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Special Needs Students

• Choosing the college to best suit your disability

Third Level Education and the Mature Student

Third-level education is becoming increasingly accessible to adults on both a full-time and a part-time basis.

Mature Student Places

Third-level colleges reserve a small number of places specifically for mature students who want to participate in full-time day programmes.

If you are over 23* you can apply for one of these places. This means that you will compete for your place on a different basis to those who are just leaving school.

The number of places reserved for mature students are limited, however, so it is likely that you will still have to compete with your peers.

*Generally,you are considered to be a mature student if you are at least 23 years of age on January 1 of the year you enter your course.

If you are interested in a particular college you should check how it defines a mature student.

If you opt for a full-time course in this way, you will be expected to attend classes or lectures everyday and, you will be assessed in the same way as the other students on your course.

Part-time Options

However, if such a model does not suit your lifestyle, there are other options available, including part-time courses, modular programmes and distance learning.

If you choose to study on a part-time or modular basis, you can spread your studies over a number of years. This gives you the opportunity to organise your time and to study in bursts when it is most convenient for you. It has the obvious drawback that it will take longer to complete than a full-time course, but it also has the advantage that it allows you to work at your own pace, gradually building credits towards your qualification.

Modular Programmes

A modular programme is made up of separate modules, which are self-contained units within a course. You can study and complete each module separately at different stages during that course. Modular programmes can take place in regular classroom settings or can be part of a distance learning programme. Modular courses are available at degree level in some universities.

The UCD modular B.A. degree is a good example of this. If you get a place on this programme you will be expected to attend between 5-6 hours of lectures, seminars and tutorials a week. Each module involves approximately 120 hours of tuition, which is equal to 30 credits. You will need 240 credits to gain your B.A. degree.

Distance Learning

The term "distance learning" covers a wide range of learning programmes that take place away from the physical presence of the classroom and the tutor. If you participate in a distance learning programme, it is likely that you will use a wide range of packaged materials and media throughout your course. These could include tapes, videos and the Internet.

Some courses organise periodic classes where students come together for a day, a weekend or a week at a time, in order to study intensively.

Rules

Generally, you will need to have completed your Leaving Certificate. However, if you are applying for a place as a mature student, you will not be asked to meet the usual entry requirements. Different courses operate different entry procedures, but, in general, the colleges will take into account your educational background, work history, community involvement and other achievements and interests. This system is known as the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). It is useful to find out whether the college of your choice uses the APEL system before you apply.

In some cases, you may be asked to take an entrance exam.

Rates

Full-time Study

You will not have to pay fees for the majority of full-time courses at undergraduate level in any of the technical colleges or universities around the country. These courses should last a minimum of 2 years in order to be covered by the free fees initiative . It is likely that you will have to make a small non-tuition payment to the college in order to cover such things as registration and exam fees.

If you are planning to study at a private third-level college, however, you will be charged fees. These vary from college to college. You can apply for tax relief if you are paying for the course from your own income or your spouse can claim if they are paying fees on your behalf.

When planning to return to full-time education, it is worth remembering that your maintenance costs may be high. Some mature students may be eligible for maintenance grants to help with costs while at college.

Part-time, Modular and Distance Education

You will have to pay fees for all part-time, modular and distance education courses. The costs vary from course to course.

You can, however, apply for tax relief if you are participating on an approved course that is at least 2 years in duration and is being paid for out of your own income.

How to apply

In order to apply for a third-level course as a mature student, you should first contact the college of your choice directly and send them an up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV). Some colleges require you to apply through the Central Applications Office and you must apply before 1 February of the year you start your course. You will be in competition with other mature students for a place on the course so make sure to include as much detail as possible regarding your educational background, work experience and other interests. If your CV gets through the first part of the application procedure, you will be called for interview. At this point, you may be asked to bring along work that shows your aptitude for the course in question or you may be required to sit an aptitude test.

Where To Apply