CAO Leaving Cert, CAO Mature and Transfer Applicants: http://saul.ie/ admissions/undergraduate- students/
Portfolioassessmentcriteria:•Overallcontentandquality•Presentation• Creativity•Potentialabilitytothinklaterally•Writtenstatement
LinktoPortfolioGuidelines:http://saul.ie/admissions/undergraduate-students/
•Portfoliosubmission•Personalinformationandbackground
•Knowledgeoftheprogramme&architecture-related careers
•Relevantlife/workexperience•Transferableskills•Preparednessforcoursedemands•Abilitytocopewithacademicworkload
LM121 BSC COMPUTER SCIENCECommon entry with choice to pursue defined DegreeOptions in any of the following:• Computer Systems• Computer Games
Development• Mobile Communications
and Security
14 EvidenceorcertificationfromanappropriateonlineprogrammingcoursesuchasthoseprovidedbyCourseraorUdacity,etcORQQIlevel5or6qualificationinoneofthefollowingdomains:Web/Internet, Software, Programming, with a minimum of a Distinction grade in the programming components
•Programmingportfolio - related to programming course undertaken
•Mathematicalcompetency•Prioreducation•Work/voluntaryexperience•Personalstatement•Othercoursescompleted•Interestinprogramme
•Discussionofprogrammingportfolio(relatedtoprogrammingcourseundertaken)
•Abilitytocopewithmathematicalconcepts
•Preparednessforthird-levelandassociatedworkload
•Personalinformationandbackground
•Knowledgeoftheprogramme&related careers
•Relevantlife/workexperience
LM122 BSC CREATIVE MEDIA & INTERACTION DESIGNCommon Entry with choice (subject to restriction) to pursue defined Degree Options in any of the following:• Digital Media Design• Music, Media &
Performance Technology
5 N/A •Prioreducation•Othercoursescompleted•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience•Personalstatement•Understandingofandinterestinprogramme&
career plans•Overallapplicationquality
•Personalinformationandbackground
• Good understanding of the programmeandofpotentialfuturecareers
•Relevantlife/workexperience•Transferableskills•Preparednessforthird-level
Science & Engineering
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 53
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM099 BARCH ARCHITECTURE 5 Portfoliosubmission+ULMinimumentryrequirementsLink to FAQs and the Procedurefor CAO Leaving Cert, CAO Mature and Transfer Applicants: http://saul.ie/ admissions/undergraduate- students/
Portfolioassessmentcriteria:•Overallcontentandquality•Presentation• Creativity•Potentialabilitytothinklaterally•Writtenstatement
LinktoPortfolioGuidelines:http://saul.ie/admissions/undergraduate-students/
•Portfoliosubmission•Personalinformationandbackground
•Knowledgeoftheprogramme&architecture-related careers
•Relevantlife/workexperience•Transferableskills•Preparednessforcoursedemands•Abilitytocopewithacademicworkload
LM121 BSC COMPUTER SCIENCECommon entry with choice to pursue defined DegreeOptions in any of the following:• Computer Systems• Computer Games
Development• Mobile Communications
and Security
14 EvidenceorcertificationfromanappropriateonlineprogrammingcoursesuchasthoseprovidedbyCourseraorUdacity,etcORQQIlevel5or6qualificationinoneofthefollowingdomains:Web/Internet, Software, Programming, with a minimum of a Distinction grade in the programming components
•Programmingportfolio - related to programming course undertaken
•Mathematicalcompetency•Prioreducation•Work/voluntaryexperience•Personalstatement•Othercoursescompleted•Interestinprogramme
•Discussionofprogrammingportfolio(relatedtoprogrammingcourseundertaken)
•Abilitytocopewithmathematicalconcepts
•Preparednessforthird-levelandassociatedworkload
•Personalinformationandbackground
•Knowledgeoftheprogramme&related careers
•Relevantlife/workexperience
LM122 BSC CREATIVE MEDIA & INTERACTION DESIGNCommon Entry with choice (subject to restriction) to pursue defined Degree Options in any of the following:• Digital Media Design• Music, Media &
Performance Technology
5 N/A •Prioreducation•Othercoursescompleted•Relevantwork/voluntaryexperience•Personalstatement•Understandingofandinterestinprogramme&
career plans•Overallapplicationquality
•Personalinformationandbackground
• Good understanding of the programmeandofpotentialfuturecareers
•Relevantlife/workexperience•Transferableskills•Preparednessforthird-level
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA54
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM123 BSC BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL SCIENCESCommonentrywithchoice(subjecttorestriction)topursuedefinedDegreeOptions in any of the following:• Pharmaceutical and
Industrial Chemistry• Industrial Biochemistry• Environmental Science• Bioscience
24 HC2(H4)inLeavingCertMathsorequivalentorMeritin QQI Maths for STEM (5S2246/5N0556)andHD3/OD3(O6/H7)ineitherPhysics,Chemistry,PhysicswithChemistry,Engineering,AgriculturalScienceorBiologyOROB3(O3/H7)inLeavingCertMathsorequivalentorPassinQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556)withHC2(H4)inoneofthefollowing:AppliedMaths,Physics,Chemistry,PhysicswithChemistry,Biologyor AgriculturalScienceORTheapplicantmusthavesignificantworkexperience(numberofyears)inanindustryofdirectcorrelationwithPharmaceuticalandIndustrialChemistryor equivalent ORTheapplicanthascarriedoutpostsecondlevelcourses,trainingorpartcompletionofapreviousdegreethatwouldbedeemedequivalentoftheentryrequirementsoutlinedabove
Itmustbeclearfromtheapplicationformandpersonalstatementthattheapplicanthasarealinterestinthecourseandhasdemonstrablebackgroundinachemistryrelatedfieldeitherthroughstudyorworkexperience.
•Interestinprogramme•Aptitudeforprogramme•Numericalskills
Science & Engineering
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 55
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM123 BSC BIOLOGICAL & CHEMICAL SCIENCESCommonentrywithchoice(subjecttorestriction)topursuedefinedDegreeOptions in any of the following:• Pharmaceutical and
Industrial Chemistry• Industrial Biochemistry• Environmental Science• Bioscience
24 HC2(H4)inLeavingCertMathsorequivalentorMeritin QQI Maths for STEM (5S2246/5N0556)andHD3/OD3(O6/H7)ineitherPhysics,Chemistry,PhysicswithChemistry,Engineering,AgriculturalScienceorBiologyOROB3(O3/H7)inLeavingCertMathsorequivalentorPassinQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556)withHC2(H4)inoneofthefollowing:AppliedMaths,Physics,Chemistry,PhysicswithChemistry,Biologyor AgriculturalScienceORTheapplicantmusthavesignificantworkexperience(numberofyears)inanindustryofdirectcorrelationwithPharmaceuticalandIndustrialChemistryor equivalent ORTheapplicanthascarriedoutpostsecondlevelcourses,trainingorpartcompletionofapreviousdegreethatwouldbedeemedequivalentoftheentryrequirementsoutlinedabove
Itmustbeclearfromtheapplicationformandpersonalstatementthattheapplicanthasarealinterestinthecourseandhasdemonstrablebackgroundinachemistryrelatedfieldeitherthroughstudyorworkexperience.
•Interestinprogramme•Aptitudeforprogramme•Numericalskills
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA56
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM124 BSC MATHEMATICSCommonentrywithchoicetopursuedefinedDegreeOptions in any of the following:• Mathematical Sciences• Mathematics & Physics• Economics & Mathematics
6 HB3(H3)inLeavingCertificateMathsorequivalentorDistinctioninQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556) orPassinULSpecialMathsexam
•Demonstratedmathematicalability•Prioreducation•Relevantworkexperience•Personalstatement•Interestinprogramme
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplicationalone.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.
LM125 BSC PHYSICSCommonentrywithchoicetopursuedefinedDegreeOptions in any of the following:• Applied Physics• Mathematics & Physics
3 HC2(H4)inLeavingCertificateMathsorequivalentorMeritinQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556) orPassinULSpecialMathsexamANDHC2(H4)inLeavingCertificateinanyoneofthefollowing:Physics,PhysicswithChemistry,Engineering,AppliedMathematicsorequivalent
•Demonstratedmathematicsandphysicsability•Prioreducation•Relevantworkexperience•Personalstatement•Interestinprogramme
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplicationalone.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.
Science & Engineering
* Guideline only. These figures may differ slightly for 2021 as they are calculated from the total number of places available on a programme in any year. However, not all mature student places may be filled, as it depends on the number and quality of applications received in any year.
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK / OLLSCOIL LUIMNIGH 57
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM124 BSC MATHEMATICSCommonentrywithchoicetopursuedefinedDegreeOptions in any of the following:• Mathematical Sciences• Mathematics & Physics• Economics & Mathematics
6 HB3(H3)inLeavingCertificateMathsorequivalentorDistinctioninQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556) orPassinULSpecialMathsexam
•Demonstratedmathematicalability•Prioreducation•Relevantworkexperience•Personalstatement•Interestinprogramme
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplicationalone.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.
LM125 BSC PHYSICSCommonentrywithchoicetopursuedefinedDegreeOptions in any of the following:• Applied Physics• Mathematics & Physics
3 HC2(H4)inLeavingCertificateMathsorequivalentorMeritinQQIMathsforSTEM(5S2246/5N0556) orPassinULSpecialMathsexamANDHC2(H4)inLeavingCertificateinanyoneofthefollowing:Physics,PhysicswithChemistry,Engineering,AppliedMathematicsorequivalent
•Demonstratedmathematicsandphysicsability•Prioreducation•Relevantworkexperience•Personalstatement•Interestinprogramme
Placesnormallyawardedonbasisofapplicationalone.Aninterviewmayberequestedifdeemedhelpfultotheassessmentoftheapplication.
2021 Entry
SECTION 7: APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW ASSESSMENT CRITERIA58
Code Programme / Group Of Programmes
Reserved Mature Student Places 2020*
Minimum Entry and/or Application Requirements
Application Assessment Criteria Interview Assessment Criteria
LM002 ARTS 65 Applicants who wish to study a languagemustholdaminimumHC2(H4)LeavingCertificateorequivalentinthatlanguage,unlesstakingbeginnersGermanorSpanish.
•Personalstatement•Interestinprogramme
•Prioreducation•Workexperience• Evidence of interest•Generalsuitability
LM019 BSC SOCIAL SCIENCES 5 (Newcoursefor2021)
N/A •Personalstatement•Interestinprogramme
•Prioreducation•Workexperience• Evidence of interest•Generalsuitability
LM028 BA CRIMINAL JUSTICE 5 SubmissionoftailoredPersonalStatementforLM028/LM029with CAO application
•PriorEducation•Work/voluntaryexperience•Evidenceofinterestintheprogramme•Generalsuitability•ITskills•AllapplicantswillbeinvitedtoULtocompleteawrittenassessment(essay)priortobeingshort-listedforinterview
•Prioreducation•Work/voluntaryexperience• Evidence of interest•Generalsuitability
LM029 LLB LAW PLUS 8
LM039 BA JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
3 N/A •Prioreducation•Applicationform•Personalstatement•Relevantworkexperience
•Prioreducation•Workexperience/journalism• Evidence of interest•Generalsuitability
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
* Guideline only. These