Preparing for third-level study
There are a number of key things which you can do to prepare yourself to make an application to UL:
- Research programmes
- Get educational guidance
- Attend information sessions and open evenings
- Complete the UL Mature Student Access Certificate or other preparatory study
- Investigate FETAC linked programmes
- Develop your computer skills
Have a look at the UL Prospectus to see the variety of programmes on offer and think about what area(s) are of most interest to you. Is it engineering, science, health, humanities, business, education - or it may even be a combination of these? Take time to look at the detail of the programmes and not just the titles, as the information the title provides you with can be limited. Look at how a programme is structured, what subjects are taught, when and where work placement (Co-Op) takes place, whether there are specific entry requirements (e.g. Higher Leaving Cert maths for Engineering) and what career options are available afterwards.
If you are interested in where a particular degree may take you, have a look at the Using Your UL Degree page on the Co-Operative Education and Careers website. [Back to top]
It can be very useful to meet with a guidance counsellor to talk through your learning options before making your application. A guidance counsellor can help you to identify the wide range of opportunities which are open to you, and can help you to get a more holisitic perspective your decision to return to third-level education. The Downtown Centre Guidance Service in Limerick City works with UL, Mary I, LIT and IT Tralee and offers pre-entry educational guidance to any adult who is considering their third-level study options. Patricia-Anne Moore is the Guidance Counsellor and can be contacted at 061-213378 or patricia-anne.moore@downtowncentre.ie. Appointments are free of charge.
The University of Limerick also has a Careers Adviser for mature students. Patsy Ryan can meet with or advise any prospective mature student who is considering applying specifically to UL. Patsy can be contacted at 061-234227 or patsy.ryan@ul.ie. [Back to top]
Information sessions and open evenings
UL hosts an annual Open Evening for mature students. This year's event takes place on Wednesday 13th February 2013 from 4.30pm - 8.00pm in the Atrium of the Foundation Building (Concert Hall). This Open Evening provides an opportunity for future mature students to come along and meet with teaching and support staff working in UL and to learn more about the programmes on offer. All are welcome.
A small number of information evenings are also organised each year by UL and its local third-level partners, on different aspects of making mature student applications to third-level. [Back to top]
Mature Student Access Certificate or other preparatory study
If it has been a long time since you did your Leaving Cert, or if you didn’t complete your formal schooling when you were younger, it can be a good idea to consider doing some preparatory study before applying for a degree programme. By doing this, you will get an opportunity to build up your confidence, particularly in relation to your learning skills. It can also give you the opportunity to experience the commitment required to undertake study on a full-time basis.
Useful courses to undertake before applying for degree programmes can be third-level ‘access’ courses such as UL's Mature Student Access Certificate, FETAC programmes (offered by post-leaving cert colleges or adult education centres - see below), or Leaving Certificate subjects which can be studied for either independently or through your local adult education centre or VTOS programme. [Back to top]
UL has developed a number of entry routes to first year to 15 degree programmes for students who have achieved a relevant FETAC award. These entry routes are to a range of programmes in the Humanities, Nursing and Business disciplines.
While mature students do not apply through the CAO to UL, and are not required to have prior qualifications prior to applying to UL, the information on linked programmes in these disciplines may be useful to mature students who are considering undertaking some preparatory study before starting on a degree programme.
Further information on these FETAC linked programmes is available from the Admissions Office. [Back to top]
Having basic computer skills before you start on a degree programme will make your life so much easier! Computer skills really are a 'life skill' when it comes to studying in third-level. It is highly recommended, if you do not currently have good computer skills, that you undertake some basic computer skills courses before starting your degree programme as these skills will be invaluable to you during your four years at UL. [Back to top]