NUI Galway Access Centre provides pathways for current second level students who are generally under-represented at third level to progress to university. The Access Centre targets young adults who have a real desire to study at third level but are unable to do so due to financial or social reasons or because of a disability.
The pathways include:
· Access programmes - foundation diploma.
· HEAR pathway.
· DARE pathway.
Access programmes
Foundation diplomas are designed to provide a supportive educational environment, which prepare students academically and personally for an undergraduate programme at third level. NUI Galway currently delivers a number of Access programmes for school leavers/young adults (22 or under ) on campus in NUI Galway, as well as in outreach centres in St Angela’s College, Sligo, and the Ballinasloe College of Further Education. This scheme facilitates prospective students who are resident for six months or more in the Border Midlands and Western (BMW ) region and County Clare.
The preparatory programmes are student centred, and are delivered in a supportive environment by experienced tutors and staff. The overall aim is to give the chance of college to targeted students and to provide an opportunity to progress to full-time degrees once the year is completed. Continued support is provided to all students by the Access Centre, which also encompasses the Disability Support Service.
Participants who successfully complete the Access programmes will receive a Diploma in Foundation Studies from NUI Galway, and will be eligible to apply for direct entry (via the CAO ) to full-time university un-denominated degree courses in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies; College of Science; College of Engineering and Informatics; College of Business, Public Policy and Law; and the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Application to denominated degrees are not guaranteed and are ranked according to grades and possibly other criteria.
Applications process
Applications to the Access programmes are online and generally open in March and close shortly after. Places are competitive each year with more demand than supply. It would be wise to check the website regularly for updates and to start gathering required documentation so as to have your application submitted on time. Check www.nuigalway.ie/access for further information.
The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR ) is a college and university admissions scheme which offers places on reduced points and extra college support to school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. HEAR has been set up by a number of colleges and universities as evidence shows that socio-economic disadvantage can have a negative effect on how well students do at school and whether they go on to college. In order to be considered for places in NUI Galway through HEAR, applicants must meet matriculation and course specific requirements. As a HEAR applicant you are considered competitive if, after matriculation and course requirements, you reach approximately 80 to 90% of the Leaving Certificate points for the course of your choice. Visit www.nuigalway.ie/accesscentre/hear for more information.
The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE ) is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education. DARE is for school leavers with a disability under the age of 23 as of January 1, 2021, who have been educationally impacted as a result of that disability. Applicants to DARE can present with an Irish Leaving Certificate, A Levels, and other EU qualifications. See www.nuigalway.ie/disability/student-entry-routes/dare
FE/QQI pathway
A number of undergraduate programmes in NUI Galway are open on a competitive basis to students who present with a recognised FE/QQI qualification. In order to be considered for a place on these programmes, students are required to have completed the requisite QQI (FETAC ) Level 5 or Level 6 course and hold a minimum of five distinctions in the requisite modules. For the most up-to-date and comprehensive list of QQI (FETAC ) entry routes and requirements, see the NUI Galway website.
