Dublin City University - Qualifax

ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE
DRUMCONDRA
About the Institute
St Patrick’s College of Education was established in 1875 as a
Catholic teacher training college. It is located in Drumcondra,
just north of the city centre, on the main Dublin Belfast Road and
is very well serviced by public transport. Since 1993, the College
has been a College of Dublin City University and all courses are
accredited by the University.
The College currently has a student body of 2,400 students, taking courses in
Education and Arts/Humanities at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Students
enjoy a high level of informal as well as formal support from academic staff and
student support services. Mature students feature amongst the many success
stories of St Patrick’s. When our BA degree was introduced in 1993, the College
authorities decided at the outset to reserve up to 30% of places for mature students,
10% of places are reserved for mature students on our B.Ed. degree (this percentage
is determined by the Department of Education and Science). Between 1996 and 2005,
422 mature students graduated from the College, 92% with an honours degree. The
College participates in the European Erasmus/Socrates Programmes and in exchange
programmes with a number of North American Colleges.
OTHER HEIs
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Pre-entry Supports
Pre-entry guidance and information is available from the Admissions Office and the
Mature Student Advisory Service.
Open Day held in November each year for all intending students.
Dedicated web site for mature applicants and students at www.spd.dcu.ie/adultweb
Information booklet for mature applicants.
Outreach activities: the Mature Student Officer is available to visit adult education
and VTOS centres to speak with prospective students about our courses and
application procedures.
Mature Student Open Evening - the College participates in the Mature Student Open
Evening held in DCU.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be 23 years or over on or before January 1st in year of entry.
Applicants must apply directly to the College to be considered for entry on mature
grounds (deadline 2nd April in year of entry).
B.Ed. direct applicants are interviewed and must also attend an oral Irish
examination in May.
B.A. direct applicants are interviewed and sit a short written test in May.
Where applicants are sitting exams, the results may be sought before arriving at a
final decision.