Access FAQ
Q. What exactly is a mature student?
A. A mature student is a person aged over 23 years undertaking study at third level at a university, an institute of technology, a teacher-training college or post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) course. The age requirement for Access to Arts and Human Sciences and Access to Science and Engineering is 22 years on 1st of January of year of entry to course.
Q. Will I be the oldest? Am I too old to learn/start college? Will I feel uncomfortable in class with much younger people?
A. There is no upper age limit. Former students have found that the age-mix helps create an atmosphere which lends itself to sharing information and pooling resources.
Q. I never sat the Leaving Cert., might I still be eligible?
A. It is desirable though not essential. Applicants to Access to Arts and Human Sciences and Access to Science and Engineering are not required to have formal qualifications, they will be given the opportunity to make a personal statement outlining their life experience and abilities.
Q. Are the courses full-time or part-time?
A. Part-time. Access to Arts and Human Sciences courses are offered either morning or evening and require that students attend on two mornings/evenings per week, depending on the venue. Access to Science and Engineering is offered on two evenings a week and on Saturday mornings at Belfield. Access to Arts and Access to Science and Engineering are of twenty weeks duration, ten in the autumn and ten in the spring semester.
Q. What subjects are available? Is there a choice?
A. Subject options may change on the Access to Arts and Human Sciences course from one year to the next. No matter what subjects are on offer, bear in mind, that the acquiring of learning skills and the process itself are the key objectives of Access to Arts and Human Sciences. Students who intend to pursue a third level qualification in Engineering choose Maths for Engineering rather than Biology in the Access to Science and Engineering course.
Q. Attendance - what if I can't make 80% of course for reasons of illness, family situation, etc?
A. It is impossible to pre-empt issues that might arise during your course. Whilst we are anxious to maintain high academic standards, we understand that it is not always possible to operate within strictly defined parameters. If the need arises, talk to your course co-ordinator and every effort will be made to facilitate your needs.
Q. I am on low income can I afford this?
A. Students who are holders of Medical Cards may qualify for a fee reduction. It will be necessary to produce evidence of income. Please discuss with Thomond Coogan.
UCD Adult Education Centre, Library Building, Belfield, Dublin 4. Tel : (01) 716-7123
