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Transition to Higher Education (Certificate, L6, 20 ECTS)

  • Location: Blended

  • years: 1

  • Fees: No Course Fee (Programme is free)

  • Level 6

  • Course Type Flexible and Professional Learning

  • Study Mode Part Time

  • Department Flexible Learning

  • Start Date 09/09/2026

Course Overview

Always wanted to go to college… but didn’t know where to start … Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) has developed a Foundation Level programme (called the Certificate in Transition to Higher Education) aimed at those who wish to experience Third Level Education and develop their skills and knowledge prior to starting a full Degree programme. This is a Foundation preparation course providing a pathway for students to gain experience of Third Level Education and potentially progress to entry onto TUS certificate/degree programmes.

The aims of the programme are:

  • To raise awareness of the supports offered to mature students at third level.
  • To enable under represented-groups within the community to maximise their potential and make a successful transition to higher education.
  • To build on prior learning and increase the student’s self-confidence and abilities on their path to third level education.
  • To provide students with the knowledge and skills required for third level education.

This programme is supported by Community Foundation Ireland.

More Information

  • Personal Development (5 ECTS)

    This module is designed to introduce the concept of personal development planning, self-awareness development and an understanding of reflective practices. Through an active learning environment, the students will develop their future goals and establish a robust personal development plan. The module is designed to enable learners to explore, reflect and critically access the module content in order to meet the learning outcomes.
    This module utilises various teaching and learning approaches to engage learners in an immersive and active learning process. As the delivery of the module is exploratory and uses discussion and in-group participation as a primary learning method; attendance and participation in class activities is essential.

    Computer Applications (5 ECTS)

    The learner will develop proficiency in the creation of Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations. File Management and Internet manipulation skills will also be developed.

    Mathematics (5 ECTS)

    This module provides the learners with an overview of key principles of Mathematics including arithmetic, units and conversion, algebra, graphs, and statistics.

    Learning and Academic Skills Development (5 ECTS)

    The aim of this learning & academic skills development module is to empower learners with the skills for dealing with the transition into third level education and beyond, into the workplace.

  • This programme is open to anyone who is interested in entering into or returning to Higher Education.

    Upon completion of this programme, students wishing to progress to a TUS undergraduate programme of study must meet the University’s entry criteria for their programme of choice. Students should note that the Technological University welcomes mature students and will accept applications from persons aged 23 years of age on 1st January of year of entry for admission in September. Eligible students will be supported, at the end of their studies on this programme, to identify a chosen discipline and consider progression to the range of full-time undergraduate programmes at Level 6/7 and 8 within TUS. Minimum entry requirements to these full-time programmes will apply.

    ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Applicants who do not have English as their first language must ensure they satisfy English Language requirements. For entry to undergraduate courses, a score of 5.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. For postgraduate courses, a score of 6.0 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their English proficiency meets these requirements.

  • The programme will run for one academic year in a blended learning format (a mixture of online and on-campus delivery) as follows;

    Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm – 9:30pm

    Start Date

    There will be an online welcome session for all students on 9th September 2026.

    Classes will commence on Tuesday 15th September 2026.

    Location

    Classes will take place online and at TUS Moylish Campus (Limerick).

    The proposed delivery schedule is subject to change.

  • Each 5 credits will normally equate to approximately 100 Total Learning Hours. Total Learning Hours includes the time you spend in class (lectures tutorials, practical elements) and the time you spend completing work outside of college. The balance between these two varies by discipline, and by level of study. You should bear in mind that the workload will increase at particular times e.g. when assisgnments are due.

  • Assessment will include a range of continuous assessments which will include a mixture of formative and summative forms. A final exam will be included in the Maths module so that the students develop the skills to prepare for and undertake such an assessment type.

  • No Course Fee (Programme is free)

  • Applications will close 2 weeks before the listed start date or once the maximum number of applicants is reached.

    Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Programmes run subject to viable numbers.

  • Certificate in Transition to Higher Education (Level 6, Special Purpose Award, 20 Credits).

  • Derek, programme graduate and graduate of the BA (Hons) in Social Care Work- “The Transition to Higher Education course helped me to realise that college is for me and the confidence to know that I could be a successful student“, Derek, programme graduate and current student of BA (Hons) in Social Care Work.

    Nicola, programme graduate and graduate of the BEng (Hons) in Precision Engineering- “The lecturers on the course were very helpful and encouraging. I am delighted I did the course and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of getting back to studying, particularly mature students like me“. Nicola, programme graduate and current student of BEng (Hons) in Precision Engineering.