Expand+Minimum Entry Requirements
Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate
including at At least two H5 Grades
and English Grade O2 or H5
Plus Minimum Points Score of 300.

Bonus Points for Honours Mathematics
A bonus of 25 points will be a...

Hide-Minimum Entry Requirements
Six Grades at O6 or H7 in Leaving Certificate
including at At least two H5 Grades
and English Grade O2 or H5
Plus Minimum Points Score of 300.

Bonus Points for Honours Mathematics
A bonus of 25 points will be allocated to students who achieve a grade H6 or above in higher level mathematics in the Irish Leaving Certificate examination. This means that the maximum cumulative Leaving Certificate points total is 625. Bonus points will be awarded irrespective of the year in which the examinations were taken.

The bonus points will only be relevant in cases where the higher level mathematics subject (including bonus points) is scored as one of the candidate’s six best subjects for point’s purposes. Consequently, if higher level mathematics (cumulative points score) is not among these six subjects, the bonus points will not be included in the total points score.

Foundation Level Mathematics
Foundation level mathematics will be accepted as a passing subject for Level 6 and Level 7 programmes where Leaving Certificate Mathematics is not a specific subject requirement.

The minimum Level 6 and Level 7 entry requirement in Mathematics is as follows:

a F2 at Foundation Level
Or
a O6 at Ordinary Level
Or
a H7 at Higher Level

Where a grade of F2 or higher is achieved and Foundation Level Mathematics is acceptable for entry to a specific programme, the following points scoring system will be used:

Grade Points
F1 20
F2 12

Note
Applicants are advised that despite the fact that Foundation Level Mathematics may meet the minimum Mathematics requirement for entry into some academic courses, some employers require Ordinary Level Mathematics or higher to meet minimum educational attainment for some positions.

Foundation Level Mathematics does not meet the entry requirements for Level 8 programmes.

Expand+Applications from Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Students

Holders of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) apply in the normal way through the CAO system. Points are awarded on the same basis as per the leaving certificate...

Hide-Applications from Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Students

Holders of the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) apply in the normal way through the CAO system. Points are awarded on the same basis as per the leaving certificate. The LCVP subject will be considered as a passing subject provided the student achieves at least a pass grade. This will apply to entry for honours degree (NFQ Level 8), Ordinary Degree (NFQ Level 7) and higher certificate (NFQ Level 6) academic courses.

The following points scoring system will be used:

Grade Points
Pass 28
Merit 46
Distinction 66

Expand+QQI-FET level 5 and 6 awards are now made by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – For further details please visit: www.qqi.ie.

Applicants must have obtained a full QQI-FET Level 5/6 major award with a minimum credit value of 120. A Compone...

Hide-QQI-FET level 5 and 6 awards are now made by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) – For further details please visit: www.qqi.ie.

Applicants must have obtained a full QQI-FET Level 5/6 major award with a minimum credit value of 120. A Component Award will not suffice.

A full QQI-FET major award normally contains 8 components.

A full award may be accumulated over a number of years. In such cases, it is the responsibility of the applicant to apply to QQI-FET for a major award prior to release of QQI-FET results.

The minimum entry requirement for graduates of QQI-FET (Level 5 and 6) awards to:

• Higher Certificate (NQAI Level 6) programmes is a full QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) award;

• Ab-initio Ordinary Degree (NQAI Level 7) programmes (with the exception of Veterinary Nursing) is a full QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) award, plus one Distinction or two Merits;

• Ab-initio Honours Degree (NQAI Level 8) programmes (with the exception of nursing & midwifery programmes) is a full QQI-FET (Level 5 or 6) award including a Distinction grade in at least three modules.

In these three cases, a general specific requirement for Mathematics or a language will not apply. Notwithstanding the minimum entry requirements listed above, relevant cognate courses and / or specific pre-requisite QQI-FET modules may be required for some programmes. Details are available from the Admissions Office or the ‘QQIFET Information’ section of the CAO website www.cao.ie.

In some programmes, a specific module such as a Mathematics or language module is a mandatory component of the QQI-FET award being presented. This requirement may be waived if the applicant has evidence of equivalent achievement from other examinations (such as previous Leaving Certificate award). It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide such evidence directly to the Admissions Office.

QQI-FET has introduced a new awards system known as the Common Awards System, or CAS. All QQI-FET awards are part of CAS since 2014.

Expand+Who is a Mature Applicant?
Any applicant 23 years of age or over on 1st January in the year of entry to first year of a fulltime programme is considered to be a mature applicant. Dundalk Institute of Technology actively encourages applications on m...

Hide-Who is a Mature Applicant?
Any applicant 23 years of age or over on 1st January in the year of entry to first year of a fulltime programme is considered to be a mature applicant. Dundalk Institute of Technology actively encourages applications on mature grounds and we reserve a minimum of 20% of places on all programmes for applicants who access the programme via the mature entry route. Mature students register on all programmes and contribute positively to academic and campus life.

In recent years, mature students have represented approximately 15% of all first year entrants. We offer a specialised induction process for mature students on entry and provide a range of learning supports designed to assist mature students reach their full potential.

How do I decide on a Programme?
It is important that you make an informed choice. Our Undergraduate Handbook provides contact details of academic staff in each department. You should make contact with the relevant person – ideally, arrange a mutually convenient time to meet.

It is important to make sure that the programme is in line with your career plans and that you are academically prepared for and suited to that particular area of study. Talking with academic staff on the programme is also an opportunity for you to find out the level of demand for certain programmes (among mature applicants) and to find out what the minimum criteria may be.

When do I have to apply?
To be considered as a mature applicant, you must apply to the CAO by 1st February. If the mature student quota is not filled with 1st February applicants, the decision may be taken to assess late applications to the CAO (i.e. those who apply to the CAO after 1st February). However, there is no guarantee that late applications will be assessed. Demand is high for mature student places on many programmes and the quota on each programme is usually filled with 1st February applicants.

How does the mature entry route operate?
All programmes for which the mature applicants apply are assessed on mature grounds.

Assessment is based on the evaluation of all aspects of the applicant’s preparedness and motivation; this includes examining the applicant’s:

• education record to date
• employment history (e.g. signed references from former employers, etc.)
• relevant skills gained to date
• personal statement(s)

The application is assessed on the basis of documentation provided to CAO at the time of application. In the interests of fairness and transparency, only claims supported by evidence are taken into account. Therefore, it is essential that all claims are backed up by the appropriate documentation.

Contact Ms Eileen Lynch
Access Officer
t 042 9370236
e access@dkit.ie
w www.dkit.ie/mature

Documentation includes, inter alia, copies of examination transcripts, copies of training certificates, signed and dated employer references on headed paper, etc.) CAO scans the documentation provided by the applicant and it is then available to the relevant members of academic staff at DkIT to view.

For most programmes, interviews do not form part of the assessment process. Currently, interviews are held for BA (Hons) in Social Care (DK862) and BSc in Veterinary Nursing (DK784) and BA in Community Youth Work (DK767)

You should regularly keep an eye on www.dkit.ie/mature to keep informed of any changes from year to year.

How can I keep my options open?
We can only offer applicants programmes for which they have applied. If your mature application for a Level 8 programme is unsuccessful, but academic staff would be willing to offer you a Level 7 programme in the same area, they can only do so if you have also applied for the Level 7 programme. An application for a Level 8 programme is not disregarded because the applicant has also applied for the Level 7 programme. However, by only applying for the Level 8 programme the applicant is limiting his/ her possible options. It is worth bearing in mind that often a Level 7 programme leads to Level 8 qualification. (This applies to DK710 and DK810, DK721 and DK821, etc.)

Can I be considered for entry on other grounds?
The mature entry route is a non-standard entry route and it is the applicant’s choice as to whether or not to avail of it. The advantage of this entry route is that it takes a number of factors into consideration and not just ‘points’ from an examination.

Whether an applicant avails of the mature entry route or not, as he/she has applied to the CAO he/ she will still be automatically rated by the CAO for each programme on the basis of ‘points’ from the Leaving Certificate, QQI-FET examinations, A-Levels or other. This is known as the standard entry route.

The mature entry route, then, is an additional entry route for those who meet the age criteria.

Mature applicants are advised to consult our website for further details: www.dkit.ie/mature

Please note:
• Entry to programmes DK870/DK871 BSc (Hons) in General Nursing, DK872/DK873 BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing, DK874/ DK875 BSc (Hons) in Psychiatric Nursing, and DK877/DK878 BSc (Hons) in Midwifery is coordinated by the Nursing Board (nationally). Mature interviews for these programmes are not arranged by the Access Office at DkIT. The Nursing Board will contact you separately;

• Programme DK860 BA (Hons) in Applied Music: interviews are not arranged by the Access Office. Instead, the academic department will contact you directly.

• For further details please refer to www.dkit.ie/mature

Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2...

Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €25 Closing Date: 20th January 2017 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €40 Closing Date: 1st February 2017 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €50 Closing Date: 1st May 2017 at 5:15 pm

Change of Mind: Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1st July 2017 5:15 pm

Exceptional online late application - see page 14 of the 2017 CAO Handbook: Fee €50 Closing Date: 22nd July 2017 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 2017 and will be accepted up to 5:15pm on 1st May 2017, subject to the restricitions listed on page 3 of the 2017 CAO Handbook.

Late Applications (Exception to 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 and the University of Limerick 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 three HEIs, you should apply through CAO.

Refer to page 15 of the 2017 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 2017 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 2017 at 5:15pm and must have completed the HEAR/DARE application form by 1st March 2017 at 5:15pm – supporting documents must be sent to CAO offices before 1st April 2017 at 5:15pm.

Expand+About this Programme
Do you aspire to be a primary or secondary school teacher? An archaeologist? An archivist or librarian? A political activist? A journalist? An arts manager?

Then you could start by studying with us!

This three-year arts...

Hide-About this Programme
Do you aspire to be a primary or secondary school teacher? An archaeologist? An archivist or librarian? A political activist? A journalist? An arts manager?

Then you could start by studying with us!

This three-year arts degree programme offered at DkIT is a unique programme in Ireland. It offers a traditional arts education in History, English, Archaeology and Politics and Society, alongside three years of digital humanities training. This innovative, new development in arts education will provide you with critical and practical skills to meet the demands of a rapidly changing digital environment.

The degree programme creates Honours-level Arts Graduates that are also skilled users and creators of information in digital media, an increasingly important area in education and publishing. As a graduate you will be able to integrate these new digital media with traditional scholarly activity in the Humanities. As a graduate of this degree, you will be Academically Qualified in Two of the core Humanities disciplines: History; English; Archaeology; Politics & Society; whilst also becoming a sophisticated Creator and User in Digital Humanities.

Expand+Subjects:
Mandatory:
* Digital Humanities:
All students will be required to complete the Mandatory Modules ‘Digital Humanities’ across the three years of the degree. These modules will equip students with knowledge of the foundational concepts and...

Hide-Subjects:
Mandatory:
* Digital Humanities:
All students will be required to complete the Mandatory Modules ‘Digital Humanities’ across the three years of the degree. These modules will equip students with knowledge of the foundational concepts and task-specific research methods appropriate to digital humanities. This will enable them to critically assess digital media resources; identify appropriate digital media software tools and create ‘born-digital’ objects as online resources.

Electives
You will choose two areas of traditional Arts study to accompany your Digital Humanities skills from English, History, Politics and Archaeology.

* English
Students of English at DkIT will study all the traditional aspects of English literature including Shakespeare, the Romantic poets and twentieth century Irish literature, poetry and drama. They will also be introduced to new ways of thinking critically about literature from the perspective of race, gender and cultural theory. Students will study the interaction between literature and digital media in the form of film, television, music and new digital media like Facebook and Twitter.

* History
History is the study of the past within an academic tradition of theories, methodologies and concepts. History as a discipline is essentially a discussion about the production of meaning and significance in the present about the past, as we attempt to explain why things change. The enormous wealth of historical resources now available on the Web is transforming access to sources and debates on historical topics. In History you will study Irish History from the medieval to the contemporary, European History from the Early Modern to the contemporary and Modern American History. Modules will cover social history, political history and the history of ideas.

* Politics and Society
The Politics and Society modules explore the key questions of the way in which power and authority are exercised in contemporary societies. Central to this is the study of the emergence of the modern state, internationally and here in Ireland. We explore how the state is organised, territorially and functionally; how membership of the state, citizenship, is obtained and maintained and how states have dealt and deal with the challenges of ethnically, socially and demographically diverse societies. We explore also the ways in which states affect and are being affected by the forces of globalisation, in particular international migration, and how societies are being changed in response to these powerful social forces.

* Archaeology
Archaeology is the study of past societies through the examination of the material remains they have left behind: sites, monuments, artefacts. Students will receive a thorough grounding in Irish archaeology from prehistoric times to the recent past and will also be introduced to aspects of European archaeology. Much of the material that will be dealt with has been gathered in recent times during commercial and infrastructural development projects and is available online. and. Particular emphasis will be placed on the use of digital media in archaeology from the latest remote sensing and geophysical techniques of noninvasive data acquisition as well as more standard excavation reports and the associated knowledge these generate, particularly through the medium of the Web.

Expand+Career Options
Graduates of this programme and the Humanities degree programmes in general are highly employable and widely sought after in careers as diverse as teaching at primary and secondary level, arts and heritage administration; journalism;...

Hide-Career Options
Graduates of this programme and the Humanities degree programmes in general are highly employable and widely sought after in careers as diverse as teaching at primary and secondary level, arts and heritage administration; journalism; research; politics; as well as business and industry. Students have excellent literacy and communication skills, excellent skills in Information and Communication Technologies, as well as skills in critical information management, which make them highly employable.

Progression Opportunities
Graduates from the BA (Hons) Humanities degree have been accredited with the Teaching Council for entry for Post-Primary teaching in History, English, Civil Social & Political Education (CSPE), on completion of the Postgraduate Master in Professional Education which now replaces the old HDip. Ed. Our Graduates with good degrees in their disciplines and offering a high level of Digital Media skills, are proving highly desirable as teachers in the “Digital Technology” classroom. This is becoming more important with recent developments in the second level environment, where Digital Literacy has been introduced to Junior Certificate Cycle.

Graduates with a good 2.2 or higher degree will also be able to pursue further postgraduate degrees in their chosen arts subjects; e.g., an MA in History, or in English, Archaeology, Political Science in any university or college. Past graduates of the Humanities at DKIT have studied at UCD, DCU, TCD, UCC, NUI, Galway, NUI, Maynooth, Queen’s University of Belfast and Goldsmith’s College, London.

If your interest is in the specific area of Digital Humanities an MA in Digital Humanities at NUI Maynooth or a PhD in Digital Humanities by a consortium of TCD/UCD/NUI Maynooth will be available to allow you become a specialist in this new field.