We welcome queries regarding all aspects of undergraduate study at Maynooth University - from course content, application process to student life and more.
Some of the questions most frequently asked of us are listed below.
If your question isn't listed then please, get in touch - via the webchat bubble or in your preferred way.
Frequently Asked Questions
ToggleCAO 2024 application process?
Can I defer my CAO offer to study at Maynooth?
What undergraduate information events do you organise?
We organise a range of events for prospective students and their parents/guardians/interested parties.
Why is the MH101 BA degree the leading course in the CAO?
MH101 has been the leading course for first preference CAO applications for a number of years.
Approximately 1,600 students begin MH101 each year. These students have up to four weeks to choose up to four subjects from more than thirty. After first year there may be an option to move into a specialised degree, depending on the first year subjects you chose and your results.
Do minimum entry requirements apply to all applicants?
Minimum entry requirements for all degrees (apart from MH001/MH002 which have specific Irish and English minimum requirements): Leaving Certificate applicants must present a minimum of 6 subjects in their Leaving Certificate, with 2 Higher Level H5 and 4 Ordinary or Higher Level O6/H7, including Irish and English.
Other applicant categories (e.g. QQI applicants) have different minimum requirements.
Exemptions from minimum entry requirements must be applied for through the NUI. NUI is the National University of Ireland of which MU is a constituent University. NUI is the degree awarding body for the constituent Universities.
Critical Skills
There are some skills that we regard as critical for a university education and that every university graduate should have. These are also skills that are highly valued by today's employers. You must be able to deal with complex arguments, evaluate evidence and make balanced judgments, and communicate ideas clearly both verbally and in writing. Because these skills are so important, both in university and beyond, we are offering a specially designed foundation course for first-year students in critical skills.
Our Critical Skills courses aim to develop these skills early in the university learning experience. They will aid the transition to third level while at the same time complementing and supporting disciplinary learning. They are designed to help first year students (second year for some degrees) to learn, experience, practice and develop essential skills that will support their learning. These skills include:
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Academic writing
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Analysis and use of data
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Analytical thinking
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Communication
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Critical thinking
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Developing learning skills
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Information processing
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Interpersonal skills
We use innovative teaching techniques facilitated by the support of the Library and the small class size to develop these skills.
Critical Skills courses are a 15 credit option in many of our degrees. Students can choose to take a Critical Skills course as one of their credit-bearing courses in first year of many degrees (second year in the case of science degrees). You will take part in small group sessions every week, which will give you an opportunity to develop and practice these essential skills right from the outset.
NUI exemptions from entry requirements
Exemptions from minimum entry requirements:
If you are seeking an exemption from minimum entry requirements such as Irish (ROI applicants only) or a third language you must contact the NUI. NUI is the National University of Ireland of which MU is a constituent University. NUI is the degree awarding body for the constituent Universities. See www.nui.ie for details. Apply to the NUI without delay and no later than 21 days after opening your CAO account.
Teaching Council requirements to teach at second level
The Teaching Council sets out general and specific requirements for teachers of recognised subjects in mainstream second level education. If you are considering teaching at second level as a career, you will need to ensure you choose subjects that are recognised by the Teaching Council and that the content of your degree meets Teaching Council requirements.
Do I need mathematics and/or a third language for all degrees?
Some of our courses in the Arts and Humanities require a third language e.g. BA MH101 but many courses in business, law, science, engineering do not require a third language. Mathematics is not required for many degrees e.g. MH101.
See the Minimum Entry Requirements tab above for more details.
List of the undergraduate courses on offer at Maynooth University?
This information is available from a number of sources:
- Colleagues in the Admissions Office are happy to answer your queries
- General course and Maynooth University information is available in our Undergraduate Prospectus
- The Course Finder gives detailed information about our undergraduate degrees and indicative modules
- Open Days and other information events organised by the Admissions Office provide a wealth of information
Key term dates 2023-2024
Click here for details of key term dates 2023 - 2024
*dates may change
What is the cost of attending university?
What are the requirements for a mature student?
Maynooth University has one of the highest participation rates of mature students in Ireland, currently ranging in age from 23 to 75 years old.
Click here for details of how to make your mature student application.
What were the Leaving Certificate points requirements last year?
Leaving Certificate entry requirements information (including points, and basic and specific course requirements).
Note that these requirements/points do not necessarily apply to mature students.
What accommodation is available?
We offer a range of accommodation options including: on-campus, digs, and house share.
Further details are available from the Accommodation Office.
Can I transfer to Maynooth University from another college or university?
Are student activities organised on campus?
Visit the Maynooth Students' Union webpages for details.
How can I find out about grants?
As a foreign student, am I obliged to take any English language tests and if so where can I take them?
EU applicants should check here for the English requirements for their country. An accepted English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL etc can be used if they do not meet the English criteria listed for their country.
Are student exchange programmes available at Maynooth University and will there be opportunities for me to study abroad?
We have links with approximately 100 universities as part of the Socrates/Erasmus/Study Abroad programmes. These programmes are organised by the International Office.
Social Welfare - forms stamped
How do I organise vetting by the National Vetting Bureau?
BREXIT
Brexit Update
Further information on Brexit related requirements, advice and support for individuals and businesses is available.
COVID-19
All the latest information is available via this webpage:
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/coronavirus