Admissions

Application to BEd (Primary & Post-Primary) Courses

All undergraduate applications must be made directly to the College and not through UCAS.

Students can apply for both BEd (Hons) and BA (Hons) courses on the same application form.

Undergraduate applications must be submitted using the online application form. If you require further information regarding the application process, please contact the Academic Registry by email, telephone 028 90 268320, or write to:

Academic Registry

St Mary's University College

191 Falls Road

BELFAST

BT12 6FE

When to Apply

Applications for entry will be accepted from 1st October each year.  The closing date for the receipt of applications will be published in the prospectus each year and can be viewed here. You should apply well before the closing date.

Late applications are not normally accepted and will only be considered when there are vacancies in the selected courses.

Degree Choices

When you apply to take the BEd degree you must identify an area for subject study. 

For the BEd Primary degree, subject study areas are English, History, Irish, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies and Science. 

For the BEd Post-Primary degree, subject study areas are Business Studies, Mathematics with Science, Religious Studies and Technology and Design.

For the purposes of application, the specific subject area together with the identification of Primary or Post-Primary Education is classified as a course. For example BEd Primary with Science or BEd Post-Primary with Technology and Design.

You may indicate up to three BEd (Hons) courses (as well as up to three BA (Hons) Liberal Arts courses) on your application. You should list your choices in order of preference.  Take care to enter the details of the courses clearly and correctly on the application form.

Mature Applicants

St Mary's welcomes applications from mature students. While, technically, this is defined as someone who is 21 years or older on 1st October of the year of entry, most mature students are people who have been otherwise employed or who have been away from formal study for a number of years. Each application is considered individually and account is taken of the applicant's experience and achievements. However, we normally require evidence of recent study at a suitable level in a relevant subject area to indicate the applicant's ability to sustain an Honours degree course.

Applicants with a Disability or a Special Need.

Applications from students with special needs are viewed on the same academic grounds as are applied to others and every effort will be made to accommodate such students. In order to do this, however, it is important that you tell us in advance about your special need so that appropriate action may be taken. The best way to do this is to be as clear as possible in your answers in Sections 15 and 16 of the application form.

Applicants for courses of Initial Teacher Education (BEd and PGCE) are also subject to the requirements of Circular 2000/8 from the Department of Education regarding Medical Fitness to Teach. Further detail on these requirements and advice in confidence on specific applications may be obtained by contacting the Academic Registry.

Applicants with a Criminal Record

It is College policy to consider applications from anyone with a criminal record based on their individual merits and in light of all available information (see also Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-offenders). The College will seek permission to carry out an AccessNI criminal record check only for eligible applicants and students in accordance with the AccessNI Code of Practice. There are specific requirements in this regard for all applicants for courses of Initial Teacher Education (BEd and PGCE).

St Mary's recognises the key role of education in the rehabilitative process and a criminal record will not necessarily debar an applicant. Further advice on specific applications may be obtained, in confidence, by contacting the Academic Registry.

The Interview

All applicants for courses of Initial Teacher Education who meet the minimum entry requirements will be interviewed. Interviews will normally be held in February / March in the College. The interview, together with examination performance, forms an important part of the admissions procedure. Notes on the interview format will be posted to applicants prior to interview.

Practical Assessment

Some courses may require evidence of practical ability, for example Music or Physical Education. In such cases applicants will be notified of the requirements in advance of any assessment. Guidance for the Physical Education assessment is available here