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 H7 (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 mathematics is not reckonable for scoring purposes.

In addition, students wishing to study a Language must hold a minimum H4 grade in that language, with the exception of beginners German or beginners Spanish where a H4 grade in a language other than English is required. Specialist requirement in Mathematics also – for those studying Economics or Mathematics.

For certain subjects, additional special qualifications specific to individual subjects or disciplines may be determined by the respective departments in accordance with Academic Council regulations.

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+Applications are especially welcome 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 ...

Hide-Applications are especially welcome 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+Why study a Bachelor of Arts at UL?
At the University of Limerick, we deliver an Arts Degree which is flexible and wide-ranging, offering 19 subjects in all. You can study a combination of subjects — as Single Honours or Joint Honours — from across ...

Hide-Why study a Bachelor of Arts at UL?
At the University of Limerick, we deliver an Arts Degree which is flexible and wide-ranging, offering 19 subjects in all. You can study a combination of subjects — as Single Honours or Joint Honours — from across the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences: from familiar arts subjects such as English, French, German, or History, to newer subjects such Drama and Theatre Studies or Linguistics with TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). In the course of your study you will have opportunities — unique to the UL curriculum — to work, to travel, and to study abroad. You will study Arts at UL because:

• You want to choose from a wide range of subjects at an institution where you can benefit from real-world work experience and can live and study in another country;
• You want to engage with fresh ideas;
• You wish to communicate your own ideas effectively and persuasively;
• You want to engage critically and analytically with the world around you;
• You want to develop skills that will enhance your career and, in the broadest sense, your contribution to society.
• You can choose from a set of fourteen subjects taught at the University of Limerick, to which we have added the possibility of taking one of your subjects — Geography, Mathematics, Philosophy, Drama and Theatre, or Theology and Religious Studies — from our partner institution, Mary Immaculate College.

Arts - Theology and Religious Studies
Available from our partner institution, Mary Immaculate College Theology and Religious Studies can be taken as part of the UL Arts Degree as a joint honours combination.

Theology and Religious Studies entails an intellectual exploration of the belief systems that have played a vital role in the shaping of our world throughout the centuries. As a valid academic pursuit, this discipline focuses on ultimate questions, explores the human phenomenon of religion and provides for the development of critical thought. Theology and Religious Studies involves an analysis of the historical perspectives and philosophical presuppositions of the content of Christian faith and a clarification of the meaning of Christian belief in the modern world.

In the last few years the number of students taking this subject has grown dramatically, in part due to the realisation that religious belief must be re-examined and re-imagined if it is to be influential in shaping the new Ireland. Religious Education is now offered as a subject for State Examination in many schools, especially those which are faith-based, and increasingly there is a demand for those who are qualified to teach it.

Why study Theology?
Theology is perhaps one of the most exciting subjects one can study in the Liberal Arts programme. The study of theology and religion entails an intellectual exploration of the belief systems that have played a vital role in the shaping of our world throughout the centuries. Human beings are in search of meaning, and an engagement with theology allows students to examine critically some of the most profound answers given to the most fundamental questions about life.

There is hardly any significant aspect of life or society that has not been affected by religion, for better or worse, and this alone already justifies a study of religion. There are so many different exciting aspects to theology and the study of religion that it is difficult to think of another subject that covers such a diverse range of topics and ideas. Whether you are interested in the study of different cultures, history, art, ethics, spirituality and mysticism, you will find something that appeals to you in the curriculum of our Department.

Expand+What you will study

YEAR 1
In the first year, you choose four subjects from the groups below. Any subject combinations are permitted, as long as three of the subjects are from the University of Limerick and no two are in the same group. Find out ...

Hide-What you will study

YEAR 1
In the first year, you choose four subjects from the groups below. Any subject combinations are permitted, as long as three of the subjects are from the University of Limerick and no two are in the same group. Find out more about these subject offerings from the table at the end of this section.

GROUP 1: Psychology or German (beginners or advanced

GROUP 2: English

GROUP 3: New Media and Cultural Studies

GROUP 4: Gaeilge or Drama and Theatre Studies

GROUP 5: French

GROUP 6: Theology and Religious Studies or Linguistics with TESOL†

GROUP 7: Irish Music and Dance or Sociology

GROUP 8: Mathematics or Politics and International Relations

GROUP 9: Geography or Spanish (beginners or advanced

GROUP 10: Public Administration and Leadership or Philosophy

GROUP 11: History or Economics

YEARS 2-4
Towards the end of year one, you will receive advice and guidance before selecting the subjects you will continue with from years 2-4.

2 subjects for Joint Honours to degree level* 1 Subject for Single Honours to degree level*

GROUP 1: Psychology or German (beginners or advanced)

GROUP 2: Single or Joint Honours Politics and International Relations Or English Or Mathematics

GROUP 3: New Media and Cultural Studies Or Geography Or Spanish
(beginners or advanced)

GROUP 4: Single or Joint Honours Public Administration and Leadership Or Philosophy Or Gaeilge Or Drama and Theatre Studies

GROUP 5: Single or Joint Honours Sociology Or Irish Music and Dance Or Linguistics with TESOL† Or Theology and Religious Studies

GROUP 6: Single or Joint Honours History Or French Or Economics

Off-Campus programme
In semesters 4 and 5 (year 2 Spring and year 3 Autumn) you will participate in an off-campus programme. Semester 4 is ordinarily dedicated to a period of cooperative education/work experience in a sector related to your field of study. Semester 5 is spent on study abroad in one of our many partner institutions across Europe, the Americas, and Australasia. UL’s dedicated Coop and Careers Office will help you find you the work placement that best suits your course of study and your aspirations, while our International Education Office will find you a place at one of our partner institutions most suited to your course of study in a part of the world that appeals to your intellectual and cultural curiosity.

Final year research dissertation In your final year, you will complete a Final Year Research Dissertation in the subject(s) of your choosing. This is a unique opportunity to complete an extended piece of research and analysis in your chosen topic, designed with guidance and direction from an academic supervisor in your chosen subject. The Final Year Research Dissertation will develop your research and analytical skills with a view to employment or further study.

† Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

* See table at the end of this section for the single honours and joint honours combinations available to degree level.