Expand+In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see below). An aural/ theory test is not required, as entry will be by audition. This is a restricted entry course, meaning prospective students will need to have selected...

Hide-In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University (see below). An aural/ theory test is not required, as entry will be by audition. This is a restricted entry course, meaning prospective students will need to have selected this as one of their choices when completing their CAO application in February. Availing of the CAO Change of Mind facility will not be an option.

General Entry Requirements
A minimum of six Leaving Certificate subjects at Grade 06/ H7, to include the subjects English OR Irish AND the subject Mathematics. In addition, applicants must present at least two subjects at grade H5.

Leaving Certificate Mathematics Requirements
DCU does not award points for the subject of Mathematics at Leaving Certificate Ordinary Alternative or Foundation Level. This subject will be accepted for admission purposes for the following courses:

BA in Applied Language and Translation Studies
BA in Contemporary Culture and Society
BSc in Education and Training
BA in Journalism
BA in International Relations
BA in Communication Studies
BA Gaeilge agus Iriseoireacht (Irish and Journalism)
Bachelor of Civil Law (Law and Society)
BSc in Multimedia
Bachelor of Arts: Joint Honours
Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

Leaving Certificate Subject Combinations
Certain subjects will not be scored separately if they occur in combination with subjects that are similar in content. In each case, the highest individual grade will be scored. The following six groups of subjects are affected by this:

1 Music and Musicianship, Music A, Music B

2 Economics, Agricultural Economics

3 Physics with Chemistry - if combined with Physics and Chemistry, only two best scored - if combined with Physics or Chemistry, only best scored

4 History, Economics and Economic History - if all three are taken, only the best two will be scored

5 Latin, Classical Studies

6 Greek, Classical Studies

Bonus Points for Honours Mathematics
25 bonus points will continue to be awarded in 2018 for higher level Mathematics, at grades H6 and above in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent.

Expand+All QQI awards are part of the new inclusive National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), developed by QQI. Applicants who have a full NFQ Level 5 award in the appropriate qualifications and modules, with a minimum of five distinctions, can be admitte...

Hide-All QQI awards are part of the new inclusive National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), developed by QQI. Applicants who have a full NFQ Level 5 award in the appropriate qualifications and modules, with a minimum of five distinctions, can be admitted on a competitive basis to certain DCU courses. There are a limited number of places available on courses.

NFQ has made changes to the CAS (Common Awards System). Please refer to the DCU website for specific details on the range of QQI awards which link into the university’s Level 8 degree courses.

General Entry Requirements

• Full QQI Level 5 Certification must be achieved in one single sitting.

• QQI awards are normally made up of eight minor awards, commonly known as modules.

• Five distinctions from the eight modules must be achieved.

Course Entry Requirements

Additional course requirements are indicated in the details of each course which can be found at the 'QQI FET Entry Requirements' link below. This requires the attainment of performance in specifically named QQI Level 5 awards and in some cases, the inclusion of specific modules. For example, for the BSc in Education and Training, students must attain the full QQI Level 5 award with distinctions in five modules, but three of the distinctions must be in modules that DCU specifies. Please visit www. cao.ie/index.php?page=fetac_search for the most up-todate information on course requirements.

Applying to DCU

Candidates make their application to DCU through the CAO and are ranked based on their performance in the eight modules that make up their award. From 2017 the points awarded for QQI awards were revised. Please visit www2.cao.ie/fetac/FETAC_scoring.pdf for scoring information.

Please note:

1 A Major Award must be achieved. Component Certificates or Records of Achievement are not acceptable.

2 In certain courses, DCU will require the achievement of certain grades and/or specified components, e.g. five distinctions, including a minimum pass in Mathematics, or four specific science modules.

3 A Major Award may be achieved over a number of sittings; however, for scoring purposes, only results achieved in a single sitting, e.g. between 1st August and 31st July are assessed. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their QQI centre applies for a Major Award to QQI where courses are taken over more than one year.

Expand+DCU has an active mature student body and strongly encourages applications from mature candidates (those aged 23 years or above on 1st January in the year of entry). As a mature student, your wealth of knowledge and experience will make a valuable co...

Hide-DCU has an active mature student body and strongly encourages applications from mature candidates (those aged 23 years or above on 1st January in the year of entry). As a mature student, your wealth of knowledge and experience will make a valuable contribution to the university, and we are always working towards widening participation to allow mature students gain entry onto DCU courses.

What are the entry requirements?

Applying as a mature applicant means that you do not compete with Leaving Certificate students for places at DCU. Instead, experience other than examination grades is taken into consideration – this may be work experience, further studies or other relevant experience. For some courses, however, particular Leaving Certificate subjects may be necessary. In all cases, the university will want to know that you have the ability and motivation to make the most of your studies at DCU.

What supports are available for mature students?

There is a wide network of services. The Mature Student Academic Writing Week prepares you for college life through workshops on topics such as academic writing, citing and referencing. Other topics include supports for students at DCU, such as the Mathematics Learning Centre, IT supports and the Mature Student Society. You will also have access to Student Support and Development workshops throughout the academic year for example CV Clinics, Learning Students and Motivational Workshops.

What financial supports are available to mature students?

There are a number of sources, including the Government’s Free Fees Initiative, the Higher Education Grants Scheme, the Back to Education Allowance and the DCU Student Assistance Fund, once a registered DCU student. Information on these schemes is available at www.studentfinance.ie.

Where can I find out more?

For the Mature Student Officer, please contact 01 700 6987.

For general and admission enquiries, please contact the Registry on T +353 (0)1 700 5338 E registry@dcu.ie

How do I apply?

All mature applicants for full-time study must apply to the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February in the year of entry.

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

You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extens...

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

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.

Restricted Courses
Applying for a restricted course – you must have applied to CAO by 5:15pm on 1st February 2018 if you wish to apply for a restricted course. The restricted course must be included on your course choices list by that date, or added to your application using the Change of Course Choices facility for a fee of €10 before 1st March at 5:15pm.

Restricted courses normally require additional assessment procedures, e.g. the submission of a portfolio, an oral assessment or interview, or a written assessment – restricted courses are identified in the handbook by the words “(Restricted - see page 3 of the 2018 CAO Hanbook)” on the same line as the restricted course’s title. Please make sure to acquaint yourself with the additional requirements, if any, of the restricted course(s) that you have applied for and go to page 11 of the 2018 CAO Hanbook for more information about interviews and assessments.

Exception: If a restricted course shares the exact same assessment procedures with a course you had applied for by 1st February 2018, you may be permitted to introduce it on a ‘Change of Mind’. You should consult with the relevant HEI before introducing such a course.

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+A key feature of this programme includes the proposed continuation of an opportunity for students on the programme to transfer into Berklee College of Music in Boston (www.berklee.edu), one of the most prestigious music schools in the world in the fi...

Hide-A key feature of this programme includes the proposed continuation of an opportunity for students on the programme to transfer into Berklee College of Music in Boston (www.berklee.edu), one of the most prestigious music schools in the world in the field of contemporary music. Proposed programme modules include Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Aural Training, Ensemble Performance, Composition and Arranging, Jazz History, and Music Business.

Why do this course?
Acquire the skills to become a high level performing musician

Play and perform extensively as part of the programme

Learn how to compose and arrange for a wide range of ensembles

Make international connections including, with the renowned Berklee College of Music

Prepare yourself for life as a professional musician

Work closely with some of Ireland’s most highly regarded performers

About the course

The course offers intensive jazz and contemporary music education within a focused, supportive learning environment. It is designed to provide a balance of “traditional” jazz techniques alongside contemporary approaches to improvisation, so that students can experience the full breadth of the contemporary music world and develop into creative, versatile and employable musicians.

A diverse and rigorous programme of study is organized throughout all four years of the programme. The course is concerned with five principal areas of study:

•Ensemble Studies
•Instrumental Studies
•Arranging and Composition Studies
•Aural and Theoretical Studies
•Contextual Studies

Ensemble Studies

The aim of these modules is to give students the skills to perform in ensembles at a high professional level in the world of contemporary music. Through working in ensembles, participants will be made aware of the techniques and traditions of jazz and related musics, such as funk, Afro-Cuban, Brazilan music.

Instrumental Studies

The aim of these modules is to provide learners with the instrumental and technical skills necessary in order to perform at a professional level in the contemporary music world. Learners will work on practice methods, identify goals, and acquire essential vocabulary through the study of the master soloists, and stylistic interpretation.

Arranging and Composition Studies

The aim of these modules is to introduce learners to the skills necessary for modern arranging, and to allow them to be conversant with the history, ethos and techniques of jazz and contemporary composition. Learners will become familiar with vital professional skills to enable them work as composers and arrangers in the field of modern music. Learners will also be introduced to the use of music technology as an arranging and composing aid.

Aural and Theoretical Studies

These modules will give learners a thorough grounding in contemporary harmony and theory, and give them the means to understand the theoretical and harmonic underpinning of contemporary jazz practice. In addition, the course will give learners the techniques to hear and identify all the common melodic, rhythmic and harmonic patterns used in jazz and other, related musics.

Contextual Studies

These modules will help learners understand the history of the development of music, of many genres, and their place in contemporary society. They will also give learners an insight into the methodology and philosophy of teaching. In addition they will aim to develop musicological and critical thinking skills which will enable learners to have a sense of music in their own lives and how music is reflected in society.