Postgraduate FAQ

After you have applied

How to check your application status?

Once you have completed your application, check your application account regularly for updates on the progress of your application.

How will I know Maynooth University has received my application?

Once you have submitted your application on PAC, you will automatically receive an email confirming that your application has been received.

How can I update my application once submitted?

Once you have submitted your application you will not be able to update it yourself. Therefore, please ensure you are satisfied with your application before you submit it. If you need to amend your application after submission, please contact pacinfo@mu.ie.

How can I get a letter confirming that I have been accepted onto a programme in Maynooth University?

Please contact the academic department that has offered you a place.

My offer has expired. What should I do if I want to accept the offer?

You will receive an email alert notifying you of the pending offer expiry date. If you wish to take up your place after the offer expires, you will need to contact us to request this. A member of our Postgraduate Admissions Team will check if there are still places available on the programme and will be able to extend your offer where possible. Please contact pacinfo@mu.ie.

Can I defer my place when offered?

To apply for a one-year programme deferral, applicants must have accepted their offer of a place through PAC. If a deposit is required for the programme you have applied for, this must be paid. The request should be sent by email to the academic department. Deferral requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Why was my application unsuccessful?

You can check the minimum entry requirements for all programmes on the postgraduate Course Finder. If you want more information about your application, contact the programme coordinator, details can be found on the postgraduate Course Finder.

Making your application

I have not finished my degree yet, can I still apply?

Yes you can, we would suggest that you apply as soon as possible. Most departments assess the applications as they are submitted, as a current student you would be initially assessed on your previous year’s grades. Within a few weeks you could have a conditional offer, this means that you have a place on the programme if you achieve the entry grade or above in your final exams. Also, some programmes have limited spaces, so it is advisable to apply early.
You may not register on a programme unless all entry requirements have been met before the commencement of the programme.
Always remember to keep an eye on the closing date.

Where do I apply for a postgraduate programme in Maynooth University?

You can apply on PAC http://www.pac.ie/maynoothuniversity
However, in the first instance we advise that you review the programme details on our postgraduate Course Finder. In particular, you should note the commencement date for each programme and the closing dates for receipt of completed applications.

Do all programmes close for applications on the same date?

No, it is important to check the closing date of the programme(s) you wish to apply for. Most programmes close for applications on the 30^th June however, there are some programmes that close much earlier. Check our course finder pages for the programme closing date.

Do I still need written academic references if it is a long time since I was a student?

Written references are a requirement of some of our programmes in Maynooth University. Often it is two academic references that are required, this can be checked on the ‘How to Apply’ tab on our Course Finder pages. If you are having difficulty getting two academic references, you can submit one academic and one personal reference from a current or previous employer.

Does a full-time postgraduate programme require five days a week active engagement?

The timetable will vary from programme to programme, it is best to check with the department offering the programme what hours are involved.

What is a Conversion course?

Conversion courses allow graduates of one discipline to qualify in a different discipline and offer students an opportunity to enter a new area of expertise. Maynooth University offers a range of Conversion Courses for students who want to move into a new area where they do not have previous experience. The following courses are for BA or BSc graduates who would like to upskill in a new area www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/what-degree-right-me/conversion-courses

Can I apply if I do not meet the entry requirements?

For candidates who do not meet the academic entry requirements, a taught postgraduate qualification is still an option at Maynooth University. Through its Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) policy, Maynooth University acknowledges the value of labour market participation to life-long education.
Our RPEL policy facilitates a review of the professional skills and relevant life experience of the individual, particularly for applicants with professional qualifications or a level 7 degree.

Is there an application fee?

There is an application fee of €50, which covers an application to one taught programme or one research programme. This application fee is non-refundable.

What should I put in my personal statement?

Four sections to include in a good personal statement - See Personal Statement Tips  for more information.

State the course in which you are interested.
Give details of why you are interested in that programme / department / university - Show that you have researched the course and that you understand what is involved in it. Explain what you will bring to the course e.g. -

Ability: Ability to complete this course, refer to your academic transcripts, tell them that you have excellent references, that your attendance is excellent etc. Remember, they want to see that you have the ability to successfully complete this course.
Skills: Show that you will fit in well on the course – good communication, interpersonal, team-working skills. Provide details of the skills have you developed through previous study or work experience that are relevant to the programme you are applying for.
Interest/Motivation: Show that you have good reasons, strong interest, enough motivation to complete this course. Where did you interest in this area come from? If you have previous employment or studies that are relevant highlight these. Explain your future plans after the course – you do not need to have a very specific plan but provide a sense of how this course will benefit your future career aspirations. Do you have other motivations for doing this course?
Conclusion: Demonstrate that you are willing to meet any challenges this course presents as you are committed to the course and what it will give to you

What do I do if my name on my application is different from that on my documents?

If your current name is different to the name on your identification or your final award/certificate, you need to provide official documentation to show your name change. Accepted documents include: a marriage certificate, a signed affidavit provided you have changed your name by deed poll

Is a deposit required?

There is a deposit required to accept an offer on a taught programme, this is non-refundable unless you do not meet the entry requirements. For most programmes you have 14 days to accept the offer. Please check your offer on your application to see the deposit amount required.

How do I pay my deposit?

When you receive an offer, you will need to pay your deposit online through the portal in order to accept your place. You have 14 days from the date of offer to accept your place and pay your deposit. If you are having any technical difficulty paying your deposit, please contact pachelp@pac.ie.

Is there a checklist for before I make an application?

Checklist Before Making an application

Valid Email Address - Applicants must have a valid email address to register with PAC. It is your responsibility to check your account regularly for updates.
Credit/Debit card - A non-refundable application fee of €50.00 applies.
PPS Number - Irish applicants are required to provide their PPS number. This is not mandatory for non-Irish applicants.
MU Student Number - Applicants who are currently attending Maynooth University or have previously attended Maynooth University must include their MU Student Number. If you have forgotten your student number, please contact pgadmissions@mu.ie .
Please see the Course Finder for entry requirements and documents required to be uploaded as part of the application.

I have missed the closing date for the course I want. Is there any way I can still apply?

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible and each postgraduate programme has an indicated closing date. Individual departments may decide to open for late applications if places become available. Please contact the department where you wish to study to confirm whether you can make a late application.

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After you have applied

Making your application