A LIMERICK college has announced that applications for its pre-university programme are now open.
Mary Immaculate College’s (MIC) free Pre-University Programme (PUP) is now open for applications by people who are often distanced from third level education for reasons linked to age, nationality, ethnicity, and socio-economic or cultural attributes.
The programme is aimed at learners over the age of 22.
Rob O’Halloran, MIC Student Life Officer, said that the programme aims to provide a “taster” of higher education while developing skills needed for third level education.
“The Pre-University Programme is an innovative and accessible introduction to third-level studies and aims to provide a ‘taster’ of higher education while developing the skills necessary for success at third-level. It also offers an alternative progression route to higher-level study,” Mr O’Halloran said.
He added that MIC’s Pre-University Programme “welcomes applications from under-represented groups such as those from the Traveller Community, unemployed, single parents, and those from an urban or rural disadvantage”.
The PUP is a 24-hour course and successful graduates will receive a Level 6 Special Purpose Award.
Vicky Griffin, current MIC BA student and PUP graduate said that “before doing the PUP course, I had dreamed of going to college. But the reality of what I wanted to do and what I could do were two different things. Doing the PUP course gave me the confidence and tools I needed to achieve my goals of going to full-time college”.
The closing date for applications is October 11. Those interested in applying can do so on mic.ul.ie/faculty-of-arts/programme/pre-university-programme-for-mature-learners.
