Primary Level Initiatives
TUS Access Service recognises the importance of engagement at primary level and is committed to working with DEIS schools (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools) to introduce the third-level environment through welcoming and interactive visits.
A programme of activities can be organised for visiting primary schools, which may include:
- Overview of TUS courses
- Interactive taster lectures
- Sample of extra-curricular activities
- Opportunity to meet with staff and students
- Tour of the campus
GO4IT Programme – Primary Level
TUS Access Service works in partnership with the Northside Family Resource Centre and linked schools to deliver the Go4IT programme. This programme aims to introduce the concept of lifelong learning and show that education has a real purpose.
The main objectives of the Go4IT programme are:
- To facilitate increased access to third-level education by young people from the linked areas
- To raise awareness of educational options for young people and their families
- To provide young people with a positive experience of third-level education
- To support young people to reach their full educational potential
- To break down barriers and misconceptions the participants and their families may have in relation to third-level education
- To demonstrate that third-level education is a welcoming and supportive place.
The first year of this programme begins in sixth class at primary school. Once the student enters secondary school, the programme works to support their transition and continue to engage them in experiential activities until they complete their Leaving Certificate.
College4Kids
The College4Kids is one such TUS programme that aims to raise the aspirations of the pupils from DEIS schools in the region served by TUS Midwest. This programme aims to include the following:
- It will introduce participants and their families to the Higher education environment
- This programme will support the access, retention and progression of pupils from DEIS schools
- It aims to increase the interactions between TUS and DEIS schools across the Midwest region.
This initiative designs, develops, implements and co-ordinates programmes, activities, resources and materials relating to the College4Kids PATH 3 programme.
Taster Classes
Students who are in 6th class from selected DEIS schools in County Clare and County Tipperary will be invited to the TUS campuses, to participate in taster sessions in a number of areas including:
- Environmental Studies
- Business Studies
- Sports Science
- ICT
- Art and Design
Campus Visits
Planned activities and talks will be provided in conjunction with the TUS academic departments, the Student Union and TUS Access Service.
We plan to hold fun, interactive events on-campus and all participants will graduate at the end of this programme.
Parental Engagement
Parental engagement is a very important aspect of our college4kids programme. This initiative aims to build strong relationships with parents/guardians and will provide information regarding the Higher Education environment.
Secondary Level Initiatives
Study Club
TUS Access Service are committed to the provision of a Study Club for secondary school students who experience educational and socio-economic disadvantage.
The Study Club caters to second level exam students in Limerick City and County. To qualify for the Study Club members must be in an exam year and meet at least one of the criteria listed from the following: attending a DEIS school, living in an area of disadvantage, be a medical/GP visit card holders, having an intellectual disability/specific learning difficulty or being a member of a low-income family or a member of the Travelling Community.
The study club offers a range of services such as:
- On-campus Maths Tuition
- Online Tuition
- In person Tuition
- Student support
Students can avail of the on-campus Maths tuition in TUS and tuition of one other subject of their choice online or face-to-face.
For further information or to apply to become a member of the Study Club, please email studyclub.midwest@tus.ie.
Please see our Privacy Statement.
GO4IT Programme – Secondary Level
TUS Access Service works in partnership with the Northside Family Resource Centre and linked schools to deliver the Go4IT programme. This programme aims to introduce the concept of lifelong learning and show that education has a real purpose.
The main objectives of the Go4IT programme are:
- To facilitate increased access to third-level education by young people from the linked areas
- To raise awareness of educational options for young people and their families
- To provide young people with a positive experience of third-level education
- To support young people to reach their full educational potential
- To break down barriers and misconceptions the participants and their families may have in relation to third-level education
- To demonstrate that third-level education is a welcoming and supportive place.
The first year of this programme begins in sixth class at primary school. Once the student enters secondary school, the programme works to support their transition and continue to engage them in experiential activities until they complete their Leaving Certificate.
World of Work Programme
TUS Access Service works in partnership with Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) through the Schools’ Business Partnership programme. This is an education inclusion programme that partners schools with business. TUS is partnered with Thomond Community College to deliver the World of Work programme. The main aim of this programme is to positively impact on educational inclusion and address key issues in areas of educational disadvantage in Ireland.
The programme is delivered to second year participants from Thomond Community College, who will be provided with a very interesting insight into jobs, careers, and into how a business operates and it will enable them to consider what is involved in the world of work. This is fundamental for them as they endeavour to maximise their own talents and fully engage in society as young adults.
The workshops and learning activities delivered are as follows:
- TUS site tour & Day in the Life session
- Sustainability Session
- Communication & Presentation skills session
- Wrap Up Session
For further information on this programme, please contact mary.nash@tus.ie
College Awareness Week
College Awareness Week is a national campaign, which aims to celebrate the benefits of going to college, to support students to become college-ready and to showcase local role models. Each year TUS Access Service organises a host of activities and events, which take place throughout the week. Information on all local and national events can be viewed here.
HEAR SCHEME
Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) and who can apply?
TUS is part of the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR). HEAR is a Higher Education Access Route for Leaving Cert students (under 23) who for social, financial, or cultural reasons are under-represented in third level education. It was set up to ensure that all Leaving Certificate students have a fair and equal opportunity to progress to third level education.
HEAR is open to school leavers (leaving cert students) who are resident in the Republic of Ireland. Mature and FET (Further Education and Training) students have their own admissions routes and should contact the admissions office for more information. Applications to HEAR can only be made on-line through the CAO.
Minimum Entry Requirements
- If you apply to TUS, you must achieve the Minimum Entry Requirements for your chosen course.
- Minimum entry requirements vary from course to course.
- Students must obtain both the minimum entry requirements and the specific programme requirements.
How do I apply to HEAR?
- Applications to HEAR can only be made on-line through the CAO.
- For information about the process of applying to HEAR please visit the accesscollege.ie website here. Details of the application time line are on accesscollege.ie here.
NB: To complete the HEAR application you will need help from your parents/guardians and to use the HEAR hand book. The HEAR handbook is available from the accesscollege.ie website here.
How will I know if I am HEAR eligible?
Students who apply to HEAR on-line through the CAO will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of June. Details of the application time line are available on accesscollege.ie here.
Community Engagement
TUS works in collaboration with community and voluntary agencies, in addition to educational institutions, to progress engagement in higher education for under-represented groups. TUS Access Service recognises the significant potential that effective community partnerships offer in progressing equity of access to education. The symbiotic relationships, which have been fostered between the Access Service and our community partners, have proven to be vital in empowering people to achieve their educational potential.
Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival
The Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival is an annual weeklong celebration of learning across the region. By showcasing a wide variety of enjoyable and informative events, the festival aims to promote Limerick as a superb location for personal, social and work-related learning and development.
Each year TUS participates actively in the Festival and hosts events, which are open to members of the public and free of charge. For up-to-date information on the Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival, please click here.