Maynooth University Certificate in Science 2020

Applications now open, closing date 31 May 2020

Are you over 21 and interested in science? Maynooth University Certifciate in Science maybe for you. It is an NFQ Level 6 programme for mature students which prepares you for science and engineering degrees. There are a maximum of 25 in the class so early application is recommended. This is a great opportunity to develop your interest in STEM.

More about Certificate in Science

The Maynooth University Certificate in Science is a great option for mature students who don’t yet meet all the requirements to begin a science degree. The Certificate subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematics, Mathematical Physics and Study Skills.

Successful completion of the Certificate in Science (with a minimum overall grade of 60%) allows enrolment on the first year of a number of science degree courses. Successful completion of the Certificate in Science (with a minimum overall grade of 60%) AND success in the Maynooth University Special Mathematics Examination, in April/May and/or August 2021, after independent study, allows enrolment on the first year of the Electronic Engineering MH304 degree. This Level 6 Foundation Programme for mature students (over 21) is suited to those who are interested in preparing for degrees in science and/ or engineering.

Successful completion of this course will also be favourably considered where application is made for other Maynooth University undergraduate courses where entry is not guaranteed. Designed specifically for mature students, the Certificate in Science includes the extremely important elements of strong academic and study skills support (small class size of maximum 25 students per class) and provides an opportunity to study on a university campus with world class facilities, prior to embarking on a degree course.

Fees for the course are waived for students who qualify for the Back to Education Allowance Scheme. Almost 300 people have undertaken the course over the last decade with the majority progressing to degrees courses. A recent review of the programme highlighted some of the benefits as including the “sometimes lifechanging impact of participation”.

Past students shared stories of enriching educational experiences, renewed employment opportunities and progression to postgraduate studies. Karen Herdman from Kildare was a “stay at home mum with two young sons”, and is now a lecturer in Chemistry at Maynooth, having successfully completed her PhD. She was interested in taking the Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology through Science (MH209). “I was informed that the Foundation Course would give me an automatic place on the Bachelor of Science degree if certain grades were attained. I was interviewed for the course and decided to ‘strike while the iron is hot’. I did a maths introduction course during the summer and started the Certificate course in September”.

Colm Bracken from Meath took the course in 2005 and has worked as a post-doctoral researcher with Maynooth’s Physics Department. Colm is now working as a researcher at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies on a project to develop new telescope detectors, having previously taught at UCD. He always had an interest in physics and astronomy in particular. “I thought that it would not be possible to study physics at university, but the certificate course offered a route to do this, providing me with a foundation in maths and science that was essential to my success in the degree. I believe I would not have handled the degree material without the preparation from the Certificate in Science”.

The approach to teaching on the course is very much geared towards adults returning to education. Some of the benefits of the course as highlighted by past students include: > Vital academic preparation for study of science/engineering in a university environment with a great introduction to college life; > Help with integrating socially, while building confidence and self-esteem; > Learning about time management and other techniques that aid study.

Have a look at the poster and read the leaflet. More information about the Maynooth University Certificate in Science is available at https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/mature-students/foundation-preparatory-courses/maynooth-university-certificate-science.