University Access Course (UAC) / PreUniversity Access Course (PUAC)
This Liberal Arts programme aims to provide a foundation in subjects which students may wish to study at Third Level. The University Access Course is aimed at students who wish to progress to a degree in the Faculties of Arts, Humanities & the Social Sciences. This course also introduces students to methods of study, writing skills and research skills that are required for successful participation in Third Level education.
This University Access Course (UAC) is aimed at mature students (aged 22 and over as of 1 January of year of application) who were previously unable to fulfill their educational potential and who now wish to complete a Foundation course in preparation for third level studies.
Students who successfully complete the University Access Course (a complete award with 3 academic distinctions) can avail of the Pearse College link into Trinity College Dublin for a degree course in the Faculties of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
OR
Apply to any other third level institution as a mature student based on your points from your QQI qualification and an interview with that third level institution.
The University Access Course is aimed at mature students who have a recent proven academic record or mature students with competent information technology and mathematical skills.
The Pre University Access Course (PUAC) is aimed at mature students who have been out of the education system for a very long period or mature students who wish to improve their information technology and mathematical skills, with a view to progressing to the University Access course. Applicants must be aged 21 and over as of 1st January of the year of application for the Pre University Access course.
Both UAC and PUAC are core VTOS courses.
UAC Modules:
Research and Study Skills
Team Working
Personal and Professional Development
Word Processing
Applied Psychology
English Literature
History
Philosophy
Statistics
PUAC Modules:
History
Word Processing
Personal and Interpersonal Development
Mathematics
Team Working
Work Practice
Communications
Information Technology Skills
Nutrition
N.B. To apply for a place on the course, students must be eligible under the VTOS scheme.
Complete the online application form or call into the college and complete the application. Applicants will be contacted to come for an interview within 2-4 weeks.
If you have a recent proven academic record, then the University Access course is a one year full-time course (Monday - Friday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm.)
However, if you have been out of all formal education for some years, it is advisable to apply for the two year access course.
A QQI/FETAC Level 5 (5M3114) qualification that can be employed to:
Avail of our links with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and apply for up to 10 courses in Trinity College using their Facilitated Entry Route (Download details of Facilitated Entry Route below)
OR
Apply for Trinity College Dublin and any other third level institution as a mature student based on your points from your FETAC qualification and an interview with that third level institution.
I would just like to thank you for all your effort throughout the year. I have been accepted into NUIM for Arts and will be starting next month. I enjoyed my year in Pearse on the Access course and without it I would not have progressed on to third level. If I can be of any assitance to your new access students, please do not hesitate to contact me. (David Tyrell 2013)
Thanks to you all, I'll be doing History and Geography in Trinity - got my first choice. Tell all I said hello! (Enda Daly 2013)
I got my first choice place at Maynooth - MH101. I'm delighted and thanks for your help along the way. (Lynsey Boylan)
Please click here and fill in our application form. We will be in touch with you shortly regarding an interview time and date.