Maynooth University Certificate in Science/Computer Science 

Applications for 2024 Entry will open in February 2024.  Please note that the 2024 Maynooth University Certificate in Science/Computer Science will run subject to sufficient numbers.  A decision on September 2024 intake will be made in June 2024.  For more details or to register your interest, please contact emer.sheerin@mu.ie 

Application form 2024

The Maynooth University Certificate in Science/Computer Science is a Level 6 Foundation Programme for mature students (aged 21 years or over by 1st January 2024) who wish to undertake a foundation year in preparation for degree studies in the Science and Engineering areas, or in the area of Computer Science.  Students enrolling on this one-year, full-time Programme can opt for either the Science strand or the Computer Science strand.  There are a maximum of 25 places on the course each year, and students benefit from the collegial and supportive learning environment provided by this group.

Under the Science strand, students undertake modules in Mathematics, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics, Biology and Chemistry.
 
Under the Computer Science strand, students undertake modules in Computer Science, Mathematics, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics and Electronic Engineering.

The aims of the Maynooth University Certificate in Science/Computer Science are:

  • To reintroduce adults to study and learning and to give them the background they will need to embark on a course for a degree in Science or Engineering, or in Computer Science;
  • To provide an access route for students who wish to take Science or Engineering, or Computer Science when their second level education did not offer the necessary subjects.

 

  
Minimum Entry Requirements
Students must be aged 21 years or more on January 1st in the year of entry and must be educated to Junior Certificate level (or its equivalent), to include Mathematics. Students must also qualify for EU Fees Status.  Non-EU citizens currently residing outside Ireland are not eligible to apply for this programme.  Non-EU applicants currently residing in Ireland must demonstrate that they qualify for EU Fees Status.  Further information relating to fees status is available here.

Progression
Successful completion of the Certificate in Science/Computer Science with a minimum overall grade of 60% will allow enrolment on the first year of one of the degree courses listed below:

Successful completion of the Certificate in Science/Computer Science with a minimum overall grade of 60%, along with successful completion of Maynooth University Special Mathematics examination in August 2024, will allow enrolment on the first year of the degree course listed below:

While the Certificate in Science/Computer Science guarantees students, who achieve 60% an offer of a place on specific courses (MH201, MH601 and MH602), applicants should also be aware of the wider opportunities that are also available. Past students who have achieved very high grades have successfully progressed across the full range of STEM courses in MU - Physics with Astrophysics (MH204), Theoretical Physics and Maths (MH206), Biological and Biomedical Sciences (MH208), Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry (MH210) and Science / Maths Education (MH212). Past students have also progressed into STEM courses in other Irish Universities.

For students who have successfully completed the course and decided that Science is not for them opportunities also exist in Arts (e.g. MH101). Completion of the course and achievement of good results are very favourably looked upon by the University as demonstrating both preparation and commitment for level 8 studies.

Duration
The course is full-time and delivered over two 12-week semesters, with an additional intensive Mathematics refresher week before Semester 1 begins. Examinations take place in January and May.

Content
Under the Science strand, the course provides a broad introduction to Science, with modules on Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics, Biology and Chemistry.  Under the Computer Science strand, the course provides a broad introduction to Science with particular emphasis on Computer Science modules along with Mathematics, Experimental Physics, Mathematics Physics and Electronic Engineering.

The Course also provides an introduction to study skills and the psychology of learning.  It supports transition to university through classes on information technology, effective communication and academic writing. Students will gain experience of working in groups, independent study and giving presentations. Students complete assignments throughout the year and receive feedback on their work. Such experiences will be of particular benefit for those going on to degree level study.