Approximately three decades ago, I concluded my formal education prematurely and did not secure the Leaving Cert. Although I am situated in Dublin and have experienced professional success thus far, there is an underlying inclination that I could achieve more in an academic context. The intent to attend university is apparent, however, the fear that my insufficient qualifications will be problematic is growing. Not to mention the worry about participation in a youth-dominated environment and coping up with the academic load.
In the past, I have had the honour of both coordinating and lecturing a postgraduate programme at UCD. The majority of our enrollees were young educators in their late 20s. Occasionally, we received applications from individuals with experiences similar to yours. These applicants not only survived the university culture but flourished, becoming pillars for their entire cohort, exuding wisdom and sharing insights with their younger peers.
There is an evident acknowledgement across third-level institutions that individuals from different life stages and varying academic qualifications contribute to the vibrant diversity and richness of university life.
There are now various pathways to attend university, including options designed specifically for adults who have been distant from formal education for years and who may not fulfill standard entry requirements for their intended degree programme. One such pathway includes access courses, tailored to suit these students’ circumstances and aimed at providing them with the skills and self-assurance needed for an undergraduate degree. These courses are conducted commonly in an environment of immense support, taking into account that some students may be apprehensive about resuming their studies.
The courses not only provide academic skills, but they also help you improve your computer skills. You will also be surrounded by others in comparable situations who probably share your concerns.
These courses are planned in a way that they enable you to pursue your chosen degree. Some faculties can guarantee a secure place in specific degree programmes if you achieve the minimum grade in the exams.
For instance, UCD’s access programme grants these guarantees. They offer routes to arts, humanities, social sciences, and law, as well as science, engineering, computer science, agricultural sciences, medicine, and veterinary medicine. This all depends on which degree you are keen on pursuing. These are part-time programmes lasting one year. Other universities also have separate entry pathways for mature students that might be worth exploring.
UCD provides a unique opportunity known as open learning, whereby you’re presented with a choice from among a vast array of modules. You hold the freedom to either sit for the examinations or merely enjoy the learning process of the module. Opting to undertake the evaluations could potentially grant you entry to an undergraduate degree at UCD. What makes this choice attractive is the lack of stringent entry requirements; your zeal for learning is all that you have to bring to the table.