2013 Press Releases
High Performance Athlete Entry scheme launched
UCC is delighted to announce an extension of its existing sports scholarship scheme with the launch of the High Performance Athlete Entry (HPAE) scheme.
The HPAE scheme recognises that attaining success at the highest levels of sport takes time and effort, and acknowledges how difficult it can be to reach the correct balance between academic studies and sporting accomplishments. The HPAE scheme will enable athletes who are committed to their sport to achieve the dual ambition of a high quality education and performance at the highest level within their sport.
Under the HPAE Scheme, UCC allows a reduction in the Leaving Certificate points required for entry to full-time undergraduate courses. For the academic year 2013, successful school-leaving applicants to the scheme will be offered a reduction of up to 10% of Leaving Certificate points required. Initially, up to 5 places will be set aside within UCC for applicants entering under this route. For postgraduate students, successful applicants may also benefit from the support provided under the scheme (N.B. successful undergraduate applicants will have satisfied the minimum entry (matriculation) and specific course requirements for admission and have been offered a place on a UCC undergraduate degree programme).
In addition to access to the academic programme, benefits for high performance athletes (both undergraduate and postgraduate) extend to a scholarship programme, elements of which include:
- Financial assistance
- Sport Science mentoring
- Programme workshops/master classes with the Institute of Sport
- Sport Medicine/Physiotherapy support
- Flexible academic arrangements and academic mentoring
- Physiological monitoring and feedback
- High Performance Strength and Conditioning
- Sports Nutrition
- Sport Psychology
- Assistance with travel to national and international competitions
- Free access to UCC sports facilities
- Individualised career advice on completion of programme
The UCC HPAE scheme has been developed for students who are competing at the highest available level in their chosen sport and who have identifiable potential for further improvement. There are a limited number of places to be divided between all applicants. The following are minimum standards of entry:
- Athletics: Schools/Junior international representation.
- Rugby: Schools/age grade international and/or provincial representation/provincial academy/Sub-Academy/Overseas or UK equivalent.
- Soccer: Schools/age grade international and/or provincial representation/provincial academy/Sub-Academy/Overseas or UK equivalent.
- GAA: Normally Minor County level and capable of competing at a higher age level.
- Hockey: Schools/Junior International representation.
- Rowing: Schools/Junior International representation (proven potential to progress to U23 and senior representation).
- Other sports: As defined by the recognised sporting body and evidence of a strong competitive record at the highest level of their chosen sport.
Dr Michael Murphy, President of UCC launched the scheme to an invited audience in the elite Mardyke Arena facilities on Thursday 31 January 2013. Acting Director of Sport & Physical Activity, Christine O’Donovan comments: “The launch of this scheme adds another dimension to the already very successful UCC Sports Scholarship Scheme. It will provide another pathway for high performing athletes to apply for entry into UCC and to avail of this exciting scholarship scheme. It also provides an additional opportunity for athletes who may have had their results compromised by their continuing involvement in their sport during their Leaving Cert year.” Prospective students can apply for both the HPAE and the existing UCC Sports Scholarship Scheme, but can only receive one award.
Other UCC Sports Scholarships include: UCC Sports Scholarships; Roy Keane UCC Sport 100 Soccer Scholarship; Michael J Dowling UCC Sport 100 Hurling Scholarship; Jonathan Herlihy Memorial Scholarships; Jason Foley Memorial Scholarship; Munster Council GAA Bursaries
Further details on the HPAE scheme can be obtained from: www.ucc.ie/en/sport or by contacting the Department of Sport & Physical Activity, UCC on (021) 4904752