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NUI Maynooth

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About NUI Maynooth

The National University of Ireland, Maynooth is a dynamic and innovative university of 5,500 students from every county in Ireland as well as an increasing number of international students. Situated 25km west of Dublin, it is located in Ireland’s only university town, Maynooth, which combines the historical legacy of its medieval origins with a present day location on the fringes of Dublin.

NUI Maynooth welcomes mature applicants and encourages their pursuit of study at the University. It appreciates that many people might have left school early, or were unable to achieve their full potential in education due to financial, social or family pressures. Over the intervening years circumstances change and the opportunity to return to study now presents itself. The University believes that the particular contribution of mature students to the academic and social environment of the University is a valuable and beneficial asset. A substantial number are accepted each year.

Courses at NUI Maynooth

Click here for a full list of the courses available for study at NUI Maynooth.

On the Web

Click here to visit the Mature Student pages on the NUI Maynooth website.

Pre-entry Supports

  • Provision of advice and guidance to prospective mature students
  • Open Days (last weekend in November) on campus
  • Mature Student/CAO Advisory Evening (January)
  • Summer Programmes
  • Mature Student Orientation Programme
  • Return To Learning Programme (Centre for Adult & Community Education)
  • NUI Foundation Certificates in Science, Engineering or Economics/Finance (Contact our Mature Student Officer for more details)

Entry Requirements

  • Mature Students apply through CAO and also make a direct application to NUI Maynooth (Closing date: 1st February)
  • Applicants assessed on basis of interview, life experience/employment and academic preparation.
  • Late applications may be considered up to 1st May, with the exception of some courses which have written tests for mature students (usually taking place at the end of March each year).

Post-entry Supports

  • Full-time dedicated Mature Student Support Officer
  • Mature Student Orientation Programme
  • One-to-one Advisory Service
  • Study Skills seminars
  • Essay Writing Course for Mature Students
  • Ongoing essay writing support
  • Computer Training Workshops
  • Mature Student Careers Advisor
  • Mature Student Society – social events
  • Disability Officer
  • Learning Support worker (for students with specific learning difficulties)
  • Academic Advisory Service
  • Counselling Service

Mature Student Population

At NUI Maynooth 15% of the total intake each year are mature students.

Main Contact Person for Mature Students

Emer Sheerin,
Student Services Building,
NUI Maynooth.
Tel: +353 1 708 3307
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