Access Course

Course details

This course targets those students who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who, for a variety of social and economic reasons, are under represented at third level.

What kind of Socio-Economic Reasons are considered?

• Long-term unemployment
• Low family income
• Little or no family tradition of progression onto higher education
• Limited study facilities at home
• Family stresses (particularly those related to family finance)

This programme is also suitable for students with disabilities, whose background education has been affected by long-term absenteeism due to their illness.

The aims of the course are to:

• Prepare students with the necessary skills/knowledge required to benefit from, and participate in, a third level undergraduate course;
• Build relationships with academic staff and other students;
• Enhance students’ knowledge to the level expected of an undergraduate student;
• Build students’ confidence in themselves and in their academic abilities and to get over any fears they may have about attending third level;
• Assist students in identifying and choosing a third level course that best suits their abilities and interests.

Study Skills

This module aims to motivate students to study and to organise their work. It equips students with the skills needed to succeed at third level and prepare students for examinations

Applied Writing

This module is designed to help students get into the practice of writing regularly and in the different styles necessary for third level study. It also helps them with basic grammar and punctuation and how to formulate assignments properly.

Information Technology (ICT):

The ICT module will give students the skills required to use database, spreadsheets, e-mail and internet and basic trouble shooting and file management.

Educational Guidance:

This module will help students to identify their skills, qualities and to build a personal profile. They will discover how to source information and to investigate the courses on offer in St. Angela’s College and NUI Galway. Individual appointments will be arranged so that the student can discuss

Career Opportunities

Participants who successfully complete the Access Course will be eligible to apply for direct entry to fulltime University degree courses in the National University of Ireland, Galway or St. Angela’s College, Sligo. Courses include:

St. Angela’s College, Sligo

• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Food and Business Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Health and Disability Studies)
• Bachelor of Nursing Science (School Leavers Only)
• Bachelor of Arts in Textiles, Fashion And Design with Business Management

NUI Galway

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Civil Law and Corporate Law
• Bachelor of Engineering
• Bachelor of Science