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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageAccess and Foundation Programmes
Access and Foundation Programmes
Access Programme (School Leavers & Mature Students)
About the Programme
The Access Programme is a one-year pathway into university for students who have the potential to succeed but may not meet traditional entry requirements due to educational disadvantage or personal circumstances. Both School-Leaver and Mature Student streams follow the same programme. There is also the option of the part-time Foundation Programmes for Mature Students. Both programmes lead to a Diploma in Foundation Studies from the University of Galway. Below you will find details that will help you to decide which programme option best suits your circumstances.
Programme Streams
- School-Leavers & Mature Students Programme: Full-time | 21 weeks | No fees
- Foundation Programme for Mature Students: Part-time | 26 weeks | Fee-paying. You will choose between the Science & Engineering or Business, Law & Arts streams.
Both streams follow the same modules, assessments, supports, and timelines aligning with the academic year.
What You Will Study
Core modules include:
• Study Skills
• Academic Writing
• Academic Technology
• Engage: Skills for college and career
In addition, students study four options from the following subjects streams, depending on your intended degree route:
- Humanities: Sociology, History, English, Philosophy, Geography
- Science: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- Business: Economics, Accountancy
Professional Engagement Module (PEM)
Depending on their subject choices, students may have the option to take part in the Professional Engagement Module (PEM), a six-week mentored, experiential learning module. Science students are placed with Medtronic, while Business students are placed with Grant Thornton. This provides early exposure to professional environments and helps build confidence, career awareness and key workplace skills.
Availability varies by programme.
Weekly Schedule
Students attend campus approximately 3–4 days per week, with typical hours of 9am–4pm.
This differs for the Foundation Programme for Mature Students.
How You Will Be Assessed
Assessment includes short assignments, in-class tests, presentations, projects, and end-of-semester exams. Regular feedback is provided.
85% attendance in classes is required.
The Qualification You Will Receive and Your Progression Options
Successful students receive a Diploma in Foundation Studies (University of Galway) and progress to their chosen undergraduate degree. Graduates may apply to degree programmes in:
Arts | Science | Engineering | Business | Law | Medicine* | Health Sciences*
*Entry to specific degree programmes is competitive and based on performance.
Supports Available
Supports include academic support, including maths and and academic writing, disability support, counselling, and financial advice. You can find more details about available supports here Student Supports - University of Galway
Application Forms
Foundation Programme for Mature Students (Part-time)
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Find out more about the range of supports that are available for students and prospective students
