TOP 5 IRISH UNIVERSITY 2020
TOP 5 IRISH UNIVERSITY 2020
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES Course
CAO Duration CAO Code Level Years Points Webpage
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND DESIGN
Entry Common Req. Entry Page
BUSINESS Business Business Business Business Administration Business and ICT Accounting
Entry Common Req. Entry Page
Engineering Engineering Engineering
SG150 8 SG139 7 SG151 8 SG140 7
4 3 3 3
NEW NEW NEW NEW
itsligo.ie/SG150 2 68 itsligo.ie/SG139 2 68 itsligo.ie/SG151 2, 5 70 itsligo.ie/SG140 2, 5 72
MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
SG147 SG134
8 7
3 3
307 215
itsligo.ie/SG147 itsligo.ie/SG134
CIVIL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION
SG243 SG242 SG248 SG247 SG255
8 8 8 8 8
4 4 3 3 3
301 279 281 309 NEW
itsligo.ie/SG243 1, 5 77 itsligo.ie/SG242 1, 5 78 itsligo.ie/SG248 1, 5 81 itsligo.ie/SG247 1, 5 82 itsligo.ie/SG255 2 83
2, 5 2, 5
73 74
LEAVING CERTIFICATE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
SG341 8 SG330 7 SG300 6
Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Precision Engineering and Design
Civil Engineering Civil Engineering Construction Economics Quantity Surveying Quantity Surveying Construction Project Management and Applied Technology Advanced Wood and Sustainable Building Technology Applied Construction Technology
SG350 SG334 SG335
8 7 7
NEW 216 309
itsligo.ie/SG344 4 Yes 97 itsligo.ie/SG333 3 Yes 98 itsligo.ie/SG336 3 Yes 99
SG342 SG338 SG302 SG343 SG339 SG346
8 7 6 8 7 8
4 3 2 4 3 4
415 245 184 311 195 291
itsligo.ie/SG342 4 Yes 100 itsligo.ie/SG338 3 Yes 100 itsligo.ie/SG302 3 101 itsligo.ie/SG343 3 102 itsligo.ie/SG339 3 102 itsligo.ie/SG346 2 105
SG332
7
3
208
itsligo.ie/SG332 2 106
SG308
6
2
171
itsligo.ie/SG308 2 107
COMPUTING AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING
YEATS ACADEMY OF ART, DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE
4. Maths H5 Required
Creative Design Creative Design Architecture Interior Architecture and Design Interior Architecture and Design Fine Art (Restricted Entry) Fine Art (Restricted Entry) Writing and Literature Writing and Literature (Online) Performing Arts Performing Arts (Acting) Performing Arts (Theatre Design)
1. Maths Not Required
5. Garda Vetting Required 6. Interview
CAO Points = 2020 End of Season (EOS) Points * New - Indicative Level 6 points 250 ** Points are awarded for portfolio and added to the Leaving Certificate points
itsligo.ie/SG350 4 Yes 93 itsligo.ie/SG334 3 Yes 94 itsligo.ie/SG335 3 95
4 3 3
3. Maths O6/H7 Required
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
NEW 290 NEW
8 7 7
2. Maths F2/O6/H7 Required
Level 6&7: Min Subjects 506/H7 (O6/H7 English or Irish)
4 3 3
SG344 SG333 SG336
Electronics and Self-Driving Technologies Computing Computing Computing Computer Networks and Cyber Security Computer Networks and Cyber Security Software Development Software Development Games Development
Level 8: Min Subjects 2H5 & 4O6/H7 (O6/H7 English or Irish)
4 NEW itsligo.ie/SG341 4 Yes 90 3 243 itsligo.ie/SG330 3 Yes 91 2 209 itsligo.ie/SG300 3 Yes 91
MECHATRONIC ENGINEERING Robotics and Automation Mechatronic Engineering Mechatronic Systems (Work Based Learning)
Course
CAO Duration CAO Code Level Years Points Webpage
Entry Common Req. Entry Page
GENERAL SCIENCE
SG141 8 4 261 itsligo.ie/SG141 2 Yes 60 SG536 7 3 223 itsligo.ie/SG536 2 Yes 62 SG101 6 2 160 itsligo.ie/SG101 2 Yes 62 SG535 7 3 228 itsligo.ie/SG535 1 64 SG145 8 3 NEW itsligo.ie/SG145 2 65 SG146 8 3 309 itsligo.ie/SG146 2 67
SOCIAL SCIENCES Social Care Practice Early Childhood Care and Education Sociology and Politics English and Psychology Law and Business
CAO Duration CAO Code Level Years Points Webpage
GENERAL ENGINEERING
MARKETING, TOURISM & SPORT Marketing Marketing Tourism and Event Management International Tourism and Event Management Sport with Business Applied Sport with Business
Course
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
SG349 8 SG246 8 SG138 7 SG102 6 SG253 8 SG137 7 SG252 8 SG136 7 SG131 7
SG245 8 SG232 7 SG347 8 SG348 8 SG331 7 SG244 8 SG231 7 SG249 8 SG254 8 SG241 8 SG236 7 SG235 7
4 NEW 4 290 3 260 2 254 4 378 3 326 4 307 3 272 3 280
itsligo.ie/SG349 4 itsligo.ie/SG246 2 itsligo.ie/SG138 2 itsligo.ie/SG102 2 itsligo.ie/SG253 2 itsligo.ie/SG137 2 itsligo.ie/SG252 2 itsligo.ie/SG136 2 itsligo.ie/SG131 2
Yes 108 Yes 109 Yes 109 Yes 109 Yes 111 Yes 111 Yes 112 Yes 112 Yes 115
4 282 3 276 5 360 4 331 3 236 4 505** 3 449** 3 297 3 225 4 328 3 235 3 319
itsligo.ie/SG245 1 itsligo.ie/SG232 1 itsligo.ie/SG347 3 itsligo.ie/SG348 3 itsligo.ie/SG331 2 itsligo.ie/SG244 1, 6 itsligo.ie/SG231 1, 6 itsligo.ie/SG249 1, 5 itsligo.ie/SG254 1, 5 itsligo.ie/SG241 1, 5 Yes itsligo.ie/SG236 1, 5 Yes itsligo.ie/SG235 1, 5 Yes
116 116 117 119 121 122 122 125 125 126 128 129
Science Science
SG444 8 SG401 6
4 2
338 itsligo.ie/SG444 2 Yes 134 209 itsligo.ie/SG401 2 Yes 135
SG450 SG439 SG404 SG442 SG433
8 7 6 8 7
4 3 2 4 3
304 254 358* 290 223
itsligo.ie/SG450 2 itsligo.ie/SG439 2 itsligo.ie/SG404 2 itsligo.ie/SG442 2 itsligo.ie/SG433 2
SG445
8
4
311
itsligo.ie/SG445 2 140
SG431
7
3
269
itsligo.ie/SG431 2 140
SG448 SG437 SG449 SG436
8 7 8 7
4 3 4 3
307 243 341 262
itsligo.ie/SG448 2 itsligo.ie/SG437 2 itsligo.ie/SG449 2 itsligo.ie/SG436 2
SG530
7
3
285
itsligo.ie/SG530 2 147
SG447 SG435 SG406 SG443 SG434
8 7 6 8 7
4 3 2 4 3
328 289 367 356 280
itsligo.ie/SG447 2 itsligo.ie/SG435 2 itsligo.ie/SG406 2 itsligo.ie/SG443 2 itsligo.ie/SG434 2
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES Environmental Science with Ecology Environmental Science with Ecology Environmental Science with Ecology Occupational Safety and Health Occupational Safety and Health
136 136 136 139 139
LIFE SCIENCES Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development Forensic Investigation and Analysis Forensic Investigation and Analysis Medical Biotechnology Biomedical Science
143 143 144 146
HEALTH AND NUTRITIONAL SCIENCES Health and Medical Information Science (Online) Health Science and Physical Activity Health Science and Physiology Health and Exercise Science Human Nutrition Human Nutrition
148 151 152 155 155
MATURE APPLICANTS
Returning to education takes courage. Whether you want to gain a new qualification for your career or study something you have always been passionate about, we have the supports in place to help you succeed.
Across these two pages we have outlined some of the common concerns or questions mature applicants have.
IS THERE AN INTERVIEW?
DAYS AND HOURS PER WEEK
OTHER WAYS TO LEARN
We do not require mature applicants to attend for interview unless it is a course specific entry requirement.
MATURE STUDENT AGE AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
MATURE STUDENT POPULATION
Full-time students should expect to attend class five days per week, from Monday to Friday. Start times, finish times and hours per day will vary depending on course of study. Timetables for all new students will be issued during Induction.
Whilst this guide is focused on our full time CAO courses, we have other ways in which you can take the next step in your academic journey. With over 150 Online courses, we are Irelands leading Online provider. For more information on these flexible options, please go to www.itsligo.ie/onlinelearning We also have a range of professional and trade apprenticeships. For more information, please go to www.itsligo. ie/employers/apprentices
To be considered a mature student, you are required to be 23 years or more, on or before January 1st of the year of entry.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS The main criterion for qualification as a mature student in IT Sligo is age. Each application is desk assessed by our admissions team. They will take account of your previous studies, work experience and personal interests.
13%
OF STUDENTS ON CAMPUS ARE MATURE STUDENTS
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We welcome over 100 new mature students each academic year. This makes up over 13% of our student population. Our mature student ages range from 23 to 70, with students studying a wide variety of programmes across our three faculties.
OUR LECTURING STAFF Not only do we have the best lecturer-to-student ratio in Ireland, we also pride ourselves on the welcoming and supportive environment our lecturers create. Not just a number, our staff are always on hand to help with any questions you may have.
SPEAK WITH A LECTURER Many students like to talk with a lecturer from the course they are interested in studying. If you would like to arrange to talk with a lecturer, please email cao@itsligo.ie
COMMUNITY
HOW MANY YEARS OF STUDY? The length of study will vary depending on what course you choose. At the front of this guide, we have listed all our courses across a three-page pull-out. Each course has its duration in years listed also.
COURSE LEVELS AND PROGRESSION We offer CAO undergraduate courses at Level 6 Higher Certificate, Level 7 Ordinary Degree and Level 8 Honours Degree. Students can also progress through the levels. For example, a student who joins IT Sligo on a Level 6 Higher Certificate may progress to an add-on option at Level 7 and from here an add-on option at Level 8. We also offer a range of Level 9 and Level 10 Postgraduate options. For more information, please visit www.itsligo.ie/cao and view the further study tab of individual courses.
MORE INFORMATION If you would like more information on our courses or student life, please go to www.itsligo.ie/cao If you would like to speak with a member of our team, please email cao@itsligo.ie
One of the major plus points to life in IT Sligo is the sense of community. More than just a number, our students get to know all their classmates and lecturers on a first-name basis. This means making friends or asking a question in class is easy. You will never go too far without meeting a friendly face. IT SLIGO MATURE STUDENT GUIDE 2022
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FEES AND FUNDING
APPLICATIONS AND OFFERS
We understand that returning to college is a big financial commitment. Luckily, there are several funding options available to Mature students.
The Central Applications Office (CAO) is a centralised applications system that processes full-time undergraduate course applications into Universities and Institutes of Technology in the Republic of Ireland.
FEES
SUSI GRANT
APPLY TO THE CAO
LATE APPLICATIONS
A Student Contribution (registration) fee of €3,000 is payable by all IT Sligo students each academic year. At registration, students have the option to pay in full or in two instalments.
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) provides financial support to eligible students. There are two elements to the student grant – a maintenance grant (contribution towards living costs) and a fee grant (cover all or part of the student contribution fee plus the costs of essential field trips). The grant is based on your family’s reckonable income. For more information, please go to www.susi.ie
Applicants use the CAO system to apply for full-time undergraduate courses. To make an application, please go to www.cao.ie
Whilst we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, IT Sligo do accept late Mature student applications as per the CAO dates. Individual Higher Education providers will have different rules on Late Applications.
A Tuition Fee is an additional fee. However, the Department of Education normally covers this fee under the Free Fees Initiative scheme for full-time students who are citizens of a Member State of the EU and who meet the residency requirements.
TAX RELIEF You may be able to claim tax relief on fees that you have paid. For more information, please go to www.revenue.ie
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IT SLIGO MATURE STUDENT GUIDE 2022
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPTIONS There are a variety of funding options available to Mature students. These include the 1916 Bursary Fund, Back to Education Allowance and Student Assistance Fund. For more information, please go to www.hea.ie/funding or email access@itsligo.ie
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES We also have scholarships and bursary funding options. Our Sports Scholarships are available to elite sports people. Meanwhile, industry sponsored bursaries are designed to encourage applicants into programmes where there are large skills shortages in industry. For more information, please go to www.itsligo.ie/scholarships
TWO LISTS Applicants can choose to apply for up to twenty courses – ten at Level 8 and ten at Level 6 or 7. The choices on one list do not affect the choices on the other; you may receive two independent course offers - one from each list. You can only accept one offer.
KEY CAO DATES 5th November at 12pm: CAO opens for applications 20th January at 5:15pm: Online discounted application (€30) closes 1st February at 5:15pm: Normal Application Deadline (€45) 5th March at 12pm: CAO Re-opens for late applications (€60) 1st May at 5:15pm: Late application closing date
CHANGE OF MIND FACILITY Mature applicants to IT Sligo can use the free CAO change of mind facility up until 5.15pm on July 1st. Individual Higher Education providers will have different rules on Mature applicants using the change of mind facility.
OFFERS Successful Mature students receive their offers in Round A which takes place in early to mid-July. The CAO will release exact dates closer to the time. Please check www.cao.ie for these.
5th May to 1st July at 5:15pm: Change of mind date (Free)
IT SLIGO MATURE STUDENT GUIDE 2022
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TRANSITION TO. COLLEGE.
Welcome to the start of your college experience.... It’s an exciting time, but a nerve-wracking one too.... We know what it’s like to make the transition and... we also know how to help you make it. We have a... number of supports in place to help you enjoy these... first steps on the journey that will lead to your independence,... your education and eventually, your career.... INDUCTION
INTRODUCTIONS
Induction is a programme of events which takes place before classes commence. On this page we have outlined just some of the events that will help you settle into college life.
You will be introduced to your new lecturers and classmates. Form new friendships from the get go and receive more information about assignments and exams.
TOURS AND TIMETABLES You will receive your timetable alongside a campus tour, so you know the exact location of your lecture theatres, labs and classrooms. Campus locations such as the Yeats Library, Knocknarea Arena and the Student Services building will also be shown.
1ST
IN IRELAND FOR STUDENT TO LECTURER RATIO ACROSS ALL UNIVERSITIES AND INSTITUTES OF TECHNOLOGY.* *Good University Guide 2021
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IT SLIGO MATURE STUDENT GUIDE 2022
SUPPORTS AND SERVICES Learn about all the supports and services available and how to access them. These include our health service, access office and academic supports.
THE STUDENTS’ UNION Find out about clubs and societies, becoming a class rep and lots more when you are introduced to the Students’ Union. The team will also have fun events organised plus insider hints and tips for starting out in college.
STUDENT ID, LOGINS AND MORE Our comprehensive induction covers everything you will need. We will help you get your student ID card, answer your questions, show you how to login to computers and WIFI, navigate the student hub, use the Yeats Library and lots more.
STUDENT PROFILER You can complete a Student Profiler Assessment. The Student Profiler will give you a better understanding of your strengths and challenges through an instant report. The assessment will also highlight any undiagnosed learning difficulties and point you in the direction of all our amazing supports.
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WHAT OUR MATURE STUDENTS SAY Some of our Mature students and graduates tell us about their experiences of studying at IT Sligo. They discuss courses, supports, friendships and much more.
KAREN KEANEY BA (HONS) INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN I returned to college as a mature student in 2019. I was supposed to study at IT Sligo after I finished school but took ‘a year out’. This turned into many, many years - a corporate career, owning my own business and teaching cake design. College had always been an unchecked box of mine and so I decided to return to education and get my degree. I am a very creative person, so the Interior Architecture and Design course really appealed to me. I know it can be scary returning to education. College can be busy with lots of deadlines for assignments. Just be sure to schedule your time wisely and it will make everything so much easier. Don’t leave things until the last minute and don’t put starting assignments off. Also, be sure to ask questions. The lecturers are there to support you and are always extremely helpful.
CLAIRE DORAN
JOHN GALLAGHER
BSC (HONS) ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE WITH ECOLOGY
BENG (HONS) IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
After living in Australia for six years and working as a massage therapist, I decided to take a leap of faith and return to education as a mature student. Environmental issues and sustainability are an area of huge interest to me and something I feel very passionately about.
Engineering had always been something I was interested in. However, when I finished secondary school, I went straight into working on building sites and worked within the industry for many years. When the economy started to crash and opportunities for work started to slow down, I knew the time was right to upskill and pursue the career I always wanted. It is the best decision I have ever made.
I hadn’t studied science since secondary school. However, the course is taught from the basics up, so I quickly got back into it. A lot of course time is dedicated to practical learning which I love, as it is the best way to learn. There were times at the beginning where I felt overwhelmed as a mature student. Ultimately you just have to take your time, it’s impossible to know everything straight away! There are so many resources available at the IT Sligo – from the maths support centre to the academic writing centre. These are extremely helpful. The lecturers are brilliant too. They apply theory to real world examples which is a great way to understand course content.
SEAMUS BANNON
7
I was very nervous starting college. I was in my mid 30’s and this was a totally new experience. I had doubts if I would be able for the course. However, after induction and once I started class, I settled in very quickly. The class sizes at IT Sligo are small so getting any extra support is easy. Making friends is very easy too – friends of all ages! When I graduated, I had the skills and confidence to pursue several career paths. I am now working within the Engineering industry and couldn’t be happier.
REBECCA KELLY
BA (HONS) SOCIOLOGY AND POLITICS
BSC (HONS) SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
In 2017, at the age of 31, I decided to return to education. I was recently married, and we had just had our first child. I had spent the previous 10+ years working in various jobs from retail to the probation service, but I knew to have the best possible career for me and my family, I needed to improve on my qualifications. Sociology and Politics allowed me to study an area that I am passionate about.
I returned to education as a mature student to retrain. I had previously completed a Higher Certificate in Business and had worked in numerous offices and industries. However, I was always interested in computing and noticed a skills shortage in this area. This, coupled with strong graduate salaries, gave me the motivation to take the leap of faith and return to college.
The lecturers at IT Sligo are amazing. Their interaction with students, their willingness to create a fun learning environment, their understanding of my specific circumstances being a father of two baby girls and their expertise in our fields of study are just some of the areas worth highlighting. Since graduating, my family and I have moved to the USA and bought our first home. I am now a Program Director at the City of Flint Police Department for their Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.
Despite having previously studied in college, I was still very apprehensive about returning. It was a big decision to leave my job and retrain. However, I settled into my studies very quickly and was confident in my decision from that point. There are lots of mature students in IT Sligo, so I never felt I was the only one. I made so many friends who I am still in regular contact with. Retraining was a hard but fun experience. I now work within the Software Development industry and can wholeheartedly say it was the right decision for me and my family.
IT SLIGO MATURE STUDENT GUIDE 2022
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STUDENT SUPPORTS Our Student Supports Team are here to help you with any concerns or worries you may have. If it’s important to you, it’s important to us. Our warm, friendly staff will deal with your concerns or worries in a confidential and sensitive manner. They will take care of your wellbeing and ensure you get through any difficulties you may have.
ACCESS OFFICE
ADMISSIONS OFFICE
If you have special learning needs, a disability or any circumstances which might need individual consideration, our Access Office is here to help. Alongside coordinating these services, the Access Office also deals with financial supports such as The Student Assistance Fund and The 1916 Bursary Fund. Additional supports for our Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) and Disability Access Route (DARE) applicants are also organised through this office. Find out more about HEAR and DARE on page 165.
The Admissions Office provide ongoing support in areas such as admissions, registration, grants, fees and examinations. With an on-campus office open from Monday to Friday plus options to contact them through phone or email, staff are always on hand to help with any queries you may have.
LEARNING SUPPORT Our dedicated learning-support tutors support students who have dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties. Students have access to the latest assistive technology and can engage with the learning support tutor on a one-to-one or group basis. Reasonable accommodation at exams and liaising with relevant staff are other ways our learning-support tutors can help.
DISABILITY SUPPORT Our disability-support service provides an individual support plan tailored to the specific needs of the student. Engagement with other relevant staff ensures appropriate plans are in place. This plan combined with ongoing advice, assistive technology and support enables students to reach their full potential.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY A range of comprehensive and extremely modern assistive-technology supports are available at IT Sligo. It is central to our facilitation of students with disabilities or learning difficulties. Supports include an assessment matching the student to technology which maximises productivity and independence, training in how to use the technology and full access to our dedicated assistive-technology suite. Some of the technologies include text-scanning pens, Echo Smart Pens, magnifying technologies, Mind Genius and Read and Write Gold.
COUNSELLING Our Professional Counselling Service is free-of-charge to all students. The service gives individuals the opportunity to explore any issue which may be impacting on their mental health and general well-being, all in a confidential setting with our experienced team.
HEALTH The Health Service Team provides care to all students free-of-charge. The team, which is made up of doctors and nurses, can help with the diagnosis and treatment of health problems, alongside providing services such as issuing prescriptions and repeat prescriptions.
PASTORAL CARE The Pastoral Care Team supports students in their personal and spiritual growth during their time at IT Sligo. Students are always welcome to drop into the team for a chat. The pastoral care service is available to students of all faiths and those who have none. The multi-faith prayer room known as The Sanctuary offers a quiet space for reflection and prayer.
somebody with dyslexia, the supports “ As at IT Sligo are amazing. I met with the Access Office before classes started. I was introduced to all the supports available and together we formed a plan for my studies. The Academic Writing Centre has been particularly beneficial to me.
ELAINE NÍ NIAIDH
BSc (HONS) FORENSIC INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS
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ACADEMIC . SUPPORTS . Support is our priority. We have invested heavily . in our learning facilities to ensure our students have . access to the latest enhancements in technology and . are supported throughout their academic journey. .
ACADEMIC WRITING CENTRE
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT
The thoughts of the first assignment can be a daunting prospect for many. Therefore, students of all ages and abilities can benefit from our Academic Writing Centre. Supports include getting started with assignments, effective notetaking, report writing, avoiding plagiarism and successful writing in exams. And of course, the writing process – generating ideas, drafting, revising and editing. Students can access these facilities on a one-to-one basis or as a small group. Online resources such as a grammar checker, academic phrasebank and an essay planner are available. In addition, students can earn a digital badge at their own pace with our self-directed academic writing programme.
Technology continues to play a pivotal role in our everyday lives – and education is no different. That is why we have several structures in place to support our students learning experience. We have free Office 365 to download to your own devices plus free unlimited One Drive data storage. This allows students to study or access their data anywhere in the world, at any time. Discounted offers on PCs, Macs, tablets and broadband will help with costs. Alternatively, just ask about our short-term free IT Equipment rental. IT Sligo has free campus-wide high-speed WIFI also.
MATHS SUPPORT CENTRE Maths is a subject that even the most capable student can struggle with. That is why we have established the Maths Support Centre. This innovative and friendly centre offers the supports many students need. Services include consultations, tutorials, computer-based tutorials and access to relevant text materials. You can even submit maths problems for correction. Students can access these facilities on a one-to-one basis, as a small group or online. Leaving Certificate students can also avail of free maths revision resources each year, keep an eye on our social media channels to find out more!
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IT SLIGO MATURE STUDENT GUIDE 2022
ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORT Free English language support is available to all students, no matter their language level. Online content, resources and tests are available for students to work through at their own pace alongside live classes and supports.
IT SLIGO MATURE STUDENT GUIDE 2022
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THE YEATS . LIBRARY .
Located in the heart of the campus, the recently refurbished Yeats Library is an architectural space with student focus at the core of its design. Spread over three floors, this world-class facility provides all the resources a student needs to excel in their programme of study. Open seven days a week from early morning until late night, there are no excuses for not getting stuck into some study! QUIET ZONE (TOP FLOOR) A traditional library area for focused study. Individual study spaces and a strict no talking policy make it the perfect place to go when you don’t want to be distracted.
INFO ZONE (MIDDLE FLOOR) Experienced library staff at the information desk are here to help with all your queries. This zone has networked PCs, printing and photocopying services, books, journals and so much more. You can even rent DVDs – it is important to unwind after all!
LEARNING ZONE (BOTTOM FLOOR) An open-plan study area with a choice of seating options make it a very flexible workspace. An ideal location to plug in your laptop or sit and discuss group projects with your friends. Students can also book one of the library presentation rooms free of charge.
140,000+
24/7 ONLINE ACCESS
700+ WORKSPACES
70,000+ PRINTED BOOKS
E-BOOKS AND E-JOURNALS 13
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STUDENT STORY
STUDENT STORY
LEANNE MC CAFFERTY
LIAM CLEARY
BBS (HONS) MARKETING
What helped you to settle in?
Why did you return to education?
The extremely approachable and friendly lecturers, the small class sizes and the Moodle online platform. Moodle meant lecture notes were always accessible. Classes allowed for interaction and active participation. For anybody that is shy, the lecturers always facilitated and encouraged reaching out to them for support if needed.
I had worked indirectly in marketing in a local hotel and I absolutely loved it. It didn’t feel like work to me, so pursuing a career in something I loved was a no brainer. I now just needed my qualification. Half the battle is knowing what you want to study, and I think maturity and experience helps to figure this out. I spoke to students who were studying at IT Sligo at the time, and they spoke very highly about the college. It seemed like the perfect fit for me and so I applied through the CAO.
Were you nervous about returning to education? Absolutely! I had dropped out of college before, so I most certainly didn’t want that to occur again. However, this time it was different. I was selecting a course, where I had already practiced the subject first-hand. I knew IT Sligo had a much better college experience than what I had already encountered, combining practical learning with theory, as opposed to the academic only approach. This was something that really appealed to me.
As a mature student, did you find it easy to settle into college life in IT Sligo? I really did. I was 25 when I returned to study as a mature student. However, being 25 or 65 in IT Sligo really doesn’t matter. The college is very diverse. There are loads of mature students on campus, so nobody will ever feel like they are the only one.
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IT SLIGO MATURE STUDENT GUIDE 2022
If you were speaking with a mature student about to start college, what advice would you give them? What might seem overwhelming now, will be a piece of cake soon! Keep going, keep believing and just always do your best. Try not to get overwhelmed and remember your lecturers will always be on hand to assist.
Would you recommend a mature student to return to full time education with IT Sligo? Absolutely! Time can pass us by as we mull over these types of decisions. Start today if you have the inclination. Just go for it and don’t wait. It could be the best decision you ever make.
BBS (HONS) TOURISM AND EVENT MANAGEMENT Why did you return to education? I was a Restaurant Manager working in a five-star hotel and had been in the hotel sector for the best part of my career. I was in my early forties and had reached a point in my life where I felt I wanted to spend more time with my family. My wife had returned to college and had completed her degree. She inspired me to go for it.
Were you nervous about returning to education? I was very apprehensive about returning to education. I felt my time in education had finished 20 years ago! I weighed up the pro’s and con’s and decided that if I was going to do it, it would have to be full-time. I felt to really engage with the material and focus, I personally needed a college environment where I could do that. For the first few weeks I did on several occasions ask myself “what am I doing?” Once I engaged with the lecturers and the class it suddenly became my new reality.
As a mature student, did you find it easy to settle into college life in IT Sligo? It is a culture shock to suddenly go from being in a management position wearing suits every day to adjusting to college life. However, once I saw people my own age across the campus, I realised that learning is for life. I had a completely different outlook on college 20 years ago. I have embraced the opportunities that have come my way since I made the decision.
What helped you to settle in? The mentoring programme was a great way to meet people and through it I became actively involved in the college. I volunteered for events and got to know the staff in marketing and events. The college library is a fantastic resource, and the staff are more than accommodating when assisting with projects and assignments.
If you were speaking with a mature student about to start college, what advice would you give them? Attendance is key. Keep on top of the work and start assignments as you get them. You will be able to enjoy college life and come out with a great result. Get involved with the campus and there are no stupid questions!
Would you recommend a mature student to return to full time education with IT Sligo? The simple answer is yes! As somebody who recently graduated, looking back, the time has flown. The experience has been brilliant. From my time in college, I have built on my previous work experience and I now find myself in a position where I can apply for jobs I previously thought were out of my reach. I would do it again in a heartbeat!
IT SLIGO MATURE STUDENT GUIDE 2022
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INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SLIGO ASH LANE, SLIGO, F91YW50, IRELAND T: +353 (0)71 93 18510 F: +353 (0)71 91 60475 E: INFO@ITSLIGO.IE W: ITSLIGO.IE
IT Sligo, LYIT and GMIT are working together to become a Technological University for the West and North-West of Ireland. See www.cualliance.ie