I would like to go to Trinity to do MSISS

juanveron45

the MSISS degree to me it looks very interesting and what I like about it is that its very broad and flexible, alas i have 2 problems

1.I dont have enough points to apply as my LC points were very low but since im 28 I would be applying as a mature student anyway, I have a diploma in analytical chemistry from I.T Carlow which may help my case but there are only 24 places so my chances are very slim I would say, would you say my chances are romote?

2.I will have to work parttime to finance myself going back to uni,is this possible while doing this course?

also is it more expensive to live in the trinity campus or get your own accomodation?

Stargal

This thread may be useful to you juanveron, as it has lots of general info about MSISS.

In the thread, someone mentions that you'd usually have about 22 hours per week for lectures (at least in first year anyway) so it would sound like you would have enough spare time to work a part-time job, but maybe xebec or someone else who does MSISS would be able to better advise if this is feasible?

As regards your chances being remote - well first of all, look at it more positively. They definitely do accept mature students (it says so on the course website) so your best bet is to ring up their office tomorrow (896-1768) and ask them what experience/qualifications they expect mature students to have, and exactly what the application process will be.

Finally accommodation on campus is ridiculously over-priced - see the rates for all rooms here
Having said that, living on campus is brilliant but if you're 28 you might find some of the rules a tad restrictive (e.g. if you're having an overnight guest you have to sign them in before midnight).

Also you've probably seen it already but the MSISS website is excellent: http://www.msiss.com/

Good luck dude, hope it goes well for you.

xebec

Great post Laika, thanks for passing on that info!

juanveron45, I got your PM, but will respond here if that's ok by you?

I'm not entirely sure what the process is for mature students getting into the course, particularly points wise, but I'd definitely give the office a ring - they're very helpful and will have all the information you need! It is definitely possible to get in as a mature student, there was one in my class, but they don't make it easy - you're expected to be able to discuss why you want to do the course etc.

As regards part-time work, quite a few people in the class do have jobs, particularly in the first 3 years, less so in final year. While there are 22 hours of lectures, this isn't a small amount, and at certain periods during the year it gets very busy with project work. If you have to work then it's not really a big issue, project teams are usually quite flexible about it.

The only major issue I've come accross for mature students is the maths requirement - the aforementioned mature student failed because of it. However, the amount of mathematics being taken is being reduced from this year on so it's not as big an issue as it was when I started.

Any other questions?

juanveron45

juanveron45 wrote:

2.I will have to work parttime to finance myself going back to uni,is this possible while doing this course?

Just to cover this... it would be worthwhile seeing if you would be entitled to a grant (could be up to €6000 a year). As a mature student you would be applying on your own income, assuming you're independent from your parents. There's some basic information here to get you started up and some other information here.

And within Trinity there is a maths help room, which is free for anyone to come along to while you're a student which could help you out if there's any problems.