Maynooth University Certificate in Science

Maynooth University Certificate in Science/Computer Science

This course will not be offered for the academic year 2024/2025. For information regarding alternative pathways to study for mature students, please email [email protected]. For more information on FETAC/QQI linked courses available offering pathways into Science and Engineering degrees at Maynooth University, please see our website: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/undergraduate-studies/how-apply/qqi-fetac.

Information on the next available start date will be posted on the University website. Please note that the format and duration of the course may be subject to change in the future.

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 2024) 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 2024, will allow enrolment on the first year of the degree course listed below:

Bachelor of 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.

Content
Under the Science strand, the course provides a broad introduction to Science, with modules on Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Under the Computer Science strand, the course provides a broad introduction to Science with particular emphasis on Computer Science modules along with Mathematics, Experimental Physics, Mathematics Physics and Electronic Engineering.

The Course also provides an introduction to study skills and the psychology of learning. It supports transition to university through classes on information technology, effective communication and academic writing. Students will gain experience of working in groups, independent study and giving presentations. Students complete assignments throughout the year and receive feedback on their work. Such experiences will be of particular benefit for those going on to degree level study.

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.

Content

Under the Science strand, the course provides a broad introduction to Science, with modules on Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering Science, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Under the Computer Science strand, the course provides a broad introduction to Science with particular emphasis on Computer Science modules along with Mathematics, Experimental Physics, Mathematics Physics and Electronic Engineering.

Testimonials

Our former students have used the certificate in science as a route to a vast number of different jobs and further qualifications:

With the starting point of the Certificate in Science, I was able to progress on to ever more advanced levels of study, and a whole world of opportunity has opened up to me now. My previous highest qualification at 25 years of age was "General Operative" in a mundane factory job.
As well as getting up to speed with roughly leaving cert level maths and science, the study skills module was really good for teaching me how to manage my time and prepare for lectures; without these skills I reckon I could easily have become overwhelmed at times throughout the degree. But thanks to the Maynooth Certificate in Science, I eventually received the highest qualification of doctor, and now get to work with amazing people in really exciting places like NASA, ESA, and Dublin's Institute for Advanced Studies.
– Dr. Colm Bracken, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.

The Maynooth University Certificate in Science helped me fulfil a lifelong ambition to study science. Having left formal education after my leaving certificate, returning to learning after 25 years of working in a variety of jobs was a daunting prospect. The greatest thing the Certificate course taught me was how to study in third level. It gave me confidence in my ability to learn new things and provided me with a pathway into the Science degree course. I went on to complete a PhD in Biology and I now lecture in the Biology Department in Maynooth University as well as continuing to do research in ecology. One of the most satisfying aspects of my teaching role is that I now get to work with new Science Certificate students so I can give something back to the course and encourage new groups of students along the path into science as mature students.
– Dr. Abigail Maher, Lecturer, Department of Biology, Maynooth University.

Engaging with the certificate in science laid out a solid foundation when going into first year general science. On top of studying relevant material, I was already acquainted with the facilities and some of the staff, which further contributed to a much easier semester 1.
I continued working hard and have performed very well in my course thus far with an end of year overall average of 80% (I am currently in 4th year of the mathematics with education program) guaranteeing me a place on year 2 of the Professional Master of Education.
Besides the obvious reward of college - becoming a teacher - I have found that I truly love mathematics and should I change my mind about school teaching I will pursue further studies of pedagogic methodologies in maths such as Maths Circles or Aloha mental arithmetic. In other words, not only am I pursuing a goal I am passionate about, I found a few other ones to fall back on should I change my mind.
- Maciej Majnusz, 4th Year Mathematics With Education Student, Maynooth University.

Returning to education as a mature student is both daunting and challenging. However, the level of support given by the tutors and fellow students is second to none. The cert course offers an opportunity to experience life as a university student while “dipping your toe” into a variety of subjects.
My advice to anyone considering this course is to keep your mind open. You may have a plan of what course you would like to study as an undergraduate. You may find you are interested in other topics on the course. The cert course will give you choices.
I completed my Chemistry degree (having changed my mind) in 2012 and my PhD in 2016. Since then I have been working in the Chemistry Dept. at MU where one of my roles is tutor on the Cert course. I have completed the full circle!!
So, go on, be brave, challenge yourself to be the best you can be. You won’t regret it.
- Dr Karen Herdman PhD, Department of Chemistry, Maynooth University

Going back to university at 32 was a hard decision and it felt like it was a second chance. However, starting my trip with the certificate in science first, was the best decision I ever made. The program of Certificate in science introduced me to different subjects, brought me back to maths, helped me to remember and learn steps I had forgotten and gave me a great idea on what university life was like. This course helped me to decide what I really want to pursue. Now, I am a graduate of 2021 in Biological and Biomedical science. And this is only because I had a support and encouragement as a mature student from staff, the MAP office, and a the leading person of the programme.
I will never regret starting from certificate in science, because it gave me a ground in academic knowledge before I got accepted to MU, and it gave me confidence, because it is hard to join a new group in university, especially for mature student. To any mature student who want to pursue a career in science and is not sure about the following steps, I would encourage to take Certificate in science course.
- Justina Jablokov (BSc in Biological and Biomedical Science), currently doing MSc in Immunology and Global Health

I returned to education after years working in the retail industry to pursue my goal of becoming a Marine biologist. Having been told I would need a certificate to gain entry into Marine biology, I came across Maynooth’s Certificate in Science and applied.
Returning to education was daunting, especially when your previous experience with academia was receiving low grades and having little confidence in your academic ability. From day one I felt nothing but support from the certificate faculty members. The pace of the course allowed me to become re-aquated with academics whilst also giving me a strong foothold for 1st year of the undergraduate. I also got to experience subjects I never studied in school such as chemistry. Maynooth’s certificate in science and the support I received left such a positive impression on me, that I decided to remain in Maynooth. I have just finished my double honours degree in Biology and Chemistry and know if it wasn’t for the confidence and knowledge I gained in the certificate, I would not have made it this far.
- Sean Gillivan, currently doing MSc in Biotherapeutics and Business in UCD

Fees

Fees for this Foundation Course are €900.00. Students eligible for the Back to Education Allowance do not have to pay fees (contact Department of Social Protection Office).

Applications

Information on the next available start date will be posted on the University website.

Enquiries relating to course content:

Email: [email protected]

General enquiries to:

Email: [email protected] / Telephone 01 708 3307

Research

Undergraduate Studies

Postgraduate Studies

International

Search form

Maynooth University Certificate in Science