Dublin City University - Qualifax

SECTION 5
Access/Foundation Courses have been established in a number of
institutions to prepare mature students for the challenges of third
level education. These pre-entry courses can be full time or parttime,
depending on your requirements. Some access/foundation
courses prepare you for specific courses such as science, commerce
or engineering while others provide a more general preparation for
courses in arts and social sciences.
My name is Susan Kelly. I left school after my Intermediate certificate
which was not unusual for that time and after finishing a secretarial course
worked for the next 13 years in administration.
After having two children, I decided to re-train. I applied for a place
on a Return to Education two year part- time course in Inchicore College
of Further Education. It was during my time in Inchicore College I heard
about the Trinity Access Programme. I applied and was lucky enough to
secure a place. I then applied for a place on the Sociology and Social Policy
degree course and was accepted.
I found my first year in Trinity a little overwhelming but the other
mature students were a great support to me. I passed all my exams and
continued on to my second year. I feel as a mature student I need a great
deal of support from college and family as it is difficult to juggle student life
and home life. There can also be the financial strain of only one income in a
household. On a positive note my overall experience in Trinity College has
been good. I have learned quite a bit about myself as well as the subjects I
am studying. If someone was to ask my advice about returning to college
as a mature student I would definitely recommend it but I would also stress
the huge amount of commitment and motivation needed.
Mature Student, TCD