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  • 15-10-2008 7:32pm
    #1
    seract
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭


    Hey all,
    Read the boards but would still like to hear some fresh views.I am 40yrs old and thinking of going back to collage next sept,well seeing if I could get a place.I left school at 15 after my inter cert spent my life at sea not qualified.I would like to do a degree in computing but could only try one collage as I can,t upsticks and move.I have a keen interest in computers(build my own this years)but looking at last years courses in the collage I would be going to there was only 40 places on such courses.Am I aiming too high?.What chance do I stand ?.How many places if any would be set aside for mature students?


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    #2
    Tom Dunne
    Registered Users Posts: 23,212 ✭✭✭✭Tom Dunne


    seract wrote: »
    Hey all,
    Read the boards but would still like to hear some fresh views.I am 40yrs old and thinking of going back to collage next sept,well seeing if I could get a place.I left school at 15 after my inter cert spent my life at sea not qualified.

    That should not be an issue. Life Experience counts for a helluva lot these days, seriously.
    seract wrote: »
    I would like to do a degree in computing but could only try one collage as I can,t upsticks and move.

    Have a look at Oscail (www.oscail.ie). It's based in Dublin City University, but has affiliations with various other colleges around the country. There should be one near you. I did my degree with them. They also offer a diploma, which you get before your degree. So if you don't want to go the full way, at least you come out with something. They run a legitimate distance education course which would allow you to study in your own time, perhaps while working.

    Having said that, since you have been out of the education system for a while, it may suit you better to enroll in a course where you have to attend classes and have a face you can ask questions to.

    Either way, don't let your circumstances put you off.
    seract wrote: »
    I have a keen interest in computers(build my own this years)but looking at last years courses in the collage I would be going to there was only 40 places on such courses.Am I aiming too high?.What chance do I stand ?.How many places if any would be set aside for mature students?

    You stand a very high chance and it certainly sounds like you would be well able for it. Just look into the maths component of any course you consider. A lot of computer courses have a strong maths element which you might need refreshing on.

    Colleges are almost begging students to attend these days, so I would think you should have no trouble getting a place on a course.


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    #3
    seract
    Registered Users Posts: 5 ✭seract


    Cheers for that Tom Dunne gives me some hope to try anyway.As for the maths I know it was a long time ago and what I did at inter cert was basic but it was my best subject got an A (Hc).Thanks again.


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    #4
    Larianne
    Registered Users Posts: 35,954 ✭✭✭✭Larianne


    Ring up the college where the course is run and ask to speak to someone in admissions or a tutor from the course and see what qualifications/experience they expect a mature applicant to have. Take it from there. They'll also tell you how many places are put aside for mature applicants etc.


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