FAQs
When do I qualify to become a Mature Student?
How do I apply?
When do I apply?
How can I improve my chances of getting a place in UCC?
How do I find out more about UCC and about degree programmes?
Is there any financial assistance available for Mature Students?
Tell me more about the UCC Links Programme
Practical Preparation
Does UCC have many Mature Students?
How do I find out which degree programmes are most suitable for me?
How will I find my way around campus?
How can I meet other Mature Students?
How can I avoid common pitfalls?
Does UCC provide services for students with disabilities?
Can I talk to anyone if I have problems?
Does UCC give any help with finding accommodation?
Does UCC have any accommodation on campus?
Does UCC provide careers advice?
Is there a creche at UCC?
Tell me more about the library service at UCC.
Tell me more about sports facilities at UCC.
Tell me more about the Students' Union
When do I qualify to become a Mature Student?
To be considered as a mature student, you must have reached 23 years of age on or before 1st January of the year of proposed entry. The mature student entry route refers to full-time undergraduate students only.
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How do I apply?
Applications are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO) Tower House, Eglinton St., Galway.
Tel: +353 (0)91 509 800. Application may be made online at www.cao.ie
All applications for full-time degrees at UCC go through the CAO only; You do not need to apply directly to UCC.
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When do I apply?
The latest date for applications is 1st of February of the year in which you wish to commence your studies in UCC. However it is recommended that you submit your application by mid-January.
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How can I improve my chances of getting a place in UCC?
Put time and effort into your CAO application. Your completed form is an important component of the selection process. Pay particular attention to the final page of the form where you are asked for details of your education, life experience, hobbies etc. The question on your educational goals and objectives is particularly important in the assessment of your application.
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How do I find out more about UCC and about degree programmes?
Come to the Information Evening for Mature Students where you will get information and advice on filling out your CAO application form and have the opportunity to meet academic staff. The session for 2009 applications will take place on 11 November 2009 at Devere Hall on the UCC campus from 5.30pm - 8.00pm. Check on our Upcoming Events section for details of the 2009 Information Evening for 2010 entry.
Use the UCC website - www.ucc.ie. Each Faculty and Department has its own webpage.
The Academic Calendar and Book of Modules can also be useful tools when looking for information about degree programmes.
It seems an obvious point to stress here that you must research your options carefully when choosing a degree programme. Failure to do so can have an adverse effect on your ultimate success.
To sum up: There is copious information available on the content of courses - from relevant departments in the university, on the university website, and from the Mature Student Officer.
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Is there any financial assistance available for Mature Students?
There are various schemes designed to enable you participate in degree programme.
Fees for degree programmes in UCC consist of three elements; Tuition, Registration and Capitation. The Government Free Fees Initiative means that tuition, by far the major component of fees, is free for all fulltime, non-repeat students from Ireland and European Union countries who do not already hold a degree and who have been resident in an EU Member State for three of the last five years.
If you are eligible for and receive a Local Authority Higher Education Grant, the Registration component of the fee, €1500 in 2009/10, will be covered by the grant. The Capitation Fee, which in 2009/10 was €150 must be paid by you.
For information on eligibility for Local Authority Higher Education Grants you must apply to the Local Authority in which you have been resident for at least the year prior to entering UCC. When applying for a grant we recommend that you apply as soon as you have accepted a place in UCC. Grants are processed strictly in the order that they are received so the sooner you apply, the faster you will receive a decision on your application. The deadline for grant applications is 31 August.
Contact details for your local authority are available here.
Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) is also available for some students who have been in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for at least 9 months prior to starting college. Also if you have been awarded statutory redundancy and are entitled to one of the qualifying social welfare payments you may be eligible for the Back to Education Allowance. Please click here for more information.
Further information on Fees is available from:
Fees and Grants Office,
North Wing
UCC.
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 2365
Email:
fees@fin.ucc.ie
What is the UCC Links Programme?
University College Cork is a leader in adopting alternative entry routes to programmes of study and helping students progress in third level education. Several transfer options are available and students may be accepted into levels beyond the first year. Information on these options can be found in the Undergraduate
For those students who may not have achieved the requirements for third level at the time of their Leaving Cert., links have been developed with the Colleges of Further Education. This option allows students to enter University at first year level after having completed a FETAC Level 5 Qualification with distinctions in appropriate modules.
For further details please contact:
Lynn Bannon,
Admissions Office,
West Wing,
Quadrangle,
University College Cork.
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 2909
Email:
l.bannon@ucc.ie
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Practical Preparation
No amount of written information can really convey to you what it will be like to study at UCC. You should visit the campus to see for yourself, to look at the facilities and to explore the environment. UCC hosts an annual University Open Day on the second Saturday in October which Mature Students are most welcome to attend.
As a starting point it may be useful to check out the Mature Student Guide, which is available from the Mature Student Office in UCC. This gives information about degree programmes, entry requirements, application and selection procedures and financial support.
There is an Information Evening held annually, (Wednesday 11th November 2009 for 2010 Candidates) specifically for prospective Mature Students when you will have the opportunity to talk to academic staff, to get advice on the application procedure and on services in UCC. Please check our Upcoming Events section for details on the Information Evening this year.
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Does UCC have many Mature Students?
You won't be alone. In 2007/8 over 1000 mature students were enrolled in UCC in full-time degree programmes and over 2000 Adult and Continuing Education students.
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How do I find out which degree programmes are most suitable for me?
You must research your options.
There is detailed information available on all degree programmes on this site - particularly see information on Degree Programmes.
Discuss your options with the Mature Student Officer in UCC - see the Contact Us section for contact details.
Use the UCC website to gather more information at www.ucc.ie. You may also contact the College/Department in whose programmes you are interested to arrange an appointment. The following link will bring you to Colleges and Departments webpage - from here you can browse to the appropriate department.
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How will I find my way around campus?
You will be given tours of the campus during Orientation week.
If circumstances allow do try to visit the university campus before registration. The environment is easier to explore in the summer months when it is infinitely less crowded and consequently easier to identify buildings and facilities.
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How can I meet other Mature Students?
An ideal opportunity to meet your fellow students will be the Transition to University Programme, specifically for mature students, held in the week prior to registration. This is designed to introduce you to services provided for mature students and to allow you to meet staff from the Mature Student Office, your fellow students who are starting their studies with you and also those who have completed some years of their degree.
Monthly Mature Student Coffee Mornings provide an opportunity to meet students from different Degree Programmes. For further details on Coffee Mornings see our Upcoming Events section.
There is an active Mature Student Society that is run by students for students. They organise social events and activities and have links to Mature Student Societies in other Universities.
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How can I avoid common pitfalls?
A major factor in non-completion of degrees is the question of inadequate financial preparation. Prospective students are urged to investigate the expenses involved in entering university and to plan accordingly. Depending on your circumstances, coping financially may present difficulties, but don't let these problems automatically deter you. The secret of success is adequate preparation and many mature students have successfully coped with the financial demands imposed by the change in lifestyle involved in becoming a student.
Mature students are likely to have more responsibilities than their school-leaving fellow students and should prepare partners and family members for the changes resulting from the return to education. It is vital to obtain support from those who play an important part in your life as without it the transition to the academic world may present difficulties.
In UCC we encourage you to invite a partner, family member or supportive friend to a social function during Mature Student Orientation so that they can experience, in some small way, the environment in which you have committed to spending the next few years of your life.
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Does UCC provide services for students with disabilities?
University College Cork has an established Disability Support Service which is committed, in as far as is reasonably possible, to empowering students with disabilities achieve their academic and vocational goals in an inclusive learning environment.
For more information contact:
The Disability Support Service
South Lodge,
College Road,
Cork
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 2985
Fax: +353 (0)21 490 3123
Email:
disabilitysupportoffice@reg.ucc.ie
Web:
www.ucc.ie/services/dss
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Can I talk to anyone if I have problems?
There are many supports in UCC to offer assistance when needed. Don't forget the Mature Student Officer is there to offer support. Services are listed below.
Student Counselling and Development
Individual and group counselling are available to students who require assistance in dealing with problems which are blocking their academic and social progress in UCC. The Mature Student Officer works closely with Student Counselling in the provision of services which enhance the mature student experience.
Student Counselling and Development can be contacted for an initial appointment:
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 3565
Text: +353 (0)87 245 3840
Email:
counselling@ucc.ie
Student Health Centre
The Student Health Centre is situated in Ardpatrick beside the Student Car Park. It is open from 9.30am -12.30pm and 2.30pm - 4.30pm. An appointment system is in operation but because of the heavy demand for services a triage system is operated by the nurse on duty. This ensures that seriously ill patients will be seen immediately.
The medical service is meant to be used in an emergency when a student does not have a GP and it does not provide 24 hour cover. Students are advised to register with their own GP.
There is no fee to students for the consultation with the doctor on duty. Medical prescriptions must be paid for by the student.
Contact the service at:
Dr. C. O'Riordan,
Student Health Centre,
Ardpatrick,
College Road,
Cork.
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 2311
Email:
chrisobrien@ucc.ie
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy at UCC is a service that offers friendship and support to all within the university community. The Chaplaincy is situated in IONA, College Rd (2 doors downfrom the Student Car Park, beside the Student Health Centre). It offers a place of welcome for all, where students can meet in the warm, welcoming environment of the Tea Room/Lounge, or take time out for quiet reflection and prayer. The Chaplaincy team is especially interested in the welfare of mature students.
Contact details:
Tel:
+353 (0)21 490 2459
+353 (0)21 490 2700
Email:
g.odonoghue@ucc.ie
Does UCC give any help with finding accommodation?
The Accommodation Office provides a free accommodation and advice service to UCC students; it is also the conduit for information and contact numbers for all student societies in UCC.
The Accommodation Office is located at:
6, Carrigside,
College Road,
Cork
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 2475
Email:
asa@ucc.ie
Web:
www.ucc.ie/services/asa
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Does UCC have any accommodation on campus?
UCC Campus Accommodation provides student accommodation from mid-September to mid-June. There are 4 accommodation complexes owned or managed by UCC. All campus accommodation is designed for students' needs and consists of comfortable apartments with all modern conveniences to hand.
Contact details:
Tel: +353 (0)21 494 1295
Email: accommodation@ucc.ie
Web:
www.ucc.ie/campusaccommodation
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Does UCC provide careers advice?
The Careers Service provides a wide range of services to UCC students including a daily "drop-in" service where you can meet with an advisor for a 20 minute consultation. Careers advice is the support offered by qualified and experienced advisors to help you work through the process of career choice. It is impartial, confidential, and it focuses on your individual needs. Career guidance can help you clarify where you are, help you to identify what you need to do next and how to go about it.
Contact details:
3 - 4 Brighton Villas,
Western Road,
Cork
(Beside Castlewhite Apts)
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 2349
Fax: +353 (0)21 490 3558
Email:
careers@ucc.ie
Web:
www.ucc.ie/careers
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Is there a creche at UCC?
UCC has recently constructed a new creche called 'Creche Cois Laoi' with a capacity for eighty children. It offers full day care facilities to babies and children aged from 4 months to school-going age and remains open for fifty weeks of the year from Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm.
Contact details:
Creche Cois Laoi,
Brookfield,
UCC.
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 1607
Email:
creche@ucc.ie
Web:
www.ucc.ie/anml/html/creche.html
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Tell me more about the library service at UCC.
The Boole Library is named after George Boole, first Professor of Mathematics at Queen's College, Cork (now UCC). He developed Boolean Algebra which led to the creation of computer science.
The Library is situated centrally on campus and provides a range of services to support the teaching and research of all University programmes.
The Boole Library's website provides detailed information on all Library Services and allows you access to your Library record. Your Student ID Card is also your Library Card and this allows you to access Library Services.
Contact details:
Tel: +353 (0)21 490 2794
Email:
informationdesk@ucc.ie
Web: http://booleweb.ucc.ie/
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Tell me more about sports facilities at UCC.
Mardyke Arena University College Cork has a superb range of sporting facilities which will provide you with an opportunity to enjoy all (or some) of the many superb facilities on offer, whatever your age. Mardyke Arena is situated on the banks of the north channel of the Lee a short walk from the main campus. Membership is open to all our students.
Contact details:
Tel:
+353 (0)21 490 4751
+353 (0) 21 490 4761
Email:
mardykearena@ucc.ie
Web:
www.mardykearena.com
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Tell me more about the Student Union.
The Students' Union provide a wide range of services and support for students. To visit their website and find out more details, click here
