Part-time study gives you more control over your learning journey. You can balance study with work and other commitments. There are extensive support services available at TUS Midlands Midwest to help you adapt successfully to student life.
Do I Qualify as a Mature Student?
In order to qualify as a mature student, you must be 23 or over on the 1 January of the calendar year you enter college. As a mature student, you need not present with the Leaving Certificate or its equivalent. Not all students applying on the grounds of mature years will have completed the Leaving Certificate examination. However, if you have completed the Leaving Certificate examination, you should include an official copy of your results. If you have mislaid your certificate, you can request a certified statement of your results from the State Examinations Commission. Further information is available from:
Statements Section State Examinations Commission, Cornamaddy, Athlone, Co. Westmeath
Email: statements@education.gov.ie
Tel: 090 6442808/6442810
Web: http://www.examinations.ie
How do I find out about courses available in TUS Midlands Midwest (Athlone Campus)?
Please consult the website for detailed information about the content of each programme. Download or request a copy of our new undergraduate and postgraduate prospectuses on the following link: Prospectus.
How do I apply?
For all part-time programmes, mature applicants must apply directly to the University. The course pages on our website give information about how to apply. Further information on the application process can be requested directly from the Admissions Office.
Admissions Office Tel: 090 646 8130/8131
Email: admissions.midlands@tus.ie
As a mature applicant, you can provide details on your employment history, your hobbies and interests, any voluntary work you have done in addition to any qualifications you have.
If making online application, please ensure that you forward supplementary information to the Admissions Office when requested to do so.
NOTE: Application to ful time programmes is via CAO. Information on this can be found in the Mature Applicant CAO FAQ document.
When should I apply?
For most part-time programmes, the closing date is 20th May. This date is subject to change. For further information, please contact:
Admissions Office Tel: 090 646 8130/8131
Email: admissions.midlands@tus.ie
How are applications assessed?
Interviews may form part of the selection process, particularly for candidates who do not meet the specified entry requirements. Interviews are scheduled to take place in June. During the interview, candidates are assessed on the following:
• Educational Experiences – Evidence provided in relation to informal education, e.g. non-assessed adult education, interest/hobby courses etc.
• Relevant Life Experience – Details of any relevant experiences gained through employment and/or volunteer work, which are relevant. Any other experiences (e.g. personal experiences, interests, activities etc.), which are relevant.
• Motivation and Interest – Your interest in academic study. Your desire to return to learning. Your reasons for wishing to undertake this programme. Its potential contribution to your future career plans. Some TUS Midlands Midwest undergraduate programmes require portfolio submission or aptitude testing. Any such requirements are clearly detailed in the prospectus.
Mature applicants who meet minimum entry requirements may also compete on the basis of their school-leaving examination results in competition with other applicants. The school leaving examination performance of applications is scored on the basis of the applicants’ best results in not more than six individual subjects taken in the Leaving Certificate examination in any one-year.