Access To University Course?

Grindylow

Hey, I'm a current 6th year student and I'd love to study Psychology in UL but I'm apprehensive about whether or not I'll achieve the points for the course. I should be able to qualify for HEAR and the Local Maintenance Grant which are the factors for the Access To University Course.

I was wondering if anyone here has done the course, and how hard it is to get a place on the course? Is there a really small intake for it?

Thanks.

Mossin

Hey Noel2k9,

There are a number of students on this forum who have come through the HEAR route to gain access to courses in UL, and I am one of the elder statesmen of that route. I was a mentor/leader for the programme for the past 2 years, and got to know a lot of great students that way, so I feel I can comment on the programme with confidence.

Firstly, if you are eligible for the HEAR route and the Grant, THEN DEFINITELY APPLY! As I have said on numerous occasions to 6th year students in various Limerick schools, 'IF YOU DONT APPLY, YOU CANT APPLY LATE, THEREFORE ITS BEST TO BE IN FROM THE BEGINNING!'

On the HEAR programme last september we had 106 1st year students across various disciplines - Business, Woodwork Teaching, Nursing, Psychology etc...

Each course has different numbers that can be accepted through the HEAR progamme, and more information can be obtained by contacting the Access Office in UL directly: access@ul.ie or 061 213 104 .... Laoise will probably answer the phone, and is capable of dealing with most queries. If not, she will pass you to either Deirdre, Josephine or John, all of whom will help you accordingly.

Best of luck with the LC btw, and I hope you get into UL, and if you do get in through the HEAR route, remember to respect the staff who help you, and dont forget to give help to them when asked for.

/David

Grindylow

Thanks a million Mossin. I'll hopefully get either Psychology (I doubt it.. It's around 510 points now so with HEAR probably 490, which I probably won't get) or Psychology and Sociology (480 now.. So maybe 460 with HEAR?).

Do those figures seem about right? I know it says once you achieve 80% of the points but realistically it wouldn't be that much?

GV_NRG

hey i was just wondering what else can the HEAR scheme offer besides reduced points? like how much is the grant etc.?

Grindylow

As far as I know it's around €1500..

garv123

GV_NRG wrote: »

hey i was just wondering what else can the HEAR scheme offer besides reduced points? like how much is the grant etc.?

the normal full grant it 6k so if your entitled to the hear scheme you'll get more ontop of that i think.
from the website
O

rientation programmes to introduce students to university or college
Extra tuition if needed
Help with study skills and exam preparation
One-to-one meetings with student advisors,
Social gatherings,
Mentoring
Advice about grants and scholarships
Bursaries when available.

http://www.accesscollege.ie/hear/benefits.php

also a laptop if you need one i think.

Mossin

Noel2k9 wrote: »

As far as I know it's around €1500..

The HEAR Grant ss not €1,500 anymore due to cuts, and increasing numbers attending through the programme. Last year it was approximately €800 per student.
The local authority grant varies depending on whether you are entitled to 25%, 50% or a full-grant.

Here is UL's access office site: http://www2.ul.ie/web/WWW/Services/Student_Affairs/Student_Specialised_Supports/Access_Office

UL has the best Access Office dealing with HEAR applicants, and the amount of students who offer their time back in the form of mentoring shows just how highly they regard the staff there.