This document provides information about an information session for mature students applying to MTU Cork Campus. It gives an overview of the campus and its courses. It discusses the application process for mature students through CAO, including supports for maths skills and progression from further education colleges. It also outlines student supports, finances including SUSI grants, and options like Back to Education Allowance.

1. MTU Cork Campus Mature Student
CAO Information Session 2022
Christine Nolan
Mature Student Officer
Lillian Griffin
Admissions Officer
Deirdre Creedon
Access Officer

2. MTU Cork Campus – An Overview
12,000 students (6,000 approx. full time students)
88 CAO Courses
• Business & Humanities
• Science & Engineering
• MTU Cork School of Music
• MTU Cork College of Art & Design
• National Maritime College of Ireland
Visit www.mtu.ie/courses/cork to see a full list of courses

3. MTU Cork Campus – An Overview
• 47 Honours Bachelor Degrees- Level 8
• 38 Bachelor Degrees- Level 7
• 3 Higher Certificates- Level 6
• All MTU qualifications are nationally and internationally
recognised
• Majority of courses have progression options to level 7 & 8
qualifications

4. National Framework of Qualifications

5. Semester 1
September – December
6 modules
Semester 2
February – May
6 modules
A module is a unit of learning and assessment.
Module descriptions are available online at
https://www.mtu.ie/courses/cork
A successfully completed module is normally worth 5 credits
A semester is worth 30 credits
13 weeks of class per semester
Credits are awarded to students who successfully complete a module
Semesterisation & Modularisation

6. Studying at MTU Cork
Course work consists of
• Labs, Studios, Projects
• Continuous Assessment
• End of semester exams
• Work Placement
Who can assist me if I have an issue?
• Mature Student Officer
• Lecturers
• Year Head/Department Head
• Student Services
• MTU Cork Student Union

7. Student Support Services- Cork Campus
 Mature Student Support
 Disability Support Service
 Financial Assistance
 Academic Success Coaching
 Academic Learning Centre
 Careers Service
 Counselling Service
 Chaplaincy
 Medical Centre
 Students Union
 Accommodation Office

8. Mature Student Supports
Pre-entry
• Maths for Matures Programme- March 2022
• QQI Maths Programme- May 2022
• Information Sessions
Entry
• Mature Student Orientation Programme- September 2022
• Preparatory Maths Programme for Matures- September 2022

9. Mature Student Supports
Post-entry
• Mature Student Support Network; workshops, social events
• Mature Student Learning Support Service; academic writing skills,
study skills, time management
• Mature Student Officer- academic, personal, financial supports

10. Cork Colleges
Progression Scheme
MTU Cork Campus has a scheme for the admission of students
who successfully complete courses in Further Education (FE)
Colleges in Cork called the Cork Colleges Progression Scheme
(CCPS).
Under the CCPS a number of courses in MTU Cork are linked to
certain courses in the FE colleges.
MTU Cork reserves a number of places on its linked courses for
applicants achieving specified levels and other requirements in
their awards.

11. Cork Colleges
Progression Scheme
Students taking a full QQI Level 5 linked under the CCPS to a specific course
in MTU Cork may apply for year 1 entry.
Students taking a full QQI Level 6 award linked under the CCPS to a specific
course in MTU Cork may apply for year 1 & 2 entry.
Applicants must have already made an application for a course in MTU Cork
via the CAO
Applicants to year 1 and/or year 2 need to complete the CCPS application form
online by 1st May 2022

12. Minimum Requirements
The minimum requirements are;
• Year 1 entry onto programmes in MTU Cork is a full QQI Level 5 Award with
5 merits.
• Year 2 entry is successful completion of full QQI Level 6 Award with 5
merits. Some courses in MTU Cork may have more specific requirements.
If your application for CCPS is successful, students will receive an offer
through CAO at Round Zero.
For more information speak to the Guidance Counsellor in your FE College or
visit www.cit.ie/ccps

13. Maths for Matures Programme
(Science/Engineering)
Most courses in MTU Cork have a minimum Maths entry
requirement
Don’t have a maths qualification?
With the Maths for Matures Programme you can:
• Familiarise yourself with elementary mathematics that you would
encounter in the first year of an engineering/science programme.
• Demonstrate your ability and aptitude in Maths.
• Provide the Head of Department with a test result which would
demonstrate your ability to participate in a course in MTU Cork.

14. Maths for Matures Programme
The Maths for Matures Programme will be delivered online in
March 2022. Participants are offered a number of free online maths
classes, followed by assessment.
If you wish to receive further information on this, or if you wish to
book a place on this programme, please email
mature.studentcork@mtu.ie with your name, email, current FE
college, current course and the course you are hoping to
undertake in MTU Cork.

15. QQI Maths Programme
(Business/ Humanities)
This programme is for students who are applying for programmes of
study in the Business and Humanities field and who are
• Mature students who do not have a Leaving Certificate or
specific QQI maths modules
• School leavers who failed ordinary/higher level Leaving
Certificate Maths
• School leavers who took foundation level Maths in their leaving
certificate exam
• Students who have completed Leaving Cert Applied

16. QQI Maths Programme
This programme will be held in May 2022 - dates to be confirmed
The QQI Maths Programme allows prospective students to meet
the Maths minimum requirement for entry into programmes of
study in the Business and Humanities field in MTU Cork.
Log onto www.mtu.ie/courses/cork to check minimum entry
requirements for each course.

17. CAO Application Process
Ms Lillian Griffin
Admissions Officer

18. Application Process-
Mature Students
Who is a Mature applicant?
A Mature Applicant is normally 23 years old on or before
1st of January of the year of admission, i.e.1st January
2022 for entry into MTU Cork in September 2022

19. Application Process
• Mature Student – non standard CAO application
• Leaving Certificate Points (CAO)
• QQI Points (CAO)
• Cork Colleges Progression Scheme (where applicable,
online application)
Recognition of Prior Learning may be applicable
www.cit.ie/rpl for additional information

20. Do your research
Before you start your CAO application, you should take some
time to review the MTU prospectus and website for more
information on your interested course and check the minimum
entry requirements.
List of courses & minimum requirements
www.mtu.ie/courses/cork
Modules within the courses
https://courses.cit.ie/

21. Application Process-
Mature Students
Full time undergraduate programmes must apply online
through www.cao.ie

22. Application Process-
Mature Students

23. Application Process-
Mature Students

24. Application Process-
Mature Students

25. Application Process-
Mature Students
There are 2 course choice lists (Level 8 and Level 7/6)
and applicants may make up to 10 course choices on
each list.
Your choices on one list do not in any way affect your
choices on the other list. They may be considered two
separate applications on one form.
It is possible to receive an offer on both lists. You may
then decide to accept either your Level 7/6 or your
Level 8 offer.
Alternatively, you might not wish to accept either offer.

26. What additional information will I need to
provide as a mature applicant?
HEIs wish to carefully evaluate applications from mature applicants
and, therefore, need certain additional information (see the CAO
Handbook for more information):
1. Highest Qualification to Date
2. Current Studies
3. Post-secondary Education
4. Second Level Education
5. Non-certificate Courses
6. Employment or Voluntary Work

27. What additional information will I need to
provide as a mature applicant?
7. English Language Proficiency (if applicable)
8. References
9. Statement of Interest
10. Hobbies/Interests
11. Additional Information School leaving examinations and QQI FET/FETAC
results presented by mature applicants are also considered in the normal
competition for places.
12. Candidates must provide documentation to provide proof that they have
been resident in an EU country for 3 of the past 5 years preceding entry of the
programme i.e. since January 2017
Note: The period of residency for holders of Stamp 4 or Stamp 4 EU FAM is
calculated from the date of receipt of the Stamp 4. Any period of residency in the
state before this date will not be taken into consideration.

28. Statement of Interest/
Personal Statement
Your personal statement will need to include the following
information;
• Explain why you want to do your chosen course
• What has influenced your decision to pursue this course and
career?
• Why are you suitable for the course? What specific skills or
abilities do you have that relate to this profession/sector?
• What transferable skills have you gained that you feel are relevant
to a role within this profession/sector (e.g. Communication,
Leadership, Organisational, etc.)? Highlight relevant work
experience that you may have in this profession/sector; E.g. work
shadowing, voluntary or unpaid work.

29. Statement of Interest/
Personal Statement
• Mention your interests that relate to your chosen course,
which allow you to further demonstrate your skills and
abilities.
• Highlight any achievements - academic, professional or
personal achievements
• What are your future career plans once you have completed
your chosen course? Show that you have clear goals and are
committed to completing the course.

30. What documents do I need to send to CAO
to support my application?
• Evidence of any qualifications that you have indicated in your
online application (within 10 days of applying to CAO)
• Supplementary information that you were unable to include in the
space provided
• Any documentation required by each of the institutions to which
you are applying - details of same are available from
www.cao.ie/mature
• If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of
competency in the English language
• When sending documents to CAO we advise you to obtain a
Certificate of Postage from An Post

31. What documents do I need to send to
CAO to support my application?
• Please include your CAO application number on all posted
supporting documents.
• No originals – certified photocopies only
Supporting documentation to be posted to
CAO,
Tower House,
Eglinton Street,
Galway.

32. Advanced Entry
Advanced Entry Applications to year 2, 3 & 4 also
must go through the CAO

33. Application Deadlines
•CAO Application Deadline: 1 February 2022 at 17:00
•Change of mind facility deadline (except for
restricted courses): 1st March 2022 at 17:00
•www.cao.ie/mature

34. • The majority of successful Mature
Applicants will receive their offer in early
July (Round A).
• In early August, additional Mature
Applicants and Applicants presenting
QQI FET/FETAC for consideration for
entry to courses with a quota for QQI
FET/FETAC Applicants may receive an
offer (Round Zero).
• Subsequent offers may be made
throughout the offer season
The Offer Stage

35. Email:
admissionscork@mtu.ie
Website:
www.cit.ie/admissions

36. Student Finance
Ms Deirdre Creedon
Access Officer
Sanctuary Scholarships SAF – Student Assistance Fund
SUSI – Student Universal Scheme Ireland 1916 Bursary Fund
BTEA – Back to Education Allowance Uversity Scholarships
Uversity Scholarships

37. Student Fees
The Student Contribution Fee for the academic year
2022/2023 is €3,000.
This is an annual charge which is set by the Government for all full-
time third level students.
Students must pay the annual Student Contribution Fee and the
Student Union Levy to be a fully registered student in MTU Cork.
Student Contribution Fee 2022-2023 €3000
Mandatory Students Union Levy 2022-2023 €7
If you are applicable for SUSI, the Student Contribution Fee may be
paid on your behalf.

38. EU Tuition Fees
Tuition Fees for the 2022-23 Academic Year
Tuition fees may be applicable, in addition to the Student
Contribution Fee if:
 You have already obtained a level 6, 7 or 8 qualification.
 If you do not meet Nationality requirements.
Programme Annual EU Tuition Fee Rate
Higher Certificate (level 6) €250
Ordinary Degree (level 7) €250
Honours Degree (level 8) €819
Honours Degree (level 8- Architecture/Engineering) €1450

39. International/ Non EU Fees
The current annual tuition fee for Non EU Students is €12,000 for all levels of study.
Sanctuary Scholarships
MTU Cork Campus in partnership with the Tomar Trust granted Sanctuary Scholarships to
asylum seeker and refugee students wishing to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree
course in MTU.
Applicants
1. Must be an asylum seeker or a refugee who is not eligible for the state Free Fees
scheme
2. Must meet the academic eligibility criteria for their chosen MTU Cork degree course
through the CAO route
3. Be living in the Republic of Ireland and
4. Be able to live in commuting distance to Cork during the course of their studies.

40. SUSI- Student Universal Support
Ireland
SUSI is the main source of financial assistance available to
students in full-time higher education for undergraduate courses.
To be eligible for student funding, you must meet the following
eligibility criteria:
• Residency and Nationality
• Income
• Maximum period of grant assistance available
• Previous Education and Progression
• Approved course in an approved institution

41. SUSI- Student Universal Support
Ireland
Online application system www.susi.ie
Applications open in April 2022
Higher Education
• Fees (Student Contribution)
• Maintenance Grant
You will be classed as Mature Dependent or Independent student.
This will determine whose income is taken into account when
calculating the reckonable household income on which you will be
assessed to establish if you are eligible for funding.

42. SUSI- Student Universal Support
Ireland
Student Contribution
•Paid directly to HEI if approved
•May be approved for 50% or 100% of total contribution fee
Maintenance Grant :
• Adjacent or Non-adjacent Rates (dependant on distance from
home address to HEI)
• 100%, 75%, 50%, 25% rates may be approved
• Paid directly to student in 9 monthly instalments
• Special rate SUSI grant may be awarded to students whose
household income is below €24,500
• Mature Students are not eligible for the maintenance
element of SUSI if in receipt of Back to Education Allowance

43. SUSI- Don’t forget…
CAO form: Tick the SUSI option to all CAO to share your final course
acceptance with SUSI
Apply early- applications open in April 2022
Register your account with SUSI -Username, Password & Pin-code
Complete & submit your application online
Keep your login details safe – 2 places
Return requested documentation on time
Self employed/Farming/Rental income: Early tax returns in 2021

44. Contact SUSI
Website: www.susi.ie
Email: support@susi.ie
Facebook.com/susisupport
Twitter.com/susihelpdesk
Telephone helpdesk: 0818 888 777

45. Back to Education Allowance
The Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) allows qualifying
persons to return to full-time education in approved courses while
continuing to get income support.
To qualify for BTEA a person must be:
• A specific age (in general over 21)
• In receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for a specified period of
time (9 months for 3rd Level)
• The course must be a full-time day course of study and attended on a
full-time basis.

46. Back to Education Allowance
• If you already have a qualification equivalent on the NFQ to the course you
intend to pursue, you will not qualify for BTEA.
• If you are in receipt of One Parent Family Payment or a disability payment
(Disability Allowance, Invalidity Pension or Illness Benefit) you can choose
to stay on your current social welfare payment and apply for SUSI or you
can choose to transfer to the BTEA. Please note that supplementary
allowances such as rent allowance may be affected so speak to your local
Intreo Office.

47. Back to Education Allowance
A person should apply for the BTEA for the course of their choice only
when they have written confirmation of place on same from relevant
College, as this must accompany the completed BTE1 form
This forms are available from your local Intreo Centre
Check the latest information on BTEA on
www.gov.ie/en/service/418e3f-back-to-education-allowance/

48. Student Assistance Fund (SAF)
The Student Assistance Fund (SAF) provides financial support to full
or part-time students of MTU Cork Campus who are experiencing
financial difficulties.
Students can apply for the Student Assistance Fund to help with
either temporary or ongoing financial difficulties.
The Student Assistance Fund is designed to provide a source of
financial support in addition to the SUSI grant.
www.myCIT.ie/saf

49. 1916 Bursary Fund
The purpose of the 1916 Bursary Fund is to encourage participation and
success by students who are most socio-economically disadvantaged and who
are from groups most under-represented in higher education.

50. 1916 Bursary
For further information see:
www.soarforaccess.ie/1916-bursary-fund/ or
www.cit.ie/1916bursary
Email queries to:
1916BursaryQueries@soarforaccess.ie

51. Uversity Scholarships
Uversity’s Scholarships aim to make a degree possible by offering
successful candidates financial support and programming to
achieve their educational, personal and professional goals.
Uversity Scholarships help to remove the financial barriers that
may be preventing older students, aged 23 and over, from earning
a Bachelor’s Degree for the first time.
Uversity provides Scholars with financial support throughout the
duration of their undergraduate degree to ensure their success
during and after their educational experience.

52. Uversity Scholarships
Uversity maximum scholarship is valued at €7,000 per academic year and is
not considered reckonable income for means-tested social welfare benefits
and SUSI maintenance grant.
Applications will open on 1st February for the 2022-2023 academic year.
Visit www.uversity.org for additional information, criteria and to apply

53. MTU Cork Campus
Disability Support Service
www.mycit.ie/dss
dsscork@mtu.ie

54. DSS (Disability Support Service)
54
• The MTU Cork Campus DSS is part of the Access Service.
• The aim of the service is to support the participation of students
with disabilities in higher education.
• The team are based in the Student Centre in Bishopstown, and we
support full-time and part-time students across all Cork campuses.

55. Who does the DSS support?
We support over 1,000 students (around 7% of the MTU Cork Campus
student population):
• Specific learning differences, including dyslexia
and dyscalculia
• Dyspraxia (DCD) and Dysgraphia
• Physical Disabilities
• Significant Ongoing Illnesses
• Mental Health
• ADD/ADHD
• Autism Spectrum
• Blind/ Vision Loss
• Deaf/ Hearing Loss
• Speech and Language

56. DSS Supports
www.mycit.ie/dssstudentguide

57. Exam Supports
Assessment of your subjects is usually a mix of assignments,
practical work and exams.
• Extra time can also be allocated.
• Some students will have access to a smaller exam
• room or other supports.
 Marking guidelines instead of a spelling and
grammar waiver
Generally DSS students use technology in exams instead of
personal support e.g.
 Reading software instead of readers
 Typing instead of scribes

58. Learning Support
One to one support available for students from all MTU
Cork campuses from tutors, plus resources, workshops

59. Assistive Technology (AT) Service
Software and equipment to support students studies
DSS AT computer lab: For DSS students ONLY
 Workstations with AT software installed
 Quiet study space – low distraction venue
 DSS Bookable Room
 Software also available around campuses and
remotely
 YouTube channel /Canvas with online guides:
https://www.youtube.com/user/AccessATS
Full time DSS AT Officer for AT assessments and training

60. Transition Supports
Available to new students on the autism spectrum for
first year of college.
Support in:
• getting to know college/ your campus
• engaging with your lecturers
• how to effectively use your needs assessment
• building communications skills
Ongoing mentoring sessions available for first year.
www.mycit.ie/access_disability/disability-support-service/transitions-programme-coordina

61. DSS Supports
Contact us at dsscork@mtu.ie before the start of the
summer if you need any of following, as it can often
take time to set up these supports for students :
ISL interpreter/speed text
Access to disabled parking, transport, physical access
to buildings
Personal assistant to support you physically access the
campus and/or personal care
Mobility training or alternative format for students with
a visual impairment

62. Applying for DSS supports
Students need to apply to the DSS to avail of DSS
supports.
 2022 online DSS application form will be available in mid-
late August (usually to coincide with CAO Round 1 offers).
 You would also need to provide documents of evidence
(usually a diagnosis).
 We would then do a needs assessment which confirms
your DSS supports.
More information here -
http://www.mycit.ie/access_disability/disability-support-
service/registering
The DSS operates a strict confidentiality policy and we cannot disclose any
information about the student registration, academic progress, to
lecturers, family members, etc., unless we have the student's consent, or
unless there is a health and safety risk.

63. Applying for DSS supports
• Declare your disability on the CAO (Supplementary
Information Form closes 1 March) – this is confidential
and only accessed by the DSS and does not affect your
application.

64. MTU Cork Campus DSS information
64
• MTU Cork DSS website: www.mycit.ie/dss
• DSS Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/mtucorkdss
• DSS Twitter: @MTUCork_DSS
• DSS Instagram: www.instagram.com/mtucork.dss/
• DSS Student Guide and videos: www.mycit.ie/dssstudentguide
• DSS Mailing list for external events: www.cit.ie/dssmailinglist
For the quickest response to your
query - email dssCork@mtu.ie

65. Reminder- Upcoming Events
• CAO Application Deadline- discounted rate – January 20th
• CAO Application Deadline - 1st February at 17:00
• Uversity Scholarship Applications Open- 1st February
• Maths for Matures Programme – Science & Engineering Programme
applicants- March 2022
• QQI Maths for prospective Business and Humanities programme
applicants -May 2022

66. MTU Cork Campus Contact details
MTU Cork Mature Student Officer- Christine Nolan
Mature.studentcork@mtu.ie or www.cit.ie/maturestudent
MTU Cork Campus Admissions Office
admissionscork@mtu.ie or www.cit.ie/admissions
MTU Cork Campus Fees Office
feescork@mtu.ie or www.cit.ie/fees
Student Finance
www.studentfinance.ie for all financial optionsO
MTU Cork Campus DSS
dsscork@mtu.ie or www.mycit.ie/dss

67. MTU Kerry Campus Contact details
If you are interested in applying to MTU Kerry Campus,
please log onto www.mtu.ie/courses/kerry for information
on the programmes on offer.
Queries can be directed to:
MTU Kerry Campus Admissions Office
admissionskerry@mtu.ie or www.ittralee.ie/admissions

68. Thank You!
mature.studentcork@mtu.ie
Facebook: /MTUCorkMSO
Instagram: @MTUCork_Access
Twitter: @MTUCork_MSO