new horizons - Institute of Technology Blanchardstown

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14
Institute of Technology Blanchardstown
Part-time Prospectus 2009 | 2010 15
Section TWO
THE WHO, WHY AND
WHAT OF CONTINUING
EDUCATION AT ITB
CHOICES FOR MATURE STUDENTS
The following education options are
available to you as a mature student at ITB.
RETURN AS A FULL-TIME STUDENT
Choosing any course of study, part-time
or full-time, represents a commitment
to your future. The primary advantage of
full-time study is that qualifications can
be obtained over a shorter time period
than is possible when studying part-time.
For those currently employed full-time,
there are the obvious financial implications
inherent in changing your situation.
Returning to full-time study means a
big life change. However, many full-time
students find that they can concentrate on
studies with a lot less distraction; that it
is easier to integrate into college life, and
that they get a more rounded educational
experience. For details of full-time courses
on offer see our full-time prospectus or
visit our website www.itb.ie
ATTEND COURSES PART-TIME
Part-time courses allow you to combine
full-time employment with education.
You can maintain an income and work
towards your educational objective
at a pace that suits your particular
circumstances. At ITB we have designed
our part-time programmes in a way
which accommodates the competing
commitments of employment and
education. Full details of our part-time
courses offered are in the next section of
this prospectus.
HOW DO I MAKE THE BEST COURSE
CHOICE?
There are a lot of factors to consider
before returning to education. Before you
decide to apply for any individual course,
you should be comfortable that the course
suits your learning needs.
A FEW WORDS OF ADVICE!
• Read information on courses carefully.
If you have any queries, contact the
marketing team on 01 885 1000 or
e-mail info@itb.ie.
• Check that your present qualifications
and/or life and work experience are
sufficient to allow you to take the
course and be comfortable with the
material and coursework involved.
• Remember taking any course
represents a significant time and
energy commitment. Check that your
home and work situations facilitate the
time necessary to attend class, study
and examinations.
The ITB marketing team will be happy
to give you information and advice in
relation to all programmes before you
start the course. When you apply to ITB
the admissions team will process your
application form and meet you when you
arrive to register and start your course.
The part time course administrator will be
available during the year should you have
any queries or questions.
ONCE I’VE MADE MY CHOICE, HOW
DO I ENROLL?
Application to part-time courses is
made directly to ITB by completion of
the application form enclosed with this
prospectus or download the form at
www.itb.ie or by applying on-line at
www.itb.ie and follow the links. Please
note that the number of participants on
certain courses is limited. We recommend
that you apply early in order to ensure
a place on the course of your choice.
Applications for all courses in this
prospectus are being accepted now. Once
you have decided the course that best
suits you and your learning requirements,
there are a few simple steps to follow.
• Complete the application form. If you
do not already have an application
form please request one from ITB’s
marketing team on 01 885 1000, or
e-mail info@itb.ie. Alternatively if you
wish to pay by credit card you can apply
online at www.itb.ie
• Return the application form, with
appropriate payment and necessary
supporting documentation to ITB (see
‘How Do I Pay?’ pg 17 for details).
• All applications will be acknowledged
by the admissions team. Online
applicants will receive an email
acknowledgement and a receipt.
• Successful applicants will be notified of
their registration date and the course
start date in September/February.
• Successful applicants will be asked
to attend a registration session.
Registered students will receive:
– Information on library services,
computer services and information
from the estates department.
– General information and guidance on
course content.
WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM ENTRY
REQUIREMENTS?
Having the right motivation for returning to
education is as important as any previous
academic achievement. Work experience
and personal interests will also have a
bearing on your suitability for the course.
The standard minimum entry requirement
is a pass in five Leaving Certificate
subjects including mathematics and either
English or Irish, or equivalent qualification.
Leaving Certificate mathematics at
foundation level is acceptable, at grade B2
or higher, for meeting the mathematics
entry requirements for entry to certain
part-time programmes in ITB. Please
refer to each individual course for more
information.
Mature students (i.e. those who are
aged 23 years or more on January 1st
in the year of entry) applying for the first
level of programmes are exempt from
this requirement.
However, if you are under 23 years of
age, some of the programmes have
very specific requirements in relation
to Leaving Certificate results or FETAC
awards, so be careful to check the
minimum entry requirement listings for
each programme in the course information
section and submit copies of results if
necessary in order for your application to
be processed.
APPLICANTS PRESENTING FETAC
AWARDS
The minimum entry requirement for
graduates of FETAC Level 5 or 6 (formerly
NCVA level 2 or 3) awards to programmes,
or modules from programmes;
• Higher certificate (NFQ level 6) courses
is a full FETAC (Level 5 or 6) award.
• Ab-initio ordinary degree (NFQ level 7)
courses is a full FETAC (Level 5
or 6) award.
• Ab-initio honours degree (NFQ level
8) courses is a full FETAC (Level 5 or
6) award in a course in a cognate area
and including a distinction grade in at
least three modules.
The award must include mathematics
(C20139) or mathematics for computing
(C20175) or mathematics for engineering
(C20174) for applicants to the Higher
Certificate in Science in Computer
Systems Management (BN026) and the
Higher Certificate in Engineering in
Mechatronics (BN903).