Mature Student Preparatory CoursesUniversity of Limerick

Mature Student Office

Lucy McGrath Administrator

Email: Lucy.mcgrath@ul.ie / mso@ul.ie Phone: 061-202735

Rhona McCormack Mature Student Officer

Email: Rhona.mccormack@ul.ie Phone: 061-213481

UL Mature Student Office Staff

Mature Student Office Location

Mature Student OfficeEM-019a Main BuildingUniversity of Limerick

Preparing for Third-level

Complete a third-level

Access Course

Direct Entry to Undergraduate

Course

Complete a Further

Education Level 5 or 6 Course (QQI Award)

Access Courses for Mature Students

Access or Foundation programmes

University of Limerick (UL)

1. Mature Student Access Certificate (full-time)

2. Maths for STEM Certificate (part-time)

Mary Immaculate College (MIC)

1. Foundation Certificate for Mature Students;

2. Teacher Education Access Course (part-time)

Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT)

1. Certificate in Transition to Higher Education (part-time)

Pre-University Programme [PUP] (MIC & Local ETBs)

1. Mature Student Access Certificate (MSAC)

• One year full-time pre-degree course

• Programme runs Monday to Friday & classes are scheduled between 9am – 5pm.

• Applicants must be 22+ years of age as of 1st January 2020

• Applications are made directly to the UL Mature Student Office VIA EMAIL

• Course fee: €500 or €100 for applicants on low income or DEASP payment

• Programme is approved under BTEA Second-level Option and is considered progression from QQI Level 5

• Offers guaranteed places on 17 undergraduate degree programmes in UL and 1programme in Mary Immaculate College

• Core modules include: Mathematics, Computer Skills, Study Skills & Educational Guidance… these are compulsory subjects.

• Elective modules include: Humanities, Science, Engineering & Business, which include the following, you have the option of selecting 1 ELECTIVE STREAM SUBJECT

Elective Stream Semester 1 (Sept – Dec.) Semester 2 (Jan – May)

Humanities Introduction to Politics & Sociology Introduction to History & English Literature

Science Biology, Chemistry, Physics Biology, Chemistry, Physics

Engineering Introduction to Manufacturing Technology & CAD

Introduction to Engineering

Business Introduction to Economics Introduction to Accounting & Finance

Direct Progression from MSAC

Science

• Biological & Chemical Sciences

• Food Science & Health

• Equine Science

• Creative Media & Interaction Design

• Computing Technologies

Engineering

• Construction Management & Engineering

• Aircraft Maintenance & Airworthiness Engineering

• Engineering – common entry

• Electronic & Computer Engineering

• Aeronautical Engineering

• Chemical & Biochemical Engineering

Humanities

• Arts (UL - offered in conjunction with Mary I)

• Arts (Mary I – offered in conjunction with UL)

• Journalism & Digital Communication

• European Studies

Business• Technology Management

• Business Studies

MSAC Elective Stream Undergraduate Degree Programme

Hear from the students themselves

Testimonials from former MSAC students

"UL has a world class reputation and pursuing a degree here is a great step to a successful career. Doing

the Access course at the university better prepared me for a degree here than say one elsewhere. It

exposes you to the UL environment gradually...Without question the best decision I have taken.“

"The location gives you a great idea of what studying in UL would be like, and you can hit the ground

running next year as you know the lay of the land. The direct access from this course is good motivation to

do well also.“

"I believe I have access in this institution to the best educators and facilities that are available. Also it is

great to achieve a Certificate from a University. All of the tutors and admin staff really have the best

interests of the students at heart. All of them have been there to assist at all times.“

"All lectures are excellent, the course management is very good, the course is an introduction to college life

and I find it fitting that I am not over-loaded with study. There I feel that the amount of material fed to me is

bang-on."

2. Maths for STEM Certificate

• One year part-time course delivered in partnership by LCETB & UL

• Suitable for anyone interested in improving competency & knowledge in mathematics, particularly as it relates to work or study in the STEM Disciplines

• STEM disciplines include: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

• Increasing demand for a number of occupations, in STEM areas

• For example, occupations such as data analysts/scientists, quality control specialists, process engineers etc. if you wish to take a closer look at career opportunities in STEM, check out www.smartfutures.ie

• Applications are made directly to the UL Mature Student Office VIA EMAIL

• Certificate is recognised by UL as equivalent to Higher Level Leaving Certificate Maths for mature student applicants, for entry to Science and Engineering degree programmes.

• The course content is set out in the Award Specification for the QQI Maths for STEM Award (5S2246)

More mature student stories

How do I apply for the MSO Preparatory programmes ?

• Application packs are available online from www.ul.ie/mso or from the Mature Student Office,please email us directly mso@ul.ie to request an application pack for either the Mature StudentAccess Certificate or the Maths for STEM Certificate.

• Given that the University of Limerick is currently closed until 19th April 2020, due to theCOVID-19 Coronavirus restrictions. To read more about this – click here.

• We are now accepting applications for these preparatory programmes via email. For furtherinstructions on completing the application form electronically please see instructions – click here

• Alternatively, if you can provide a high resolution images of your application (includingsupporting documents) we will also accept these. Please be advised that we may also requestthe paper copy of your application and supporting documents at a later stage.

How do I apply for the MSO Preparatory programmes?

• Please email your application to mso@ul.ie or if you have any questions on the applicationform or supporting documentation.

• For the Mature Student Access Certificate and/or the Maths for STEM Certificate, please notethe following. In order for your application to be assessed, you will be required to submit thefollowing:

1. A completed application form2. Referee questionnaire*3. All supporting documentation**

*Referee questionnaires may be completed by anyone except an immediate family member or friend **Such as educational qualifications, birth-certificate, copy of passport etc.

• Please visit www.ul.ie/mso for more details.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us mso@ul.ie

Or sign up to our MSO mailing list so you don’t miss out on any updates from us.

Or follow us on Twitter @UL_MSO

& finally…..

Thank you