A Guide to Third Level Education for International students in the Dungannon Area Learning Community (ALC)
Produced by St Patrick’s Academy
Specialist School for Science and Business
Northern Ireland Universities
There are two universities in Northern Ireland; Queen’s University whose campus is in Belfast (including St Mary’s University College and Stranmillis University College) and the University of Ulster with campuses in Jordanstown (outside Belfast), Belfast, Coleraine and Magee (Londonderry). Accommodation is available on campus in halls of residence at both universities but many students opt for privately rented accommodation near the universities.
University Locations in Northern Ireland
Dungannon/Cookstown Area Learning Community
Campus Contact Information – University Ulster and Queens University Belfast
.... University of Ulster, ..... University of Ulster, Coleraine Campus Jordanstown Campus University of Ulster University of Ulster .... Cromore Road Shore Road Coleraine Newtownabbey Co. Londonderry Co. Antrim BT52 1SA BT37 0QB
Tel: 08 700 400 700 Tel: 08 700 400 700
University of Ulster, University of Ulster, Belfast Campus Magee Campus University of Ulster University of Ulster York Street Northland Road Belfast Londonderry Co. Antrim Co. Londonderry BT15 1ED BT48 7JL
Tel: 08 700 400 700 Tel: 08 700 400 700
Queens University Belfast St. Mary’s University College Stranmillis University College 2Stranmillis Road, 21 University Square 191 Falls Road, Belfast Belfast, Belfast N. Ireland BT9 5DY BT7 1PA BT12 6FE Tel: 028 90975028 Tel: +44 (0)28 9032 7678 Applying to university in Northern Ireland (Queens University, University of Ulster & Stranmillis University College, Belfast)
Students apply to universities through UCAS (universities and colleges admissions service). UCAS (www.ucas.co.uk) is used for applications to all universities in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
Entrance requirements (UCAS points)
For the purposes of application every United Kingdom university publishes the grades required for entry to specific courses on its own website and on the UCAS website. Some courses will require the exact grades whilst other will accept equivalent points:
A/S Grades A2 Grades - A*= 140 points A = 60 points A = 120 points B = 50 points B = 100 points C = 40 points C = 80 points D = 30 points D = 60 points E = 20 points E = 40 points
A/S points can only be counted for subjects that were not continued to A2 level. In addition, medicine, dentistry, some health- related courses and actuarial studies may require students to sit an additional aptitude test.
How to apply online
Go to www.ucas.co.uk Click ‘Apply’ Click register/log in. When visiting the site for the first time, register a user ID and password. Follow directions as on the website.
The UCAS application form will require the following information: z Personal Details z Additional Information z Course choices (not in rank order) z Previous education z Previous employment history z Personal Statement (see below) z Confidential Reference ( written by a teacher in your school/college)
The personal statement is an important part of the UCAS form and might include the following information:
z My career interests and aspirations z My work experience (particularly important for health related courses and teaching) z My academic skills, interests and achievements. z My contribution to school life z My other interests and hobbies
Application deadlines for UCAS (subject to change, refer to www.ucas.co.uk)
There are three different deadlines:
15th October–for all medicine, dentistry, veterinary courses for all courses at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge (UK universities)
15th January – for all other courses which are not listed above.
Applications received after these deadlines will only be considered by the universities and colleges if they have vacancies in the course selected.
Cost of applying
The application fee is typically £19 for a maximum of five course choices and £9 for a single choice. However, you should check www.ucas.co.uk for current fees as they are subject to change.
Admission/Aptitude tests
Some courses will require an admission/aptitude test; students must register to sit these tests independently and not through their school/college.
Medicine and Dentistry courses in Queens University Belfast (QUB) require students to sit the UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude test). o To register students must log onto www.ukcat.ac.uk o Students are required to sit the test by 8th October 2010 (subject to change, confirm through website) therefore early registration is required. o Fees for this test range from £60 - £70 but are subject to change and should be confirmed by visiting the above website.
Health related course in the University of Ulster (UU) require students to sit the HPAT (Health professional admission test) o To register students must log onto www.hpat-ulster.acer.edu.au o Registrations open in October and close in January (subject to change, confirm through website) o Fees for this test are £92 but are subject to change and should be confirmed by visiting the above website.
Requirements for the above courses in universities outside Northern Ireland may differ.
Student Finance
Annual tuition fees of approximately £3300 are charged by both universities in Northern Ireland. Help with paying these fees is available from Student Finance NI (www.studentfinanceni.co.uk). There may also be help available directly from universities in the form of loans, grants or bursaries to cover living expenses and costs associated with study. Detailed information about financial assistance is available from the Student Finance NI website (www.studentfinanceni.co.uk) or by phoning 08456000662.
Applying to St Mary’s University College, Belfast
Students apply to the university college online at www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk
Entrance requirements
Entrance requirements change year on year. For BEd Primary – all applicants must have a minimum GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in English, Maths and a Science. A’ Level grades are not specified, however the website (www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk) does indicate typical grades based on entry levels over the past few years for each subject. For BEd secondary –all applicants must have a minimum GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in Maths and English. A’ Level grades are not specified, however the website (www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk) does indicate typical grades based on entry levels over the past few years for each subject.
How to apply
online at www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk click on ‘admissions’ select ‘online application form’ follow directions as on website
The application form will require the following information: z Personal Details z Additional Information z Choices z Education z Employment z Personal Statement z Confidential Reference ( written by a teacher in your school/college)
The personal statement is an important part of the application form and might include the following information:
z My career interests and aspirations z My work experience – particularly important for teaching. z My academic skills, interests and achievements. z My contribution to school life z My other interests and hobbies
Application deadlines for St Mary’s University College
January - Initial Teacher Education (BEd Primary & BEd Secondary)
(Subject to change and should be confirmed by visiting the above website)
Interview Dates
The admissions process for teacher training involves an interview.
February – Initial Teacher Education interviews take place. (Subject to change and should be confirmed by visiting the above website)
Student Finance
Annual tuition fees of approximately £3300 are charged. Help with paying these fees is available from Student Finance NI (www.studentfinanceni.co.uk). There may also be help directly from the university in the form of loans, grants or bursaries to cover living expenses and costs associated with study. Detailed information about financial assistance is available from the Student Finance NI website (www.studentfinanceni.co.uk) or by phoning 08456000662.
Applying to university in Republic of Ireland
Students apply to the universities in the Republic of Ireland online at www.cao.ie Students choose 10 courses and list them in rank order. A personal statement is not required. No references are required.
The CAO application form will require the following information: z Personal Details z Additional Information z Choices z Education
Application deadlines for CAO
1st February is the deadline for all normal applications through CAO- subject to change and should be confirmed by visiting the above website.
Cost of applying
Normal applications (online and paper) cost €45