Frequently Asked Questions
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We welcome queries regarding any and all aspects of study at Maynooth University.
CAO | Did you know? | Primary Education | Arts
MH001 Bachelor of Education - Primary Teaching
Some applicants to our Bachelor of Education - Primary Teaching (B Ed) are concerned about achieving the Leaving Cert points required. Our advice is that they should also consider the postgraduate route into primary teaching. The Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) is a two-year postgraduate teacher education programme for primary teaching for persons who possess a level 8 honours bachelor degree. The level 8 MH101 Bachelor of Arts degree is a popular choice for many students. Click here for more detail about the PME.
More details about all of our degree options are available in our Course Finder.
What undergraduate information events do you organise?
Our 2017-2018 Undergraduate Information Events
Open Days - Register NOW
BY REGISTERING FOR OUR OPEN DAYS YOU CAN ENJOY A FREE HOT DRINK ON US!
Join us at our next Open Days | Friday November 24th and Saturday 25th November 2017
Why should I choose an Arts degree?
With an intake of 1,000+ students every September, our Arts degree is our most popular.
The idea of a job for life isn't the standard anymore. Narrow skill sets will only take a person so far. Lifelong skills are learned by Arts graduates. They are versatile, with the skills and capabilities that employers seek - analytical, critical thinkers, team players with a capacity to learn and reflect. These are the core competencies that will make you adaptable in a changed workplace.
- You can spend up to four weeks at the start of first year sampling our range of Arts subjects before committing to the two, three or four that you prefer.
- Arts at Maynooth gives our students a chance to reflect and develop - spend three or four years studying subjects you enjoy while gradually figuring out what career to pursue.
- Critical Skills is available to take as one of your first year subjects - learn and hone the skills that employers demand of graduate recruits (only available in first year).
- Postgraduate study may follow an Arts degree - pursue professional training in areas like law, business, education, psychology once you've crystallised your interests.
- Find out more in our Coursefinder.
These will vary depending on your course, but some of the skills developed from studying humanities subjects include the ability to:
| Lead and participate in discussions | Develop and argue opinions | Understand, assess and evaluate issues |
| Write well in a variety of formats | Propose ideas and theories | Think and act creatively |
| Organise workload and work to deadlines | Convey meaning precisely | Conduct research and evaluate sources |
| Read pages of text and pick out the essential points | Be objective | Work alone and on own initiative |
| Retain and absorb large amounts of information | Have confidence in your opinions | Be able to base conclusions on statistical research |
| Debate and persuade others of your point of view | IT skills | Foreign language skills (depending on subject choice) |
Critical Skills at Maynooth University | Tell me more
There are some skills that we regard as critical for a university education and that every university graduate should have. These are also skills that are highly valued by today's employers. You must be able to deal with complex arguments, evaluate evidence and make balanced judgments, and communicate ideas clearly both verbally and in writing. Because these skills are so important, both in university and beyond, we are offering a specially designed foundation course for first-year students in critical skills.
Our Critical Skills courses aim to develop these skills early in the university learning experience. They will aid the transition to third level while at the same time complementing and supporting disciplinary learning. They are designed to help first year students to learn, experience, practice and develop essential skills that will support their learning. These skills include:
Academic writing
Analysis and use of data
Analytical thinking
Communication
Critical thinking
Developing learning skills
Information processing
Interpersonal skills
We use innovative teaching techniques facilitated by the support of the Library and the small class size to develop these skills.
The Critical Skills courses are a 15 credit option and you can choose to take a Critical Skills course as one of your credit-bearing courses in first year. You will take part in small group sessions every week, which will give you an opportunity to develop and practice these essential skills right from the outset.
What are the Teaching Council requirements for recognition as a subject teacher?
The Teaching Council sets out general and specific requirements for teachers of recognised subjects in mainstream second level education. If you are considering teaching at second level as a career, you will need to ensure the content of your degree meets these requirements.
MH101 Business - Teaching Council Accreditation Requirements
If you are considering teaching at second level as a career path, you will need to ensure you pick subjects that are recognised by the Teaching Council.
Where can I find information on the undergraduate courses on offer at Maynooth University?
This information is available from a number of sources:
- Colleagues in the Admissions Office are happy to answer your queries
- General course and Maynooth University information is available in our Undergraduate Handbook
- Our Course Finder gives detailed information about our undergraduate degrees and indicative modules
- Open Days and other information events organised by the Admissions Office provide a wealth of information
What is the cost of attending university?
The Student Contribution for undergraduate students who qualify for ‘free fees’ is €3,000 in 2017/18. The student levy for the 2017/18 Academic year is €125.00. This fee is NOT covered by any grant and must be paid in full by all undergraduate students. Contact the Maynooth University Fees Office for specific queries relating to fees.
The average cost of a year at university is shown below.
Source: DIT Campus Life cost of living guide 2015
What are the requirements for a mature student?
Between 13-15% of students at Maynooth University are mature students, currently ranging in age from 23 to 75 years old.
Click here for details of how to make your mature student application.
What were the Leaving Certificate points requirements last year?
See the entry requirements page for all Leaving Certificate entry requirements information (including points, and basic and specific course requirements).
Note that these requirements/points do not apply to mature students.
What accommodation is on offer?
We offer a range of accommodation options including: on-campus, digs, and house share. Further details are available from the Accommodation Office,
Can I transfer to Maynooth University from another college or university?
Are student activities organised on campus?
Maynooth Students' Union arrange campus events throughout the academic year. Choose to join up to 100 clubs and societies. The Students' Union Bar and Venue is the socialising hub of of the University. The SU run bar-extensions throughout the year with live acts and other events. Join MSU on Facebook for more information on socialising in Maynooth.
How can I find out about grants?
As a foreign student, am I obliged to take any English language tests and if so where can I take them?
If English is not your first language you may be asked to take a language test. Further information is available from the International Office.
Are student exchange programmes available at Maynooth University and will there be opportunities for me to study abroad?
We have links with approximately 100 universities as part of the Socrates/Erasmus/Study Abroad programmes. These programmes are organised by the International Office.
What happens in September?
Orientation & Registration Week 11th-15th September 2017 - The beginning of your time in Maynooth
The start of university life for most students is Orientation & Registration Week in September. This is where new students arrive on campus, a week before the start of the new academic term, in order to get used to their new surroundings and meet new people. This week is aimed at introducing new students to the various services that they may need during their time at Maynooth. It is also a chance for students to meet the people who run these services so that there is a familiar face when students find themselves using that service during the year. The week also provides an opportunity for students to meet with academic staff and discuss various academic choices where this is relevant. Finally, this week is when new students register for their particular course.
The First Week - Start of Term
This is the week that the real work begins. In other words, students begin lectures and also start to get a real feel for what university life is about. It is also a time when students begin to meet new friends or get reacquainted with old friends. Maynooth University prides itself on providing internationally recognised academic courses as well as a huge variety of student activities. These extra-curricular activities provide our students with the opportunity to develop as an individual as well as academically - our students get a unique and quality experience when they come on campus. Our numerous clubs and societies offer sports and cultural activities and help students to get involved in campus life. These activities also develop transferable skills in our students - skills that are much sought after by employers out in the working world.
Fairs Day
One of the biggest days on campus is Fairs Day where students join various clubs and societies that are of interest to them. Invariably students stay involved in their chosen clubs and societies for the duration of their degree and this is where they meet many of their lifetime friends. Maynooth Students' Union also organises various events during the year for all students in the Student Centre and on the campus.