Expand+Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include:

Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H...

Hide-Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include:

Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

Note: Grade F6 in Foundation Mathematics also satisfies the minimum entry requirements. Foundation Maths is not reckonable for scoring purposes.

Additional language requirements
Applicants must hold a H4 grade in a language other than English. Students wishing to take French, Spanish (advanced) or German (advanced) must hold a minimum of a H4 grade in the appropriate language. Students wishing to take the two language options with Irish/Gaeilge must hold a minimum H4 grade in Irish/Gaeilge.

Irish Leaving Certificate Applicants

Minimum Entry Requirements

Degree
An applicant is expected to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate with a minimum of six subjects which must include:

• Two H5 (Higher Level) grades; and
• Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades.

Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

Certificate/Diploma Equine Science
An applicant is expected to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate with at least five O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or five H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. Candidates wishing to transfer to the follow-on Diploma programme in Equine Science will require at least a Second Class Honours award at Certificate level. Graduates obtaining at least a Second Class Honours in the Diploma will be considered for entry to year 4 of the B.Sc. in Equine Science.

Special Mathematics Entrance Examination
The University holds a special mathematics entrance examination in August each year for students who achieve sufficient CAO entry points and satisfy all other entrance requirements, but who do not achieve the requisite grade in Higher Level Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate for Faculty of Science and Engineering undergraduate degrees. Candidates who pass this special examination are deemed to have satisfied the Higher Level Mathematics entry requirement for all programmes run by the Faculty of Science & Engineering. Further information and an application form is available from www.ul.ie/admissions

Computer Studies Course
The University of Limerick is involved, in association with a number of schools, in the delivery of a Computer Studies course. A passing grade in the Computer Studies course is deemed equivalent to a Leaving Certificate subject for eligibility and scoring. Further information from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Specific Subject Requirements for Individual Programmes Specific subject requirements for individual programmes are detailed above. It should be noted that candidates may continue to fulfill minimum and specific subject requirements from more than one sitting of the Leaving Certificate. Foundation Mathematics, Foundation Irish and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) do not satisfy specific subject requirements.

Competitive Entry
Due to the number and calibre of applicants, qualified candidates to all undergraduate degree programmes who satisfy the minimum and specific entry requirements outlined above, are placed in order of merit based on a points system. The system operates as follows:

• Points are awarded for all Leaving Certificate Higher and Ordinary Level Subjects based on the grades achieved in each subject with the exception of the following subjects o Foundation Mathematics o Foundation Irish

• Points are awarded for the best six subjects.

• Where applicable the LCVP can be considered for points purposes provided the minimum entry requirements and specific subject requirements are satisfied.

• The six subjects must be taken at any one sitting of the Leaving Certificate.

• An additional score of 25 points is awarded for grades H1 to H6 in the Higher Leaving Mathematics. The additional scores apply only where it is included as one of the applicant’s best 6 subjects.

The following rules apply to combinations of subjects when computing an applicant’s point score. These rules also apply in fulfilling minimum entry requirements:

• Physics, Physics and Chemistry count as one subject;

• Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry count as one subject;

• Physics, Chemistry and Physics, and Chemistry count as two subjects,

• Home Economics (Scientific and Social), Home Economics (General) and Home Economics (Single course), any combination counts as one subject.

• English, English Composition count as one subject.

• Music, Music and Musicianship, Music and Musicianship A, Music and Musicianship B, any combination counts as one subject.

• Agricultural Economics, History, Economics, Economic History count as three subjects.

• Any two or three subject combination of: History, Economics, Economic History, Agricultural Economics, counts as two subjects except when Agricultural Economics and Economics are combined in which case they count as one subject.

Bonus points are ONLY awarded for Higher Level Mathematics at Grade H6 and above and where it is included as one of the applicants best six subjects.

Expand+QQI FET Level 5 Award (NFQ Level 5 Major Award): Entry Pathways

Minimum Entry Requirements
Certain QQI FET Level 5 Awards are acceptable in fulfilling the entry requirements for a number of programmes of study. In all circumstances candidates m...

Hide-QQI FET Level 5 Award (NFQ Level 5 Major Award): Entry Pathways

Minimum Entry Requirements
Certain QQI FET Level 5 Awards are acceptable in fulfilling the entry requirements for a number of programmes of study. In all circumstances candidates must present the full award with a minimum credit value of 120 which must include a distinction in at least 5 component awards. In addition to satisfying the minimum entry requirements, candidates must also satisfy the specific component award requirements. Further details are in the publication “Entry Requirements: QQI FET Level 5 Awards (NFQ Level 5 Major Award)” that is available from the Undergraduate Admissions Office or online at www.ul.ie/ admissions

Competitive Entry
Due to the number and calibre of applicants, qualified candidates to all undergraduate degree programmes who satisfy the minimum entry requirements outlined above, are placed in order of merit based on a points system. The system operates as follows:

• This scoring process only applies where all the requirements for the major award are met i.e. when the specified component awards have been achieved to a minimum of 120 credits. Each component is given a score based on the credit value of the component and the weighting of the grade achieved.

• Although most component awards have a credit value of 15, credit values of 5, 10, 20 and 30 also apply.

• The following scores apply to each component grade:
Grade Score
Distinction 3.25
Merit 2.166666
Pass 1.083333

To calculate a component score:

• Multiply the credit value of the component by the weighting for the grade achieved.

• Add all of the component scores up to a cumulative credit value of 120. When adding up these scores begin with distinctions, then merits, then passes.

• Components leading to the best 120 credits are scored and applicants are ranked accordingly. The best 120 credits come from component awards achieved with the highest grades.

Expand+We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

Mature Entry
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants may apply for consideration on the grounds of mature years...

Hide-We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

Mature Entry
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants may apply for consideration on the grounds of mature years. Applicants must be at least 23 years of age on 1st January in the year of entry.

Selection and Assessment
Admission to Nursing and Midwifery Programmes
Mature applicants to degree programmes in General, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability Nursing and Midwifery must undertake a written assessment test. This test is run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The test is usually held in April. Mature applicants seeking further information on application to degree programmes in Nursing, and in Midwifery, should also consult the booklet “Nursing/ Midwifery a Career for You” available from:

Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland
Telephone: 01 6398528
Email: careersinformation@nmbi.ie
Web: www.nursingcareers.ie

Admission to LM089 Sports and Exercise Sciences, LM100 Physiotherapy and LM102 Psychology

In the case of LM089 Sports and Exercise Sciences, LM100 Physiotherapy and LM102 Psychology applicants are required to undertake the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) test. There is one sitting of the test annually, usually in March. Further details, including test date and test centres, are available from http://msap-ie.acer.edu.au.

The test is designed to assess a range of competencies considered important for success in higher education studies. The purpose of the test is to assess ability to understand and analyse material, to think critically about issues and to organise and express thoughts in a logical and effective way.

Admission to LM103 Paramedic Studies Mature applicants to LM103 Paramedic Studies are assessed for places by means of a written assessment test and subsequent interview.

Admission to all other programmes
Each mature applicant is considered on an individual basis. Applicants are expected to provide details on the CAO form of their highest qualification to date, current studies, post-secondary education, second level education, non-certificate courses, employment or voluntary work, English language proficiency (if applicable), references, statement of interest and hobbies/interests. See admissions.ul.ie for full details on the supporting documentation required for different programmes.

All applicants must also provide a tailored personal statement for each programme of study being applied for. The detail provided in the personal statement is an important part of the assessment process as it allows the applicant to outline:

• Reasons for wishing to undertake this particular degree

• Programme’s potential contribution to future career or life plans

• Highlight relevant experiences or skills gained through employment, voluntary work, or personal interests which have prepared you to undertake this degree programme

• Knowledge and understanding of the career area in which you are interested

• Preparation made for undertaking this degree programme

Mature Student Access Certificate
The Mature Student Access Certificate is a one year pre-degree course designed for prospective mature students who feel that they need a foundation level of study before starting a degree course. The programme prepares students for third-level education by facilitating the development of key learning and academic skills through subjects such as Study Skills, Computer Skills, Educational Guidance, Maths and a choice of Engineering, Science, Humanities or Business. On successful completion of the programme students can progress directly onto a range of designated degree programmes in UL. Applicants must be at least 22 years of age by 1st January of the year of registration for this programme. Contact the Mature Student Office for further details.

Supports for Mature Students
A number of supports are available to mature students through the Mature Student Office. Further information is available in the Mature Student Handbook. For copies of the handbook and further information please contact the Mature Student Office: Telephone 061 202735 Email mso@ul.ie or www.ul.ie/mso

Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20th January 2018 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1st May 2...

Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20th January 2018 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1st May 2018 at 5:15 pm

Change of Mind - restrictions apply: Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1st July 2018 5:15 pm

Exceptional online late application - see page 14 of the 2018 CAO Handbook: Fee €60 Closing Date: 22nd July 2018 at 5:15pm

You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.

LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5:15pm on 1st February 2018 and will be accepted up to 5:15pm on 1st May 2018, subject to the restricitions listed on page 3 of the 2018 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5th March 2018 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.

Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the Timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22nd of July at 5:15pm applies only to applicants who are currently undergraduate students in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system.

If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.

Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.

Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, Maynooth University and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.

Refer to page 15 of the 2018 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.

Restricted-category Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature.

Applying for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes – to be considered for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm and must have completed the HEAR/DARE application form by 1st March 2018 at 5:15pm – supporting documents must be sent to CAO offices before 1st April 2018 at 5:15pm.

Expand+About you
There is no ‘typical’ European Studies student. The main qualities that you need for success in the field are;

• A healthy curiosity about how modern societies function

• An interest in the European Union, and the issues facing the ...

Hide-About you
There is no ‘typical’ European Studies student. The main qualities that you need for success in the field are;

• A healthy curiosity about how modern societies function

• An interest in the European Union, and the issues facing the Union and its member states

• A taste for languages other than your own

• An interest in other cultures and

• An ability to think independently and argue coherently for your ideas. Neither do you have to know what you want to ‘be’ when you leave college in order to choose European Studies. The degree offers a very broad entrance into the worlds of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences.

Why study European Studies at UL?
An understanding of Europe requires knowledge of its historical origins, of its economic, legal and societal aspects, and of its political institutions. The BA in European Studies develops knowledge and understanding of all of these areas. The University of Limerick has long led the way in Ireland in this field, with the result that this degree is one of the longest established European Studies degree programmes in Europe.

Expand+What you will Study
The BA in European Studies offers you a core European Studies programme and a wide degree of choice between options in History, Sociology, Economics and Law, as well as the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of French, ...

Hide-What you will Study
The BA in European Studies offers you a core European Studies programme and a wide degree of choice between options in History, Sociology, Economics and Law, as well as the opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of French, German, Irish / Gaeilge and Spanish languages and cultures. Language teaching is done in small groups and many of the teachers are native speakers of the languages concerned. Language skills are further developed during the period of study abroad at one of our partner universities on the continent, completion of which is mandatory for students of the BA in European Studies.

The BA in European Studies is a four-year programme. Six semesters, including all of the first and final years, are spent in UL. A further two semesters, in the spring of Year 2 and autumn of Year 3, are spent off-campus on the Study Abroad programme and on the Cooperative Education programme, which provides work experience.

From the beginning of your degree programme, you will follow a core European Studies module stream, a scheme of language study in at least one continental European language (French, German or Spanish), and may either take three disciplinary subjects chosen from History, Sociology, Law and Economics,

Or

two such disciplinary subjects and a second language (from French, German, Spanish or Irish / Gaeilge*).

Spanish and German are offered at Advanced and at Beginners’ Level, with the streams being integrated in Year 3.

* NB: Students choosing Irish / Gaeilge must, therefore, also study a continental language.

Expand+Career Opportunities

Employers in all areas of business, professional and public life are increasingly looking for graduates who can combine language skills with knowledge of European affairs. Our graduates work in areas such as;
• Business mana...

Hide-Career Opportunities

Employers in all areas of business, professional and public life are increasingly looking for graduates who can combine language skills with knowledge of European affairs. Our graduates work in areas such as;
• Business management with Irish and European companies
• Public service either in Ireland or within the European Union
• Banking and financial sectors and
• Tourism and leisure industries
• Language Teaching/Translation

All of these career opportunities are expanding rapidly and new possibilities will continue to open as the ‘new’ Europe develops over the coming years.

Follow-On Study
Many graduates of the BA in European Studies go on to do postgraduate work of one kind or another. For some this means university-based or other professional education.

For others, the European element predominates and this can lead naturally to one of the many related Masters degrees such as UL’s MA in European Politics and Governance or our MA in German Language and Culture in Europe. The range of postgraduate study possibilities for European Studies graduates also includes a wide variety of research opportunities.