The Programme Advisory Office in conjunction with staff from across the University as part of the #BeSeptemberReady campaign hosted a series of information session to assist you in preparing for your second year programme. The sessions covered included:
- What is an Elective?
- Subject and Module Choices for Arts and Non Science students
- Subject and Module Choices for Science Students
- Exam Results Explained
- Transfer Options within the School of Business
- Transfer Options with the School of Law and Criminology
- All you need to know about using the Carers and Employability Service
- All you need to know about pursuing Teaching as a Career
The Planning Ahead Week Presentations and Resources are available on the Programme Advisory Office webpage.
Many second year students have the flexibility to customise their programme of study. A student studies 60 credits in each academic year; our flexible pathways allows you to choose how you distribute these 60 credits between your subject(s). A range of options are available to students, including: Double Major, Major/ Minor and Single Major with the options of choosing electives as part of these pathways.
If you are unsure about which pathways are available in your programme, please consult your programme’s page on Coursefinder.
Note: All choices are subject to timetable viability and individual programme requirements. Students must pass a subject in first year in order to study that subject in second year.
For further information, please visit the Programme Advisory Office webpage.
We are very excited to offer Electives to our second year students as part of the new Maynooth Education. An Elective is a great way to enhance your degree by enabling you to develop new skills that will compliment your chosen programme. Electives allow students to broaden their perspective by studying across disciplines thus learning how to think differently and appreciate different viewpoints. We know employers want graduates who can look at the world in different ways and find creative solutions to challenging problems. Students may also choose to take an Elective because they are intrigued by the topic.
Why take an Elective:
- Broaden your perspective by taking an interdisciplinary topic
- For the opportunity to learn with students from other disciplines
- Develop transferable skills for the future e.g. study of a modern language, entrepreneurship, or science communication
- Because you are interested in the topic
Each Elective is 10 credits so for all students an Elective makes up 1/6 of your study in second year. Electives are assessed and count towards your second year marks. Taking an Elective doesn’t mean taking on extra modules; students who take an Elective do 10 credits less in their other subject(s).
If you have any questions about the Electives, please see the Electives webpage.
Subject Choice:
I am a second year Arts student, can I change my pathway at the beginning of third year?
The pathway (single major/double major or major with minor) you chose at the beginning of second year is your pathway for the remainder of your Arts programme. You will not have the option to change it when you register for third year.
If you believe there are extenuating circumstances that necessitate a change to your pathway, you can use the RE1- Extenuating Circumstances Form to request a change to your pathway.
I am a second year Science student, how many subjects will I study in third year?
As a MH201 Science student, you will progress two of your second year subjects into third year. If you registered for an Elective, you will take the two subjects you studied at 20 credits into third year.
It is not possible to study Chemistry and Mathematical Physics together in third and fourth year.
I registered for an Elective in second year, will this appear on my transcript?
Yes, if you registered for an Elective in second year, it will appear on your transcript, however, it will not appear on your degree parchment.
Teaching as a Career:
Is it compulsory to study Irish if I want to become a primary school teacher?
No. Irish as a subject at University is not necessary for the PME Primary. Students are asked to attain the TEG B1 oral as part of the PME Primary Application process. If you dont meet the Leaving Cert Irish requirememts (Irish H4) then passing the TEG B2 is an acceptable alternative. You can view various information sheets on Getting into Teaching on the Careers Service website.
What modules do I need to study to become a secondary school teacher in my subjects?
The Teaching Council of Ireland set the subject requirements for teaching at post-primary level. You can find the subject requirements here.
You can view various information sheets on Getting into Teaching on the Careers Service Website.
