Applying as a Mature Student - MSAP
What is MSAP Ireland?
The MSAP-Ireland assessment is designed to allow you to demonstrate your skills in written English and your capacity for critical reasoning.
The MSAP-Ireland assessment is developed and independently administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research), who have an excellent international reputation and a track record in the development, management and research of selection tests for undergraduate programmes.
The MSAP-Ireland assessment consists of the following:
- A Written English module (Module 1)
And - Multiple choice module/s:
- Reasoning in the Humanities and Social Sciences (Module 2)
And/Or - Reasoning in Sciences, Mathematics and Social Sciences (Module 3)
- Reasoning in the Humanities and Social Sciences (Module 2)
What courses require MSAP Ireland?
Take Module 1 and 3 for: |
Take Module 1 and 2 for: |
| Science DN200 Science DN201 Computer Science DN230 Actuarial and Financial Studies |
Arts and Humanities DN520 Arts DN530 Humanities DN541 International Languages |
| Agriculture and Food Science
DN250 Agricultural Science Note: UCD Supplementary Statement Form required.also for DN250-271 |
Social Sciences and Law |
How do I apply?
Application is made online via the MSAP Ireland website. You must have your CAO application number before you can apply for the MSAP-Ireland assessment so you are advised to apply online via www.cao.ie. Your CAO application number will issue by email, as soon your application is submitted. If you apply using the paper version of the CAO application form you may not receive your CAO application number in time to meet the MSAP-Ireland registration deadline.
What is the closing date?
Apply by 4 February. Please see MSAP ireland website for full details.
Is there a fee?
The cost of applying to the MSAP-Ireland assessment in 2018 is €78.00 per candidate for those who apply by 4 February. An additional charge of €35 will apply for late registrations up to 18 February. This fee will cover online registration for the test, materials required for the paper test, provision of test results to the candidate and the transfer of results to the CAO.
Which modules to I take for Arts and Humanities/Social Sciences and Law courses?
When registering for the MSAP-Ireland, applicants for any Arts (DN520-DN541), Social Sciences and Law courses (DN600-DN750) in UCD select modules 1 and 2:
| MSAP-Ireland | |
Module 1: Written English |
|
| Module 2: Reasoning in the Humanities and Social Sciences for Arts and Humanities (DN520-541) and Social Sciences and Law (DN600-DN750) |
|
| Module 3: Reasoning in Sciences, Mathematics and Social Sciences for Science (DN200-230) and Agricultural Science degree (DN250-DN271) |
|
Which modules to I take for Agricultural Science and Science courses?
When registering for the MSAP-Ireland, applicants for any Agricultural Science (DN250-271), Science (DN200-230) in UCD select modules 1 and 3:
| MSAP-Ireland | |
Module 1: Written English |
|
| Module 2: Reasoning in the Humanities and Social Sciences for Arts and Humanities (DN520-DN541) and Social Sciences and Law (DN600-DN750) |
|
| Module 3: Reasoning in Sciences, Mathematics and Social Sciences for Science (DN200-230) and Agricultural Science degree (DN250-DN271) |
|
What if I want to apply for modules in both areas?
All MSAP-Ireland candidates complete the first Written English module (Module 1). If you are applying for a range of courses acrossboth areas you will need to complete BOTH multiple choice modules (Module 2 and Module 3).
| MSAP-Ireland | |
Module 1: Written English |
|
| Module 2: Reasoning in the Humanities and Social Sciences for Arts and Humanities (DN520-541) and Social Sciences and Law (DN600-DN750) |
|
| Module 3: Reasoning in Sciences, Mathematics and Social Sciences for Science (DN200-230) and Agricultural Science degree (DN250-DN271) |
|
When is the test?
Main Test Date
Saturday 03 March 2018 (9.45am)
Alternate Test Dates
For any applicant unable to make the main test date, University College Dublin has announced two further test dates:
Thursday 08 March (10.00am)
Tuesday 13 March (6.00pm)
What happens on the test day?
Each module takes 1 hour to complete.
The first module, Written English, provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your skills in written English. You will be asked to write on a topic (or a number of topics) and ACER will be interested to see how you structure your arguments and present them. Your knowledge of facts is not being tested and there is no particular curriculum that you must follow. Rather, it is your capacity to express ideas clearly and communicate them to the reader that is of concern.
The multiple choice modules test your critical reasoning. Again, it is not your general knowledge that is being tested. ACER is interested in how you sift and assess information to come to a conclusion.
This is not a test that you pass or fail: ACER will provide you with a score on each module and a combined score. That information will then be provided to UCD where it will be combined with the information provided in your CAO application in the assessment of your application.
Special Testing Conditions:
If you have an impairment which could affect your performance in the test you can apply for special testing conditions.Further information is available on the MSAP – Ireland website