- Entrance Scholarships are awarded to incoming first year students, who have obtained 575 points or more in the Leaving Certificate. In 2024, over 80 new MU students pursuing a range of degree courses were awarded Entrance Scholarships. The €1,000 Entrance Scholarship is automatically awarded, and Scholars also have the option of campus accommodation (normal fees apply).
- Almost 1 in 4 Entrance Scholars chose the MH101 BA Bachelor of Arts degree - this degree was 307 points in 2024.
Caoimhe Halpin, a 2023 Entrance Scholar and BA student, tells us about her CAO choice, academic experiences and her involvement in Clubs and Societies at MU.
"I am in my second year of the Bachelor of Arts degree. I chose MH101 on my CAO application due to the wide range of options that this fantastic degree has to offer. I loved that BA students have the opportunity to study up to four subjects in first year and so I chose International Development, Geography, Nua-Ghaeilge and Sociology.
I was lucky enough to obtain 602 points in my Leaving Certificate and was therefore awarded an Entrance Scholarship - a €1000 award with a year of guaranteed accommodation (normal fees would apply).
Some people questioned why I chose to study a course with lower points. I chose to study Arts because of the wide range of options that it provides. I was unsure of what career path to take or degree to choose and I recognised that studying Arts at Maynooth University would provide me with the greatest volume of career options. A number of my fellow Entrance Scholars chose MH101 for the same reasons.
In second year I chose to continue with Sociology and Nua-Ghaeilge and will complete my degree with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Nua-Ghaeilge.
I am thoroughly enjoying my time at Maynooth University. Each day I learn valuable skills in lectures and tutorials from supportive and knowledgeable lecturers and tutors. Maynooth University has provided an encouraging, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment that has allowed me to thrive.
Being a student here has enabled me to better myself academically and provides me with new experiences that will benefit me in my future career. For example, I had the joy of acting as the class representative for Nua-Ghaeilge in first year. I was also lucky enough to be awarded the prize for the best overall performance in first year Geography 2023-2024. In sum, Maynooth University has provided me with countless opportunities to gain valuable skills such as determination, patience, and leadership and I have grasped these opportunities.
I have also made valuable friendships within the fantastic clubs and societies on campus. In first year I joined the Drama Society, Cuallacht Cholmcille and the Shotokan Karate Club. As part of the MU Drama society, I acted in a play called “Sometimes it Gets Loud” in the Debs Festival and a play called “Drama Goes Wrong” as part of the Irish Student Drama Awards Festival.
Membership in the MU Shotokan Karate Club enabled me to improve my karate skills as well as participate in an intervarsity karate competition in ATU Galway. It also allowed me to meet with students in other colleges and strengthen my friendships within Maynooth University.
Membership of Cuallacht Cholmcille has also enabled me to improve my conversational Irish skills through events such as Tae agus Plé, Pop up Gaeltachtaí, and games nights. This year I am the second year representative on this wonderful society’s committee.
I also became a member of Maynooth University Canoeing and Kayaking Club in second year and go kayaking on the canal in Maynooth. I am in the process of setting up a new dodgeball club in Maynooth University too and will act as chairperson.
Lastly, I am a Student Ambassador which has enabled me to demonstrate to potential and prospective students the wonderful opportunities that Maynooth University has to offer.
Overall, my time here so far has been truly transformative and has shaped me as a person."