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Foundation Certificate for Mature Learners

  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Content
  • Entry Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Ask a Question

Programme Overview

The Foundation Certificate for Mature Learners is a programme offered by the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) in Mary Immaculate College and is designed for mature learners (anyone over the age of 22 by 1 January on the year of application) who wish to continue their education and potentially progress to full-time third level study. The course takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays 7-9pm and runs from October 2022 to April 2023.

Objectives & Subjects on Offer

The programme aims to:

  • Equip students with the necessary skills to participate in, and benefit from, a third level course
  • Provide students with an opportunity to experience the satisfaction that can be gained from learning
  • Build up confidence in a supportive learning environment
  • Provide a direct access route to the MIC BA in Liberal Arts for those who attain a merit
  • Provide an alternative to the Leaving Certificate as a route to third level for mature students

The 80 hour programme is designed to offer participants a sample of the subjects that are available on a degree programme, while equipping students with a set of transferable skills, which will enable them to succeed at third level. The programme features a range of six core subjects chosen from the BA degree in MIC including History, Heritage Studies, German Studies, Philosophy, English Language & Literature and Geography. In addition, two core skills programmes are also offered: Academic Writing and Information Technology.

What do I get Afterwards?

Students achieving a merit on the Foundation Certificate will be offered a place on the Bachelor of Arts (MI002) degree programme in MIC, subsequent to completion of a CAO form and supplementary form before 1 February. 

In addition, MIC Foundation Students who obtain a merit (average of a B3) have direct entry to the following MIC and  UL programmes (subject to certain criteria in some instances, please see notes below). All interested applicants must apply via the CAO system:

  • Bachelor of Arts (MI002)
  • BA in Education, Business Studies & Accounting (MI009) at MIC Thurles*
  • BA in Education, Business Studies & Religious Studies (MI010) at MIC Thurles*
  • Bachelor of Arts (LM002)
  • Journalism & New Media (LM039)
  • European Studies (LM040)
  • Business Studies (LM050)

Note: Students progressing to language options within these programmes must already have Leaving Certificate level language, except where beginners' level languages are offered by the programme.

*Please note applicants may be required to attend for interview.

Contact

Dr Geraldine Brosnan, Programme Coordinator

T: +353 61 204917

E: Geraldine.Brosnan@mic.ul.ie

Programme Content

Core Subjects:

  • History
  • Heritage Studies
  • German Studies
  • Philosophy
  • English Language & Literature
  • Geography

Skills:

  • Academic Writing
  • Information Technology

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be over the age of 22 by 1 January on the year of application. 

How to Apply

Please Note: Applications for 2022 are closed.

Fees: €400 per annum, payable in two instalments of €200 at the commencement of each semester.  A reduced rate of €100 per annum (payable in two instalments) is available for holders of means-tested medical cards.

T: +353 61 204348

E: Admissions@mic.ul.ie

Return the application form by email  to: Admissions@mic.ul.ie  

Contact
Programme Coordinator
Dr Geraldine Brosnan
+353 61 204917

Ask a Question

  • Programme Overview
  • Programme Content
  • Entry Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Ask a Question