Expand+Bonus points for Honours Maths
Students who achieve grade H6 or better in the Higher (Honours) maths exam will receive 25 additional points. Bonus points will also apply to Honours maths results from previous years. For maths results from 2016 and e...

Hide-Bonus points for Honours Maths
Students who achieve grade H6 or better in the Higher (Honours) maths exam will receive 25 additional points. Bonus points will also apply to Honours maths results from previous years. For maths results from 2016 and earlier, applicants will need to have achieved a grade of HD3 or better to qualify for bonus points.

Maths
Maths with a minimum grade of O6/H7 or F2 is the minimum requirement for most programmes. However, there are some programmes for which maths in not required and others (typically engineering computing programmes) for which foundation maths may not be sufficient or for which the minimum grade required is higher, e.g. H5 or better. Please check individual programme descriptors carefully for details of the maths requirement specific to each programme.

Foundation Maths
Foundation maths at and above grade F2 (80%) is accepted as meeting the maths requirement for most, but not all, programmes. Typically, foundation maths is not accepted for engineering. Nor is foundation maths accepted for some ab initio level 8 programmes. Please check individual programme descriptors to see the minimum maths requirement.

Where accepted, points for qualifying Foundation Maths are:
FI 20 points
F2 12 points

Qualifying Maths Programmes
ATU run qualifying maths programmes for applicants who are otherwise eligible but who do not meet the maths requirement for the programme to which they have applied. These qualifying maths programmes are usually held after the Leaving Certificate results become available. Please see the ATU website for details of times and locations.

Passing a qualifying maths programme at ATU will compensate for failure to matriculate in maths via the Leaving Cert. or equivalent school-leaving exam. Passing a qualifying maths course will not compensate for any other deficit in the entry requirements. In all cases applicants must meet the other minimum entry requirements and the current points for the programme they wish to attend.

Garda Vetting

Many programmes at ATU involve a placement where students will be required to assume positions of trust. These may include programmes that bring students into contact with vulnerable adults or children or with controlled substances. We are committed to protecting the safety of all. Garda (police) vetting is required for all such programmes.

ATU will use the National Vetting Bureau as part of the assessment process for entry to the relevant programmes. Registration for all programmes that require Garda vetting is temporary until such time as the vetting process has been successfully completed. Individual placement providers may require additional vetting for specific placements. If the vetting procedure cannot be satisfactorily completed before going on placement, or if it raises any issues that have not been satisfactorily addressed, the student will be unable to go on placement or fulfil the requirement of the programme. In such circumstances, the student will be unable to complete registration and they will be required to leave the relevant programme.

Vaccination Requirements

Vaccination will be required before students can go on placement for certain programmes. Students unwilling/unable to accept required vaccinations will not be able to go on a work placement or to complete their programme of study and they will be required to leave the programme.

Expand+QQI Level 5/6 (FETAC)

QQI Leibhéal 5/6 (FETAC)
Applicants must present a full major award at Level 5 or higher. A record achievement, a minor award or a component award will not meet the minimum entry requirement. You must have at least 120 QQI...

Hide-QQI Level 5/6 (FETAC)

QQI Leibhéal 5/6 (FETAC)
Applicants must present a full major award at Level 5 or higher. A record achievement, a minor award or a component award will not meet the minimum entry requirement. You must have at least 120 QQI FET credits to matriculate.

Additional specific requirements apply to some programmes. For most ATU programmes we accept any
QQI Level 5 award. However, for some ATU programmes, e.g. Nursing, specific QQI awards are required.
For other ATU programmes you will be expected to include a specific module within your FE award – most commonly a maths module, or to have passed Maths in the Leaving Cert. For Level 8 programmes you will normally be required to have achieved at least 3 distinctions, though 5 distinctions are required for nursing programmes.

Please consult the Applicants section of the CAO website for listings of QQI/FE requirements for individual ATU programme codes, https://www.cao.ie/index.php?page=fetac_search

Details of the Scoring Scheme for QQI awards can also be found via the Applicants section of the CAO website, http://www2.cao.ie/fetac/FETAC_scoring.pdf

Note that points based on QQI/FET results will be used when assigning places for the vocational quota only. Most offers for the vocational quota issue on Round Zero. If the vocational quota for any programme remains unfilled after Round Zero additional offers for this quota may be made
on subsequent rounds.

Applicants with QQI awards at Level 6 or higher may be considered for advanced entry, i.e. into Year 2 in a cognate area. Apply directly to ATU if you wish to be considered for advanced entry.

Expand+Mature Students
Mic Léinn Lánfhásta

If you are applying for first-year and will be 23 years of age (or older) by 1st January in the proposed year of entry you are defined as a “Mature Applicant”.

Do mature applicants have any advantag...

Hide-Mature Students
Mic Léinn Lánfhásta

If you are applying for first-year and will be 23 years of age (or older) by 1st January in the proposed year of entry you are defined as a “Mature Applicant”.

Do mature applicants have any advantages?
Yes. Mature candidates may be exempted from the standard minimum academic entry requirements. A
limited quota of places is reserved specifically for mature applicants on all first-year programmes.

Will I have to start at the bottom?
Not necessarily. Most mature applicants, particularly those who have not been engaged in formal higher education for some time and/or those embarking on a new area of study, opt to start at Year 1 and study in full-time mode. If this is your preference you should apply for first-year via the CAO,
see www.cao.ie

What exemptions might be available?
If you already have some form of certified/accredited higher education that is relevant to the programme for which you are applying, you may be able to gain some exemptions. If you have already successfully completed at least one year of higher education, in a programme closely related to the one for which you are applying, you may even be eligible for Advanced Entry. Apply directly to ATU
if you wish to be considered for Advanced Entry.

How do I apply as a mature Applicant for firstyear via CAO?
You can apply online, www.cao.ie or you can make a paper-based application. The Internet application is the recommended option as it is cheaper, faster and less error-prone.

What is the closing date for mature applicants?

Standard CAO closing dates apply for mature applicants seeking entry to year 1 via CAO. Ideally, apply before 1st February 5.00pm. Late applications may be accepted for most programmes - up to 1st May at 5pm. However, applications made after 1st February will cost more if a programme is marked “Restricted” in the CAO handbook you may not submit a late application.

How are Mature Applicants Assessed?
Assessment methodologies can vary from programme to programme. For many programmes, mature candidates will be randomly selected for mature quota places.

For other programmes mature candidates may be assessed on the basis of the personal statement provided as part of the CAO application process, and/or they may be invited to interview. In the case of mature applicants for nursing, they will be selected on the basis of an external
test organised by the Nursing Board. Please check individual programme descriptions.

Mature Applicants with Qualifying Exam Results

Applicants who have a Leaving Certificate or other qualifications, can, in addition, compete for all non-quota places based on their qualifications. If you have relevant exam results, such as a school Leaving Certificate, QQI level 5 awards, GCEs, etc., even if they are quite old results, it is worth listing these on your CAO application and sending copies of certificates to the CAO.

Aptitude test for Mature Nursing Applicants
Please consult the handbook Nursing, a Career for You or see the NMBI website www.nmbi.ie/Careers-in-NursingMidwifery/How-to-apply/Mature-Applicants for details of this test.

Mature Entry based on Random Selection
For programmes where random selection for the mature quota applies you must have listed your choices by 1st May at 5:00pm. Change of mind choices entered after 1st May are not included in the random selection process.

Mature Entry based on assessment of Personal Statement/Interview
Applicants are encouraged to apply by 1st February in order to facilitate early assessment. Late and available place applications from mature applicants will also be considered under this process if mature quota places are still available.

Mature Entry based on School-Leaving results
Mature applicants who have qualifying school-leaving results are also eligible to enter a separate competition in Round One and subsequent rounds. They can apply up to 1st May at 5:00 pm and can change their minds about programme choice up to 1st July at 5pm. The selection at Rounds 1 and later is competitive and based on points from qualifying exam results only. It is important to provide
the CAO with copies of any results you wish to have taken into consideration such as Leaving Certificate, QQI level 5 awards, GCEs or similar.

Offer Schedule for Mature Applicants
The earliest offers to mature applicants will issue on Round A, in early July. There are several rounds of offers. If the mature quota for a programme is not filled in one round, then further offers will issue on subsequent rounds until the quota/ programme is full.

After Round 1 if you have not received any offer, you can contact admissions to find out your place
on the waiting list.

Expand+UK and Northern Ireland Applicants
Iarrthóirí ón Ríocht Aontaithe agus Ó Thuaisceart Éirinn

An award at Level 3 on the UK framework is the minimum entry standard for year one.

Standard UK/NI applicants
Standard applicants are those pres...

Hide-UK and Northern Ireland Applicants
Iarrthóirí ón Ríocht Aontaithe agus Ó Thuaisceart Éirinn

An award at Level 3 on the UK framework is the minimum entry standard for year one.

Standard UK/NI applicants
Standard applicants are those presenting a combination of GCSE/GCE awards only. This is the most clear-cut entry pathway. The more common entry requirements are outlined below but it is necessary to consult individual programme description pages for full details.

English (or Irish) is always a required subject. The minimum acceptable grade is GCSE grade C.

Mathematics is almost always required. Where required, the minimum acceptable grade is usually GCSE grade C, but a higher grade may be specified for some programmes, especially in engineering/computing.

Other - Additional subject requirements may apply to some programmes. Where specific other subjects are required the minimum acceptable grade, GCSE @ C or higher. For instance,

Art may be required for some Design programmes

A laboratory Science is required for Nursing and several science-based programmes.

For ATU Level 6 or Level 7 programmes you will need:

Five different recognised GCSE/GCE subjects.

These must include at least one GCE A-Level at grade E or better.

The remaining four may be drawn from GCSE (Grades A-C only) or AS grades A-E.

Your subject must include either English or Irish - minimum acceptable grade, GCSE at C or higher.

In most cases you will be required to present maths, where required, the minimum acceptable grade
is usually GCSE grade C, but a higher grade may be specified for some programmes, especially in
engineering/computing.

Where specific other subjects are required the minimum acceptable grade, GCSE at C or higher.

For ATU Level 8 ab initio programmes you will need:

Six different recognised GCSE/GCE subjects.

These must include at least two GCE A-Levels at grade C or higher.

The remaining 4 can be drawn from GCSE (Grades A-C only), or from A-Levels or AS grades A-E

Applied A-Level subjects may be used to meet the minimum requirements.

It is possible to meet the minimum requirements through a combination of exams taken over more than one year.

Meeting the minimum requirements outlined may not be sufficient to guarantee selection. Entry is competitive and ranking is based on points. Points are derived from GCE A-Level grades. The better your GCE results the better your chance of selection.

Non-standard UK/NI Applicants
Awards other than GCE/GCSE combination are regarded as non-standard and are not included in CAO centralised automated processing. If you are including UK awards other than the standard GCE/GCSE combination as part of your application, you will need to submit supporting documents. Details of the alternate qualification(s) should be supplied to CAO (if applying for entry to the first year) or directly to ATU (if applying for advanced entry, i.e. entry to years 2, 3, or 4).

Whether or not a non-standard award will be recognised, and to what degree, will depend on the framework level, the learning outcomes achieved, and how those learning outcomes fit in with the pre-requisites of the programme for which application is being made.

ATU will consider awards at UK Framework Level 3 or higher, including BTECs, AVCs, GNVQs, etc.

Please attach the following for any non-standard awards you may be presenting at UK Level 3 or higher

1. The Award Certificate
2. A transcript of results - showing subject is taken and grades achieved
3. A copy of the syllabus or the programme schedule showing modules are taken, credits that apply, and expected learning outcomes.

With the exception of GCSE certificates at grade C or higher, awards below UK framework Level 3 do not contribute to matriculation and will be disregarded.

Non-standard UK/NI Applicants
Awards other than GCE/GCSE combination are regarded as non-standard and are not included in CAO centralised automated processing. If you are including UK awards other than the standard GCE/GCSE combination as part of your application, you will need to submit supporting documents. Details of the alternate qualification(s) should be supplied to CAO (if applying for entry to the first year) or directly to ATU (if applying for advanced entry, i.e. entry to
years 2, 3, or 4).

Whether or not a non-standard award will be recognised, and to what degree, will depend on the framework level, the learning outcomes achieved, and how those learning outcomes fit in with the pre-requisites of the programme for which application is being made.

ATU will consider awards at UK Framework Level 3 or higher, including BTECs, AVCs, GNVQs, etc.

Please attach the following for any non-standard awards you may be presenting at UK Level 3 or higher

1. The Award Certificate
2. A transcript of results - showing subject is taken and grades achieved
3. A copy of the syllabus or the programme schedule showing modules are taken, credits that apply, and expected learning outcomes.

With the exception of GCSE certificates at grade C or higher, awards below UK framework Level 3 do not contribute to matriculation and will be disregarded.

Advanced Entry, HND and other UK level 4 awards
Applicants presenting any award at Level 4 or higher on the UK framework may be considered for Advanced Entry into a cognate area. Applicants for Advanced Entry should apply directly to ATU and not via the CAO.

Please attach to the completed ATU application form details of both your Level 4 syllabus – e.g. HND or other and of your results.

Our ability to accommodate advanced entry applicants will depend on several factors including:

Available vacancies in the advanced class group

The “fit” between the learning outcomes you have already achieved and the programme for which you are applying

Whether or not it will be possible to make up any deficit, or missed element, including any placement requirements, etc.

Every case is different. First offers for advanced entry are normally issued in late July. However, as we sometimes need to await the outcome of autumn exams to resolve any space issues, offers may issue as late as September.

Since advanced entry is not guaranteed, some advanced entry applicants may decide, as a fall-back position, to also apply for first-year via the CAO. This is permissible.

Whether you apply directly to ATU and/ or via the CAO it is important to include all relevant supporting documents.

Expand+Fees Táillí
Rules on fees and grants are subject to change. Please check the websites of the HEA and SUSI for the most up-to-date information on the criteria for determining liability for fees and/or eligibility for grants. See https://hea.ie/fun...

Hide-Fees Táillí
Rules on fees and grants are subject to change. Please check the websites of the HEA and SUSI for the most up-to-date information on the criteria for determining liability for fees and/or eligibility for grants. See https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/
www.susi.ie

Applicants from Northern Ireland can secure support to cover costs. Contact the Local Education and Library Board or visit these websites for more information:
www.slc.co.uk or
www.studentfinanceni.co.uk

The maximum duration of funding is normally four years.
Continued payment of the grant is subject to satisfactory attendance, performance and progression.
Therefore, if you don’t progress, as well as becoming liable for repeat fees, you will usually lose any grant to which you were formerly entitled. The grant authority may waive this in exceptional circumstances - such as certified serious illness.

Expand+Entry 2023 - Restricted Course

Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2023 at 5pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2023 at 5pm

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

Hide-Entry 2023 - Restricted Course

Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2023 at 5pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2023 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 2023 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 2023 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 2023, 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 2023 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 2023 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 2023.

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 2023.

Supporting documents for DARE and/or HEAR applicants must be sent to CAO offices before 15 March 2023 at 5pm

Expand+Programme Description
This programme focuses on developing skills in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, cultural journalism and other forms. Coursework is anchored by a focus on the processes of creative and critical writing a...

Hide-Programme Description
This programme focuses on developing skills in fiction, non-fiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, cultural journalism and other forms. Coursework is anchored by a focus on the processes of creative and critical writing along with a detailed study of literature, drama and film. The programme is delivered through interactive workshops, seminars and field trips. Visiting lecturers include novelists, poets, screenwriters, playwrights, podcasters, journalists, editors, agents and publishers.

Special Features
Students develop a portfolio of writing over the three years working across different genres/media and will work on a diverse range of creative projects, including short films, podcasts and documentaries. Writing practice is bolstered by the study of literature. We aim to expose students to different forms of creative texts, offering the space for them to explore and discover their own creative voice and forms. Throughout the programme students are encouraged to attend writing festivals, readings (both online and live), workshops and interactive sessions with guest writers.

Expand+What will I study?

Year 1
• Introduction to Drama and Literature
• Literature: The Critical Voice
• Greek Theatre
• Literature: The Short Story
• Digital Storytelling
• Writing and Practice
• Introduction to Writing

Year 2
...

Hide-What will I study?

Year 1
• Introduction to Drama and Literature
• Literature: The Critical Voice
• Greek Theatre
• Literature: The Short Story
• Digital Storytelling
• Writing and Practice
• Introduction to Writing

Year 2
• Film Studies
• Writing and Practice - Screenwriting
• Writing and Practice - Playwriting
• Experimental Literature, Drama and Writing
• Yeats and Contemporary Irish Poetry
• Modernism in Drama and Literature
• Facilitation and Drama
• Intro to Video Production

Year 3
• Contemporary Irish Writing
• Postmodern Performance
• Introduction to Portfolio
• Literature: The Novel
• Publishing & Professional Practice
• Writing and Practice: Portfolio

Expand+Did You Know?
This programme is offered with on campus delivery (AU929) and it is also offered fully online (AU930), facilitating wider access to this creative degree. With online delivery, all lectures are delivered live online, and students can fu...

Hide-Did You Know?
This programme is offered with on campus delivery (AU929) and it is also offered fully online (AU930), facilitating wider access to this creative degree. With online delivery, all lectures are delivered live online, and students can fully participate in group work and project work by means of innovative online supports.

Quick Fact
This programme is taught by published authors and established writers. Our lecturers are also multi-award winning, with success coming in awards such as the Hennessy New Irish Writing Prize for poetry.

Final year students take part in the Yeats Academy of Arts, Design and Architecture Creative Showcase each year. A link to the latest edition of the YAADA Yearbook can be found on our Writing and Literature programme webpage. Mature students may be asked to provide a sample essay for assessment as part of their application to this programme.

Expand+Career Opportunities
Graduates work as writers and may pursue careers in publishing, public relations, education, journalism, arts management, communication, film, television and new media, the theatre, marketing, cultural tourism and event promotio...

Hide-Career Opportunities
Graduates work as writers and may pursue careers in publishing, public relations, education, journalism, arts management, communication, film, television and new media, the theatre, marketing, cultural tourism and event promotion.

Further Study Options
Graduates may progress to several postgraduate degrees including an MA in Creative Writing, Journalism, English Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies, or Publishing. Other progression routes include postgraduate work in community arts and literary tourism. Graduates may also undertake a Professional Master of Education (PME) to become a secondary school teacher of English.