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Foundation Certificate for Mature Learners
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 who wish to continue their education. The course is aimed at anyone over the age of 22 by 1 January on the year of application, who is interested in progressing to full-time third level study. The course takes place two evenings a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 7- 9pm and runs from October to April.
Aims and objectives of the course
• 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 Bachelor of Arts (MI002) for those who attain a
merit; and
• Provide an alternative to the Leaving Certificate as a route to third level for mature
students.
Subjects currently on offer
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 Literature and Geography. In addition, two core skills programmes are also offered; Academic Writing and Information Technology.
What do I get afterwards?
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:
• MI002 - Bachelor of Arts (MIC Campus, Limerick)
• MI009 - Education, Business Studies & Accounting (MIC, St Patrick's Campus, Thurles)*
• MI010 - Education, Business Studies & Religious Studies (MIC, St Patrick's Campus,
Thurles)*
• LM002 - Bachelor of Arts (UL)
• LM039 - BA Journalism & New Media (UL)
• LM040 - BA European Studies (UL)
• LM050 – Business Studies (UL)
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