Courses
Admissions & Support
Transition to Higher Education (Certificate, L6, 20 ECTS)
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Status: Register your interest for September 2025
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Campus: Blended
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years: 1
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Fees: €500 (See fees for more information)
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.
Contact Details
What are the entry requirements?
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.
Course Content
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Four modules in total will be completed over the academic year, two per semester as follows;
Semester 1 – Personal Development & Computer Applications
Semester 2 – Learning and Academic Skills Development & Mathematics
More Information
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The below delivery schedule is subject to change.
The programme will be delivered in a blended format i.e. combination of 6 weeks on Moylish campus and 6 weeks online classes.
Four modules in total will be completed over the academic year, two per semester as follows;
Semester 1 – Commencing September 2025 (start date tbc)
Personal Development on Mondays from 6.30pm-9.30pm
Computer Applications on Thursdays from 6.30pm-9.30pm
Semester 2 – February 2026 (start date tbc)
Learning and Academic Skills Development on Mondays from 6.30pm-9.30pm
Mathematics on Thursdays from 6:30pm to 9:30pm
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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.
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The programme will be delivered through blended methods (a mixture of online and on-campus delivery) and will include a range of lectures, tutorials, projects, and assignments. This structure is based on providing students with the relevant study skills, IT skills, and educational guidance needed to pursue a third-level programme of study. Students can avail of support and mentoring through the TUS Access Service.
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Certificate in Transition to Higher Education (Level 6, Special Purpose Award, 20 Credits).
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€500
Applicants in receipt of a means-tested social welfare payment can apply for a reduced fee of €100.
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TBC for September 2025 intake. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. Course will be closed once the maximum number of applicants is reached. Courses run subject to viable numbers.
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“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.
“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.