We welcome queries regarding all aspects of undergraduate study at Maynooth University - from course content, application process to student life and more.
Here you will find answers to some of the questions most frequently asked of us.
If your question isn't listed then please, get in touch - via the webchat bubble or in your preferred way.
Frequently Asked Questions
ToggleCAO 2023 - Application process and timetable of events
Can I defer my CAO offer to study at Maynooth to 2023?
What undergraduate information events do you organise?
We organise a range of events for prospective students and their parents/guardians/interested parties.
Maynooth Arts Degree | Unique Flexibility
MH101 has been the leading course for first preference CAO applications for a number of years.
Approximately 1,400 students begin MH101 each year. These students have up to four weeks to choose up to four subjects from more than thirty. After first year there may be an option to move into a specialised degree, depending on the first year subjects you chose and your results.
Find out more on the Course Finder.
Electronic Engineering Mathematics Exam
The Department of Electronic Engineering at Maynooth University hold an Engineering Maths Exam annually for CAO applicants interested in MH304 and who do not meet the H4 Maths requirement.
Minimum entry requirements
Minimum entry requirements for all degrees (apart from MH001/MH002 which have specific Irish and English minimum requirements): applicants must present a minimum of 6 subjects in their Leaving Certificate, with 2 Higher Level H5 and 4 Ordinary or Higher Level O6/H7, including Irish and English.
Critical Skills at Maynooth University
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:
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Academic writing
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Analysis and use of data
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Analytical thinking
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Communication
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Critical thinking
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Developing learning skills
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Information processing
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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 in many of our degrees. Students can choose to take a Critical Skills course as one of their credit-bearing courses in first year of many degrees (second year in the case of science degrees). 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.
Exemptions from entry requirements
Exemptions from minimum entry requirements:
If you are seeking an exemption from minimum entry requirements such as Irish (ROI applicants only) or a third language you must contact the NUI (see www.nui.ie for details). Apply to the NUI without delay and no later than 21 days after opening your CAO account.
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 you choose subjects that are recognised by the Teaching Council and that the content of your degree meets Teaching Council requirements.
Third language - which degrees require this for matriculation?
Some of our courses in the Arts and Humanities require a third language e.g. BA MH101 but many courses in business, law, science, engineering do not require a third language.
See our Minimum Entry Requirements tab for more details.
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 Prospectus
- The 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
Key term dates 2022-2023
Click here for details of key term dates 2022 - 2023
*dates may change
What is the cost of attending university?
COVID-19 | Maynooth University Response FAQs
All the latest information is available via this webpage:
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/coronavirus
What are the requirements for a mature student?
Maynooth University has one of the highest participation rates of mature students in Ireland, 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?
Leaving Certificate entry requirements information (including points, and basic and specific course requirements).
Note that these requirements/points do not necessarily apply to mature students.
What accommodation is available?
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?
Visit the Maynooth Students' Union webpages for details.
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?
EU students don’t need to take an IELTS, PTE or TOEFL but non EU students who don’t have English as a first language are expected to take a language profiency 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.
Social Welfare - forms stamped
How do I organise vetting by the National Vetting Bureau?
BREXIT Update May 2019
Update from Department of Foreign Affairs on 8/5/19
All citizens, no matter their age, have access to all levels of education and training in either jurisdiction. This includes the EU level of fees and SUSI grants for UK citizens attending Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), along with SUSI grants for Irish students attending UK HEIs.
The DFA press release can be found via this link.