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- Why this Access Programme?
- Programme Objectives
- Opportunities for Further Study
- Entry Requirements
- How to Apply
Why this Access Programme?
The Certificate in Access for Higher Education serves as a preparatory pathway for individuals aspiring to pursue third-level programmes from Level 7 and beyond. Tailored to offer an alternative avenue for entering higher education, this programme is both enriching and engaging, built upon the principles of adult education.
Completing this certificate in higher education also opens doors to multiple undergraduate programmes available at IBAT College and ATU.
Programme Aims
Having successfully completed this programme graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of a broad foundation in Maths, academic learning skills and ICT.
- Demonstrate self awareness and understanding of implications of personality, skills and interests in career decision making.
- Formulate and apply appropriate responses to well-defined problems.
- Take responsibility for own work and work of others when working as part of a team.
- Identify one’s own and teams learning needs and take action to solve any developmental challenges.
- Express own world view based on working with other team members and understanding the wider context of issues that present within all module areas.
Programme Structure
| SEMESTER | MODULE | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application of Numbers | 10 |
Learning Skills & Personal Development | 10 | |
ICT | 5 | |
College Skills & Career Planning | 5 |
| SEMESTER | MODULE | ECTS |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Academic Writing | 5 |
Research Fundamentals | 5 | |
Business & Law | 10 | |
Introduction to Design Principles | 10 |
Module Description
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
- Carry out routine computational procedures to appropriate levels of accuracy.
- Demonstrate appropriate mixed operational processes.
- Use excel/spreadsheet application to enhance understanding of mathematical operations.
- Apply routine mathematical knowledge and skills to solve practical problems in number based problems.
- Select appropriate strategies within application of number.
Module Description
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
- Recognise and use learning strategies best suited to their own particular learning style.
- Organise an effective study plan directed towards their personal learning needs and goals.
- Utilise revision and exam techniques in a way that enhances their academic potential and fulfilment.
- Assess their skills for future study and set viable goals.
- Understand and utilise communication and message skills.
- Plan group events and demonstrate effective group participation.
- Effectively prepare and deliver a group presentation to their peers.
- Access and utilise a Virtual Learning Environment.
Module Description
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
- Describe the basic components of a PC
- Describe and use application and operating software.
- Navigate the Virtual Learning Environment, Email and the Internet
- Demonstrate effective use of a word processing package to create and maintain office documents.
- Prepare and deliver professional presentations using presentation software.
- Design and manage a spreadsheet application to carry out basic spreadsheet functionality.
Module Description
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
- Identify the range of supports available to students in a college campus
- Assess career path to date and create a career plan for the future
- Identify areas of interest and strength to enable focussed career decisions
- Research careers, employment opportunities and educational programmes associated with career choices
- Plan how to finance third level studies
- Create a CV
Module Description
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
- Identify the main purpose of a communication and relate its form to the purpose.
- To recognise the different forms of academic writing.
- Evaluate the usefulness and credibility of different sources and be able to justify their selection.
- Utilise a range of methods for organising and summarising information.
- Demonstrate good academic writing skills in the context of their own discipline of study.
- Demonstrate an ability to reference and acknowledge different sources of information.
- Develop a strong internal standard in relation to the merits of their work.
Show skills in planning, drafting, editing and revising.
Module Description
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
- Effectively plan and execute approaches to research.
- Choose credible sources for referencing.
- Paraphrase and summarise their readings.
- Recognise and avoid plagiarism.
- Speak with authority on a topic, and reflect on their research approaches for continued personal development.
- Develop effective presentation and writing skills through a series of inclass exercises and assessments.
Module Description
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of legal and business principles and rules.
- Communicate and work effectively.
- Engage in the application of frameworks and techniques in an organizational setting.
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills associated with effective practice.
Module Description
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
- Observe and record visual information using a variety of media.
- Use colour creatively.
- Use perspective systems to convey 3 dimensions.
- Explain and demonstrate an understanding of the core design principles.
- Consider appropriate use of design technologies in response to a design brief.
Opportunities for Further Study
Successful completion of the Certificate in Access for Higher Education will show that students’ possess a strong grounding in Mathematics, Academic Learning Skills, and Information & Communications Technology (ICT). Graduates will showcase the cultivation of theoretical and critical thinking skills in core subjects. They will also exhibit self-awareness and an understanding of the implications of personal attributes on career choices.
The programme aids students in effective career decision-making and fosters the ability to devise and implement solutions for well-defined challenges. Graduates of the access programme will apply their knowledge across diverse contexts within all module areas. They will demonstrate accountability for their own tasks and for collaborative efforts within a team. Additionally, students will identify their own and their team's learning needs, taking proactive steps to overcome developmental obstacles. Their ability to convey personal viewpoints will be informed by collaboration and a holistic understanding of multifaceted issues spanning all module domains.
Completion of this access to higher education certificate also creates a pathway to various undergraduate programmes available through IBAT College and ATU.
Entry Requirements
Grade O3 in subjects to include Mathematics and a language other than English in the Leaving Certificate /FETAC Level 5 / Equivalent International Exam.
The applicant must also have sufficient English Language proficiency of IELTS 5.0 (no band lower than 4.5) or higher.
How to Apply
- Complete our Online Application form and a member of our admissions team will contact you.
- Alternatively, please contact our admissions team at: +353 1 5740 183 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to set up a meeting to discuss the course further and/or to apply.
Useful Information for International Students
Below are links to useful information and guidance for International Students.
Learner Protection is provided by Arachas Learner Protection Programme and underwritten by Aviva Insurance Ltd. The current fee is 3.5% of the tuition fee. Protection of Enrolled Learners in accordance with section 65(4)(b) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 (hereafter the 2012 Act), are covered under this agreement for the duration of the agreement.