ADMISSION TO UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

The application process and entry requirements required for admission to University College Cork vary depending on whether an applicant is a EU or a Non-EU applicant.

Under the EEA/Swiss Agreement, students from EEA countries and Switzerland will be treated the same with regards to nationality as EU nationals. Students from these countries, who meet the criteria of the free fees scheme including residency in another member state may be deemed eligible for free fees.

An EU applicant is defined as one who meets the criteria outlined in category A or, alternatively, B or C below:

Criteria for determining the EU status of an applicant

(A) EU and eligibilty for FREE FEES SCHEME:

First time undergraduate i.e. cannot possess a previous degree qualification or have attended third level within the previous five years

AND

Nationality Test - Must hold one of the following:

• EU/EEA/Swiss States passport Or
• Original Irish Birth Certificate Or
• Original EU/EEA/Swiss States Nationality Identity Card Or
• Official Irish Refugee Status (requires the original letter from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicating that the appropriate status has been granted) Or
• Official Irish Refugee Status - family member (requires the original letter from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform which confirms family member status under Section 18 of Refugee Act 1996 and GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) card)

AND

Previous Work/Studies Test

• An applicant must have spent 3 of the last 5 years in full time study or work in an EU/EEA/Swiss member state prior to the commencement of the programme.
• This full time study/work requirement will be deemed satisfied in the case of an applicant for whom a spouse/parent is claiming a tax benefit, which must be confirmed by a P21 form or evidence of social welfare benefits.

(B) EU and liable for EU TUITION FEES (Nationality Test)

Must hold one of the following:

• EU/EEA/Swiss States passport Or
• Original Irish Birth Certificate Or
• Original EU/EEA/Swiss States Nationality Identity Card Or
• Official Irish Refugee Status (requires the original letter from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicating that the appropriate status has been granted) Or
• Official Irish Refugee Status - family member (requires the original letter from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform which confirms family member status under Section 18 of Refugee Act 1996 and GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) card)

AND

Previous Studies Test:

Where an applicant has received ALL his/her full time post- primary education within the EU/EEA/Swiss States, but has not been resident for three of the five years immediately prior to University entry.

(C) EU and liable for EU TUITION FEES (Residency Test)

• An applicant's principal residence for the purpose of taxation must have been in an EU/EEA/Swiss member state for a minimum of 3 of the 5 years prior to entry to University. Prior residence for full-time study purposes does not satisfy the residency requirement.
  • If an applicant is under 23 years of age on the start date of the programme then the principal residence of the parents will be examined for the purpose of taxation.
  • If an applicant is over 23 years of age on the start date of the course then the principal residence of the application for the purpose of taxation is examined.

A P21 form will be required in both instances.

AND

Previous Work Test (Applicable where student was not in full time education)

• An applicant must have spent 3 of the last 5 years working in an EU/EEA/Swiss member state prior to the commencement of the programme.
• This fulltime study/work requirement will be deemed satisfied in the case of an applicant for whom a spouse/parent is claiming a tax benefit, which must be confirmed by a P21 form or evidence of social welfare benefits.

For each of the above criteria documentary evidence in relation to status will be sought where it is deemed necessary. An applicant who does not meet the above criteria is a Non-EU applicant. Please note that the initial status assigned to a student upon entry to the University will be applied for the duration of their programme i.e. students classified for fee purposes, as Non-EU will not be permitted to change the fee status following admission. The exception to this is Non-EU students awarded official refugee status whilst pursuing their course of study at UCC, in which case the status can be changed from Non-EU to EU at the start of the next academic year. Students who have been classified as non-EU for undergraduate registration will retain this status for postgraduate registration also unless they have worked full-time for a period of at least three years in an EU Member State prior to the commencement of the postgraduate course.

Once an applicant has established their EU or Non-EU status they should then follow the application process outlined in:

• EU/EEA and Swiss States Application Process
• Non-EU Application Process for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes

The following sections outline the process and criteria for admission for the 2013/2014 academic year.

EU/EEA AND SWISS STATES APPLICATION PROCESS

EU/EEA and Swiss States applications for entry to the first year of all full-time undergraduate degree programmes are processed through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Applicants should apply on-line at: www.cao.ie. Forms may also be obtained by writing directly to the CAO (Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, Ireland).

DATE OF APPLICATION

For entry in September 2013 completed applications must be received in the Central Applications Office (Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, Ireland) on or before 1st February 2013.

LATE APPLICATION

With the exception of EU/EEA and Swiss States applicants making a mature student application or applying for a restricted application programme, other applicants, for an additional fee, may make a late application to the CAO. Late applications are those which are received in the CAO between 2nd February and 1st May (inclusive). The latest date for receipt, in the CAO, of completed application forms is 1st May (5.15 p.m.) each year. Such applicants are not penalised in regard to programme choice, apart from restricted application programmes, which are detailed in the CAO Handbook and below:

UCC Restricted Application Programmes

• CK103 Music and CK104 Arts-Music:
• CK112 Drama and Theatre Studies;
• CK114 Social Science - Youth and Community Work; (Mature applicants only)
• CK115 Social Work; (Mature applicants only)
• CK701 Medicine (Undergraduate Entry);
• CK711 General Nursing - (Mature);
• CK713 Children's and General Nursing (Integrated) - (Mature)
• CK721 Psychiatric Nursing - (Mature);
• CK731 Intellectual Disability Nursing - (Mature)
• CK741 Midwifery - (Mature)
• CK791 Medicine (Graduate Entry)

An EU/EEA and Swiss States student in the first year of a programme who is competing on the basis of school leaving results, may make a late application to the CAO up to 22nd July, 2013 for the first year of another programme (apart from Restricted Application programmes). These late applications must be stamped by the Admissions Office. Applicants must write their previous CAO application number on the top of Page 1 of the Application Form.

All late applicants are required to pay an additional CAO Application Fee.

MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS

For 2013 entry, CAO applicants for full-time degrees must normally have reached 17 years of age by 15th January, 2014. Where a candidate below that age seeks to enter UCC, special application must be made in writing to the President of the University, and should preferably be accompanied by a letter of support from the School Principal.

CATEGORY OF APPLICATION

Eligible EU/EEA and Swiss States applicants may make an application for consideration for full-time degree programmes in the following categories:

CAO APPLICANTS:

1. School Leavers

2. Access Students:

(a) School Leavers from Socio-Economically Disadvantaged Backgrounds (HEAR Programme)

(b) Students with a Disability (DARE Programme)

(c) Mature Students

3. FETAC/BTEC

4. Graduate Entry to Medicine [CK791]

An eligible applicant may apply and compete for a place in more than one category. The criteria for entry and selection are outlined in the following sections.

Applications from School Leavers

To compete for a place as a School Leaver an applicant must satisfy the minimum entry and any specific programme requirements outlined in Table 1 and then compete on the basis of the results obtained in school leaving qualifications or in the case of Medicine (CK701) school leaving qualifications and the HPAT result.

TABLE 1: MINIMUM ENTRY AND SPECIFIC PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS FOR 2013/2014

PLEASE NOTE THESE REQUIREMENTS APPLY TO SEPTEMBER 2013 IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE ENTRANTS (equivalent qualifications are required for EU/EEA and Swiss States students presenting with other School Leaving Qualifications. For example those presenting GCE/GCSE results may satisfy the minimum entry requirements by passing the GCE/GCSE in six subjects obtaining passes in GCE (A Levels) in two subjects at Grade C or better and the remaining four subjects at either GCSE (Grades A - C) or the GCE (A Level) (Grades A - E) or a combination of both, provided the minimum entry requirements and additional programme requirements outlined in Table 1 are satisfied. Contact the Admissions Office, UCC for details (admissions@ucc.ie) .

Details on A Level Entry Requirements are available here

Details on EU non Irish Entry Requirements are available here

LEAVING CERTIFICATE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

HONOURS BACHELORS DEGREE PROGRAMMES (Level 8) IN THE COLLEGE OF ARTS, CELTIC STUDIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

* Applicants should refer to the section Requirements with Regard to Irish and Third Language.
# Garda vetting will be required for students on these programmes.

HONOURS BACHELORS DEGREE PROGRAMMES (Level 8) IN THE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND LAW

* Applicants should refer to the section Requirements with Regard to Irish and the Third Language.

HONOURS BACHELORS DEGREE PROGRAMMES (Level 8) IN THE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND FOOD SCIENCE

* Applicants should refer to the section Requirements with Regard to Irish and Third language.

HONOURS BACHELOR DEGREE PROGRAMMES (Level 8) IN THE COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH

* Applicants should refer to the section Requirements with Regard to Irish and Third Language.
# Garda vetting will be required for students on these programmes
+ Health screening requirements must be satisfied for these programmes
• Applicants who have previously been unsuccessful (academic and/or placement) in any Nursing or Midwifery programme or have any issues which would affect their registration with An Bord Altranais will only be considered for re-entry to Nursing or Midwifery in UCC on a case-by-case appeal basis to the relevant Programme Board. Such applicants should make their case in writing to the Admissions Officer, UCC and include any relevant details of extenuating circumstances.  

**HPAT - Ireland

The admissions test selected by the Irish Medical Schools is called HPAT- Ireland (Health Professions Admission Test - Ireland). This test is independently administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). ACER has an excellent international reputation and a track record in the development, management and research of selection tests for undergraduate medical and health related programmes. The HPAT-Ireland test measures a candidate's logical reasoning and problem solving skills as well as non-verbal reasoning and the ability to understand the thoughts, behaviour and/or intentions of people. It does not test academic knowledge and candidates do not require special understanding of any academic discipline. However, some familiarity with the question types typically presented in HPAT-Ireland would be an advantage and therefore sample questions are available at http://www.hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au. The test will complement the Leaving Certificate Examination assessment for selecting applicants for admission to an undergraduate Medical School.

Format of Test
The HPAT-Ireland test is 2½ hour paper-based test consisting of three modules or sections:

(i) Logical Reasoning and Problem Solving
(ii) Interpersonal Understanding
(iii) NonVerbal Reasoning

All questions are in multiple choice format with 4 or 5 possible responses, from which the candidate is asked to choose the most appropriate response. There is only one correct response. Further details regarding the test, including the approximate number of questions in each section, can be found at http://www.hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au. Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with a physical and/or specific learning difficulty.

Scoring of Test
Each of the three sections of the test is given equal weight. The maximum score a candidate can receive is 300. In addition to the overall score, HPAT-Ireland candidates will also receive an overall percentile rank to give them an indication of how well they performed against other HPAT-Ireland candidates.

Application procedure and cost
In addition to their application to the CAO, http://www.cao.ie, students must also apply directly to ACER to complete the HPAT-Ireland test. Applicants for the test will apply on-line to ACER at http://www.hpat-ireland.acer.edu.au. The cost of applying to the HPAT-Ireland test in 2013 will be approximately €95.00** per candidate. This fee will cover on-line registration for the test, materials required for the paper test, provision of test results to the candidate and the transfer of results to the CAO.

Note:** Reduced HPAT-Ireland test application fee may be available. Further details, if applicable, will be available in September 2012.

Test date
The only sitting of the HPAT-Ireland test in 2013 will take place on 2 March, 2013. There will be no alternative test date for HPAT-Ireland. If, for any reason, a candidate is unable to sit the test on the date, the only option available will be to sit the test in 2014 or later. HPAT-Ireland results can be used for application to a medical school for 2 years. Therefore, if a candidate takes the test in 2013, the result can be used for admission in 2013 and 2014 only.

Test centres
Test centres will be located in Cork, Dublin, Galway, the North-west and the South-East (details to be confirmed). Every effort will be made to accommodate applicants in their preferred test centre. However, as capacity in some test centres may be limited, places in those venues will be allocated on a first-come basis. Early application for the test is advised.

Important Dates

Allocation of places based on the combination of Leaving Certificate Examination results and the HPAT-Ireland score

For school-leaving applicants who meet the minimum subject entry requirements and the 480 points criterion in the same sitting of the Leaving Certificate examination, allocation of places for Medicine will be determined on the basis of a combination of the Leaving Certificate Examination (LCE) score and the HPAT-Ireland score. The sole competitive selection criterion for entry to medicine will be on the basis of the weighted combination of the LCE = 2 and HPAT-Ireland = 1 up to 550 points and moderated thereafter. Before the scores are combined, Leaving Certificate Examination scores above 550 points will be adjusted, to a maximum score of 560 points (or 565 if Bonus Points for Honours Mathematics are included) (see table below). This is to strike an appropriate balance between the perceived pressures while at the same time recognising excellence when it has been achieved.

Table: Adjusted points from 550 points

For CAO applicants to Medicine, the maximum achievable score will be 865 - 565 as the maximum score based on the Leaving Certificate Examination (after adjustment) and 300 as the maximum score based on the HPAT-Ireland
For Example:

• If you achieve 625 points in the LCE this will become 565 adjusted Leaving Certificate points and if you achieve a score of 210 in the HPAT-Ireland test, your overall score will be 775.
• Similarly if you achieve 540 points in the LCE, and then get a HPAT-Ireland score of 230, your overall score will be 770.
• Or if you achieve 480 points in the LCE and then 290 in HPAT-Ireland, your overall score will be 770.

The Leaving Certificate and the HPAT-Ireland scores will be combined and recorded as a special CAO points score in the case of medicine programmes. The combined score will then be used to offer a place to an applicant for the highest of their programme choices to which they are entitled (if any), in line with standard CAO procedures, http://www.cao.ie.

*Requirements With Regard To Irish and Third Language

1. The basic requirement with regard to Irish

Candidates born in the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) must pass Irish in the Leaving Certificate or GCE/GCSE Examinations. This requirement applies whether the candidate is presenting the Leaving Certificate or another examination for matriculation, unless one of the conditions for an exemption, as set out at 3 below, is satisfied.

2. Exemption from Irish for candidates born in Northern Ireland/United Kingdom

Candidates from Northern Ireland/United Kingdom presenting GCE/GCSE qualifications will automatically be granted exemption from Irish. It is not necessary for them to apply to the NUI.

3. Other exemptions from Irish

The following candidates may claim exemption from the requirement of presenting Irish for Matriculation Registration purposes:

(i) Candidates born outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties)
Candidates (apart from those born in Northern Ireland/United Kingdom as referred to at 2 above) are required to complete sections A and B of the Exemption Application Form and send this with a copy of their birth certificate to the NUI.

(ii) Candidates born in the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) but

• whose primary education up to the age of eleven years was outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties); or
• who resided outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) during at least three years of their post-primary education or
• whose primary and/or post-primary education took place for at least three years outside of the Republic of Ireland (26 counties)

Note: N.B. In all of these cases, candidates must complete Section A of the Exemption Application Form, have Section C of the Form completed and signed by the Principal/Head of their school and send the completed form to the NUI. The form can be downloaded from the NUI website at www.nui.ie.

(iii) Candidates submitting a Certificate of Exemption on the basis of a Specific Learning Disability affecting basic language skills in the mother tongue (Department of Education and Skills revision of Rule 46 'Rules and Programmes for Secondary Schools' in relation to exemption from Irish (Circular letter M10/94 - 1(c)(i)).

Any candidate who is granted exemption from Irish on this ground in school and who intends applying for a place in a Constituent University or Recognised College, is required to send to the NUI:

• a completed Exemption Application Form (complete Section A and have Section D completed and signed by the Principal/Head of your school) together with
• a copy of the DES Certificate of Exemption, signed by the Principal/Head of school where the certificate was issued and
• the relevant professional psychologist's report.

Applications for exemption from Irish will also be considered from the following candidates:

(iv) Candidates who have not received a DES Certificate of Exemption (see (iii) above) but who are certified by a professional psychologist as having a Specific Learning Disability affecting basic language skills in the mother tongue (viz. a dyslexic condition warranting exemption)

Candidates in this situation are required to send to the NUI:

• a completed Exemption Application Form (complete Section A and have Section E completed and signed by the Principal/Head of your school) together with
• a Certification Form signed by a professional psychologist (available from NUI) and
• the psychologist's report.

It should be noted that psychologists' reports certifying learning disability should be no more than three years old i.e. where candidates apply during the 2012/2013 academic year, reports should be dated no later than 1 September 2010. See also note at 6.2. Candidates granted exemption from Irish in accordance with (iii) or (iv) above will also be granted exemption from the Third Language requirement.

Where the candidate intends to present another language (apart from English) as a Leaving Certificate subject, the rationale for presenting the other language, while seeking exemption from Irish on the basis of a learning disability affecting language skills, must be set out clearly and accompany the application for exemption.

4. It should be noted that

• Candidates who are exempted from Irish may present, as their sixth subject, any other subject accepted for Matriculation Registration purposes
• Candidates from outside the European Union presenting the results of examinations other than those of the European Union countries may substitute another recognised subject for Irish
• Candidates from outside the Republic of Ireland (26 counties) who have been granted exemption in Irish, may nevertheless present Irish as a subject for Matriculation to fulfil the requirement to present a language other than English. (This provision is relevant to students from Norther Ireland, and to other students born outside Ireland who present Irish as a Leaving Certificate, GCE or GCSE subject)
• Candidates presenting the International Baccalaureate Diploma for Matriculation, and whose primary and post-primary education has been in the Republic of Ireland (26 counties), will satisfy the Irish language requirement by presenting a pass in Irish in the Leaving Certificate.

Applicants seeking an exemption in Irish should:

1. contact the NUI (49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Tel: 01 4392424) regarding the Exemption Application process;
2. forward the Certificate of Exemption, once received, to the CAO.

Third Language

Students with Dyslexic Conditions

The NUI is also prepared to consider applications seeking exemption from the Third Language requirement from students who are certified by a qualified professional psychologist as having a Specific Learning Disability affecting basic language skills in the mother tongue (viz. a dyslexic condition warranting exemption). Such applications are considered on an individual basis and may be presented to the University at any stage following completion of the Junior Certificate. Applicants are required to send to the NUI:

• a completed Exemption Application Form (complete Section A and have Section E completed and signed by the Principal/Head of your school) together with
• a NUI Certification Form completed by a professional psychologist and
• the psychologist's report.

Exemption Application Forms and NUI Certification Forms are available from the Natinoal University of Ireland, 49 Merrion Square, Dublin 2 (tel: 01 4392424), or may be downloaded from www.nui.ie/college

It should be noted that psychologists' reports certifying learning difficulty should be no more than three years old i.e. where candidates apply during the 2012/2013 academic year, reports should be dated no later than 1 September 2010. Candidates granted exemption from Irish in accordance with provisions 5.3(iii) and (iv) in the NUI Handbook* in relation to Irish will also be granted exemption from the Third Language requirement.

*please see www.nui.ie/college/docs/matricRegs2011_12English.pdf

Hearing-impaired Candidates

Students who are certified to the National University of Ireland by an appropriate professional authority as having serious hearing impairment are permitted to matriculate in six subjects as follows:

• Irish or English
• Any other five subjects accepted for entry purposes, provided College requirements are otherwise satisfied.

UCC SCORING SCHEME 2013

Once school leaving applicants have satisfied the above matriculation requirements they then compete (with the exception of applicants for Medicine (CK701)), with other qualified applicants, on the basis of the following scoring scheme and conditions. (For the scoring scheme for Medicine (CK701), please see here.)

Leaving Certificate Grade	Higher Paper Points	Lower Paper Points
A1 A2	100 90	60 50
B1 B2 B3	85 80 75	45 40 35
C1 C2 C3	70 65 60	30 25 20
D1 D2 D3	55 50 45	15 10 5

From 2012, 25 bonus points are awarded to students who have passed the Honours Mathematics examination in the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent, where the subject 'Mathematics' is one of the best six subjects following the addition of the bonus points.

Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) Link Modules

UCC awards the following points to the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Link Modules:

Distinction  70 points    Merit  50 points  Pass  30 points

1. Six Leaving Certificate Examination subjects will be counted for points purposes. Points are calculated on the basis of the six best subjects at the one examination sitting. Except in the case of undergraduate entry to Medicine (CK701), this does not preclude an intending applicant from presenting for a school-leaving examination in two or more years; in such event, the choice of year for scoring purposes will be such as to ensure that each applicant is credited with the maximum possible score in his/her particular circumstances.
   
   Students wishing to be considered for undergraduate entry to Medicine (CK701) are required to meet the points and subject requirements in the same sitting of the Leaving Certificate. They are also required to sit the HPAT examination.
   
   While Link Modules are counted for point scoring purposes they may not be counted as one of the six subjects to satisfy minimum entry requirements.
2. The scoring scheme for those presenting pre-1992 school-leaving examinations is available on request from the Admissions Office.
3. Students presenting school-leaving examinations, other than the Irish Leaving Certificate, should contact the Admissions Office.
4. The one examination sitting restriction is applicable for points purposes only and does not affect the separate minimum entry requirements of the National University of Ireland i.e. it is still possible to satisfy the minimum entry and additional programme requirements over more than one year (except in the case of undergraduate entry to Medicine (CK701)).
5. Medicine (CK701) - Allocation of places based on the combination of Leaving Certificate Examination results and the HPAT-Ireland score, please see here.

UCC generally distinguishes between EU/EEA and Swiss States applicants on equal point scores by appending to each score a random, computer-generated number. Where there are more applicants than there are places at the final cut-off point for a particular programme, the random number system is applied to select students. It should be noted that entry points are not predetermined, but depend on the number and standard of applicants in a particular year.

ALLOCATION/ACCEPTANCE OF PLACES

The CAO will inform all applicants as soon as possible after the issue of the Leaving Certificate results (usually mid-August) of the outcome of their applications. Those offered places will be asked to complete a form of acceptance and to return it directly to the CAO. In the case of an applicant who fails to reply by the specified date, the offer will lapse and the place will be offered to the candidate next in order of merit, other than in exceptional circumstances.

Applications from Access Students

(a) Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)

The Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) is a third level admissions scheme for school leavers from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. HEAR has been established by a number of Higher Education Institutions based on clear evidence that socio-economic disadvantage has a negative impact on educational achievement at school and progression to higher education.

School leavers who provide satisfactory evidence relating to their socio-economic circumstances and meet the Irish Leaving Certificate matriculation/minimum entry and subject requirements are eligible to compete for a quota of places allocated to applicants on a reduced points basis in UCC. Students who accept places in University College Cork through HEAR are offered a variety of academic, personal and social supports throughout their under undergraduate studies.

Who should apply to HEAR?
HEAR is for school leavers (under 23 years old as of 1 January 2013). Mature and FETAC students have different admission routes and you can get further information on these routes from the Admissions Office in University College Cork.

How to apply to HEAR?

Step 1
Apply online to CAO (www.cao.ie) by 17:15 on 1 February 2013.

Step 2
Indicate that you wish to apply to HEAR and finalise all elements of your HEAR online application by 17:15 on 1 March 2013.

Step 3
Submit relevant evidence in support of your application to arrive at CAO by 17:15 on 1 April 2013.

HEAR applications can only be made online at www.cao.ie

More information on HEAR is available from your school Guidance Counsellor or UCC PLUS+ Programme. Information can also be found on www.accesscollege.ie; www.cao.ie; www.ucc.ie/uccplus

Details of post-admission supports for HEAR entrants can also be found on www.accesscollege.ie and www.ucc.ie/uccplus

(b) Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a supplementary admissions scheme for school leavers with disabilities. DARE was established by a number of Higher Education Institutions as clear evidence shows that disability can have a negative impact on educational attainment at school and on progression to higher education.

School leavers who meet the eligibility criteria compete for a quota of places allocated to applicants on a reduced points basis in UCC. All applicants must meet the Irish Leaving Certificate matriculation* / minimum entry and subject requirements.

Who Should Apply to DARE?
DARE is for school leavers (under 23 years old as at January 1st 2013) who have the ability to benefit from and succeed in higher education but who may not be able to meet the points for their preferred course due to the impact of a disability. Mature Students have different admissions routes and you can get further information on these routes from The Mature Student Office, UCC. (T:+353 (0)21-4903670, E: mary.osull@ucc.ie)

How to Apply to DARE?
School leavers who wish to be considered for DARE must apply as part of their CAO application (www.cao.ie) by 1st February 2012. Applicants must indicate that they have a Disability/Specific Learning Difficulty and are then directed to the separate online application form. This form asks applicants to provide additional information about their disability or specific learning difficulty and to provide evidence of disability. Applicants must also indicate their wish to be considered for DARE. Supporting documents must be sent to the CAO by 1 April of the year of entry.

More information on DARE is available from your school Guidance Counsellor or UCC Access Office/Disability Office. Information can also be found on: www.accesscollege.ie, www.cao.ie; www.ucc.ie/dss

DARE Closing Dates for the 2013 Application Process:

* Currently under review

(c) Mature Students

Applications through the CAO from mature students are welcome and quotas are reserved in most programmes for competition among such applicants. In the selection of mature students, criteria other than school-leaving qualifications are taken into account and interviews/assessment tests may be used as part of the assessment procedure for some programmes. Mature applicants applying for Medicine (CK701) will be asked to present a valid HPAT-Ireland score**. Mature applicants who have not satisfied the specific programme requirements outlined in Table 1 may, on the recommendation of the College/Faculty concerned, be admitted on the grounds of mature years. Requirements for Mature Students and details of selection criteria and test dates are outlined in the Mature Student Guide, which may be obtained from the Mature Student Office, UCC. Applicants are advised to read this guide before applying to the CAO. Please note that in 2012, mature applicants for degree programmes in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Science are required to make an online application to the CAO. On completion of the online CAO application, mature applicants will then have to register online for the Mature Student Admissions Pathway (MSAP) which is the admissions test for mature applicants for all programmes in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences. The Mature Student Admissions Pathway (MSAP) will take place on a date to be confirmed in February 2013.

The purpose of MSAP is to assess the applicant’s ability to understand and analyse material given, to think critically about issues and to organise and express thoughts in a logical and effective way. This test is independently administered by ACER (Australian Council for Educational Research). ACER has an excellent international reputation and a track record in the development, management and research of selection tests for undergraduate medical and health related program. The MSAP test is a 2 hour paper-based test consisting of two sections.

Format of test:

Section 1 – Written English (1 hour)
There are two writing tasks and candidates will write in response to a prompt in each task. One prompt invites an argumentative response, and the other invites a personal response.

The criteria for the assessment of Written English

1. The quality of what is said in the piece of writing ;
2. The quality of the structure and organisation developed to say something;
3. The quality of the language used to organise and present what is said .

Each piece of writing is assessed by two independent markers.

Section 2 – Reasoning in the Humanities and Social Sciences (1 hour)
There are 35 questions in multiple-choice format with 4 responses, from which the candidate is asked to choose the most appropriate response. There is only one correct response.

The questions focus on interpretation and understanding of ideas in language. Some questions will ask candidates to identify the main idea in a passage, or interpret specific words and phrases. Inferences or deduced meanings may be required. In some questions the emphasis is placed on analyzing and understanding the stimulus material, and in others the candidates will have to manipulate information and solve problems.

Scoring of Test
Candidates will receive results for both sections of the test. MSAP results are reported as scaled scores on a range usually between 50 and 150, with a mean score of 100. The MSAP score scale reflects the differing abilities of the candidates and different degrees of difficulty of the test items.

Percentile ranks are provided to help make sense of the scaled scores, and indicate the percentage of candidates receiving scores below a certain score. For example, if a score of 115 has a percentile of 78, it means that a candidate who achieves a score of 115 has a higher result than 78% of the candidate population (i.e. they are in the top 22% of the candidate population).

Application procedure and cost
In addition to their application to the CAO, www.cao.ie, students must also apply directly to ACER to complete the MSAP-Ireland test. Applicants for the test will apply on-line to ACER at www.msap.acer.edu.au. The cost of applying to the MSAP-Ireland test in 2012 will be approximately €65.00 per candidate. This fee will cover on-line registration for the test, materials required for the paper test, provision of test results to the candidate and the transfer of results to the CAO.

Test date
The only sitting of the MSAP-Ireland test in 2013 will take place on a date to be confirmed in February 2013. There will be no alternative test date for MSAP-Ireland. If, for any reason, a candidate is unable to sit the test on that date, the only option available will be to sit the test in 2014 or later. MSAP-Ireland results can be used for application to the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Science for 2 years. Therefore, if a candidate takes the test in 2013, the result can be used for admission in 2013 and 2014 only.

Test centres
Test centres will be located in Cork, Dublin, Galway. Every effort will be made to accommodate applicants in their preferred test centre. However, as capacity in some test centres may be limited, places in those venues will be allocated on a first-come basis. Early application for the test is advised.

Important Dates

It should be noted that:

• in the case of the BComm (Hons) (International), the Honours language prerequisite is not waived for mature students
• in the case of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy the Chemistry and Biology or Physics requirements are not waived for mature students

To be eligible to compete for one of these reserved places in 2013, mature student applicants must be 23 years old by 1st January, 2013.

Programmes Specifically for Mature Students

The following programmes are available only to students applying on the grounds of mature years:

NURSING/MIDWIFERY DEGREE PROGRAMMES

Mature applicants for any of the Nursing/Midwifery Degree programmes must apply before 1st February, 2013 to the Central Applications Office, Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway, Tel: (091) 509800 www.cao.ie. Applicants who wish to be considered for a place on the grounds of mature years must enter the appropriate mature applicant course codes (listed above) in their list of course choices and not the codes for school-leavers.

Applications from FETAC Students

Entry to degree programmes at UCC is available on a competitive basis to students who present with one of the FETAC qualifications listed below. However, students must meet the module requirements and have achieved distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules as outlined below.

COLLEGE OF ARTS, CELTIC STUDIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

BA Programme CK101

Entry Routes

• Route A

  5M2154		Cultural and Heritage Studies
  5M2073		Language and European Studies

  
  
  Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules:
  

  Code	Module - Level 5
  G20001	Communications
  Plus three of the following modules:
  E20024	European Studies
  E20113	Local History Studies
  E20114	Folklore
  E20115	Archaeology
  E30106 or E20106	French
  E30107 or E20107	German
  E30108 or E20108	Spanish
  E30109 or E20109	Italian
  G20022	Political Studies

• Route B

  5M2164

  Multimedia Production

  
  
  Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules:
  

  Code	Module - Level 5
  G20001	Communications
  Plus three of the following modules:
  B20132	Legal Studies
  E20078	Writing Skills for Journalism
  E20008	Media Analysis
  G20022	Political Studies
  E20076	Research Skills for Journalism
  L22295	Media Law and Practice

• Route C

  BITSX

  Applied Languages and Information Technology

  
  Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules:
  

  Code	Module - Level 6
  G20001	Communications
  Plus three of:
  B20004	Behavioural Studies
  B20029	Statistics
  B20151	Applied Economics
  C20139	Mathematics
  E20024	European Studies
  E30106 or E20106	French
  E30107 or E20107	German
  E30108 or E20108	Spanish
  E30109 or E20109	Italian
  G20031	Social Studies
  W30007	Transnational Experience

• Route D

  5M3114

  General Studies

  Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules selected from the following:

  Code	Module - Level 5
  L22284	Applied Communications (Pass)
  C20139	Mathematics
  E20008	Media Analysis
  G20022	Political Studies
  G20031	Social Studies
  L22285	History
  L22286	English Literature
  L22309	Philosophy
  L22310	Classical Studies
  L22541	Applied Psychology
  N22789	Psychology

  
  
• Route E
  
  

  5M2181

  Applied Social Studies

  
  Distinctions in 5 modules (i.e 80% or greater) in the FETAC level 5/6 (NCVA level 2/3) which must include:
  
  

  G20001	Communications
  Plus 4 of the following modules:
  G20031	Social Studies
  L22541	Applied Psychology
  B20132	Legal Studies
  D20032	Human Growth and Development
  E20169	Intercultural Studies
  G20022	Political Studies
  L22273	Equality and Disability
  N22377	Latin American Development Issues
  N22726	Human Rights and Collective Action
  N22747	Understanding Imprisonment
  N22748	Restorative Justice

• Route F
  
  

  ERPXX

  Radio Broadcasting

  
  Distinctions in 5 modules (i.e 80% or greater) in the FETAC level 5/6 (NCVA level 2/3) which must include:
  
  

  G20001	Communications
  Plus 3 of the following modules:
  G20022	Political Studies
  E20008	Media Analysis
  E20137	Radio Programme Production
  L22295	Media Law Practice
  L21667	Broadcast Journalism
  B10009	Computer Applications
  B10135	Information Technology Skills

  
  It is expected that up to 20 places will be available in CK101 for students presenting with the above qualifications.
  

CK102 Social Science

Entry Routes

• Route A

5M2009

Early Childhood Care and Education

Distinctions (80% or greater) in five modules which must include the following three modules

Code	Module - Level 5
B20132	Legal Studies
D20003	Care Provision and Practice
G20031	Social Studies

• Route B

DCHSX

Community and Health Services

Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules

Code	Module - Level 5
B20132	Legal Studies
D20003	Care Provision and Practice
D20032	Human Growth and Development
G20001	Communications
G20031	Social Studies

• Route C

DCHCC

Community Care

Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in the following five modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
D20003	Care Provision and Practice
D20032	Human Growth and Development
G20001	Communications
G20031	Social Studies
B20132	Legal Studies

• Route D
  
  

  5M2181

  Applied Social Studies

  
  Distinctions in 5 modules (i.e 80% or greater) in the FETAC level 5/6 (NCVA level 2/3) which must include:
  
  

  G20001	Communications
  Plus 4 of the following modules:
  G20031	Social Studies
  L22541	Applied Psychology
  B20132	Legal Studies
  D20032	Human Growth and Development
  E20169	Intercultural Studies
  G20022	Political Studies
  L22273	Equality and Disability
  N22377	Latin American Development Issues
  N22726	Human Rights
  N22747	Understanding Imprisonment
  N22748	Restorative Justice

It is expected that up to 10 places will be available for students presenting with the above qualifications.

CK103 - BMus (Hons) (Honours Bachelor of Music) and CK104 - BA (Hons) (Arts-Music)

Entry to the first year of BMus (Hons) (Honours Bachelor of Music) or BA (Hons) (Arts-Music) is available on a competitive basis to students who satisfy each of the following:

• Pass the Music Entrance Test (information on the Music Entrance Test can be found at http://www.music.ucc.ie
• Pass in any FETAC Level 5 qualification with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in 5 modules which must include

Code	Module - Level 5
G20001	Communications

It is expected that there will be up to 1 place available on CK103 and up to 2 places on CK104 for students presenting with the above.

CK111 - BA (Hons) (Early Years and Childhood Studies) Degree

Entry Route A

5M2009

Early Childhood Care and Education

Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include the four mandatory modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
D20005	Child Development
D20007	Early Childhood Education
D20153	Working in Childcare
D20159	Caring for Children (0-6 years)

It is expected that there will be up to 20 places on CK111 for students presenting with the above.
Garda vetting will be required for students on this programme.

Entry Route B

DSACX

School Age Childcare

Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in the following five modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
N22682	School Age Childcare
L22679	Child and Adolescent Development
L22680	Health Awareness
L22681	Relationships and Collaborations
L21824	Integrating Children with Additional Needs

It is expected that there will be up to 20 places on CK111 for students presenting with the above.
Garda vetting will be required for students on this programme.

CK112 - BA (Hons) (Drama and Theatre Studies)

Entry Route

Entry to the first year of this programme is available on a competitive basis to students who satisfy the following:

• Pass the Drama and Theatre Studies Entrance Test (information on the Drama and Theatre Studies Entrance Test can be found at www.ucc.ie/drama)
• Pass on any of the following FETAC Level 5 qualifications:

EPAAX	Arts Administration
EPAXX	Performing Arts
EPATD	Theatre Production
EPATP	Theatre Performance

• with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules in the FETAC (NCVA) Level 5, which must include:

Code	Module - Level 5
G20001	Communications

It is expected that there will be 1 place available in BA (Hons) (Drama and Theatre Studies) for students presenting with the above.

CK116 - BEd ( Hons) Sports Studies and Physical Education

Entry Route

DSRXX Sport and Recreations

Distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include the following

Code	Module - Level 5
D20021	Sport and Recreational Studies
D20123	Health - related Fitness
D20001 or L20198	Anatomy and Physiology or Anatomy and Physiology for Leisure and Recreation Management
D20160	Exercise and Fitness

It is expected that there will be up to 2 places available in CK116 for students presenting with the above.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND LAW

CK201 - Honours Bachelor of Commerce Degree

Entry Routes

5M2468		Business Administration
5M2111		International Trade
5M2102		Business Studies
5M2069		Marketing

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include any four of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
B20001	Accounting - Manual and Computerised
B20005	Business Administration
B20017	Marketing Practice
B20029 or C20139	Statistics or Mathematics
B20131 or B20132	Business Law or Legal Studies
B20151	Applied Economics

It is expected that there will be up to 5 places available in CK201 for students presenting with the above.

CK202 - BSc (Hons) Business Information Systems Degree

5M2067		Information Processing
CITXX		Information Technology
5M0828		eBusiness
5M2102		Business Studies
5M2468		Business Administration

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules from the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
G20001	Communications
B20012	Database Methods
B20145	Information and Communications Systems
B20001	Accounting - Manual and Computerised
B20017	Marketing Practice
B20029	Statistics
B20148	eBusiness Studies
C20013	Computer Programming
C20148	Web Authoring
N22953	Web Authoring - CSS
C20168	Internet
C20012	Computer Architecture and Systems
B20028	Spreadsheet Methods
B20034	Business Calculations
B20005	Business Administration
B20144	Information and Administration
B20151	Applied Economics
L22142	Business Computing
B10009	Computer Applications
B10135	Information Technology Skills
L20131	Financial Services

It is expected that there will be up to 2 places available in CK202 for students presenting with the above.

CK210 - BSc (Hons) (Government) Degree

Entry Route A

5M2468		Business Administration
5M2102		Business Studies
DCHSX		Community and Health Services
5M2073		Language and European Studies

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include any four of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
B20005	Business Administration
B20131	Business Law
B20132	Legal Studies
B20151	Applied Economics
E20024	European Studies
G20001	Communications
G20022	Political Studies
G20031	Social Studies
W20008	Work Experience

Entry Route B

5M2181

Applied Social Studies

Distinctions in 5 modules (i.e 80% or greater) in the FETAC level 5/6 (NCVA level 2/3) which must include 4 of the following modules:

G20001	Communications
Plus 4 of the following modules:
D20032	Human Growth and Development
G20031	Social Studies
B20132	Legal Studies
E20169	Intercultural Studies
G20022	Political Studies
L22541	Applied Psychology
L22273	Equality and Disability
N22377	Latin American Development Issues
N22726	Human Rights
N22747	Understanding Imprisonment
N22748	Restorative Justice

Entry Route C

BLSXX

Legal Studies

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include the three following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
B20131	Business Law
B20132	Legal Studies
G20001	Communications

It is expected that there will be up to 5 places available in CK210 for students presenting with these qualifications.

CK301 - Honours Bachelor of Law Degree

Entry Routes

5M2468		Business Administration
5M2102		Business Studies
BLSXX		Legal Studies

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include the three following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
B20131	Business Law
B20132	Legal Studies
G20001	Communications

It is expected that there will be up to 4 places available in CK301 for students presenting with the above.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND FOOD SCIENCE

CK401 - Computer Science

Entry Routes

CASLT		Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques
CASFX		Applied Science - Food
CELTX		Electronic Technology
CETXX		Telecommunications Systems
CITXX		Information Technology
CCNMX		Computer Science

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include two of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
C20139 or C20175	Mathematics or Mathematics for Computing
Plus one of:
C20013	Computer Programming
C20018	Electronics - Digital
C20048	Physics

It is expected that there will be up to 5 places available in CK401 for students presenting with the above.

CK402 - Biological and Chemical Sciences

and

CK404 - Environmental and Earth System Sciences

Entry Routes

CASFX		Applied Science - Food
CASLT		Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
C20006 or C20041	Biology or Microbiology
C20139	Mathematics
Plus two of the following:
C20011	Chemistry
C20033	Laboratory Techniques
C20048	Physics

It is expected that there will be up to 5 places available in CK402 and in CK404 for students presenting with the above.

CK405 - Genetics

Entry Route

CASLT

Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include the following four modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
C20006 or C20041	Biology or Microbiology
C20011	Chemistry
C20033	Laboratory Techniques
C20139	Mathematics

It is expected that there will be up to 2 places available in CK405 for students presenting with the above.

CK406 - Chemical Sciences

Entry Routes

CASFX		Applied Science - Food
CASLT		Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include two of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
C20011	Chemistry
C20048	Physics
C20139	Mathematics

It is expected that there will be up to 2 places available in CK406 for students presenting with the above.

CK408 - Physics and Astrophysics

Entry Routes

CASFX		Applied Science - Food
CASLT		Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques
CELTX		Electronic Technology
CETXX		Telecommunications Systems

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
C20048	Physics
C20139	Mathematics
Plus two of the following:
C20006 or C20041	Biology or Microbiology
C20011	Chemistry
C20016	Electronics
C20018	Electronics-Digital
C20033	Laboratory Techniques

It is expected that there will be up to 2 places available in CK408 for students presenting with the above.

CK502 - Food Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Entry Route A

CASFX		Applied Science - Food
CASLT		Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
C20139	Mathematics
Plus three of:
C20006 or C20041	Biology or Microbiology
C20011 or CC20022	Chemistry or Food Chemistry
C20024	Food Processing
C20033	Laboratory Techniques
C20048	Physics
C20140	Nutrition

Entry Route B

5M2468	Business Administration
5M2111	International Trade
5M2102	Business Studies
5M2069	Marketing

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include any four of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
B20001	Accounting - Manual and Computerised
B20005	Business Administration
B20017	Marketing Practice
B20029 or C20139	Statistics or Mathematics
B20131 or B20132	Business Law or Legal Studies
B20151	Applied Economics

It is expected that there will be up to 2 places available in CK502 for students presenting with the above.

CK504 - Nutritional Sciences

Entry Routes

CASFX		Applied Science - Food
CASLT		Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
C20139	Mathematics
Plus three from:
C20011 or C20022	Chemistry or Food Chemistry
C20024	Food Processing
C20033	Laboratory Techniques
C20048	Physics
C20140	Nutrition

It is expected that there will be up to 2 places available in CK504 for students presenting with the above.

CK505 - Food Science

Entry Routes

CASFX		Applied Science - Food
CASLT		Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
C20139	Mathematics
Plus three from:
C20006 or C20041	Biology or Microbiology
C20011 or C20022	Chemistry or Food Chemistry
C20024	Food Processing
C20033	Laboratory Techniques
C20048	Physics
C20140	Nutrition

It is expected that there will be up to 2 places available in CK505 for students presenting with these qualifications.

CK506 - BSc (Hons) (International Development and Food Policy)

Entry Routes

5M2102	Business Studies
DCHSX	Community and Health Services
5M2073	Language and European Studies

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include any three of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
B20005	Business Administration
B20132	Legal Studies
B20151	Applied Economics
E20024	European Studies
G20001	Communications
G20022	Political Studies
G20031	Social Studies

It is expected that there will be up to 3 places available in CK506 for students presenting with the above.

COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH

CK706 - BSc (Hons) (Public Health and Health Promotion)

Entry Routes

CASFX	Applied Science - Food
CASLT	Applied Science - Laboratory Techniques

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include four of the following modules:

Code	Module - Level 5
C20006	Biology
C20139	Mathematics
Plus two of:
C20011	Chemistry
C20022	Food Chemistry
C20033	Laboratory Techniques
C20041	Microbiology
C20048	Physics

It is expected that there will be up to 5 places available in CK706 for students presenting with these qualifications.

Nursing and Midwifery

CK710 - BSc (Hons) (General Nursing);
CK720 - BSc (Hons) (Psychiatric Nursing);
CK730 - BSc (Hons) (Intellectual Disability Nursing)

DCHSN	Nursing Studies
DCHSX	Community and Health Services
DHSXX	Healthcare Support

with distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in five modules which must include three of the following modules:

Code		Module - Level 5
D20001		Anatomy and Physiology
D20012		Introduction to Nursing
D20032 or C20006		Human Growth and Development or Biology

It is expected that there will be approximately 8 places in total available across the Nursing and Midwifery programmes for students presenting with the above

UCC/CAO FETAC SCORING SCHEME

Modules that have a credit value of 1 receive the following points:

The scores for each of the best 8 modules are added up to give a total best 8 grade points tally. UCC only counts the best 8 modules. Places reserved for FETAC applicants are then offered in order of merit based on ranking.

Due to the competitive nature of the Nursing Programmes, scores will only be calculated when the appropriate award is presented in a single sitting, together with the required modules and grades.

APPLICATIONS FOR GRADUATE ENTRY TO MEDICINE [CK791]

Those persons intending to apply for Graduate Entry to Medicine (CK791) for entry in September 2013 should note the following:

Entry Requirements: Candidates must hold, or expect to hold by July 2013, a minimum 2H1 (Second Class Honours, Grade 1), or equivalent, result in their first honours bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8). For candidates who meet this requirement, the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical Schools Admissions Test - Ireland) will then be used as the sole basis to select students for the programme.

Application to sit the GAMSAT Test in Ireland should be made to the Australian Council for Educational Research as soon as possible - please see the website http://www.gamsat-ie.org for the closing date and application procedure.

AVAILABILITY OF PLACES

University College Cork reserves the right to limit the number of admissions to any programme in light of the availability of places for that programme. Where it is found necessary to limit entry to a particular programme, places will be allocated on merit to qualified applicants. Except in the case of UCC+ applicants, applicants with a disability, or applicants of mature years, FETAC applicants and applicants for Medicine (both undergraduate and graduate entry), such merit will be assessed on academic performance in school-leaving examinations only. University College Cork will score those presenting for the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination in accordance with the following scoring scheme in 2013. [This is the scheme, with minor variations, which will be used to score the vast majority of programmes in all third level institutions within the CAO scheme].

APPLICANTS WHO HAVE ALREADY ATTENDED A THIRD-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION

Students who are attending/have attended a third-level programme are eligible to apply for admission to alternative first year undergraduate degree/diploma programmes. All such applicants must apply through the CAO by the required closing date and compete in the normal way on the basis of their school-leaving results, FETAC qualification or mature years.

DEFERRED ENTRY

Students who have been offered a place in University College Cork through the CAO may be permitted, on application to the Admissions Officer, to defer entry to the University for one year. The following is a summary of the procedure to be followed:

1. Do not accept the offer in the manner shown on the CAO Offer Notice.
2. Write immediately to the Admissions Office, University College Cork, setting out the reason(s) for the request. Mark 'Deferred Entry' clearly on the envelope.
3. The letter must arrive in the Admissions Office, UCC at least two days before the Reply Date shown on the Offer Notice.
4. UCC will communicate the decision to the applicant. In order to take up the deferred place, the applicant must re-apply through the CAO by 1st February of the succeeding year, placing the deferred programme as the first and only preference.

GARDA CLEARANCE

All students entering programmes in the College of Medicine and Health, Early Years and Childhood Studies (CK111), Youth and Community Work (CK114), Social Work (CK115) and Sports Studies and Physical Education (CK116) and Education in Physical Sciences (available through CK402, CK406 adn CK408), will be working with vulnerable people during their time in UCC. These students are obliged to obtain Garda Clearance.

Non-CAO Applications

While applications are made through the CAO to full-time degree programmes, applications are made directly to University College Cork for part-time degree programmes and for admission to a level beyond First Year (Non CAO). These non-CAO Applications are detailed below, under the following headings:

1. Evening Degrees

At present evening programmes in Law and Environmental Management are offered by the University on a cyclical basis. Details regarding these programmes and their availability in a particular year are available on request from the Admissions Office.

2. Part-time Degrees

BSc (Hons) (Mutual and Credit Union Business)

Applicants will normally be required to:
(a) be 21 or over, and satisfy the minimum entry requirements as follows: a minimum Grade HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes or
(b) be at least 23 years at the time of enrolment and have at least two years' experience in operations/management, either as an employee or volunteer, in a co-operative or development organisation.

Applicants who have already been awarded one of the UCC Diplomas in either Credit Union Studies or Social Integration and Enterprise for Community Development Workers, (enrolling between 1993 and 1999 inclusive), will be eligible for admission to Year One of the programme and may proceed to Year Two of the degree programme on successful completion of a 15 credit Bridging Programme. Interested students should see here. Application forms and further details are available from the Admissions Office, UCC.

BSc (Hons) (Rural Development)

The BSc (Hons) Degree in Rural Development is a part-time distance learning programme. The programme runs on a two-year cyclical basis. The programme is designed to develop in students the full range of knowledge and skills which constitute rural development. Applicants will meet University requirements for mature students, i.e. be over 23 years of age by 1st January of the year of proposed entry. Applicants under 23 must satisfy the following minimum entry requirements: a minimum Grade HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, Mathematics, one laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science), and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. Applicants must have at least two years' experience in rural development in either a voluntary or professional capacity. Students will be selected following an assessment process, including an interview. Application forms and further details are available from the Admissions Office, UCC.

BSc (Hons) (Nursing Studies)

This is a two-year, part-time, or one year full-time post-registration, (day) programme, leading to a BSc (Hons) (Nursing Studies) Degree. The programme comprises an Access Year, which is normally offered on a cyclical basis, and a Degree Year, which is normally offered annually. It is open to registered nurses recognised by An Bord Altranais. Students who secure a place on this programme are normally matriculated on the grounds of mature years. Suitably qualified applicants with relevant Nursing qualifications may, on application, make a request for consideration by the College of Medicine and Health, for exemption from Year One of the programme. Exemption forms are available from the School of Nursing and Midwifery, UCC. Those interested in the programme should contact the Admissions Office by 30th January regarding the closing date for application.

3. Diplomas

Diploma in Arts (Applied Irish)

This is a two-year, part-time programme open to undergraduates and postgraduates of UCC as well as others who wish to improve communicative skills in Irish. Applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences (see here). Those who will be 23 years old on or before 1st January of the year of proposed entry, may be recommended for entry on the grounds of mature years even if they do not meet the minimum entry requirements. In addition all applicants must have obtained a minimum of Grade D3 in Irish in the Leaving Certificate Examination (Higher Level Paper), or its equivalent. Students of the University may be allowed to take this Diploma alongside their University programmes subject to the approval of the relevant heads of departments.

Diploma in Family Business Management

The Diploma in Family Business Management is a two-year, part-time programme offered by the Department of Management and Marketing, in association with the Department of Accounting, Finance and Information Systems and the Department of Law. The programme is designed for those in management roles in Family Business organisations, both family and non-family managers. Applicants will normally be required to: (a) satisfy the minimum entry requirements as follows: a minimum Grade HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O level in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, another language, Mathematics, and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes or (b) be at least 23 years by 1st January of the year of proposed entry. Normally a minimum of three years' relevant supervisory/managerial experience in a family-owned business is also required. Candidates may be asked to attend for interview. Application forms and further details are available from the Admissions Office, UCC.

Diploma in Dental Hygiene

This is a two-year, full-time day programme leading to a Diploma in Dental Hygiene. The programme is confined to those students who have already completed their school leaving examination by the closing date for application which is normally in early Spring and who meet the entry requirements; or mature students, i.e. those who have reached 23 by 1st January of the year of proposed entry. The latter may be recommended for entry by the Academic Council. Application forms and further details are available from the Admissions Office, UCC. Deferrals are not granted in this programme in the College of Medicine and Health.

Diploma in Dental Nursing

This two-year, part-time, programme has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the general dental community. Successful completion of the programme will permit entry onto the Voluntary Register for Dental Nurses with the Dental Council of Ireland.

Diploma in the Computer Assisted Learning and Teaching of Irish

The Diploma in the Computer Assisted Learning and Teaching of Irish is a two year, part-time programme and is open to those who wish to apply a larger degree of Information and Communication Technologies to their teaching of Irish, or of other subjects through the medium of Irish, and who have reached the required entrance standard. It will also be of interest to those engaged in the conceptualisation and development of educational software. It is stipulated that participants attend the Diploma programme for two consecutive years. Applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences as set out here. Those who will be 23 years of age on or before 1st January of the year of proposed entry, may be recommended for entry on the grounds of mature years even if they do not meet the entry requirements specified above. In addition, all applicants must have obtained a minimum of Grade D3 in Irish in the Leaving Certificate (Higher Level) or its equivalent.

4. Certificate in Arts

This is a part-time, evening programme, running over one academic year from the date of first registration.

This Certificate will provide students with a general introduction to the discipline of their subject.

Exemptions on the BA (Hons) Degree programme
Holders of the Certifcate in Arts who subsequently apply for and are offered a place on the BA degree will automatically receive exemption for credits achieved in the Certificate of Arts in the relevant subject(s) providing that entry to the BA is undertaken within 5 years from the completion of the Certificate programme.

Entry Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by 1 January of the year of application. Application is directly to UCC via the Admissions Office.

5. Transfers within University College Cork to another First Year Programme

Transfer applications must be received in the Admissions Office before 12th October, from first year students who have already been offered a place in the normal way through the CAO, and who are registered in a first year programme, provided that:

• the student has the points required for entry and satisfies the minimum entry (matriculation) requirements for the programme into which s/he wishes to transfer;

• there is a place available.

Students may apply for a transfer, having first met the First Year Experience Coordinator in the Admissions Office. The application deadline is 12th October and forms are available in the Admissions Office.

Students should be aware that transferring between first year programmes after the start of term may impact adversely on their academic performance, depending on how much of the academic year they miss. Transfers are permitted strictly on the basis that students fully accept any such possible academic disadvantage.

6. Transfers to University College Cork

(a) HETAC Ordinary Degrees/DIT/National Diploma Transfers

A number of places are allocated each year in most programmes at a level beyond First Year to those holding relevant HETAC qualifications. Normally, only those who obtain merit/distinction in the Ordinary Degree/Diploma are considered for entry; also the level at which they are admitted depends on the programme concerned.

Application forms and further details are available from the Admissions Office, and the closing date for application is normally 30th June.

Note: Those already in third-level institutions wishing to change to another First Year programme must apply through CAO in the normal way.

(b) BA (Hons) (Early Years and Childhood Studies) Transfers to Second Arts

Up to 20 transfer places will be available each year. (If more than 20 students per year wish to transfer, a selection procedure will be implemented).
Applicants who hold one of the following qualifications will be considered for transfer:

1. Three or four year full-time Diplomas/Ordinary Degrees of the HETAC/NCEA or the DIT:
   Diploma in Pre-School Care and Education;
   Diploma in Social Care;
   Diploma in Humanities in Montessori Education;
   HETAC/NCEA Degree in Humanities in Montessori Education.
2. Two year full-time Higher Certificate in Pre-School Care from the HETAC/NCEA or the DIT with Merit or Distinction.
3. The two year, full-time or three year, part-time Irish St. Nicholas Montessori qualification with an award of Distinction or Highly Commended.
4. The two year, full-time AMI Montessori Diploma with a minimum of two Grade Cs and a Grade B in the written theory examination, the written practical examination and the oral practical examination.
5. Level 6 FETAC qualification DCXXX Advanced Certificate in Supervision in Childcare with Distinctions in 5 modules to include the following 4 modules:
   D30005 Child Development
   D30176 Early Childhood Programmes
   D30177 Social and Legal Issues in Childcare
   D30178 Supervision in Childcare
   

   [Please note this category will be discontinued from 2014.]

6. Qualifications deemed to be the equivalent of any of 1 to 5 (above).

Applicants eligible for entry under categories 1-6 above may, if they wish, be allowed to undertake one supervised placement in their own setting provided that they produce evidence of a minimum of full time equivalent of 3 years practice experience in a recognised Early Years and Childhood Setting.

Practitioner Entry: Candidates applying under this category will be selected on the basis of their prior learning – certified and experiential

A minimum full-time equivalent of 5 years practice experience in a recognised Early Years and Childhood setting will be required PLUS evidence of ongoing commitment to personal and professional development (CPD).

In addition, prospective candidates will be required to submit [and will be assessed on] a 2,000/3,000 word written assignment on the following topic:
'Critically evaluate the status of Early Years and Childhood in Ireland today'

The above assignment must be submitted with your application by the closing date of 30th June, 2013.

Students wishing to transfer to the Second Year of the Arts Degree (Early Years and Childhood Studies), who satisfy the above criteria, should complete the appropriate application form available from the Admissions Office, UCC, before the end of June preceding the academic year in which they wish to commence their studies.

(c) BComm (Hons)

Application for entry to the second year of CK201 BComm (Hons) (Commerce) programme will be considered for students who:

(a) have passed the two year Institute of Commercial Management (ICM) Diploma in Business Studies and have met the following requirements:

• obtained at least Grade B in all 6 subjects taken in the Summer Examination
• and obtained at least 3 Grade A's across all 6 subjects

or

(b) have passed the one year FETAC Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Business Management Studies (BBMSX) or Advanced Certificate in Management (BMANX) (having previously passed a one year FETAC Level 5 or equivalent) and have met the following requirements:

• Students must have distinctions (i.e. 80% or greater) in 5 modules in the FETAC Level 6 which must include the following:

If the number of applicants exceeds the quota, applicants will be ranked on the basis of their overall results having met the criteria outlined above and the places will be offered to the top ranked students. In the event there are students with the same ranking, then these students will be ranked on a

It is expected there will be up to 3 places for students presenting with these qualifications. Application forms are available from the Admissions Office and must be returned before 22nd July, 2013.

Other Transfers

Students currently registered in other third-level institutions who wish to transfer to UCC at a level beyond First Year (for programmes other than Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy) should contact the Admissions Office for a transfer application form. Qualified applicants will be considered for transfer where places are available.

Certain restrictions may apply - details are available from the Admissions Office. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 16 July each year. Application forms and further details are available from the Admissions Office, UCC.

5. Other

(a) Non-Degree Students (Irish), Flexi-Options

Students wishing to apply to study a subject(s)/module(s) as non-degree students which does not involve the award of a degree or diploma, may apply directly to UCC. Information is available from the Admissions Office. The closing date for receipt of application is usually 1 September.

Non-degree students, with the permission of the relevant Head of Department, may register for modules up to a maximum of 30 credits in any given academic year. There is an overall limit of three years from the date of first registration to pass each module. A student who has not passed a particular module by the end of a third year of registration will not be allowed to register for further study in that module.

(b) Special Admission to the BSc (Hons) (Business Information Systems) Degree from the Diploma in Applied Business Computing

Students who have successfully completed the Diploma in Applied Business Computing, with minimum aggregate grade of Second Class Honours Grade I (62%) are eligible to apply for admission to First Year of the BSc (Hons) (Business Information Systems) degree. A quota of four places has been reserved for such applicants. Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the quota, places will be allocated on the basis of the results in the Diploma in Applied Business Computing.

Successful applicants will be exempted from the following First Year modules on the basis of prior study:
IS1101 Introduction to MIS and Introduction to SAD Techniques (10 credits)
IS1102 Principles of Programming (10 credits)
IS1103 Technology including Internet Development (10 credits)

Full details are available from the Admissions Office, UCC.

(c) Special Entry for Medical/Dental Graduates

Subject to place availability, Medical graduates will be considered for admission to Dentistry beyond First Year; and Dental graduates who have a demonstrated intention of following a career in Oral Medicine and Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery including full completion of MFD/MFDS will be considered for admission to Medicine beyond First Year. Applicants should apply in writing to the Admissions Office. The closing date for application is 1st March each year. Late applications cannot be considered.

(d) Direct Entry to Year 4 of the UCC/CIT BSc (Hons) Architecture programme

INFORMATION FOR NEW STUDENTS

Each student who accepts a place will be sent a registration handbook from the Admissions Office; this will include information on the date and time of registration, orientation programme, commencement of lectures, etc.

LIMITATION ON REGISTRATION

Students of the University may not register in any one session for more than one complete programme (i.e. the prescribed modules in a group of subjects leading to a degree, diploma or other university distinction) without the permission of the Academic Council. However, students may be allowed to take the Diploma in Arts (Applied Irish)* and University Wide modules alongside their University programme.

*Subject to the approval of the relevant Heads of the relevant Departments.

Non-EU Application Process for Admission to Undergraduate Programmes

Non-EU applications for entry to the first year of all full-time undergraduate degree programmes are processed through the International Education Office, University College Cork.

Applicants should apply using the non-EU undergraduate application form which is available directly from the International Education Office, University College Cork and on the International Education Office website at www.ucc.ie/en/study/international

Completed application forms must be accompanied by the following documentation:

• A non-refundable application fee of €40 payable to University College Cork. Cash or wire transfer of the amount are not acceptable. Payment must be made via postal order, bank draft or cheque.
• Certified true copy of Birth Certificate or photocopy of Passport
• Original or certified copies of School Leaving Examination Certificate, High School Transcripts or forecast results if available
• Full academic transcript(s) of any third level studies
• MCAT scores for medical applicants from the United States or Canada
• SAT or ACT scores for applicants from the United States applying for any Courses (excluding Medicine and Dentistry)
• IELTS score, TOEFL score or ETAP score for applicants whose first language is not English
• 500 word statement outlining why applicant wishes to undertake chosen programme at UCC
• Two academic references
• 1 passport sized photograph

Date of Application

For entry in September 2012 students are asked to apply to the International Education Office as early as possible, but in any event not later than 31st March 2012.

UCC Restricted Application Programmes

Non-EU applications to the following programmes are restricted and must be made by 1st February:

• CK103 (Music)
• CK104 (Arts-Music)
• CK112 (Drama and Theatre Studies)
• CK114 (Social Science - Youth and Community Work)
• CK115 (Social Work)

Entry Requirements

For details of minimum entry requirements for applicants from non-EU countries please contact the International Education Office at InternationalUnderGrad@ucc.ie

English Language Requirements

All applicants whose first language is not English must present an English Language Certificate (IELTS, TOEFL or ETAP). Please contact the International Education Office for information on IELTS, TOEFL and ETAP requirements.

Minimum Age Requirements

For 2012 entry, full-time degree students must normally have reached 17 years of age by 15th January 2013. Where a candidate below that age seeks to enter UCC, a special application must be made to the President of the University.

Availability of Places

University College Cork reserves the right to limit the number of admissions to any programme in the light of the availability of places for that programme.

Allocation/Acceptance of Places

The International Education Office will inform all applicants as soon as possible following receipt of completed application forms, together with required documentation, of the outcome of their application.

Information for New Students

Each non-EU student who accepts a place will be sent an information on orientation and registration by email. Welcome packs will be given to each student at registration.

Fees

See here for fees applicable to non-EU students.