Mature Student Applicants

Who is a mature student applicant?

A mature student applicant is a person 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time degrees the mature age is 21. There is no upper age limit; we currently have students who range in age from 23 to over 70. Up to 150 mature students begin their studies here each year. Many of our mature entrants undertake preparatory studies in advance of gaining admission.

Mature students apply on the basis of their ‘mature years’. This means that entry to the University is granted on the basis of experience to date – academic, life experience and work history.

(Non-EU mature applicants should contact the International Office for details).

Applying as a mature student - general information

Application for 2025 entry to our level 8 degree programmes for all EU applicants is via the CAO.

All mature applicants must apply to the CAO before February 1 (non-EU mature applicants should contact the International Office for details). Late applications from mature applicants may be accepted after this date depending on the degree course.
- Please note that application to MH001/MH002 BEd Bachelor of Education - Froebel Primary Teaching must be made to the CAO prior to February 1st 2025. Candidates meeting the eligibility criteria for MH001 or MH002 will receive a supplementary application form from Maynooth University.
- Applicants to the Bachelor of Music (MH103) or Community and Youth Work (MH116) degrees must apply in all circumstances before 1st February, as these are restricted entry courses (requiring additional assessment).
Mature students must complete the CAO section for mature applicants fully, indicating clearly past or current studies, and outlining educational goals and objectives. Applicants are assessed on the basis of the information provided on their CAO application form and/or interview/test (where required). All questions on the CAO applicatiom form should be answered in full.
Communication to applicants from the Admissions and Student Recruitment Office is via email.
Late applications from mature students may be accepted after February 1st. Information about degrees which may still be open for application is posted on this section of the website. The final deadline for receipt of late applications is 1st May.
The CAO change of mind facility opens in early May and remains open until 1st July.

Mature application process - by degree

The 2025 mature application process for each degree is outlined below:

TOP

MH001 BEd Bachelor of Education - Primary Teaching
MH002 BEd Bachelor of Education - Primary Teaching (Gaeltacht applicants)
MH003 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (full time)
MH004 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (flexible)
MH101 Bachelor of Arts
MH103 BMus Bachelor of Music (restricted-application course)
MH106 BA Psychology
MH107 BSocSc Social Science
MH109 BA Media Studies
MH111 BA Creative Writing and English
MH116 BSocSc Community and Youth Work (full time) (restricted-application course)
MH201 BSc Bachelor of Science
MH202 BSc Biotechnology
MH203 BSc Biological and Geographical Sciences
MH204 BSc Physics with Astrophysics
MH206 BSc Theoretical Physics and Mathematics
MH207 BSc Data Science
MH208 BSc Biological and Biomedical Sciences
MH209 BSc Psychology (through Science)
MH210 BSc Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry
MH212 BSc Science or Mathematics or Computer Science and Mathematics (with Education)
MH221 BSc Sport Science and Health
MH222 BSc Food Science and Human Nutrition
MH304 BSc Bachelor of Electronic Engineering
MH305 BSc Product Design
MH306 BSc Robotics and Intelligent Devices
MH401 BA Finance
MH402 BSc Quantitative Finance
MH403 BA Accounting and Finance
MH404 BBS/BBA Business and Management or BBS/BBA International Business or BBS/BBA Marketing or BBS/BBA Business and Global Cultures
MH407 BBS/BBA Business and Accounting
MH409 BBA Business and Languages
MH411 BBS/BBA Entrepreneurship
MH412 BSc/BBA Business with Sport Science
MH415 BSc Economics
MH416 BA International Economics
MH501 LLB (Law)
MH502 BCL (Law and Accounting or Business or Criminology or Arts)
MH503 BCL Law and Languages
MH504 BA Criminology
MH601 BSc Computer Science and Software Engineering or Multimedia Mobile and Web Development (through Arts)
MH602 BSc Computer Science and Software Engineering or Multimedia and Mobile and Web Development (through Science)
MH603 BSc Computational Thinking

MH001 BEd Bachelor of Education - Primary Teaching
Apply to the CAO before February 1st. Mature applicants must not be less than 23 years of age on 1st January of the year of entry (i.e. on 1st January 2025 for entry in autumn 2025).
To view DES (Department of Education and Skills) entry requirements for mature applicants click here.

2. Minimum Academic Requirements 2025 – Leaving Certificate Examination.
(a)Minimum grades required in essential subjects:

Subject	Irish	Mathematics	English
Minimum Grade	H4	H7 or O4	H7 or O4
% Mark	60%<70%	30%<40% or 60%<70%	30%<40% or 60% <70%

(b)General grades required in the Leaving Certificate:
In parallel with meeting the minimum grades required in Irish, English and Mathematics, students must have achieved the following grades across their overall results.
•Grade H5 (50%<60%) on a Higher Level paper in not less than three subjects
•Grade O6 (40%<50% Ordinary Level) or H7 (30%<40% Higher Level) in three other subjects in accordance with the Rules and Programme for Secondary Schools.

Combination of results in different Leaving Certificate Examinations
Applicants may combine results obtained at the Leaving Certificate Examination in different years for the purpose of meeting the academic requirements.
Acceptable alternatives to a second-level qualification in Irish, English or Mathematics
A Pass in a University First Arts Examination in Irish, English or Mathematics as deemed appropriate by the Higher Education Institution(s) will be accepted in lieu of the Leaving Certificate Examination or GCE/GCSE requirement for the relevant subject.

Acceptable alternatives to a second-level qualification in Irish
•Grade C obtained in the Matriculation Examination (which existed up to 1992)
•Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, Level C1, UG
•Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, Level B2, UG
•Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge, Maynooth University
•Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge (TEG) at Level B2, Maynooth University (www.teg.ie)
•Diploma in Arts (Applied Irish), University College Cork
•Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge Fheidhmeach, UCD
•Dioplóma sa Ghaeilge (An Ghaeilge sa Saol Comhaimseartha), University of Limerick
•Diploma in Irish at the University of Ulster

Acceptable alternatives to a second-level qualification in Mathematics
•A Pass grade obtained in Mathematics in the Matriculation Examination (which existed up to 1992).
•A merit grade (65-79%) or distinction grade (80-100%) obtained in QQI Level 5 Mathematics Course 5N 1833.

Previous Leaving Certificate Qualifications:
Leaving Cert Grading Schemes (1992-2016 Scheme and New Scheme 2017)

1992 – 2016 Scheme	% Awarded	New Scheme 2017 onwards	% Awarded
A1	90-100	H1 / O1	90-100
A2	85<90	H2 / O2	80<90
B1	80<85	H2 / O2	80<90
B2	75<80	H3 / O3	70<80
B3	70<75	H3 / O3	70<80
C1	65<70	H4 / O4	60<70
C2	60<65	H4 / O4	60<70
C3	55<60	H5 / O5	50<60
D1	50<55	H5 / O5	50<60
D2	45<50	H6 / O6	40<50
D3	40<45	H6 / O6	40<50
E	25<40	H7/O7	30<40
F	10<25	H8/O8	0<30

Minimum Qualifications in GC(S)E and GCE AS and A Level Examinations for admission to the Bachelor of Education Degree Course
General
•Six subjects must be presented, at least three subjects at GCE A Level and the remaining subjects at GCE AS or GC(S)E level. The six subjects must include Irish, English and Mathematics.
•A subject may be counted from only one of the examinations, GC(S)E, GCE AS Level or GCE A Level.
•Only subjects taken at one sitting of a particular examination, GC(S)E, GCE AS Level or GCE A Level, will be accepted. Examinations taken in the same academic year are regarded as the same sitting.

Specific requirements in Irish, English & Mathematics.
•Grade C at GCE A level in at least three subjects, including Irish
•Grade C at GC(S)E Level in both English and English Literature, or Grade B at GC(S)E Level in either English or English Literature.
•Grade D at GC(S)E Level in Additional Mathematics or Grade C at GC(S)E Level in Mathematics
•Grade C in one other subject at GC(S)E level
Applicants must satisfy the matriculation requirements of the University to which the Higher Education Institution is affiliated.

Selection Process
Once applicants have satisfied the minimum academic requirements, selection is on the basis of a competitive general Interview and a competitive Oral Irish Examination. Each Institution will e-mail eligible applicants with a link to their supplementary application form and instructions regarding other necessary steps. Each institution will include applicants who have indicated that they are taking a Leaving Certificate/GC(S)E Examination in 2025 as ‘provisionally eligible’ on the basis that their actual Leaving Certificate/GC(S)E results will be unknown and available by September 2025.
The closing date for the return of the completed supplementary application form and attachments to the Institution(s) is 5.00 p.m. on Sunday 30th March 2025.

The results of these tests will be graded and allocated points as follows:
Interview
Total Marks Available = 100 Marks
Pass Mark = 40 Marks

Oral Irish Examination
Total Marks Available = 40 Marks
Pass Mark = 16 Marks

Applicants who have failed the general Interview on two previous occasions are not eligible for the competition. Part of the general Interview may be conducted in Irish.
Information on the general Interview and Oral Irish Examination is available from the Admissions Office - email [email protected]

Applicants who get a "fail" grade in either the general Interview or the Oral Irish Examination are eliminated from the competition. The remaining applicants are placed in an order of merit determined by the results of the general Interview and Oral Irish Examination combined.
There are three separate order-of-merit lists – one common list for Maynooth University's Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education, one for Marino Institute of Education, one for Dublin City University and a separate list for Mary Immaculate College, Limerick.
Where two or more applicants obtain the same points, their placement on the order of merit will be determined by random selection.
Each Institution will fill its places by reference to the relevant order-of-merit list and offers are made through the CAO using the normal allocation process, working down through the applicant’s preferences to find the highest preference for which the applicant is entitled to receive an offer, if any.
Some high merit applicants will be made offers through the CAO in Round A. The remaining applicants, including those awaiting 2025 examination results, may be made offers through the CAO in Round 1. If necessary, offers may be made in subsequent rounds. The date for issue of Round A and Round 1 offers is yet to be confirmed by the CAO. These dates and other important dates in relation to the CAO application process will be available at this link: Central Applications Office.
Please note that any offer will be subject to fulfilling the minimum entry requirements. An offer by one of the Institutions listed above is subject to the applicant not receiving a higher offer from a Higher Education Institution through the CAO for another course.
Successful applicants who accept places are required to enter the Higher Education Institutions in autumn (actual dates available from the individual Institutions). In special circumstances, at the discretion of the Higher Education Institution authorities, the date of entry may be deferred for a limited period.

Additional Information
1. Proficiency in Irish language:
1.1. Tréimhse Foghlama sa Ghaeltacht (Gaeltacht Learning Period): All students who gain entry to the B.Ed programme are required to complete two placements in the Gaeltacht. Each placement will be of two weeks’ duration. It should be noted that this is a compulsory part of the programme. A grant is payable by the Department of Education for students on State-funded primary initial teacher education programmes to cover the cost of the placements.
1.2. Oral Irish Test: In addition, applicants should note that students will be required to undergo an oral Irish test at the end of their first year of initial teacher education, and must pass this test in order to continue to the second year of the course. Students who fail this oral Irish test may, at the discretion of the Higher Education Institution, be allowed to repeat the test.
2. Student Grants:
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. Students are advised to submit a fully completed online grant application to SUSI so that their eligibility for grant assistance can be assessed. It is anticipated that the 2025/26 Scheme will open for applications in spring 2025. Further information regarding the Student Grant Scheme is available on the SUSI website at www.susi.ie
3. Fitness to Practise:
3.1. Garda Vetting: Before a Higher Education Institution can complete a student registration, the Higher Education Institution requires that all incoming teacher education students undergo a process of Garda vetting in order to establish whether they have any convictions or criminal charges pending. Where this process confirms the existence of such, the matter is referred to a Vetting Committee within the Institution which decides whether the student can continue with his/her programme of study.
3.2. Medical Requirements and Disabilities: Some Higher Education Institutions require that all incoming teacher education students complete a medical information form, indicating whether they have any significant ongoing illnesses or disabilities which might adversely impact their capacity to meet the requirements of the course, including School Placement. Entrants who declare significant health conditions, disabilities or psychological conditions will be assessed on an individual basis to evaluate whether, with reasonable accommodations, they would have the ability to undertake the demands of the programme. Individuals will not be excluded on the grounds that they have a particular condition or disability if it is deemed likely that it would be possible for that person to fulfil the requirements of the course with reasonable accommodation(s). The Higher Education Institutions will advise students as to the procedure to be followed in this regard.

TOP
MH002 BEd Bachelor of Education - Primary Teaching (Gaeltacht Applicants)
Apply to the CAO before February 1st. Mature applicants must not be less than 23 years of age on 1st January of the year of entry (i.e. on 1st January 2025 for entry in autumn 2025).
To view DES (Department of Education and Skills) entry requirements for mature applicants click here.
Gaeltacht Entry Route:
Up to ten per cent of places on the Bachelor of Education programme may be reserved for applicants from the Gaeltacht.
Applicants wishing to apply for the Gaeltacht Entry route to the primary B.Ed. (English Medium) must meet the two criteria listed below as outlined in Circular 34/2021 Updated Entry Criteria for the Gaeltacht Entry Route to the (English Medium) Primary Bachelor of Education
(a) Be resident in a Gaeltacht Language Planning area and
(b) Must obtain at least a H3 in Leaving Certificate Irish
Apart from the requirement to meet both of the criteria listed above, applicants must also meet all the other requirements for entry to the Primary B.Ed. Entry requirements are the same as per MH001 except H3 Irish required for MH002. (Applicants must have a H3 in Irish, O4/H7 English and Maths or equivalent).
Background check by the National Vetting Bureau and a Health Information Form are required.

MH003 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (Full Time)
Late application accepted up to 1st May 2025.
Selection procedure – applicants are required to attend an interview.
Background check by the National Vetting Bureau.
Priority will be given to mature students who have experience of working with young children and who have completed Level 5 and/or Level 6 in early years studies.

TOP

MH004 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (Flexible)
Apply to the CAO via the advanced entry portal.
Applicants are required to have a level 6 Early Childhood qualification or equivalent. Applicants with this requirement may be given advanced entry admission to the second year of this four year degree.
Vetting by the National Vetting Bureau is required.
As this is a flexible degree, the mature age is 21 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. Admission is based on application and interview.
Applicants with a level 6 qualification in Early Childhood Education and Care may apply for exemption from year 1.
Mature students must complete the CAO section for mature applicants fully, indicating clearly past or current studies, and outlining educational goals and objectives.
Candidates are shortlisted for interview on the basis of their CAO application.
Please note that MH004 BA Early Childhood Teaching & Learning (flexible) will run subject to sufficient numbers in 2025. A decision on September 2025 intake will be made in May 2025. For more details please contact the Department.

The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund
On 8th December, 2023 the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, announced a pilot of a new Nurturing Skills Learner Fund.

The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund pilot will make a significant contribution to course fees that early years educators face while pursuing QAB-approved ELC qualifications at levels 7 and 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications. The funding will be paid directly to the higher education institution on behalf of the early years educator in order to minimise the financial and administrative barrier the educator faces when seeking to undertake further studies.

More information about the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund pilot is available on the Department's webpages:
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

TOP

MH101 Bachelor of Arts
Assessment is based on your CAO application and interview where required. The interview explores the applicant's suitability for the degree based on academic preparedness and life/employment experience.

MH103 BMus Bachelor of Music – Restricted course
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Restricted courses must be added before the February 1st deadline and may not be added during the Change of Mind period.
Click here for information about restricted degree courses.
For restricted course MH103 Music applicants will be required to submit an Online Video Audition - please see further information on the Music Department webpages.
Applicants will be contacted by the Music Department with details in mid-March.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate, at audition, a minimum of Grade 6 (ABRSM) on a standard orchestral instrument, piano, organ, classical guitar or voice; traditional Irish instrumentalists of comparable fluency also considered. 3 year degree (4 years with Erasmus/Study Abroad option).

MH106 BA Psychology
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Up to 5 places across the BA (MH106) and BSc (MH209) Psychology programmes are reserved for mature students.
Applicants will be assessed based on their qualifications, work experience, personal statement and other information which is deemed relevant to the programme. Candidates will be shortlisted for interview following evaluation.
Psychological Studies is a subject in the MH101 Bachelor of Arts degree. While there is no transfer option from MH101 into MH106/MH209, there are postgraduate pathways for gaining an accredited PSI degree following MH101.
Click here for more details about Psychological Studies.

TOP

MH107 BSocSc Social Science
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Approximately 30 places reserved for mature students each year.
Applicants will be invited to take a written test in March/April. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.
The test for MH107 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant academic department’s webpages.

MH109 BA Media Studies
Late application accepted up to 1st May 2025.
Approximately 10 places reserved for mature students each year.
Selection procedure – candidates are shortlisted for interview on the basis of the written assessment.

MH111 BA Creative Writing and English
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Approximately 3 places reserved for mature students each year.
Selection procedure – candidates may be shortlisted for interview on the basis of the written assessment.

MH116 BSocSc Community and Youth Work (full time) – Restricted Course
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Restricted courses must be added before the February 1st deadline and may not be added during the Change of Mind period.
Click here for information about restricted degree courses.
Any offer of a place on this programme is subject to a satisfactory background check by the National Vetting Bureau.
As this is a restricted course on the CAO, all applicants to MH116 will be requested to submit a personal statement outlining their reasons for wanting to do this course (in no more than 350 words), two written references and information on work experience.

Applicants are invited for a written assessment in March/April. If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require examination support for any written tests that may be required, please submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2025 to the Access Office. Contact the Access Office: [email protected].

Shortlisted applicants are invited to an individual and a group interview in April. All applicants must have relevant and verifiable experience in youth work and/or community work.
Note 1: 50% of places are reserved for appropriately experienced mature students.
Note 2: Any offer of a place on this programme is subject to a satisfactory background check by the National Vetting Bureau.
Applicants are asked to submit the following:

A personal statement (max 350 words) which addresses:
- Why you are applying for this programme
- Outlining your personal understanding of community work and youth work
- Why you think you would make a good community worker or youth worker
References (two written references from work or voluntary experience or other involvement)

Written assessment
Only candidates shortlisted after the written assessment and submission of personal statement / references will be invited to attend for interview which typically takes place in April.

Preliminary offers pending matriculation results and completion of all procedures, including vetting by the National Vetting Bureau as per the National Vetting Bureau (Children & Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016, are typically made in late May.

Please contact the Department of Applied Social Studies at 01-708 3743 / 01-708 4574 or email [email protected] for further information.
Any offer of a place on this programme is subject to a satisfactory background check by the National Vetting Bureau.

TOP

MH201 BSc Bachelor of Science
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH202 BSc Biotechnology
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH203 BSc Biological and Geographical Sciences
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

TOP

MH204 BSc Physics with Astrophysics
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH206 BSc Theoretical Physics and Mathematics
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
H2 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH207 BSc Data Science
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O1/H5 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH208 BSc Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

TOP

MH209 BSc Psychology (through Science)
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Up to 5 places across the BA (MH106) and BSc (MH209) Psychology programmes are reserved for mature students.
Applicants will be assessed based on their qualifications, work experience, personal statement and other information which is deemed relevant to the programme. Please note that applicants will also be assessed for evidence of numeracy skills based on formal examination results (O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended) and/or relevant work experience (e.g. work experience in such fields as accounting, payroll, auditing, data management, banking, etc.). Candidates will be shortlisted for interview following evaluation.
Psychological Studies is a subject in the MH101 Bachelor of Arts degree. While there is no transfer option from MH101 into MH106/MH209, there are postgraduate pathways for gaining an accredited PSI degree following MH101.
Click here for more details about Psychological Studies.

MH210 BSc Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Chemistry
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH212 BSc Science or Mathematics or Computer Science and Mathematics (with Education)
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended for MH212 SED.
H4 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended for MH212 MED and MCS.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

TOP

MH221 BSc Sport Science and Health
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH222 BSc Food Science and Human Nutrition
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH304 BSc Bachelor of Electronic Engineering
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
H4 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is required.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview.

MH305 BSc Product Design and Innovation
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O3/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH306 BSc Robotics and Intelligent Devices
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
H4 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent is required. A Mathematics Exam is available in late August/early September annually for students who have not attained a H4 in Mathematics.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview.

TOP

MH401 BA Finance
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test in March/April. The test for MH401 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant academic department’s webpages.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent recommended.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Business.

MH402 BSc Quantitative Finance
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to take an entrance test (in maths) in March/April. The test will have a Mathematics component so applicants will be assessed in Mathematics. You do not need to have a particular Leaving Certificate grade (i.e. qualification) in Mathematics to apply, however an O1/H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics (or equivalent) is the minimum level of Mathematics, which will be expected. Following the test applicants may be shortlisted for interview by the School of Business.

MH403 BA Accounting and Finance
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test in March/April. The test for MH403 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant academic department’s webpages.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Business.

MH404 BBS/BBA Business and Management or BBS/BBA International Business or BBS/BBA Marketing or BBS/BBA Business and Global Cultures
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test in March/April. The test for MH404 (all degree streams) takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant academic department’s webpages.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent recommended.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Business.

MH407 BBS/BBA Business and Accounting
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test in March/April. The test for MH407 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant academic department’s webpages.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Business.

TOP

MH409 BBA Business and Languages
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test in March/April. The test for MH409 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant academic department’s webpages.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent recommended.
Advanced French, German, Spanish: Leaving Cert H4 recommended.
Beginner Chinese, French, German, Spanish: no previous study required.
Study abroad in 3rd year.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Business.

MH411 BBS/BBA Entrepreneurship
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test in March/April. The test for MH411 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant academic department’s webpages.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent recommended.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Business.

MH412 BSc/BBA Business with Sport Science
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
You will be invited to take an entrance test in March/April. The test for MH412 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant academic department’s webpages.
O4/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent recommended.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Business.

MH415 BSc Economics
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to take an entrance test in March/April.
The test will have a Mathematics component so applicants will be assessed in Mathematics. You do not need to have a particular Leaving Certificate grade (i.e. qualification) in Mathematics to apply, however an O1/H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics (or equivalent) is the minimum level of Mathematics which will be expected. Following the test applicants may be shortlisted for interview by the Department of Economics.

MH416 BA International Economics
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to take an entrance test in March/April.
The test will have a Mathematics component so applicants will be assessed in Mathematics. You do not need to have a particular Leaving Certificate grade (i.e. qualification) in Mathematics to apply, however an O1/H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics (or equivalent) is the minimum level of Mathematics which will be expected. Following the test applicants may be shortlisted for interview by the Department of Economics.

TOP

MH501 LLB (Law)
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to sit an entrance test in March/April.
The test for MH501 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant webpages.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Law & Criminology.

MH502 BCL (Law and Accounting or Business or Criminology or Arts)
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to sit an entrance test in March/April.
The test for MH502 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant webpages.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Law & Criminology.

MH503 BCL Law and Languages
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to sit an entrance test in March/April.
The test for MH503 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant webpages.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview by the School of Law & Criminology.

MH504 BA Criminology (NEW)
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to sit an entrance test in March/April.
The test for MH504 takes the form of “essay-type” questions related to the subject that you intend to study. For preparation applicants should read up on relevant material in the prospectus and also on the relevant webpages. Shortlisted candidates are then invited for interview by the School of Law & Criminology.

MH601 BSc Computer Science and Software Engineering or Multimedia Mobile and Web Development (through Arts)
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O3/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH602 BSc Computer Science and Software Engineering or Multimedia and Mobile and Web Development (through Science)
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April.
O3/H7 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

MH603 BSc Computational Thinking
Apply to the CAO before February 1st.
Applicants will be invited to take an entrance test (maths) in March/April. H2 Leaving Certificate Mathematics or equivalent recommended.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview.

TOP

Contact the Admissions and Student Recruitment Office
Contact the Mature Student Officer Emer Sheerin

Mature student - applicant with a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty and require support for the test/assessment(s), you will be asked to complete the Mature and Restricted Entry Test/Assessment Supports Request Form and upload your Evidence of Disability documentation.

The closing date for requesting test/assessment supports for mature and restricted entry entrance tests is by 23:59 on 15th March 2025. Applications for test/assessment supports after this date will not be considered.

Contact [email protected] for further information about the supports available.

Mature and Restricted Entry Test/Assessment Supports Request Form

Mature students - returning to education

Returning to education?

Mature students who have been out of formal education for some time often benefit from undertaking a preparatory programme. Maynooth University offers three such options, all of which have guaranteed offers of places on relevant courses for those performing well and attaining the required grades. The courses are as follows:

Maynooth University Certificate in Return to Learning
Maynooth University Certificate in Science (please note that the 2025 Maynooth University Certificate in Science/Computer Science programme will run subject to sufficient numbers. A decision on September 2025 intake will be made in June 2025. For more details or to register your interest, please contact: [email protected]).

Please contact the Fees and Grants Office for fees information

Are there special requirements for mature students who wish to apply for Science / Engineering degrees?

Science degrees at Maynooth University require an aptitude in mathematics and science. For entry to the Faculty of Science and Engineering all candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate a motivation and aptitude to study science. This may be evidenced by previous studies in mathematics and science.

For mature students who wish to study for a degree in Engineering, a strong aptitude in mathematics is required.

Resources to help you make your application

Resources to help you make your application
1. Research - researching the options and selecting the best degree for you is the first step. To make this choice it is essential that you spend some time investigating and researching potential degrees.

Mature Student Handbook
Read or request a copy in the post of the Undergraduate Handbook
Attend our Open Days where you will benefit from mature student talks, subject talks, campus tours, information stands, demonstrations and lab tours. Staff and students are also on hand to answer your questions.
Attend one of our mature student information sessions.
Contact us directly – we are happy to answer any questions you might have. Emer Sheerin - Mature Student Officer.

2. Supports - the Maynooth Access Programme (MAP) offers a range of supports for mature students including:

Welcome Week Orientation programme helping new students to successfully transition into university life.
Advisory Service – new mature students are assigned an Advisor who provides academic, financial, technology and personal/social supports.
Technology training
Mature Student coffee mornings
A Mature Student Society which provides a continuation of peer support for all mature students

CAO Change of Mind

Mature students may use the CAO Change of Mind facility from May 1st to July 1st to make changes to their degree course choices at Maynooth University (add, delete, reorder your course choices if you so wish).

Restricted courses or courses requiring assessment may not be added during the Change of Mind period however these must be included in your list of course choices before the February 1st deadline.

CAO restricted-application courses

Restricted-application courses must be added before the February 1st deadline and may not be added during the Change of Mind period. These must be included in your list of course choices before the February 1st deadline. Click here for information about restricted degree courses.

Mature student applicant with QQI qualification

Applications are invited from mature applicants presenting QQI qualifications. Click here to see list of linked courses. In early August after the release of QQI results, places are allocated on the basis of merit, irrespective of age. You may also be assessed earlier in the year as part of the normal mature selection process.

What is the English requirement where English is not a mature student’s first language?

All candidates are required to satisfy the University's English language requirement. Candidates whose first language is not English may satisfy the requirement through any of the following:

1. NUI Matriculation: English at Level 4 or above, before 1985; at Level D or above, in or after 1985
2. NUI Certificate in English language studies (currently awarded at Shannon College of Hotel Management)
3. Leaving Certificate: English at Grade D ordinary Level as a minimum4. QQI/FETAC ESL: Merit in the module “English as a Second Language” or "Communication"

5. University of Dublin (Trinity College): English Composition (not English Literature) at Pass Level as a minimum
6. UK examining boards/bodies:
·         GCE O Level English Language at Grade C or above
·         GCSE English Language at Grade C or above
·         GCSE English Literature at Grade C or above
· GCSE Grade 1 Pass in English
7. EU countries’ matriculation examinations: matriculation examinations from European Union countries where English is presented as a subject and an acceptable level is achieved
8. The following standard in English language examinations set by certain examination boards – any one of:

Assessments and Qualifications Alliance (AQA) C or above
Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations (OCR) C or above
Edexcel Foundation C or above
University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate (UCLES) C or above
English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP): grade C1 or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)

9. Norwegian Certificate of Upper Secondary Education: a score of 4 or higher in English in the First Part 20

10. Hong Kong Education Examination Authorities
· Hong Kong Certificate of Education, English Language Syllabus B grade C or better
· Hong Kong Examination Authority, Advanced Level Use of English grade C or better
11. Sri Lankan National Certificate in English Pass level or better
12. Other English language examination

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Internet based: minimum score of 90 with a score of at least 20 in each Section. Paper based: minimum score of 600 with Test of Written English at 475+ Must be single sitting.
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC). A minimum score of 750
International English Language Testing System (IELTS). An average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.00 in each band. NB must be Academic version
University of Cambridge:176+ on Cambridge English scale with no less than 169 in each skill and use of English i.e.Proficiency Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2)Advanced Certificate, Grade C or better (CEFR Level C1 or C2) First Certificate, Grade A (CEFR Level C1).

It should be noted that these are the minimum requirements in English and that faculties/colleges may set higher requirements. This information may be subject to change. Contact the Deputy Admissions Officer for further details.

Extra application requirements e.g. language, mathematics

Where there is a mathematics or language requirement at Leaving Certificate above the pass (O6) level, mature applicants may be required to demonstrate to the relevant academic department that they possess the required competency.

Mature Student Appeals Procedure (MH101) Arts

1. Applicants wishing to appeal the outcome of an interview for admission to MH101 Arts are required in the first instance to write to the Admissions Office indicating the grounds for their appeal.
2. The appeal is considered by the Admissions Officer/Assistant Registrar in the first instance. In the event that Admissions Officer/Assistant Registrar was on the initial panel, then the Mature Student Officer will review the appeal.
3. The nature of the appeal may require an initial review of the scoring to ensure that the outcome was the intended outcome by the initial board.
4. The Admissions Officer/Assistant Registrar will review the appeal and in that will review the initial application, interview notes and scores, and seek reference(s). Based on these a decision is made on the appeal.
5. Appeals beyond step 4 are made to the Dean of Arts, Philosophy & Celtic Studies or the Dean of Social Science. This step will be the first stage of appeal if both the Admissions Officer/Assistant Registrar and the Mature Student Officer were members of the initial interview panel.
6. Appeals beyond step 5 are made to the Registrar, who reviews the process and outcomes.
7. The decision of the Registrar is final.
8. All appeals are logged in the Admissions Office and the relevant actions on each is recorded for review on an ongoing basis.

Mature Student Appeals Procedure (Science & Engineering Degrees)

1. Applicants wishing to appeal the outcome of a test or interview for admission to any of the Science or Engineering Degrees are required in the first instance to write to the Admissions Office indicating the grounds for their appeal.
2. The appeal is considered by the Admissions Officer/Assistant Registrar in the first instance. In the event that Admissions Officer/Assistant Registrar was on the initial panel, then the Mature Student Officer will review the appeal.
3. The nature of the appeal may require an initial review of the scoring to ensure that the outcome was the intended outcome by the initial board.
4. The Admissions Officer/Assistant Registrar will review the appeal and in that will review the initial application, grades from the mature student science test, interview notes and scores, and seek reference(s). Based on these a decision is made on the appeal.
5. Appeals beyond step 4 are made to the Dean of the Faculty of Science & Engineering. This step will be the first stage of appeal if both the Admissions Officer/Assistant Registrar and the Mature Student Officer were members of the initial interview panel.
6. Appeals beyond step 5 are made to the Registrar, who reviews the process and outcomes.
7. The decision of the Registrar is final.
8. All appeals are logged in the Admissions Office and the relevant actions on each is recorded for review on an ongoing basis.

Non-EU/International mature applicants - fees information

Non-EU/International students applying for a level 8 degree (Bachelor)
Undergraduate applicants presenting Non-EU qualifications must apply directly to Maynooth University via the online application portal at www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth.
Applications must be received by 30th June 2025.

International Office: Fees information for non-EU/International applicants - see the flowchart on the Fees Office webpages.
Fees Office - Fees Flowchart

Research

Undergraduate Studies

Postgraduate Studies

International

Search form