Maynooth University Certificate in Science/Computer Science - Applications now open

The Maynooth University Certificate in Science/Computer Science is a Level 6 Foundation Programme for mature students (aged 21 years or over by 1st January 2021) who wish to undertake a foundation year in preparation for degree studies in the Science and Engineering areas, or in the area of Computer Science.

Students enrolling on this one-year, full-time Programme can opt for either the Science strand or the Computer Science strand. There are a maximum of 25 places on the course each year, and students benefit from the collegial and supportive learning environment provided by this group.

Under the Science strand, students undertake modules in Mathematics, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics, Biology and Chemistry.

Under the Computer Science strand, students undertake modules in Computer Science, Mathematics, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics and Electronic Engineering.

The aims of the Maynooth University Certificate in Science/Computer Science are:

• To reintroduce adults to study and learning and to give them the background they will need to embark on a course for a degree in Science or Engineering, or in Computer Science;
• To provide an access route for students who wish to take Science or Engineering, or Computer Science when their second level education did not offer the necessary subjects.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Students must be aged 21 years or more on January 1st in the year of entry and must be educated to Junior Certificate level (or its equivalent), to include Mathematics. Students must also qualify for EU Fees Status. Non-EU citizens currently residing outside Ireland are not eligible to apply for this programme. Non-EU applicants currently residing in Ireland must demonstrate that they qualify for EU Fees Status. Further information relating to fees status is available here.

Progression

Successful completion of the Certificate in Science/Computer Science with a minimum overall grade of 60% will allow enrolment on the first year of one of the degree courses listed below:

• BSc Science (MH201)
• BSc Computer Science & Software Engineering (MH602)
• BSc Computer Science & Software Engineering (Arts Entry) (MH601)
• BSc Multimedia, Mobile & Web Development (MH602)
• BSc Multimedia, Mobile & Web Development (Arts Entry) (MH601)

Successful completion of the Certificate in Science/Computer Science with a minimum overall grade of 60%, along with successful completion of Maynooth University Special Mathematics examination in August 2022, will allow enrolment on the first year of Bachelor of Electronic Engineering (MH304).

While the Certificate in Science/Computer Science guarantees students, who achieve 60% an offer of a place on specific courses (MH201, MH601 and MH602), applicants should also be aware of the wider opportunities that are also available. Past students who have achieved very high grades have successfully progressed across the full range of STEM courses in MU - Physics with Astrophysics (MH204), Theoretical Physics and Maths (MH206), Biological and Biomedical Sciences (MH208), Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry (MH210) and Science / Maths Education (MH212). Past students have also progressed into STEM courses in other Irish Universities.

For students who have successfully completed the course and decided that Science is not for them opportunities also exist in Arts (e.g. MH101). Completion of the course and achievement of good results are very favourably looked upon by the University as demonstrating both preparation and commitment for level 8 studies.

Duration

The course is full-time and delivered over two 12-week semesters, with an additional intensive Mathematics refresher week before Semester 1 begins. Examinations take place in January and May.

For more information on the course click here.