Expand+Age Restrictions
In general, students must be 17 years or older by 15th January in the year after entry to the University. If you are younger, you must make a special application to the University’s President.

All Leaving Certificate subjects...

Hide-Age Restrictions
In general, students must be 17 years or older by 15th January in the year after entry to the University. If you are younger, you must make a special application to the University’s President.

All Leaving Certificate subjects carry equal points with the exception of *Mathematics (details below). Points are awarded for your six best subjects in any one year. These do not have to include subjects needed to meet general minimum entry requirements. Minimum entry requirements and course requirements may be satisfied by an accumulation of subjects over more than one year. As well as achieving the required points, you must have a minimum of six subjects in your Leaving Certificate, with two Higher Level papers at grade H5 and four Ordinary or Higher Level papers at grade O6/H7.

The requirements for each course are shown above.

* 25 bonus points will be added to the points score for a Leaving Certificate Higher Level Mathematics grade H6 or higher.

The bonus points are included in the overall points calculation only when Mathematics is one of the applicant’s best six subjects following the addition of the bonus.

General Notes Re: Matriculation
1. Minimum entry requirements for all degrees (apart from MH001/ MH002): applicants must present a minimum of 6 subjects in their Leaving Certificate, with 2 Higher Level H5 and 4 Ordinary or Higher Level O6/H7, including Irish and English.

2. The minimum requirements for MH001 and MH002 are 3 Higher Level H5, and 3 Ordinary Level O6 or Higher Level H7. The minimum subject requirements are H4 Irish (H3 minimum required for MH002), O4/H7 English and O4/H7 Maths.

3. Foundation level Mathematics is accepted for matriculation (grade F6 or higher), but does not meet the requirement for degrees where Mathematics is a special programme requirement. Points are not awarded for this subject.

4. Foundation level Irish is not accepted for matriculation. Points are not awarded for this subject

Expand+If you have a relevant QQI/BTEC qualification, you can use this to apply to a degree programme at Maynooth University. This section outlines the qualifications and other requirements for students who hold or expect to hold QQI Certificates, and who w...

Hide-If you have a relevant QQI/BTEC qualification, you can use this to apply to a degree programme at Maynooth University. This section outlines the qualifications and other requirements for students who hold or expect to hold QQI Certificates, and who wish to pursue full time, undergraduate degree programmes at Maynooth University.

Any QQI award, with a minimum of five distinctions, fulfils the minimum entry requirements for admission to the University; however, due to the high demand for our courses, a higher number of distinctions is required for entry in many instances. Consult www.maynoothuniversity.ie/howtoapply for specific course entry requirements.

How To Apply - QQI Applicants
Applicants should first check that they fulfil the requirements for the particular course they wish to apply for, as detailed on the website. It is important to note that only very specific QQI course codes qualify for entry to each individual degree programme. Please refer to our website for details of these course codes. In particular please note the scoring scheme as detailed below.

Application is made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Application forms may be obtained online (www.cao.ie) or by contacting: Central Applications Office, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway. + 353 91 509800

There is a normal fee for applications received on or before 17:15, 1st February 2022 (apply by January 20th for a reduced fee). Late applications are accepted up to and including 1st May 2022 on payment of an additional fee. Applicants who wish to study Community and Youth Work (MH116 or MH802) must apply before the 1st February 2022.

The Following Rules Apply:
A major award must be achieved. Component certificates do not suffice.

In some instances the University requires achievement of specific grades, and/or specified components e.g. five distinctions, including a distinction in Mathematics or Statistics.

While the major award may be achieved over a number of sittings, for scoring purposes, results achieved in a SINGLE SITTING are counted, i.e. between 1st August – 31st July.

Where this occurs, but the QQI centre offers the program over more than one year, it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that their QQI centre applies to QQI for a major award where courses are taken over more than one year.

QQI SCORING
The best score for each applicant is calculated and the results are forwarded to the CAO in July of each year.

You can calculate your score using the free online points calculator at www.careersportal.ie/qqi/, which is based on the following scoring system:

Each level 5 and level 6 component is scored:
3.25 for a Distinction
2.16 for a Merit
1.08 for a Pass

This number is then multiplied by the individual component credit value to a maximum of 120 credits (a total of 390 points).

It may be easiest to multiply the individual component credit value by 3 for Distinction, 2 for Merit, and 1 for Pass, multiplying by 13 and dividing by 12. The maximum number of QQI points is 390.

The scoring is applied by the CAO. For the most current list of linked awards and specialised components visit our website. You will also find other information in relation to QQI entry pathways.

Please Note: some degree programmes have additional minimum entry requirements. See page 212 of the Undergaduate Handbook 2022.

Expand+Maynooth University greatly values the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the University. A mature student is 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time deg...

Hide-Maynooth University greatly values the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the University. A mature student is 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time degrees the mature age is 21. There is no upper age limit; we currently have students who range in age from 23 to over 70. Up to 250 mature students begin their studies here each year. Many of our mature entrants undertake preparatory studies in advance of gaining admission.

The Mature Student Office is committed to supporting the learning experience of our mature students. A certain number of places are reserved for mature students on all undergraduate courses. We offer a range of supports for mature students including an advisory service, the Launchpad Orientation programme, MAP My Way extended orientation, academic advisors, the student budgeting advice service and a technology skills programme. There is also a Mature Student Society on campus providing a continuation of peer support, both academic and social, to incoming mature students.

See the Mature Student handbook for detailed information about applying as a mature student. Call, email or drop in to meet us in MAP Lodge on the North Campus or to request a mature student information pack. If the opportunity to return to education has presented itself to you we hope you’ll choose Maynooth University.
+ 353 1 708 3307 emer.sheerin@mu.ie

How To Apply – Mature Entry
Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) which can be done online before 1st February. Late applications from mature students may be accepted after this date - consult the Maynooth University website for updates.

Mature students must complete the CAO section for mature applicants fully, indicating clearly past or current studies, and outlining educational goals and objectives. Applicants are assessed on the basis of the information provided on their CAO application form and/ or interview/written assessment (degrees requiring written assessment are listed on page 209).

Applicants who wish to apply for the following restricted entry courses (Bachelor of Music (MH103) or Community and Youth Work (MH116 or MH802) degrees) MUST apply before 1st February, as these courses have fixed dates for the written assessment and interview.

Mature applicants who have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for the written tests

If you are a mature applicant with a disability or specific learning difficulty and you require support for the written assessments (degrees requiring written assessment are listed on page 209), please complete the online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2022. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline. You can find further information on the supporting documentation required, the online request form, as well as the written assessment supports available at maynoothuniversity.ie/matureapplicants and maynoothuniversity.ie/disability.

MATURE STUDENTS: Degrees with additional selection criteria MH001/MH002 Primary Education
A combined application process is run between Maynooth University, DCU and Marino Institute of Education. Application must be made to the CAO prior to February 1st 2022. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria will receive a supplementary application form.

Contact: Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, School of Education, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
+ 353 1 474 7400
froebel.department@mu.ie

MH803 Local Studies / BA Community Studies
These part-time modular degrees are designed with mature students in mind. A number of places are also reserved for applicants through the CAO Available Places route.

To find out more contact:
+353 1 708 6062
evening.degrees@mu.ie

Expand+Entry 2022 - Restricted Course

Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2022 at 5pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2022 at 5pm

Be sure to complete any action well in advance of ...

Hide-Entry 2022 - Restricted Course

Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2022 at 5pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2022 at 5pm

Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. 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 1 February 2022 at 5pm 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 1 March at 5pm.

Restricted courses normally require additional assessment procedures, for example, 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)" 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 18 of the 2022 CAO Handbook 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 1 February 2022, you may be permitted to introduce it on a Change of Mind. You should consult with the relevant HEI before introducing such a course.

Mature 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 2022 at 5pm, and include course choices by that date or add them using the Change of Course Choices facility for a fee of €10 before 1 March at 5pm. (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.

Supplementary Admission Routes
Applying for DARE and/or HEAR – to be considered for DARE and/or HEAR, applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1 February 2022 at 5pm. To apply to DARE, you must answer YES to Question 1 ('Do you wish to be considered for DARE?) on Section A of the fully completed Supplementary Information Form (SIF) by 5pm on 1 March 2022.

To apply to HEAR, you must indicate on your CAO application that you wish to apply for HEAR and fully and correctly complete all elements of the online HEAR form by 5pm on 1 March 2022.

Supporting documents for DARE and/or HEAR applicants must be sent to CAO offices before 15 March 2022 at 5pm

Expand+Community Work is the development and empowerment of communities, through the active participation of people in addressing issues that affect them collectively; Youth Work is defined in Irish legislation and policy as a process of personal and social...

Hide-Community Work is the development and empowerment of communities, through the active participation of people in addressing issues that affect them collectively; Youth Work is defined in Irish legislation and policy as a process of personal and social development based on voluntary participation and principles of equality and inclusiveness.

Part-time, level 8 honours degree in Community and Youth Work - equivalent of 1.5 days per week tuition on campus plus summer schools; two periods of block fieldwork placement (dates set at commencement of programme).

A range of topics relating to community and youth work are studied in all 4 years of the programme. Supervised fieldwork in both community work and youth work is essential for all students;

As this is an in-service programme, all applicants must be currently employed in youth work and/or community work, and have written agreement from their employer to facilitate participation in the programme.

Professional education and training that engages learners as active participants.

Why choose this degree?
You will work in solidarity with those affected by human rights denial, poverty and inequality.

The Department of Applied Social Studies (DAPPSS) is the longest established provider of professional education and training in youth work and community work in the country.

This degree programme combines theoretical education and practice experience, creating a learning environment which both challenges you and fosters your development.

Expand+Course structure
Both MH116 (full-time) and MH802 (part-time) combine on-campus study of a range of topics relevant to community and youth work with off-campus supervised fieldwork practice. Supervised fieldwork in both community work and youth work...

Hide-Course structure
Both MH116 (full-time) and MH802 (part-time) combine on-campus study of a range of topics relevant to community and youth work with off-campus supervised fieldwork practice. Supervised fieldwork in both community work and youth work is essential for all students.

MH802 – 4 year: Part-time students complete all modules over four years studying alongside full-time students. Flexibility is required and an individual timetable is negotiated at the beginning of each year

Possible topics
1st year
Community and Youth Work Principles and Practices
Introduction to Social Sciences
Youth and Community Arts
Practice Skills Development
Fieldwork Practice

2nd year
Community and Youth Work Issues and Policies
Professional Studies
Applied Social Sciences
Practice Skills Development
Fieldwork Practice

3rd year
Research for Practice
Social Science Context of Practice
Critical Issues in Practice
Professional Development
Fieldwork Practice

Final year
Critical Issues in Practice
Professional Development
Fieldwork Practice

Expand+Application procedure for all applicants to MH802
As this is a restricted course on the CAO, all applicants to MH802 will be requested to submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for wanting to do this course (in no more than 350 words)...

Hide-Application procedure for all applicants to MH802
As this is a restricted course on the CAO, all applicants to MH802 will be requested to submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for wanting to do this course (in no more than 350 words), submit two written references and information on work experience. Applicants will also be invited to undertake a written assessment in March.

Shortlisted applicants are invited to an individual and a group interview in April.

As this is an in-service programme, all applicants must be currently employed in youth work and/or community work, and have written agreement from their employer to facilitate participation in the programme.

Note 1: Any offer of a place on this programme is subject to a satisfactory background check by the National Vetting Bureau.

Note 2: Please note that MH802 will run in September subject to sufficient numbers. More information for Mature Applicants on page 208 of the College UG Handbook 2022

Expand+Options after graduation? Graduates are equipped to take up professional employment in a range of community and youth work organisations and agencies – community development projects, local, urban and rural development groups, community youth proje...

Hide-Options after graduation? Graduates are equipped to take up professional employment in a range of community and youth work organisations and agencies – community development projects, local, urban and rural development groups, community youth projects, neighbourhood youth projects and local youth services, as well as organisations concerned with particular groups (e.g. women, Travellers, new communities) or issues (e.g. unemployment, migrant rights, drugs, poverty).

Postgraduate options in the Department include the MA in Applied Social Studies and the MSocSc (Rights and Social Policy).