MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020

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MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
MAYNOOTH
UNIVERSITY
KNOW NO BOUNDS
MATURE STUDENTS 2020
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
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MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
CONTENTS
WELCOME TO MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY
YOUR MAYNOOTH EDUCATION			                                           4
IReland’s only University TOWN			                                    8
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS			                                   10
SUPPORTS FOR MATURE STUDENTS			                                 16
OTHER MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY SUPPORTS			                           20
VOLUNTEERING AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES 22
MATURE STUDENTS WHO HAVE A DISABILITY			                        24
FUNDING FOR UNIVERSITY: GRANTS AND SCHEMES		                    26
PROFILE OF A CURRENT STUDENT			                                 28
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY PREPARATORY/FOUNDATION
COURSES FOR MATURE STUDENTS 			                                 30
Certificate in SCIENCE FOR PROGRESSION
TO SCIENCE & ENGINEERING DEGREES			                             32
CURRENT STUDENTS REFLECT ON THEIR TRANSITION
EXPERIENCE (FROM CERTIFICATE TO DEGREE)			                      34
Think About Teaching: progression TO TEACHING                   36

APPLYING TO MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY
APPLYING TO STUDY AT MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY			                     38
LEVEL 8 FULL-TIME DEGREES			                                    40
LEVEL 8 PART-TIME DEGREES			                                    56
CERTIFICATE FOUNDATION/PREPARATORY PROGRAMMES                   58
INDEX OF USEFUL CONTACTS			                                     60
Transport ROUTES			                                             62
CAMPUS MAP 			                                                  64

In this booklet you will find lots of useful information regarding
the application procedure, entry requirements and supports
for mature applicants looking to return to learning and
complete an undergraduate degree.

Mature students are warmly welcomed and
their pursuit of study at this University is
encouraged and supported.

                                                                         1
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
Maynooth University
    Access Programme
    The Mature Student Office is part of the Maynooth
    University Access Office. The Maynooth University
    Access Programme (MAP) encourages under-
    represented groups to enter third level and provides
    these groups with support through their time at
    Maynooth. These groups include under-represented
    school leavers, mature students, students with
    disabilities and members of the Traveller community.

    MAP is founded on 4 pillars; outreach into the
    community, promoting pathways into University, easing
    the transition for incoming students to Maynooth and
    supporting our current students. MAP’s supports are
    personal, academic and financial in nature and are
    designed to promote confidence and independence.
    Maynooth University is a national leader in both
    attracting and retaining school leavers from socio-
    economically disadvantaged backgrounds, mature
    students and students with disabilities.

    From a national perspective, MAP has taken a
    leadership role in developing national policy in the
    area of widening participation. From an institutional
    perspective, MAP has developed a number of models
    of academic support that support transition to higher
    education of under-represented groups and are
    acknowledged as innovative models of outstanding
    good practice.

    Sometimes students fall into a number of categories,
    for example a mature student who also has a disability.
    At Maynooth, a number of mature students are
    registered with the Disability Office, some with specific
    learning disabilities. Because of this, the Mature
    Student Officer works closely with the Disability Office
    in setting up the provision of an appropriate set of
    supports that address both the student’s disability and
    their status as a ‘mature’ student.

    The collaborative approach to providing support within
    the Access Office means there is a huge wealth of
    resources at our disposal and this in effect means
    excellent support provision for all our students.

    www.maynoothuniversity.ie/access-office

2
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
WELCOME FROM THE
MATURE STUDENT OFFICE

                                     Dear future Maynooth student,
                                     This booklet is designed to provide you with
                                     information regarding the entry process to
                                     Maynooth University as a mature student and
                                     the services available to support you during your
                                     studies. It contains advice, tips and information
                                     which should answer many of the questions you
                                     may have such as:

                                     > Do I need a Leaving Certificate to gain entry to
                                       Maynooth University as a mature student?
Emer Sheerin                         > How do I apply to Maynooth University as a
Mature Student Officer                 mature student?

                                     > What supports are available specifically for
                                       mature students?
Maynooth University
                                     > What financial supports are available for mature
greatly values the particular          students?
contribution of mature students      > Is on-campus accommodation available for
to the academic and social             mature students?

environment of the University.       The staff in the Mature Student Office are
                                     committed to supporting the learning experience
                                     of our students. If you have any questions, please
Up to 250 mature students
                                     don’t hesitate to telephone, email or drop in to
begin their studies here each        meet us. We are located in MAP Lodge (W23
year. If the opportunity to return   F2K8) on the North Campus.

to education has presented           Wishing you every success.
itself to you, we hope you’ll         + 353 1 708 3307
choose Maynooth University.           emer.sheerin@mu.ie

                                                                                          3
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
YOUR MAYNOOTH
    EDUCATION
    We are proud to have provided
    generations of students with an
    excellent education. Building on our
    proud past, we are constantly adapting
    what and how we teach to better equip
    you for the many opportunities and
    challenges you will encounter in your life
    and in your career. Maynooth University
    offers a curriculum and an intellectual,
    cultural and social environment that
    provides students with opportunities to
    reach their full potential.

    Because you are living in the diverse
    and ever-changing 21st century, we
    know we must continuously enhance
    the Maynooth Education to even
    better serve the needs of our students.
    Our revised curriculum, introduced
    in September 2016, offers you many
    opportunities to personalise your
    degree programme throughout your
    time with us; we have introduced
    more subject choice than ever before
    including a dedicated first year Critical
    Skills subject, flexible programme
    pathways, the opportunity to take an
    Elective and Experiential Learning
    opportunities to enhance your degree.

    www.maynoothuniversity.ie/
    maynootheducation

4
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
5
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
YOUR MAYNOOTH
    EDUCATION (cONTINUED)
                                                              the programme choices you will be asked to
    FLEXIBLE DEGREE STRUCTURE
                                                              make during your academic journey at Maynooth
    At the start of second year, most students will
                                                              University. Continuing students may also avail
    have the option to avail of the University’s flexible
                                                              of the service if you are unsure about your
    pathways structure. These flexible pathways
                                                              programme options, for example if you have any
    allow students to choose how they will study their
                                                              questions about flexible pathways, or whether or
    chosen subjects for the remainder of their degree.
                                                              not to choose to take an Elective.
    The various pathways create significant flexibility
                                                              www.maynoothuniversity.ie/programme-
    within your programme of study. A range of options
                                                              advisory-office
    will mostly be available, although not all options will
    be available for every subject and every degree.
                                                              FIRST YEAR CRITICAL SKILLS COURSES
    Students study 60 credits each year at University,        At third level it is expected that students will develop
    your chosen pathway will allow you to divide this         skills that will not only enable them to successfully
    60 credits between the subject(s) you wish to             negotiate their university experience but which will
    study for the remainder of your degree.                   also help them in other areas of their lives.
    OUR FLEXIBLE PATHWAYS:                                    Our 15 credit Critical Skills courses are designed to
    DOUBLE MAJOR: Studying two subjects equally to            develop these skills early in our students’ university
    degree level                                              experience. These optional courses are designed
     SUBJECT 1: 30 CREDITS SUBJECT 2: 30 CREDITS              to help first year students to learn, experience,
                                                              practice and develop various essential skills that
    MAJOR WITH MINOR: Specialising in one subject             will support their ongoing studies.
    to degree level, while continuing with a
    smaller amount of a second subject                        Expect small classes and active learning. We
                                           SUBJECT 2:         want to build student confidence by providing a
          SUBJECT 1: 40 CREDITS            20 CREDITS         learning environment that is both supportive and
    SINGLE MAJOR: Specialising in one subject to              academically challenging.
    degree level
                  SUBJECT 1: 60 CREDITS

                                                                                                Public
    See the degree pages of the Undergraduate                                    Teamwork      Speaking
    Handbook for details of the progression options
    available in your preferred programme.
                                                                     Research                              Evaluation
                                                                      Skills                               Evidence
    GUIDANCE ON PROGRAMME CHOICES AND OPTIONS
    AVAILABLE UNDER THE MAYNOOTH EDUCATION:
    The Programme Advisory Office is available
    to assist and advise undergraduate students,                     Analysing                            Professional
                                                                     Arguments                              Writing
    including incoming first year students, with
    programme related decisions you may be unsure              “Critical Skills gives you the opportunity to
                                                                develop the core skills necessary for university.
    about during your time at Maynooth University.
                                                                It is applicable to every subject choice and allows you
    The Programme Advisory Office acts as a guide               to fully interact with every lecture. Taking it as one of my
    to students as you navigate your own way                    first year subjects helped me acclimatise to academia
    through your programme options.                             at university level. It has given me the confidence and
                                                                skills to successfully approach my degree and further
    Incoming first year students will be briefed by             learning.” – SARAH KILDEA, THIRD YEAR, BCL LAW AND ARTS
    the Programme Advisor during Orientation about

6
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

See individual degree information for details          SAMPLE 2019/2020 ELECTIVES
on the availability of our 15 credit Critical Skills   > Accounting in Society
courses in your preferred degrees.                     > Beginning Chinese / German / Spanish
                                                       > Creative Technologies and Digital Prototyping
SAMPLE 2019/2020 CRITICAL SKILLS MODULES
                                                       > Community Education
> Exploring the Power of Language
                                                       > Continuing French / Spanish / German / Gaeilge
> Globalization, Integrating Worlds
                                                         / Chinese
> Universal Critical Skills (multiple classes)
                                                       > Education Engagement and Equality
> Creative Thinking
                                                       > Engaging with Civil Society
> Digital Critical Skills
                                                       > Entrepreneurship, Creativity & Problem Solving
> Exploring Culture                                    > Film and Screen Studies
> Social Analysis of Everyday Life                     > Gender and Sexuality in Society and Culture
> Critical Skills for Science                          > Global Environmental Change
> Critical Skills for Social Science                   > Great Books
> Great Ideas that Changed the World                   > Introduction to Philosophy, Theory of Mind (AI),
For more details log on to                               and Logical Thinking
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/critical-skills              > Perspectives of Poverty and Development
                                                       > Science Communication: Science and the World
SECOND YEAR ELECTIVES                                  In all cases, the option to take an Elective
We are very excited to offer Electives to our          is subject to timetable compatibility and the
second year students as part of the Maynooth           requirements of your main subjects; for some
Education. An Elective is a great way to enhance       students this may mean an Elective may not be
your degree by enabling you to develop new             compatible with their programme. See the degree
skills and knowledge that will complement your         pages of the Undergraduate Handbook for details
chosen programme. Electives allow you to               on the availability of Electives in the second year
expand your university education by providing          of our programmes.
the opportunity to study an area outside your
chosen degree programme. An Elective is 10             EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
credits and so would make up 1/6 of your study         Maynooth students get the opportunity to
in second year.                                        experience more from their degree programme
Electives allow students to broaden their              with an enhanced range of high-impact learning
perspective by studying across disciplines thus        experiences, connecting classroom content
learning how to think differently and appreciate       with real-world experience. These include
different viewpoints. We know employers want           opportunities in undergraduate research,
graduates who can look at the world in different       professional development, student leadership,
ways and find creative solutions to challenging        study abroad and service learning, empowering
problems. Students taking Electives will be            Maynooth students to develop their skills and
introduced to the diverse fields of research           competencies for work, life and citizenship.
underway at Maynooth as well as the excellent          For more details log on to
lecturing staff throughout the University. You may     www.maynoothuniversity.ie/experiential-
also choose to take an Elective because you are        learning
intrigued by the topic.

                                                                                                             7
MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY KNOW NO BOUNDS MATURE STUDENTS 2020
IReland’s only
    University town

8
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

       Located in the heart of
       Ireland’s only university
       town, we are just 25
       kilometres from the city
       of Dublin. Surrounded
       by the rich heritage
       and beauty of Kildare,
       the university town
       has all you could need
       and all within walking
       distance.

                                           9
Frequently
     asked questions

     Have a question? The most          Who is a mature student?
       Have a question? The most        A mature student is at least 23 years of age on
     commonly-asked are answered        January 1st of the year of entry to a full-time
       commonly-asked are answered
     here. If your question doesn’t     degree at our University. There is no upper age
       here. If your question doesn’t   limit. Mature students ranging in age from 23 to 75
     feature, please let us know.
       feature, please let us know.     are currently enrolled at Maynooth. For part-time
                                        degree programmes the age requirement is 21.

10
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

Do I need a Leaving Certificate                      The closing date for receipt of Irish based
to gain entry as a mature student?                   applications is 1st February 2020.
Generally, no. Mature students apply on the
basis of their ‘mature years’. This means that       Late applications from mature students may
entry to the University is granted on the basis of   be accepted after this date - see www.
experience to date – academic, life experience       maynoothuniversity.ie/matureapplicants
and work history. However mature applicants          for updates. Applications may not be made to
do need Leaving Certificate for entry into B.Ed      the CAO after May 1st 2020. Mature applicants
(MH001, MH002) and must meet matriculation           to Primary Education degrees MH001 and
requirements (but are not competing on points).      MH002, who meet the entry requirements, will
In addition, where Mathematics is an intricate       be requested to submit a supplementary form.
part of the course chosen, a Leaving Certificate     For this degree there is also a specific interview
Mathematics (or equivalent) minimum result may       process involving Maynooth University, DCU and
be required.                                         Marino Institute of Education for these degrees.

See the Applying section towards the back of         What undergraduate degrees
this booklet for further details.                    can mature students apply for?
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/                           Mature candidates can apply for all degree
matureapplicants                                     courses provided by the University. Details of
                                                     these degrees are in the Maynooth University
Are there many mature students                       Undergraduate Handbook 2020 and also in
in Maynooth University?                              the Applying section towards the back of this
Yes! Maynooth University has the highest             booklet. Further details are also available at
percentage of mature students amongst all            www.maynoothuniversity.ie/level8
universities in the country. We have a policy of
ensuring that 15% of places for new entrants to      Places are reserved for mature students
first year are available for mature students. This   in every degree programme available at
translates in numbers to approximately 250 new
                                                     Maynooth University.
mature students arriving on campus each year.

How do I apply to Maynooth University                What is the English requirement
as a mature student?                                 where English is not a mature
Mature applicants must apply through the             student’s first language?
Central Applications Office (CAO) which can be       All candidates are required to satisfy the English
done online. Alternatively application forms         language requirement. Candidates whose
are available from: CAO, Tower House, Eglinton       first language is not English may satisfy the
Street, Galway.                                      requirement by obtaining one of a range of
                                                     qualifications. Full details of these are available
 + 353 91 509 800                                   at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/howtoapply
  www.cao.ie

                                                                                                           11
Frequently
     asked questions (cONTINUED)

     How do I research information about
     degrees at Maynooth University?                           Please note that as a mature student
     1. Read the comprehensive information available          applicant, the Leaving Certificate
         on all degree programmes in the current
                                                               entry requirements in the Maynooth
         Undergraduate Handbook 2020. See also
         www.maynoothuniversity.ie/level8                      University Undergraduate
         You can also contact the Admissions Office for        Handbook 2020, and on the
         information on subjects, as well as application       website, do not strictly apply
         and selection procedures for mature students.
                                                               to you. These are for guideline
     2. Research the information posted on the                purposes and mature students are
         academic departments’ webpages www.                   encouraged to apply.
        maynoothuniversity.ie/departments

     3. Contact the Faculty/Department of your area
         of interest to arrange an appointment.              What is the University’s selection
                                                             process for mature applicants?
     4. Discuss your options with the Mature Student        > Mature entry to many of our degrees is granted
         Office in advance of the application deadline.        on the basis of an interview which explores the
         Request a Mature Student Information Pack             applicant’s suitability for the degree based on
         from the Mature Student Office or download            academic qualifications and/or life/employment
         the publications from the website. We also            experience.
         run a series of Mature Student Information
         Sessions throughout the year. Details of            > Our interviews contain a strong advisory
         these are posted on our website at www.               element. This enables us not just to assess
         maynoothuniversity.ie/maturestudents                  the applicant’s readiness and suitability for
                                                               a course, but also to offer advice on subject
     5. A
         ttend the undergraduate Open Days which are          choice, on what to expect in college and on
        held over two days at the end of November              the more practical aspects of returning to
        each year, and also in April and in June. Each         education. For applicants requiring further
        day includes a combination of tours of the             preparation before commencing their degree,
        campus, exhibitions, demonstrations, talks and         we offer comprehensive advice on their options
        information sessions. Individual Departments           at interview.
        provide short sample lectures on the degrees
        and subjects they offer. You can talk to students    > For degrees with special entry requirements,
        about their academic experiences and the               selection of mature students may be on the
        range of clubs/societies available. Staff are also     basis of a written assessment/test, after which
        on hand to discuss admission procedures,               a shortlist for interview is compiled.
        degree course details, accommodation,
                                                             > For some degrees a decision by the University
        transport and anything else that is relevant to
                                                               for acceptance or non-acceptance may be
        your application. Information particularly
                                                               made on the basis of the application form
        relevant to mature students is also available.
12
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

  only and so an interview may not be necessary.      > Interviews generally take place between
  It is therefore very important that applications      February and May. Written assessments/
  are comprehensive and completed correctly             tests, where required, typically take place at
  and in full. Mature applicants must therefore         end March/early April. An applicant may be
  ensure that they have completed all relevant          required to complete a short essay or maths
  sections of the CAO application form.                 course in advance of an offer being made.
                                                        These courses are free of charge.
> Science degrees at Maynooth University
  require an aptitude in mathematics and              > Notification of final decisions are issued in
  science. Candidates are expected to be able           June. All communication from the Admissions
  to demonstrate a motivation and aptitude to           Office is via email. The official offer of a place is
  study science. This may be evidenced by a test        made through the CAO during the summer and
  and/or interview, in conjunction with previous        this must be responded to by the ‘Reply Date’
  studies in mathematics and science subjects.          indicated on the Offer Notice. It is important
                                                        that an applicant (or somebody on their behalf)
> For mature students who wish to study for             is available to respond to the Offer Notice.
  a degree in Engineering/Robotics, a strong
  aptitude in mathematics is also required.           > Applicants who are not initially successful are
  This may be evidenced by a test and/or                sometimes advised to undertake a preparatory
  interview. In addition, Engineering applicants        course such as the ‘Return to Learning’ course
  will also be required to pass the Engineering         to assist in their transition back to full-time
  Maths Exam in August.                                 study. Many of these applicants reapply the
                                                        following year and are successful in gaining
> The Maynooth University Certificate in Science        admission. For information on the Maynooth
  at Level 6 (see p. 32 & 58) provides an excellent     University Preparatory/Foundation Year
  foundation for mature students hoping to study        Programmes, please see p. 58.
  Science or Electronic Engineering at degree
  level in Maynooth University.                       What are the fees for taking a degree
                                                      at Maynooth University?
> Some academic Departments also have                 The Irish Government Free Fees Initiative
  specific requirements regarding individual          entitles eligible students to free tuition fees. Irish
  subjects that form part of their degree             students who do not already hold a degree, and
  programmes. Full details of the requirements        EU nationals who have been ordinarily resident in
  and selection process associated with each          an EU Member State for at least three of the five
  degree are in the Applying section towards          years preceding entry and who do not already
  the back of this booklet. A full list of degrees    hold a degree, should be entitled to free tuition
  which require a written assessment can be           fees. If you are in any doubt as to your eligibility
  seen at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/                  for free fees, check out the ‘Free Fees Initiative’
  matureapplicants                                    under ‘Course Fees’ at www.studentfinance.ie

                                                                                                                13
Frequently
     asked questions (cONTINUED)
     Registration, exam and student                     What time commitment is involved
     services fee                                       in studying for a degree course?
     A Student Contribution charge of e3,000 plus       > Students should expect approximately 15 – 17
     a Student Levy of e150 are payable each year         actual class contact hours per week (more for
     (subject to change). Students eligible for a         Science, Engineering, Music, Psychology, Media
     Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) grant       Studies, languages). These are spread out over
     are only required to pay the Student Levy but        the week from Monday to Friday (9am – 6pm).
     must produce, at registration, evidence of grant   > In addition to time spent in lectures/tutorials,
     eligibility from SUSI. For more information see:     you will have to plan personal study and
     www.studentfinance.ie or                             research time. Studying for a full-time degree is
     www.maynoothuniversity.ie/student-fees-              a full-time commitment.
     grants
                                                        > Current timetables can be viewed on our
                                                          website www.maynoothuniversity.ie/exams/
     What financial supports exist for
                                                          academic-examination-timetable Please
     mature students?
                                                          note that these timetables do not include
     All students can apply for a grant under the
                                                          tutorials and are subject to change. Timetables
     Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
                                                          are finalised in September.
     Student Grant Scheme which is means-
     tested. Students who are on a Social Welfare
                                                        What level of computer skills do I need?
     payment may be eligible to apply for the Back      Information technology will play a central role in your
     to Education Allowance. Students on the Back       time as a student. Skills such as word processing,
     to Education Allowance are not eligible for the    using PowerPoint, emailing and researching on
     Maintenance Grant element of the Student           the internet are very important, as is the ability to
     Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) student grant     access the Library’s learning resources and the
     scheme. However, students in this category         University’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.
     should still apply to SUSI in order to have        In order to make the most of the resources here at
     the Student Contribution Charge paid, as           Maynooth University, it is imperative that students
     otherwise they will have to pay the charge of      possess at least some basic computer skills prior to
     approximately e3,000 each year (subject to         starting their degree. IT support is available to help
     change). For detailed information on financial     students who need extra training in certain areas.
     supports for students, visit the website:
     www.studentfinance.ie                              How can I travel to Maynooth University?
                                                        We are accessible by public transport from
     Student Budgeting Advice Service                   most parts of the country. Maynooth University
     This service, provided by the University, offers   is well served by two Dublin Bus routes, Dublin
     support with budgeting for university, advice on   commuter and national rail links, Bus Éireann
     how to manage money, as well as information        national bus routes, as well as several private
     on fees, grants, social welfare entitlements and   daily commuter and weekend coach routes.
                                                        The University is approximately 30 minutes from
     all funding options.
                                                        Dublin city centre and is easily accessible by car.
     www.maynoothuniversity.ie/campus-life/
                                                        Further information on bus, train, car travel and
     student-budgeting-advice-service
                                                        timetables is available on the website.
                                                        www.maynoothuniversity.ie/location
14
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

Is on-campus accommodation
available for mature students?
Maynooth University currently offers
accommodation to approximately 1,200
students on campus. Prospective students
apply through the Accommodation Office for
campus accommodation.

 + 353 1 708 3322
 www.maynoothuniversity.ie/accommodation

Students can also book on-campus
accommodation for occasional overnight stays.
If there is a function you wish to go to on the
campus or if you have to stay late in the Library
finishing off an essay, or if you commute long
distance every day and would like to stay here
one or two evenings a week, accommodation
options are available

  www.maynoothuniversity.ie/accommodation/
  other-accommodation

                                                      15
SUPPORTS FOR
     mature students

     The Mature Student Office
     was established in recognition
     of the University’s commitment
     to recruiting and supporting
     mature students.

     Emer Sheerin is the Mature
     Student Officer. Support is
     provided in the following ways:

16
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

Orientation Programme For Mature                     Supports While You Study
Students                                             In addition to individual support and advice,
The Maynooth Access Programme (MAP) seeks            the University assists mature students in their
to assist new Maynooth University students to        learning through the following resources:
successfully transition into university life.
                                                     Moodle
The programme begins with Orientation                The MAP Area in Moodle provides access
(Launchpad) which takes place in late August         to advice, study tips, news and opportunities
/ early September, prior to the main body of         to communicate important announcements,
students coming to the campus. It aims to            share study skills resources and provide
provide new mature students with a wide range        useful information about our services.
of information, which will help them cope with
the transition to university life and study. New     Technology
students will be familiarised with the campus        This will introduce to you the latest educational
and the Library, and will receive information on     technology (including several really useful tools)
finance, accessing support, subject requirements     and show you how to integrate it into your
and study skills.                                    learning and into your daily life as a student.

Advisory Service                                     Library Information Skills Tutorials (LIST)
The staff in the Mature Student Office see           These 30-minute sessions provide key skills
students on an individual and confidential basis     needed in university on topics ranging from
to help sort out any issues. It may be that you
                                                     Library Databases to essay writing skills.
feel you need some help but you are not sure
where to go. We can help identify which support
                                                     The Maths Support Centre (MSC)
service might best meet your needs. You may
                                                     This is a free service providing informal,
just feel you want someone to talk to or you may
                                                     friendly additional support to all undergraduate
need advice about personal aspects of study
                                                     students. During term time the drop-in centre
that concern you. Students are welcome to
                                                     provides a relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental
discuss any concerns they have or any area in
                                                     atmosphere for students who need assistance
which they feel that their learning may need extra
                                                     with any aspect of mathematics or mathematics-
support. Our office is located in MAP Lodge,
                                                     related subjects. Students are helped on a first
(W23 F2K8) on the North Campus. You may call
                                                     come, first served basis. The Department of
in or make an appointment.
                                                     Mathematics and Statistics lecturer and MSC
                                                     Manager is Dr. Ciarán Mac an Bhaird. See the
MAP operates a drop-in advice service 12:00 -
                                                     website at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/
14:00 Monday - Friday.
                                                     current-students

    emer.sheerin@mu.ie
    + 353 1 708 3307

                                                                                                           17
SUPPORTS FOR
     mature students (cONTINUED)

     Academic Writing Centre                               from the Mature Student Office and is posted
     The Writing Centre offers free, friendly,             on the website www.maynoothuniversity.ie/
     non-judgemental writing help to any student,          access-office
     undergraduate or postgraduate, regardless
     of course, degree or level. Students can drop in      Social Activities
     on their own or in groups to work with tutors on      The Mature Students’ Society acts as a social
     course work or material/topics with which they        and educational support group for mature
     may be having trouble. Students may also book         students. There are over 200 members and
     one-to-one appointments to discuss their writing      a very dedicated committee help organise
     with peer tutors. In addition, the Centre offers      events, run the weekly meetings and spend
     writing workshops, supports writing groups,           the money! Previous events include pub
     engages in discipline specific work and carries       quizzes, wine receptions, annual Christmas
     out research. See www.maynoothuniversity.             get-togethers and Alternative RAG Week. The
     ie/current-students                                   Society strongly encourages people to join,
                                                           as this is a great way of meeting other mature
     Other academic support centres at Maynooth            students from different years.
     University include:
     > Experimental Physics Centre                         Support for Mature Students with
                                                           Disabilities
     > Computer Programming Centre
                                                           There is a wide range of supports for mature
     > Irish Language Support Centre
                                                           students who have a disability. See p. 24 for
                                                           more details.
     MAP (Maynooth Access Programme)
     Academic Advisors
                                                           Careers Advice
     As part of the mature student support
                                                           Mature students wanting to explore career ideas,
     programme at Maynooth, each academic
                                                           postgraduate study or employment options can
     department of the University nominates one of its
                                                           avail of the services of the Career Development
     academic staff members as a source of support
                                                           Centre.
     and advice for mature students and all students
     supported by the Maynooth Access Programme.
     MAP Academic Advisors’ experience of the
     University, and of their own subject, can be
     drawn upon by a student when they experience
     subject and study-related problems. In the
     establishment of MAP Academic Advisors,
     Maynooth University recognises that mature
     students and all MAP-supported students may
     have particular needs in returning to learning that
     require extra support.

     An updated list of the MAP Academic Advisors
     is available at the beginning of term each year

18
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

Academic Advisory Office
Students seeking particular information on
University regulations and progression routes        Fiona Larkan
through their degree can avail of the services
                                                     Job Title: Global Health Director
of the Academic Advisory Office.
                                                     Course: Sociology/PhD
Counselling Service                                  Fiona Larkan chose the Arts degree at
The Counselling Service offers a confidential,       Maynooth, studying Greek and Roman
professional service, free of charge to all          Civilisation, Geography and Anthropology.
students.                                            A few years later Fiona completed her
                                                     studies here, emerging with a PhD in
Student Budgeting Advice Service                     Anthropology. As a mature student,
The Student Budgeting Advice Service offers          Fiona appreciated the many services and
support with budgeting for university, managing      supports that allowed her to focus on her
money, as well as advice on fees, grants, and        studies. After graduating with BA degree,
social welfare entitlements. It also provides        she embarked on an MA in Anthropology
advice about the financial supports (internal        and from there transferred into the PhD
and external) available to full-time and part-time   programme, during which time she studied
students at Maynooth University.                     sexuality, risk and choice in Ireland and
                                                     South Africa. With her PhD completed,
Crèche Facilities at Maynooth                        Fiona went on to win a prestigious Global
The Crèche is available to staff and students        Health Research Award, which allowed
of the University. Application for a place should    her to carry out further research on HIV in
be made to the Crèche Supervisor. Contact the        South Africa. Today, Fiona directs Trinity
Crèche for further details.                          College Dublin’s MSc in Global Health.

Programme Advisory Office
The Programme Advisory Office, within the
Centre for Teaching and Learning, is available
to assist and advise students who are unsure
about the decisions they must make in
relation to their programme including first year
subject choice and second year pathways and
electives.

  Contact details for all services/supports
  are available on p. 60

                                                                                                        19
other Maynooth University
     supports

     Academic Departments
     “In my Department we
     offer space and time for
     the student to discuss
     any issues they have with
     us in a sympathetic but
     professional context.”

20
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

Academic Advisory Office          Computer Science                      Mathematics Department
“We offer supports to all         Department                            “Our Maths Support Centre
students on an individual         “We have a Programming                provides drop-in sessions,
basis whether that is exam        Support Centre to help                workshops and online courses
support, time management,         students with programming             and links.”
advocacy for extensions,          issues.”
being a ‘soundboard’.”                                                  Mature Student Office
                                  Crèche                                “We offer general advice and
“We provide information
                                  “We offer a student rate              referrals to other University
on subject choices and
                                  which is €50 per per week             supports such as SU Welfare
progression routes through
                                  cheaper than the staff                Office, Writing Centre, Maths
degrees. We also offer
                                  rate. Most students can               Support Centre, Chaplaincy etc.”
advice on study issues with
                                  avail of the Student Union
assignment preparation/                                                 “We act as a signpost to
                                  Childcare Fund.”
academic writing.”                                                      students referring them
                                  “We offer a government                to appropriate supports
Access Office                     subvention scheme run                 - Writing Centre/Library/
“Students supported through       by DCYA called CCS                    Student Services/Academic
the Maynooth Access               (Community Childcare                  Departments/Student Health
Programme, such as mature         Subvention) - this subvention         Centre, etc.”
students, can drop in for         is available for parents who
advice and guidance on a          are in receipt of a Social            Student Budgeting
range of issues.”                 Welfare payment.”                     Advisory Office
                                                                        “We offer advice on Social
Admissions Office                 Disability Office                     Welfare payments and options
“We handle your application       “We have in place a range             available, appeal situations.
and support you from              of supports to ensure that            We provide advice also on
application to admission, via a   students with disabilities            budgeting and managing
range of selection processes.”    have the same opportunities           money more effectively.”
                                  for participation and success
                                                                        “We provide Information,
Career Development                in college as the rest of
                                                                        advice and advocacy service
Centre                            students at Maynooth.”
                                                                        for all finance related matters,
“In the Careers Centre we                                               support with SUSI grant
                                  “We provide advice on
have a Helpdesk for drop                                                applications and appeals.”
                                  the supports available to
in information, advice and
                                  students with a disability.”
guidance. Our students can                                              Student Services
book for one-to-one meetings                                            “We link in with other
                                  Fees & Grants Office
with a Careers Advisor. We                                              University services such as the
                                  “We provide advice and
also run career-related talks                                           Writing Centre, Counselling
                                  assistance in relation to all
and seminars and set up                                                 Service and others.”
                                  aspects of fees and grants.”
employer stands.”

                                                                                                             21
Maynooth University Volunteering
     opportunities/RECOGNITION of
     extra-curricular activities (MUSE)

     LET YOUR EXPERIENCE BOOST YOUR CV!
22
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

What are the Maynooth University                    MAP Ambassador requirements
Student Experience Awards?                          > Current Maynooth University students in good
Whilst at MU, you are gaining skills from every       academic standing who are supported by MAP.
area of your life. The Maynooth University          > Enthusiastic, motivated, creative, friendly, and
Student Experience (MUSE) Awards recognise            possess leadership qualities.
and reward your contribution to non-credit          > Offer information, advice and guidance to new
bearing activities such as work experience,           students to help them settle into life at MU.
volunteering, club and society involvement,         > Represent and promote MAP and Maynooth
student representation and lots more!                 University at events on and off campus.
As well as being a fantastic addition to your CV,   > Encourage students and parents at primary,
this Award will help you to articulate the skills     second level, further education and other
you develop on your journey towards becoming          communities to go to university by sharing your
a distinctive Maynooth student and future             personal experiences.
graduate.                                           > Good written, interpersonal, presentation skills
                                                      and team player.
What are the benefits OF completing                 > Respect the privacy & confidentiality of all.
an award?
                                                    MAP Ambassador Roles
        Helps you to stand
                                                    Launchpad Orientation Programme
        out from your peers
                                                    Taking place in September each year, this
        Enhances your employability skills          programme assists all new entrants to Maynooth
                                                    University coming through the HEAR, DARE,
        Gives you the confidence to articulate      Mature and QQI entry routes. You may be a 1-day,
        the skills you have gained at MU            2-day or 3-day Launchpad MAP Ambassador.
        Better self-awareness as you reflect on     MAP My Way
        your achievements                           First semester weekly support programme
                                                    (beginning September) - you may be involved in
                                                    facilitating sessions/delivering technology training.
Two Award Levels
                                                    Schools/QQI (FETAC)
                    At least 50 hours of            MAP Ambassador outreach programme
 MUSE Award
                    engagement in one theme         (beginning October) - this role requires additional
                                                    training and learning how to share your story.
                    At least 120 hours of
 MUSE Award         engagement in a minimum         Shadowing Programme
 Advanced                                           Taking place in February annually, this role involves
                    of two different themes
                                                    guiding potential students around sample days on
                                                    campus and to lectures as they experience a day in
Work with MAP                                       the life of a Maynooth student.
There are volunteer opportunities to contribute
to the work of the Maynooth University Access       Open Days
Programme (MAP). MAP annually recruits MAP          At the Open Days in November, April and June
Ambassadors for its outreach and post-entry         you will welcome campus visitors and share your
activities.                                         experiences as a Maynooth University student.
                                                                                                            23
Mature students
     who have a disability

                                          Supporting Students with Disabilities
      We recognise that a disability      Over 6% of the student body at Maynooth
                                          comprises those with disabilities. That’s one of the
      can impact upon a student’s         highest participation rates in the country, and we’re
      participation in university life.   doing all we can to get that figure even higher.

      This is why we work with            Maynooth University strives to create an
                                          inclusive campus community where all students
      learners to help ensure that
                                          are afforded the same opportunities to learn,
      the impact is minimised.            socialise, participate and progress. The
                                          University has a wide range of supports that put
      www.maynoothuniversity.ie/          you at the centre of your academic journey.
      study-maynooth/supporting-stu-      These supports are designed to help you
      dents-disabilities                  become independent in your learning, thereby
                                          easing the transition from school to university
                                          and from university into your career.
24
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

Students who typically register with                     > Your Disability Advisor will work with
the Disability Office include those with                   you to identify appropriate examination
the following disabilities:                                accommodations. These might include extra
> Autistic Spectrum Disorder (including                    time, a smaller venue or use of educational
  Asperger’s Syndrome)                                     technology;
> Attention Deficit Disorder / Attention Deficit         > Some students may require support from
  Hyperactivity Disorder                                   an Educational Support Worker, such as an
> Blind / Vision Impaired                                  academic/personal assistant, a note taker or a
> Deaf / Hard of Hearing                                   sign language interpreter;
> DCD - Dyspraxia/Dysgraphia
                                                         Educational technology and training are available
> Mental Health Condition                                through the Assistive Technology Centre (ATC),
> Neurological Conditions                                and selected software is mainstreamed in all
> Speech, Language and Communication Disorder            computer rooms across the campus.
> Significant Ongoing Illness
                                                         Visit the Disability Office website for information
> Physical Disability                                    on the documentation required, the consultants/
> Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia or            specialists that can verify a disability, and the
  Dyscalculia)                                           age limits on reports. While you can register with
                                                         the Disability Office at any time throughout your
Supports available to students with                      studies, early registration is strongly recommended.
disabilities include:
> A dedicated Disability Advisor in the Disability       Examination supports:
  Office who will work with you to identify the          If you have a disability or specific learning
  supports you need to help you achieve your             difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination
  academic goals;                                        support for any written tests required when
> A dedicated person in each academic                    applying as a mature student, please submit
  department, known as a MAP Academic Advisor,           supporting documentation by 15th March 2020
  to help you with any course-related concerns;          to The Disability Office, MAP Lodge, North
                                                         Campus, Maynooth University, Co. Kildare,
> Technology: introduces students to the latest
                                                         Ireland or alternatively submit via email to
  educational technologies and shows them how
                                                         access.office@mu.ie. Unfortunately we are
  to integrate these technologies into their learning;
                                                         unable to consider applications for alternative
> Student Central is an academic support                 examination accommodation after this deadline.
  programme for students with significant
                                                         Contact us for further information about
  learning needs. Students who typically avail
                                                         the examination supports and requirements.
  of this support include those with Asperger’s
  Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder or mental         Maynooth Access Programme
  health conditions such as depression or severe          access.office@mu.ie  + 353 1 708 4600
  anxiety;
                                                         Daily drop-in hours available in MAP Lodge
> Support is tailored to meet the individual             for any queries in relation to studying with a
  needs of the student;                                  disability at Maynooth University.
                                                                                                                25
Funding for university:
     Grants & schemes

     Students are strongly advised to check with: www.susi.ie
     and www.studentfinance.ie for the most up-to-date and
     detailed information available on sources of funding.
26
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

The issue of finance and funding your way through     Student Budgeting Advice Service
university is clearly very important. Many students   Students experiencing financial difficulties should
are giving up a monthly or weekly wage to go into     avail of the Student Budgeting Advice Service.
full-time education. Others may be in receipt of      This service offers supports with budgeting for
social welfare payments.                              university, managing money, as well as advice on
                                                      fees, grants, social welfare entitlements and all
Students may be getting financial support
                                                      funding options.
through parents or partners, while others may
have little or no financial support and are relying
                                                      Internal funding supports include:
on grants or welfare payments to get them
                                                      > Student Assistance Fund (SAF);
through.
                                                      > Scholarships;
Some students find that university has turned         > Short Term Loan;
out to be more costly than they first anticipated.    > Emergency Fund.

There are different sources of funds that students    Other Possible Funding Options:
can apply for, but there are a few points that        > 1916 Bursary - if you are a first time mature
need to be stressed here, particularly for            student entering college you need to check
mature students. In reality there are only two        out the criteria for the bursary at www.
main external sources of finance (if eligible) that   maynoothuniversity.ie/access-office/1916-
go some way towards helping mature students           Bursary-Fund
sustain themselves through the academic year:
                                                      This bursary is €5,000 per year of study without
> Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)            affecting your SUSI or Social Welfare payment.
  Student Grant Scheme: www.studentfinance.ie
  There is no such thing as a ‘Mature Student         > Uversity - this is a scholarship system aimed at
  Grant’. All students, regardless of age,            mature students. Check out www.u-versity.eu
  apply for a grant under (SUSI) Student Grant        College can be expensive so consider all options
  Scheme. The grant is means-tested and has           for financial support. Check around your local area
  two elements: 1) Student Contribution Charge        as some government bodies and large companies
  2) Maintenance Grant.                               provide student funding e.g. Dublin Port.
> Back to Education Allowance (apply to your
  local Social Protection Office). Students on the
  Back to Education Allowance are not eligible for
  the Maintenance Grant element of the Student
  Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) Student Grant
  Scheme. However, students in this category             Visit the Student Budgeting Advice
  should still apply to SUSI in order to have            Service for more information:
  the Student Contribution Charge (formerly              www.maynoothuniversity.ie/
  Registration Fees) paid, as otherwise they will
                                                         money-matters
  have to pay this charge which is approximately
  €3,000 each year (subject to change).

                                                                                                            27
PROFILE OF A
     CURRENT STUDENT
     Maciej Wilhelm Majnusz                               having enough time but I intend to make it up
     BSc Mathematics (with Education)                     to her later. In hindsight, I now know that there
                                                          was other help I could have benefitted from, if I
     I came to Ireland with a broken heart in search of   had paid more attention to the communication
     a change – change of scenery, people, culture,       from the University and those emails which
     everything. I had been working in various jobs       highlighted the financial supports available. I
     and travelling for a while.                          could perhaps have reduced my working hours
                                                          a bit by using the Student Budgeting Advice
     Eventually Martha, my sister, made me ask
                                                          Service (SBAC) and benefiting from the Student
     myself “What did I want to do with my life?” My
                                                          Assistance Fund (SAF).
     answer was “work with children”. So I decided
     to aim for teaching. I recognised that teaching      Another concern for me has been “What If I’m not
     would be a great profession, one that I would be     going to be a good teacher or enjoy it? What if
     proud to be associated with, that would enable       my hard work and sacrifices are for nothing? But
     me also to work and help children. Maths is a        college has given me the confidence and belief that
     subject I was always fond of and seemed to           all those problems (and others) can be overcome.
     succeed at in school. Recognising my love and        I now know I need to enjoy the journey itself and
     enjoyment of the subject and understanding the       live a little, spending more time with people, getting
     great difficulty many people have with maths         the right balance. This is one of the most important
     I thought this could be my opportunity. I knew       lessons I have learnt in Maynooth - college is NOT
     also that there is a demand for maths teachers       all hardship and work.
     in Ireland. I picked Maynooth University (MU)
     because it was so accessible. My dealings with       What I love most is the time I spend with pupils
     the Admissions Office and the Maynooth Access        during school placements, experiencing and
     Programme (MAP) from the outset set me on the        enjoying their personalities and participating
     right track to achieving my dreams.                  in their journey of learning. I already have so
                                                          many awesome memories - the enjoyment of
     I followed MU’s advice, completed the Certificate    discussions we conduct in education classes,
     in Science Programme, one of their preparatory       and working particularly with my new close
     programmes, and was so delighted to get a place      friends on the education courses – Lauren,
     on the Maths Education degree course. I am now       Megan, Daniel and Emma. Having to work
     completing my final year.                            regularly in a group has also made me realise
     My main concern starting out was money. The          and deal with a lot of my shortcomings.
     course was quite demanding and I needed              I have come to truly love maths and am amused
     to focus on study Monday to Friday, leaving          that some people do not want to play poker with
     me very little time for anything else. I worked      me because they think “I’m too good at maths”.
     weekends and all holidays. Summers were spent
     working, often up to 60 hours per week to save       Five years on, I would now say – don’t look
     up enough to sustain myself particularly during      for obstacles, take one step at a time, enjoy
     the school year. Lack of money and time meant I      the little victories and celebrate them with the
     could not look after my mum, who is not in great     wonderful people around you. Help others more
     health, as well as I would have liked to – she       and don’t be afraid to ask for help – we all need
     had moved to Ireland with my dad to be closer        it sometimes. In other words: do not worry and
     to my sister and me. I often feel bad about not      enjoy the ride.
28
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

“I never felt that my age
held me back in relation
to speaking to students
 or working with them
  for group projects,
 as MAYNOOTH UNIVESITY
  really does have the
 ethos of INCLUSION, no
    matter what age.”
                                                             29
Maynooth University
     PREPARATORY / FOUNDATION COURSES
     FOR MATURE STUDENTS

     Mature students who have been out of        CERTIFICATE IN RETURN TO LEARNING
     formal education for some time often        The Certificate in Return to Learning is aimed
                                                 at people who have been out of formal
     benefit from undertaking a preparatory      education for a number of years and who want
     programme.                                  to experience a university education without
                                                 having to commit to a full degree. Students who
     Maynooth University offer three such        do progress onto undergraduate degrees, often
     options, all of which have guaranteed       excel in their chosen subjects due to the solid
                                                 foundation of academic research and writing
     offers of places on relevant courses
                                                 skills that the course had given them.
     for those performing well and attaining
     the required grades. The courses are        This Certificate is run by the Department of
                                                 Adult and Community Education in Maynooth
     as follows:                                 University who take a very different approach to
                                                 teaching and learning than many people will have
     > Certificate in Return To Learning (RTL)   encountered through their previous educational
                                                 experiences. We value the knowledge that people
     > Certificate in Science (see p. 32)        bring with them from their everyday life and we
     > Think About Teaching (TTT) (see p. 36)    work with the student to bring them through
                                                 the learning process. Mature students have life
30
Maynooth University Mature Students 2020

experience that can be very valuable. Anyone           Please be aware that the age to access
who has been working, either formally or as a          full-time undergraduate study as a mature
full-time parent, learns skills along the way. These   student remains at 23 years of age on 1st
could be budgeting, time management or conflict        January in year of entry (21 years of age for
resolution. In addition, being older gives you a       MH801, MH802 and MH803. See p. 56-57
different way of approaching problems. All of this     for details).
can be very useful when returning to education.
                                                       Course duration: 100 hours part-time over
In 2018, the course was redesigned to encompass        one year. There are a number of options from
Study Skills, Information and Communications           which to choose:
Technology, Sociology and Local History. The new       > Monday and Wednesday mornings
format will enable students to sample subjects           from 10.00am - 12.30pm
from the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences with
                                                       > Wednesday and Friday mornings
lecturers who have years of experience in a wide
                                                         from 10.00am - 12.30pm
range of academic settings.
                                                       > Wednesday evenings from 6.00pm - 10.00pm
The Return to Learning course is more than
just about acquiring the mechanical skills that        Classes are small and the learning takes place
people need to succeed in Higher Education.            within the classroom between the students and
For many adults the initial step of crossing the       guided by our facilitators/lecturers.
threshold of a college can be very daunting.
                                                       Our courses have been described as life
This can be enough to stop a person from even
                                                       changing, transformational and the best learning
thinking about going to university. These initial
                                                       experience that people have ever had.
concerns about being different to the majority of
the students, being expected to know how to do
things like use the library or be competent with        Ann Pepper
computers, are dealt with over the foundation
year and this element of personal development           “I decided to take on the challenge of
and confidence building is of central concern            third level education when my youngest
to us as adult educators. What the course does           child was entering secondary school. I
more than anything else is allow the student time        hoped to improve my future employment
to come to terms with university life and begin          opportunities and to reach my potential in
to understand who they are as a learner. This            terms of education, as I had not gone to
is another reason why our Return to Learning             college after leaving school in 1987. The
students, who progress onto degree study, do so          Certificate in Return to Learning course was
well – they have learned how to learn.                   recommended to me as a way to get onto a
                                                         degree course once I had achieved a certain
Participants need to be at least 21 years of age         grade. I am very happy to say that I have
or over on 1st January of the year in which the          just successfully completed my BA and am
course commences. Students who achieve a mark            certain I would not have managed this without
of 60% in their final overall grade will be accepted     the excellent start the RTL course gave me.”
onto MH101 and MH803 without interview.

                                                                                                             31
Certificate in Science: progression
     to SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING DEGREES

     The Maynooth University Certificate in    The Certificate subjects include: Biology,
                                               Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering
     Science is a great option for mature
                                               Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematics,
     students who don’t yet meet all the       Mathematical Physics and Study Skills.
     requirements to begin a science degree.
                                               Successful completion of the Certificate in Science
                                               (with a minimum overall grade of 60%) allows
                                               enrolment on the first year of a number of science
       This Level 6 Foundation Programme       degree courses. Successful completion of the
       for mature students (over 21) is        Certificate in Science (with a minimum overall
                                               grade of 60%) AND success in the Maynooth
       suited to those who are interested in
                                               University Special Mathematics Examination, in
       preparing for degrees in science and/
                                               April/May and/or August 2021, after independent
       or engineering.
                                               study, allows enrolment on the first year of the
                                               Electronic Engineering MH304 degree.

32
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