Mary Immaculate College (MIC) has once again reaffirmed its commitment to widening access to higher education for individuals who have been most distanced from opportunities due to factors such as age, nationality, ethnicity, and socio-economic or cultural attributes. The College is pleased to announce that applications are now open for its free Pre-University Programme (PUP).
The programme, offered in conjunction with Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group, is specifically designed for mature learners over the age of 22 and is set to begin on September 25.
Rob O’Halloran, MIC Student Life Officer, stated: ‘The Pre-University Programme is an innovative and accessible introduction to third-level studies and aims to provide a ‘taster’ of higher education while developing the skills necessary for success at third-level. It also offers an alternative progression route to higher-level study and serves to raise awareness of the supports offered to mature students at MIC. We welcome applications from under-represented groups such as those from the Traveller Community, unemployed, single parents, and those from an urban or rural disadvantage.’
PUP is a 24-hour, on-campus certificate programme. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Special Purpose Award. The programme runs over eight weeks and features core subjects including History and Philosophy, in addition to a core skills programme in Academic Writing.
Vicky Griffin, a current MIC BA student and PUP graduate, shared her experience: ‘Before doing the PUP course I had dreamed of going to college. But the reality of what I wanted to do and what I could do were two different things. Doing the PUP course gave me the confidence and tools I needed to achieve my goals of going to full-time college.’
Dr. Paul O’Brien, Assistant Professor in Social & Environmental Education (Pedagogy of History) and PUP Programme Coordinator, commented: ‘We look forward to offering this programme to those in our communities whose educational experiences and opportunities in their earlier years may have been limited, and who wish to continue their education through creating a progressive pathway into university level education. The programme will be delivered in a friendly and supportive environment and is an ideal starting point to begin your educational journey.’
Classes will take place on campus at MIC Limerick, one morning per week over 10 weeks, from Thursday, September 25 (10 am to 1 pm).
The closing date for applications is Monday, September 22, 2025.
For further details or to apply, please click here or contact:
Dr. Paul O’Brien, Programme Coordinator
JHN
Email: Paul.OBrien@mic.ul.ie
T: 061 204 568
