Last week—Monday, 29 October, to Friday, 2 November—St Mary’s University College offered a ‘taster session’ to anyone interested in finding out more about the undergraduate degree courses. Tasters were offered in nine subject areas, mainly to Year 14 pupils who were on their midterm break. Tasters are primarily intended for those who are unsure about higher education and need extra support in making the right course choice. They are also for those who, because they have additional needs, were unable to attend the general College Open Days.

Not only are taster days great fun, but they also provide prospective students with insight into the opportunities available at the College and help them to discover what being a student at St Mary’s is really like. Taster sessions include a meeting with the Widening Access Coordinator, attendance at a lecture in a chosen subject area, chatting with current staff and students, and an optional campus tour.

Anyone who would like to avail of this service should contact Susan Morgan on 028 9026 8250.

Below are some comments from school pupils attending taster sessions in 2018:

It gave me an insight into what learning here is like. — Year 14 Pupil, Dominican College, Fortwilliam

The lecturer was very good and the information helpful. — Year 14 Pupil, CBS, Omagh

It gave me an experience of a university lecture. — Year 14 Pupil, Strabane Academy

Being able to sit in on a lecture was great… It wasn’t what I expected in that it was very open and engaging. I also had the opportunity to speak personally with lecturers. — Year 14 Pupil, St Catherine’s College, Armagh

Everything was explained well, and the staff were very warm and friendly. — Year 14 Pupil, Castlederg High School

I enjoyed sitting in on the lecture and being able to take part in the activities. I got to speak to the lecturer and was well advised on the interview process. — Year 14 Pupil, St Michael’s College, Enniskillen

The information was very useful…and we got to see different departments in the College. — Year 14 Pupil, Thornhill College, Derry

I really enjoyed the lecture and loved how close all the students in the class were…. I know now that there will always be support. — Year 14 Pupil, Holy Trinity College, Cookstown

I got to attend a lecture, and this allowed me to gain an insight into the course and what it would be like to study the subject. — Year 14 Pupil, St Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen

I really enjoyed my time here: everyone was very helpful, the group sizes were small, and it was very personalized. — Year 14 Pupil, St Patrick’s Academy, Lisburn

I enjoyed talking with the students and getting the experience of a lecture in a small group, as this suits my learning style. — Year 14 Pupil, Hunterhouse College, Belfast

It was different to what I expected, but not in a bad way…. It was useful for understanding how the course is taught. — Year 14 Pupil, Belfast Royal Academy

The information helped me to understand the course in more detail, and the lecture was very enjoyable. — Year 14 Pupil, Dean Maguirc College, Carrickmore .