As part of our Widening Access Strategy, St Mary’s University College hosted an information evening for mature students on the 17th November from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Mature students from a number of Further Education Institutions visited us to find out more about undergraduate courses, entry requirements and, indeed, all aspects of life at St Mary’s.

It is important to get clear information on the different undergraduate options and to have up-to-date information on entry requirements. This applies particularly to those pursuing alternative qualifications such as the Access to Higher Education course. A talk, therefore, was offered on the BEd (Hons) degree Primary teaching and Post-primary teaching degree programmes and on the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts degree. This talk also included information on entry requirements, application procedures and financial advice.

'On arriving, I was unsure about the College. However, after the presentation I was warming to the idea greatly.'

‘Very interesting: it was great to hear more about what the College offers in terms of courses and student experience…and to find out more about the application process.’

Information evenings are a great opportunity to talk to College staff about the course or courses students are interested in studying and perhaps to learn about subjects and courses that had not been considered before. They are also a time to seek answers to any specific enquires, including subject or course-related enquiries, as well as questions about finances.

Such events are also important because they offer a chance to meet and chat to current and past mature students about student life–the studies and the craic! Two mature students (Erin King, BEd Primary, and Mairtin McGann, BA Liberal Arts) shared their stories regarding their pathway into higher education, the challenges they faced, the help and support they received, their experience of College life as mature students and the joys of realising their dream.

For many years I suppressed my desire to be a teacher, and fuelled by my own self-doubt, I convinced myself it was only a dream, yet here I am now…living that dream. Embrace the opportunity that a second chance can give you and let the wealth of your life experience help guide you through this journey. The best advice I could give you is this: believe in yourself, believe that anything is possible and, most of all, believe that it is never too late to open a new chapter in your life.
Erin King, BEd Primary.

The Ranch [St Mary’s] is a place like no other. Having attended other HEIs, I can honestly say this:…the friendships forged at the College are lasting ones…. Ar do chumas atá sé: unlock your potential…. The Ranch was my key!
Mairtin McGann, BA Liberal Arts


There was also an opportunity to see the many facilities that the College has to offer on a Campus Discovery Tour. These included visits to the Library, the Writing Centre, the Careers Guidance Centre, the Open Access Suite and other ICT facilities, the College Chapel, the Performance Enhancement Centre and Sports Hall and, of course, the Students’ Union and the Student Centre.

‘Inspiring testimonies and clear information given.’

‘I liked having the opportunity to ask current staff and students questions.’

‘The presentations from the past and current students have overwhelmed me, and I am now determined to attend here.’

For more information please contact the following members of staff:

Trevor Abbott (Academic Registry)
Susan Morgan (Widening Access & Participation)