Mature Student Access Certificate

Cover of MSAC brochure

 

The Mature Student Access Certificate (MSAC) is a one year full-time pre-degree course designed for individuals who wish to develop or refresh key learning skills, and to undertake some foundation level academic studies, before applying directly for a degree programme. The application pack for the 2013-14 programme can be downloaded below. Please ensure both the application form and the referee questionnaire are completed as part of your application. The closing date for applications is 1st May 2013.

  1. MSAC Cover Letter 2013-14
  2. MSAC Brochure 2013-14
  3. MSAC Application Form 2013-14
  4. MSAC Referee Letter 2013-14
  5. MSAC Referee Questionnaire 2013-14

 

 Further details on the programme are below:

 

Who can apply?

The programme is open to mature students who, for reasons of social, finanical or cultural disadvantage, were unable previously to avail of a third-level education. Applicants must be 22 years of age or older on 1st January in the year in which they apply.  [Back to top]

What will I study?

The MSAC gives you an opportunity to develop core skills which will be very useful to you in third-level, such as study skills and IT skills, as well as giving you an opportunity to study a specialist subject area such as Humanities, Science or Engineering. You also get to experience life on campus in UL as a full-time registered student before committing to a full four years of study on a degree programme. Download the 2013/14 programme brochure here.  [Back to top]

When does the course start?

The next MSAC commences in September 2013. [Back to top]

How do I apply?

Application packs for the 2013/14 programme will be available from January 2013. Please phone or email the Mature Student Office (mso@ul.ie / 061-202735) to put your name on the waiting list for the programme in the meantime. [Back to top]

What programmes can I progress to?

There are 31 programmes to which direct progression is offered from the Mature Student Access Certificate. The progression opportunities available are dependent on the elective you choose on the MSAC. [Back to top]

Testimonials from former 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 avialable. 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."

[Back to top]