MIC has once again reaffirmed its commitment to widening access to higher education for those most distanced from access to higher education opportunities, for reasons linked to age, nationality, ethnicity and socio-economic or cultural attributes, with the announcement that applications for the College’s free Pre-University Programme (PUP) are now open.
The programme offered by MIC’s Academic Learning Centre (ALC), in conjunction with Our Lady of Lourdes Community Services Group, is aimed at mature learners over the age of 22 and begins on 16 October.
According to Rob O’Halloran, MIC Student Life Officer; ‘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 and serves to raise awareness of the supports offered to mature students at MIC. We welcome applications from under-represented groups such as those from the Traveller Community, unemployed, single parents, and those from an urban or rural disadvantage. We currently have three first year pupils on our Bachelor of Arts (BA) programme who undertook the PUP last year, so we’re seeing the benefits of it now.’
PUP is a 24 hour certificate on-campus programme and on successful completion of the programme learners will receive a Special Purpose Award. The programme, run over eight weeks, features core subjects including History and Philosophy and in addition, a core skills programme in Academic Writing.
Vicky Griffin, current MIC BA student and PUP graduate says of the programme, ‘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.’
According to Dr Paul O’Brien, of MIC’s Academic Learning Centre and PUP Programme Coordinator; ‘We look forward to offering this programme to those in our communities whose educational experiences and opportunities in their earlier years may have been limited, and who wish to continue their education through creating a progressive pathway into university level education. The programme will be delivered in a friendly and supportive environment and is an ideal starting point to begin your educational journey.’
Classes will take place in MIC Limerick, one morning per week, from Wednesday October 16th (10am to 1pm).
Closing date for applications is Friday 11 October.
For further details or to apply click here or contact:
Dr Paul O’Brien, Programme Coordinator
Academic Learning Centre
Email: Paul.OBrien@mic.ul.ie
T: 061 204 568
