What do we offer?
The Mature Student Office and the departments within Student Supports and Development offer a range of workshops to support your academic, personal and professional development.
Before You Apply
Preparing For Study
Deciding to return to study is an exciting time. However, many people can feel a little overwhelmed by the choice of courses, entry requirements and costs involved. In order to support you in making your application DCU offers a Preparing to Study workshop. In a relaxed informal setting, you will be taken through topics such as applying as a mature student, completing a personal statement, preparing for interview, researching grants/scholarships and receive advice on academic preparation. We also discuss the various supports available to first year mature students. This workshop is open for registration every October and takes place in early November.
Mature Student Shadowing Day
The Mature Student Shadowing Days offer an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a current DCU Mature Student. You will sit inlectures, eat lunch and attend tutorials for the course of your choice. Shadowing days are offered in November and December. Place are limited.
REGISTER HERE
One To One Appointments
The Mature Student Officer is available to meet with you to discuss returning to study. These are typically 30 minutes long and can be booked for the Glasnevin or St Patrick's campus.
Pre Entry (Post Offer)
Once you have received your offer of a place in DCU the Mature Student Officer wil be contact you offering you the opportunity to attend the various workshops on offer.
Mature Student Welcome Evening
This will be held on Wednesday 17th July, 6.00-8.00, in the 1838 dining Room (Ground Floor), Glasnevin Campus. This event is an opportunity for you to meet your mature student classmates, discuss any concerns with your Mature Student Officer, hear from support staff and ask any questions you might have about returning to study. You will hear from some current mature students who will be happy to answer any questions. The Mature Student Society will give you a brief introduction to their events and offer invaluable advice on becoming a DCU student.
Registration for this event is now closed
Head Start Maths
This is a week-long intensive maths programme aimed at mature students returning to education. The programme is offered freeof charge and is designed to help you to make a successful transition to third-level maths by improving the basic skills you will need for your course before you start lectures. The programme is run in a friendly atmosphere by experienced tutors from the School of Mathematical Sciences. This year it will run from 2nd - 5th September in the Maths Learning Centre, DCU Library, Glasnevin campus. On the 2nd and 3rd of September times will be 9.30-4.15 and on the 4th and 5th it will be 10.00-3.30.
Registration for this event is now closed
Head Start Writing
This is a week-long course offering an opportunity to discover the skills necessary for academic writing. Delivered in small groups you will be given the opportunity to practise your research and writing skills while learning about the various academic supports available to you while studying in DCU. This year it will run from 9th - 13th September, 9.30-3.00 daily on the St Patrick's Campus. To view the timetable and for more information please click here. Please note that this is subject to change.
Registration for this event is now closed
Discover DCU
Discover DCU is an online workshop series. It is made up of eight short interactive courses designed to help you get settled in and introduce you to the tools and skills you will need to succeed at DCU. For more information please click here or email student.learning@dcu.ie.
Post Entry (once you have registered in DCU)
Semester 1
We offer an Introduction to Loop Glasnevin or St Patrick's campus workshop for all incoming mature students. This explains the benefits and functions of the Loop system.
If you have concerns regarding the IT requirements for study in DCU we suggest you attend our Basic IT Skills DCU Glasnevin or DCU St Patrick's Campus workshop. This workshop talks you through the necessary skills to create and submit assignments and create a powerpoint presentation. PLEASE BRING YOUR LAPTOP.
The Pathways to Success programme is a 4 week programme that will enable students to set goals, build resilience, self-confidence and create a strategy to creating success in their life. This is a great programme as it enables students to take time for themselves and look at what they want from their life. Throughout the four weeks, we will look at ways to create clear goals, build strategies to maintain motivation and build the resilience and self-confidence to reach your goals. Those who attend the 4 weeks will be presented with a 'Certificate of Completion'. You will receive an email inviting you to register for the programme.
Semester 2
Throughout your time in DCU you will have various opportunities to receive feedback on your work or performance. The Receiving Feedback DCU Glasnevin or DCU St Patrick's Campus workshop is designed to help you get the most benefit from your feedback/consultation days.
Sometimes we can loose focus and forget the reason we started our degree. Our Staying Focused DCU Glasnevin or DCU St Patrick's Campus workshop gives you space to focus on your goals, set realistic time frames and identify any possible obstacles to your achieving your goals.
As exciting as placement can be, it also presents some challenges. The Preparing for Placement DCU Glasnevin or DCU St Patrick's Campus workshop is primarily for first year undergraduate students just beginning their DCU journey. The workshop aims to highlight the important areas and opportunities you need to access so as to enhance your CV, common areas where mistakes can be made and how to plan for success.
Register through our events page on dcu.ie/students/events