2. Welcome to
Maynooth University
Welcome to Maynooth University.
For over 200 years we have been educating future leaders. Past students
have carried their Maynooth experience with them into all walks of life
and all corners of the globe. Some of our distinguished alumni include
Nobel Prize winners, prominent politicians, scientific visionaries and
leaders in the business world.
Studying at Maynooth University International Summer School is a
unique undertaking. Time spent on our beautiful campus, close to
Dublin, provides you with the opportunity to broaden your perception
of your area of study in a relaxed, international environment.
Our exceptional faculty challenge you to question your current
understanding and encourage you to actively participate in theoretical
classroom debate. This positive, lively environment is extended to our
group workshops and field trips which provide you with both Irish and
European view points.
3. Prof. Ronan Reilly
Dean of International & Graduate Studies
Experiential learning and personal development are key priorities of the
Maynooth University curriculum. A significant portion of our planning
and preparation for the Summer School goes towards facilitating and
enabling students to experience our wonderful contemporary and
historical cultural heritage in Ireland. Great efforts are made to not
only give students a window into Ireland through supervised day and
weekend trips throughout the country, but to equip them to explore
further afield and to shape their own study abroad experience in Ireland
and beyond.
I look forward to welcoming to Maynooth University in person this
Summer.
5. Contents
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3
4
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Studying in Ireland
1.2 Maynooth Town
1.3 About Maynooth University
1.4 MU ISS At A Glance
LIFE AT MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY
2.1 Academic Overview
2.2 Credits & Transcripts
2.3 Attendance
2.4 Accommodation
2.5 Food
2.6 Tranportation
2.7 Computer Access & Wifi
2.8 Library Facilities
2.9 Sports Facilities
2.10 Medical Facilities
2.10 Outside the Classroom
2.11 Cultural Excursions
APPLICATION
3.1 English Language Requirements
3.2 Fee Information
3.3 Eligibility
3.4 Application Process
CONTACT US
4.1 Postal Address
4.2 Email/Telephone/Website
4.3 Social Media
4.4 Map
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3
4
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6. Ireland is the perfect destination for
those wishing to meet and study
with fellow students from all over
the world as well as making lasting
friendships with welcoming locals.
It was voted the world’s friendliest
country by Lonely Planet Travel
Guides in both 2008 and 2010.
While studying at Maynooth
University you will experience
Ireland’s rich cultural heritage
and enjoy exploring it’s beautiful
ancient landscapes. You will have
the opportunity to visit world
famous sites such as the Cliffs of
Moher, the Blarney Castle and
the charming, medieval city of
Kilkenny. Many of Ireland’s famous
writers such as Oscar Wilde and
James Joyce are truly household
names throughout the world and
students choosing our English
courses will have the opportunity
to study some of Ireland’s literary
greats.
Many of the world’s leading
companies have chosen Ireland as
the location of their operations in
Europe; Google, Facebook, Apple,
Intel, Paypal, Microsoft, Twitter,
Pfizer, Cisco, Amazon.com, eBay,
Dropbox, Oracle, Salesforce.com,
the list goes on! This is a direct
Studying
in Ireland
reflection of the high standard of
graduates that the Irish education
system consistently produces.
Maynooth University has strong
ties with local and national
industry partners and students
choosing to study International
Business or Economics will have
the opportunity to visit local
companies to observe the practical
side of business theory during the
program.
Frommer’s Guidebooks described
Ireland as‘a magical destination
in nearly every way’. They
named it their‘favourite holiday
destination 2011’because of it’s
‘spectacular landscape, history
and opportunities to ramble and
explore’. Our hospitable nature
coupled a rich cultural history
spanning thousands of year and
an unrivalled sense of fun ensures
that studying in Ireland is an
unforgettable experience.
The teachers were some of the best
I’ve ever had.
Clare
Kentucky
“ “
7. 2 - 3
Maynooth is Ireland’s only
university town. It traces its
historical significance back to the
12th century and combines this
legacy of medieval origins with
it’s location in the beautiful Irish
countryside while being just 15
miles west of the centre of Dublin,
Ireland’s capital city.
Today it is a charming and busy
town with many shops, cafes and
general services. It is home to a
vibrant local community that offers
you abundant opportunities for a
very enjoyable social life and meet
local people during the program.
Maynooth has excellent transport
connections to Dublin city centre
and the rest of Ireland, providing
the ideal location from which you
can explore the capital city as well
as the whole island of Ireland.
Maynooth University’s location
gives it a unique character among
the Universities in Ireland. It has
resulted in the development of
a strong sense of community
both within the college and in its
relationship with the town and the
surrounding area. A summer of
study here is guaranteed to leave
you with unique experiences and
life long memories.
Maynooth
Town
8. With over 9,000 students from
more than 90 countries Maynooth
University is Ireland’s fastest
growing university. It is the highest
ranked Irish university in the
Times Education World’s Best New
University rankings and is ranked
67th in the world for Universities
under 50 years in existence.
The National University of Ireland
Maynooth is a University of
contrasts. It has a tradition of
academic excellence tracing back
to the founding of St Patrick’s
College in 1795, but also having
been established as the National
University of Ireland Maynooth in
1997, it is both Ireland’s youngest
university and Ireland’s second
oldest university at the same
time. This contrast is mirrored
in Maynooth University’s two
beautiful campuses. The South
campus, an older complex of
beautiful nineteenth century
buildings, and the North campus,
a modern complex of teaching,
research, accommodation and
support facilities.
About
Maynooth University
9. 4 - 5Maynooth University
International Summer School
at a glance...
*Fee Excludes:
Text books: Students should budget up to €100.
Transport: All transport outside of what is outlined above.
Food: Students are responsible for arranging their own food on Fridays and weekends.
**Students taking History module‘The Medieval Irish Town’will earn 7.5 ECTS upon successful
completion of the programme.
***Students arriving outside of scheduled transfers will be able to take the public airport shuttle bus to
Maynooth at their own expense.
Private
Bedrooms
in Shared
Apartments
Official
Maynooth
University
Transcripts
4 Week
Program
5th July - 1st
Aug, 2015
Program Price:
€2950*
2 x Maynooth
University
Courses
Guaranteed
On-Campus
Accommodation
10 ECTS
(Recommended
6 US) Credits in
Total**
Breakfast/
Lunch/Dinner -
Mon to Thurs Breakfast &
Lunch - Friday
Airport
Transfers***,
Tours &
Activities
Weekend and
Day Tours to
World Famous
Cultural and
Historical Sites
Coin Operated
Laundry
Facilities
MU Student
Clubs and
Societies
Workshops and
Events
Towels and
Bed Linen
Provided
On-campus
MU ISS 2015
Student
Support Team
The Maynooth University International Summer School offers you the
opportunity of a lifetime to study for credit at one of Ireland’s National
Universities while also experiencing the ancient land, famously friendly
people and distinct modern culture of Ireland. They will study in a beautiful
institution with a history of educational excellence stretching back over
200 years. The program allows you to earn credits and transfer them to your
program of study at your home institution. Each course carries 5 ECTS**
which is generally mapped to 3 US credits, subject to approval by students’
home institution. You will have the opportunity to explore the amazing
beauty of the Island of Ireland and also make friends with both international
students and local Irish people. All of this in the world’s friendliest country.
10. You will arrive in Ireland on
Sunday 5th July, the day before
the academic start date of the
program. A shuttle bus departs at
set times from Dublin International
Airport to bring you directly to
your accommodation building
on campus. Once arrived, you are
welcomed and checked into your
accommodation. The formal MU
ISS 2015 Welcome and Program
Orientation takes place on Monday
6th July. You then start your
academic studies with courses
running for 4 weeks. Each week
there is one‘non-lecture’day set
aside for academic reading and
project work.
Along with the academic program
there is also a schedule of
cultural heritage, historical and
sightseeing tours arranged for you.
On weekends there are various
optional tours for you to choose
from allowing you to travel and
explore Ireland. Alternatively you
may prefer to take advantage of the
many low fares airlines that offer
opportunities to explore some of
the Europe’s famous cities (London,
Paris, Rome, Prague, etc..).
You will stay in on-campus
apartments that are close to
lecture halls as well as sports
facilities and just a short stroll to
Maynooth town for shopping,
bars, restaurants and transport
links. You will have your own single
room in a shared apartment with
3 or 4 other students. The campus
has a welcoming and friendly
atmosphere where you will find it
easy to feel at home.
I loved learning about Ireland and
being immersed in the culture.
Erin
North Carolina
“ “
11. 6 - 7
The aim of this course is to
introduce the student to the causes
and consequences of the Great
Irish Famine, 1845 to 1853. In
particular, you will examine the
impact of the Famine at a local
level. The Great Famine was the
greatest social catastrophe in
Irish history. In that short period
over one million people died,
while another one million people
emigrated from Ireland. This course
will examine the economic, social
and political background, as well as
the public and private reactions to
the disaster. In addition, the course
will discuss the continued legacy of
the Famine with a particular focus
on the Irish Diaspora.
HISTORY
HY273SS - The Great Irish Famine
Academic
Overview
You will take two elective
courses while studying at
Maynooth University. Each
course carries 5 ECTS* and
you can choose from a
range of subject areas and
course choices.
*Students taking HY377SS will earn 7.5 ECTS upon successful completion of the programme.
This module explores the
foundation and development in
towns in Ireland, with particular
focus on the formative influence
of Christianity (beliefs, practices,
organisation and
personnel) in shaping both
processes. Students explore the
development of towns in Ireland
from the emergence of the Irish
monastic town in the seventh and
eighth centuries, through
the development of Viking towns,
Hiberno-Scandinavian towns, and
finally Anglo-Norman
towns in the thirteenth and
fourteenth centuries. Patterns of
continuity and change in the
shape and functions of these
towns will be traced, with special
attention to the emergence of
religious sites, churches, as aspects
of town building. In addition to
documentary sources,
evidence derived from topography,
demography, cartography, and
especially archaeology
will be looked at in some detail.
Students will have opportunities to
visit and complete
coursework on a range of these
Irish towns as part of the course.
HISTORY
HY377SS - The Medieval Irish Town
12. MANAGEMENT
MN215SS - Managing in
International Environments
Businesses operate in an
increasingly globalized
environment and most business
graduates will develop careers
which will involve some degree
of working and managing in
international environments.
This module/course focuses
on international aspects in
management theory and
literature, which are relevant
across international cultures and
borders. Particular focus is placed
on comparing the institutional
context and cultures of countries as
the basis for analyzing managing
in international environments,
considering approaches to ethics,
negotiation, motivation, and
management and leadership
across countries. The applicability
of theoretical concepts in different
international environments is
explored, encouraging participants
to consider and recognize the
importance of understanding
and embracing difference across
countries.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
CS264SS - Software Design
In the course students will be
introduced to principles and
practices of object oriented
software analysis,design, and
programming using C++. The
course will be delivered in two
halves. The first half will focus on
taking students from the basics of
C++, through to objected oriented
and generic programming. Topics
covered will include (i) basic C++
syntax and program structure,
(ii) primitive and abstract data-
types, (iii) arrays, pointers, and
dynamic memory management,
(iv) object oriented programming
(encapsulation, inheritance,
polymorphism, etc.), and (v)
generic programming and the STL.
Note that the course assumes that
students already have a
good level of programming
competency, but that they have
not previously programmed in
C++. The second half will cover the
general principles object oriented
analysis and design (OOA/D)
MANAGEMENT
MN214SS - International Human
Resource Management
Organizations now operate in a
global economy. An awareness and
understanding of the impact of
operating across national borders
on managing (international) people
in (international) organizations
is fundamental in contemporary
management. This module/
course focuses on aspects of
Human Resource Management
in multinational firms, such
as staffing, human resource
development, performance
management and career issues.
It explores the implications of the
process of internationalization for
HRM activities and policies, as well
as exploring how HRM is practised
in multinationals.
13. 8 - 9
and in particular the application of
design patterns in developing well-
structured, extensible, and
reusable software systems.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
CS210SS - Algorithms & Data
Structures 1
Introduction to algorithms
and data structures. Review of
elementary programming concepts
suitable for the implementation
of abstract data types (operators,
types and expressions; control
of flow; methods; recursion; input &
output); Algorithms for searching:
linear, bounded linear and
binary searches; Algorithms for
sorting: selection, insertion, bubble
and quick sorts;
Fundamental linear data structures:
stacks, queues, linked lists; Object-
oriented programming:
encapsulation and information
hiding, classes, interfaces, class
hierarchies, inheritance,
polymorphism, basic exception
handling; Analysis of basic
algorithms.
ECONOMICS
EC217SS - European Economy
This course examines the
economics of the European Union.
Topics covered may include the
structure of the European Union;
basic trade theory; the single
market; the theory of optimal
currency areas and monetary
union; European labour markets;
the Common Agricultural Policy;
competition policy; and EU trade
policy.
ECONOMICS
EC318SS - International Trade
This course focuses on four
questions: (i) Why do countries
trade?; (ii) What do countries
trade?; (iii) Who gains from trade?;
(iv) How and why do governments
intervene in trade? These questions
are addressed by examining a few
simple trade models.
I really enjoyed the class...maybe
one of the best teachers I’ve ever
had.
Julia
Pennsylvania
“
“
14. ENGLISH
EN254SS - Irish Studies 1:
Modern Irish Literature
The early decades of the twentieth
century was a period of remarkable
creativity in Irish
writing. During those decades
Irish writers made a significant
contribution to both Irish
literature and world literature.
In this course we will discuss a
number of exemplary works
from this period, beginning with
the founding of the Abbey Theatre
in 1904 and some of the
plays produced there. We will then
explore the poetry of W.B Yeats,
paying attention to the
different stages in his writing
career and his evolving poetic
engagement with Ireland and
modernity. Finally we will examine
two works by James Joyce, his
short story‘The Dead’
and his first novel, A Portrait of the
Artist as a Young Man.
Throughout we will be exploring
the complex relationship between
literature, culture and
politics in this formative period
of Irish history. We will also be
developing our understanding
of the Irish Revival and of Irish
Modernism.
ENGLISH
EN272SS - Creative Writing 2
Over this course students will
be introduced to writing both
poetry and prose. The workshops
will focus on the practicalities of
writing, editing and giving and
MODERN IRISH
ID 001SS - Introducing Irish
Cultural Heritage
This is a foundation course in
Irish Cultural Heritage Studies.
While introducing students to a
general understanding of early
cultural history, the emphasis is
on the importance of academic
knowledge of the past as a
foundation for the presentation
and dissemination of cultural
heritage for the general public.
This is an assessment of the
diverse aspects of Irish cultural
history including place names,
the literature of places and the
creation and manipulation of
history in relation to some of
the great prehistoric and early
medieval locations in Ireland.
The care, presentation and future
development of heritage sites
such as Emain Macha, Tara, Cashel,
Cruachain, Uisneach, Newgrange,
and Clonmacnoise will be assessed
in the context of modern scholarly
interpretation and the increasing
importance of cultural tourism.
Students will develop a broad
understanding of cultural heritage
in the areas of archaeology, history
and early Irish literature and assess
this in the context of practical
heritage resource management.
taking criticism of work. Students
will be expected to produce writing
for discussion and criticism and to
work on developing these extracts
in the light of that criticism.
Students will also look critically at
the work of established writers.
15. CREDITS & TRANSCRIPTS
Upon successful completion
of your chosen courses you
will receive transcripts issued
by Maynooth University - The
National University of Ireland
Maynooth. The credit weighting
is 5 ECTS per course (10 ECTS
in total)*. Transcripts are
issued and sent directly to the
International Office at your home
institution in mid-September,
2015.
Full attendance is obligatory. Credits
will only be awarded to students with
100% attendance at the end of the
program. Health related absences
must be accompanied with a valid
doctor’s certificate.
ATTENDANCE
10 - 11
*Subject to approval by students’home institution.
GEOGRAPHY/POLITICS
GY327SS - Environmental Politics
An introduction to theoretical
thinking relating to the areas of
environmental politics and policy-
making, as well as the history of
the environmental movement and
the emergence of‘’green parties’’
in western democracies. Trans-
boundary environmental issues will
be discussed. The manner in which
environmental regulation has been
shaped by political concerns will be
a key theme, illustrating the degree
to which such legislation is often
the result of a political balancing
act between environmental
concerns and economic pressures
in which the latter tend to hold the
greater influence.
ANTHROPOLOGY
AN303SS - The Anthropology of
Ireland
Alterations in anthropology within
Ireland reflect social, economic, and
political change throughout the
island, but mirror transformations
to anthropology worldwide. We
explore: 1) Ireland as a site for the
development of ethnographic
approaches and methods that have
been significantly influenced by
American cultural anthropology
and British social anthropology;
2) early field researchers in
Ireland and their ethnographies
that became a stimulus for
a subsequent generation of
Europeanist anthropologists;
3) religion in Ireland, and the
decline of communities due to
emigration, damaging patterns
of childrearing, fear of intimacy,
suicide, and schizophrenia; 3)
culturally constructed concepts
of race through the lens of Irish
diaspora in the US and historical
abolitionist sentiment in Ireland;
4) the construction of national
identities in Northern Ireland and
culturally determined gender
roles during political protests; 5)
interpretations of Irish dance that
credit it as being indicative of
sexual repression, modernity, and
economic prosperity.
16. On-campus apartment–style
accommodation is guaranteed
for all MU ISS students. You will
have your own private, single
room within a 4 to 5 bedroom
apartment. Each apartment has a
fully furnished kitchen and a living
room/dining room area as well as
two shared bathrooms. Free wifi
internet is available throughout the
residence.
Accommodation
Bed sheets and towels are
provided for you and are
changed each week. There are
coin operated laundry facilities
on campus as well as commercial
launderettes in Maynooth town.
Food
Meals are provided for you at The
Phoenix Restaurant, our modern
university cafeteria: 3 meals per day
Monday to Thursday and breakfast
plus lunch on Friday.
There are various supermarkets
within easy walking distance of the
campus and student apartment
kitchens are fully equipped. During
the weekends, you are free to
cook at your accommodation or
purchase low-cost meals at the
cafeterias and cafes on campus or
in Maynooth town.
17. COMPUTER ACCESS AND WIFI
Computer facilities are
widely available on campus.
If you have your own
internet enabled device(s),
you will have your own
unique login details to
access free wifi throughout
both Maynooth University
campuses. Login codes are
provided during registration.
The library contains over 450,000
books and eBooks as well as 42,000
ejournals. Staff provide a range
of information skills and training
courses to enable students to identify,
obtain, evaluate and use information
efficiently, effectively and ethically.
There are many computers for students
to use, self service photocopying and
also laptops and kindles, which can be
found at the main desk. The staff are
extremely helpful and will deal with all
students queries promptly.
LIBRARY
SPORTS FACILITIES
As a fully registered student of
Maynooth University, you have
access to all on-campus sports
facilities including a fully equipped
gymnasium and an indoor sports
hall which accommodates a
wide variety of indoor sporting
activities including badminton and
basketball. There is a swimming
pool as well as numerous outdoor
pitches which cater for sports such
as hurling, soccer, camogie and
rugby.
MEDICAL CENTRE
You will have access to the
Maynooth University medical
centre which is open general
business hours during the summer
months and staffed by a team
of nurses. Students requiring a
doctor’s appointment will be
facilitated with an appointment at
one of the local doctor’s practices
in Maynooth town. Our MU ISS
team will be on hand to make all
arrangements for students, if this
need occurs.
Public transport in Ireland is typically
frequent and timely. While on campus
there is less than a 10 minute walk
between all classrooms, libraries,
shops and public transport links.
Frequent commuter trains to Dublin
12 - 13
city centre take less than 40 minutes
and cost about $8 for a round trip.
There are also various bus links
between Maynooth and Dublin
with late night options at weekends.
All transport information will be
provided at orientation.
TRANSPORT
18. While studying with us on the MU ISS you
will continue to learn and encounter new
experiences outside the classroom. There
is a comprehensive schedule of cultural
activities and excursions included in the
program fee to ensure that you get a
true taste of Irish culture. Activities may
include:
Traditional Irish sports and music events
Walking tours
Traditional Irish music concerts
Visits to cultural attractions
For those that are interested in meeting
local Irish students, Maynooth University
student clubs and societies offer a range
of events and workshops during the
program. You will have the opportunity
to learn about the Maynooth University
students’experiences (and vice-versa) as
well as parttaking in the various different
clubs and societies events. Such as:
Traditional Irish Music and Dance,
Traditional Irish National Sports
(Hurling and Gaelic Football), Ultimate
Frisbee, Trampolining, Archery, Drama,
Debating...
Outside the
Classroom
As Maynooth University is
located within the greater
Dublin area, you will be able
to take advantage of the
many opportunities in and
around Dublin city.
Great classes.
Great people.
Great trips.
“ “Lainhart
Mississippi
19. 14 - 15
Newgrange Discover Dublin Kilkenny City
Croke Park Dublin Zoo Dublinia
Science Gallery Phoenix Park Guinness Storehouse
Chester Beatty LibraryDublin Writers Museum Leprechaun Museum
20. Cultural Excursions
This trip has proven to be a very
popular inclusion in the MU
ISS program. You will have the
opportunity to visit some
of the most amazing, beautiful
landscapes in South West Ireland
as well as visiting Ireland’s second
city: Cork, and Killarney: the
gateway to the Kingdom of Kerry.
Its outstanding natural beauty and
rich cultural heritage is an
experience not to miss. The tour
takes you to famous areas such
as the Dingle peninsula, the Cliffs
of Moher and the Burren. With
stunning natural beauty, historical
and cultural visits, traditional music
and song as well as friendly and
The students of Maynooth University
International Summer School 2014
exploring Ireland
knowledgeable guides, you will
remember this weekend for years
to come!
St Kevin established a famous
monastery at Glendalough in the
6th century and it continued to
flourish as a place of pilgrimage
until the dissolution of the
monasteries in the 16th century.
It is now one of the most popular
cultural and historical attractions in
Ireland. The picturesque lake and
surrounding mountains create a
amazing landscape combined with
the wonderful monastic ruins.
GLENDALOUGH
DAY TRIP
CORK, KERRY & CLARE
WEEKEND TRIP
OPTIONAL TOURS
DAY/TWO DAY TRIPS
There will be a range of optional
tours for MU ISS students to
choose from on weekends. This
enables them to shape their own
experience while in Ireland.
Unforgettable Experiences
21. 16 - 17
Ancient Castles
The Cliffs of Moher Breathtaking
Landscapes
Scenic Beaches
22. Application
If you have any questions, please contact us at
summer.school@nuim.ie and we will be happy to help.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
REQUIREMENTS
An IELTS Score of 6.0 (or
recognised equivalent) will
be required for students
whose native language is not
English.
FEE INFORMATION
€2,950.00 payable in full on
application.
ELEGIBILITY
College sophomores, juniors
and seniors with minimum
2.5 GPA.
https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/international/
study-maynooth/summer-schools
APPLY ONLINE AT
The application deadline is 15th May 2015.
23. International Office
Maynooth University
Maynooth
County Kildare
Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)1 708 3868
Email: summer.school@nuim.ie
Web: maynoothuniversity.ie/international/study-maynooth/summer-schools
Contact us
ADDRESS
TELEPHONE, EMAIL & WEBSITE
SOCIAL MEDIA
18 - 19
@MUSummerSchool
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