Mature Learners - Foundation Programme
The Foundation Certificate for Mature Learners is a programme offered by the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) in Mary Immaculate College and is designed for mature learners (anyone over the age of 22 by 1 January on the year of application) who wish to continue their education and potentially progress to full-time third level study.
| Award Name | Foundation Certificate |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | College |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Certificate | College |
Duration
The course takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays 7-9pm and runs from October to April.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must over the age of 22 by 1 January on the year of application.
Careers / Further progression
Students achieving a merit on the Foundation Certificate will be offered a place on the Bachelor of Arts (MI002) degree programme in MIC, subsequent to completion of a CAO form and supplementary form before 1 February.
In addition, MIC Foundation Students who obtain a merit (average of a B3) have direct entry to the following MIC and UL programmes (subject to certain criteria in some instances, please see notes below). All interested applicants must apply via the CAO system:
Bachelor of Arts (MI002)
BA in Education, Business Studies & Accounting (MI009) at MIC Thurles*
BA in Education, Business Studies & Religious Studies (MI010) at MIC Thurles*
Bachelor of Arts (LM002)
Journalism & New Media (LM039)
European Studies (LM040)
Business Studies (LM050)
Note: Students progressing to language options within these programmes must already have Leaving Certificate level language, except where beginners' level languages are offered by the programme.
*Please note applicants may be required to attend for interview.
Further information
Application Forms for the Foundation Programme can be downloaded at the link below,
T: +353 61 204348
E: Admissions@mic.ul.ie
Return the application form by email to: Admissions@mic.ul.ie
Objectives & Subjects on Offer
The programme aims to:
Equip students with the necessary skills to participate in, and benefit from, a third level course
Provide students with an opportunity to experience the satisfaction that can be gained from learning
Build up confidence in a supportive learning environment
Provide a direct access route to the MIC BA in Liberal Arts for those who attain a merit
Provide an alternative to the Leaving Certificate as a route to third level for mature students
The 80 hour programme is designed to offer participants a sample of the subjects that are available on a degree programme, while equipping students with a set of transferable skills, which will enable them to succeed at third level. The programme features a range of six core subjects chosen from the BA degree in MIC including History, Heritage Studies, German Studies, Philosophy, English Language & Literature and Geography. In addition, two core skills programmes are also offered: Academic Writing and Information Technology.
Core Subjects:
History
Heritage Studies
German Studies
Philosophy
English Language & Literature
Geography
Skills:
Academic Writing
Information Technology
Contact
Dr Geraldine Brosnan, Programme Coordinator
T: +353 61 204917
E: Geraldine.Brosnan@mic.ul.ie