ENTRY REQUIREMENTS INFORMATION
When planning postgraduate studies, it is essential for undergraduate students to start to consider their postgraduate course options early in the final academic year of their BA/BSc degree studies. The PAC application system will be open from November 2022 for 2023 applications with sample module content, entry requirements and closing dates available online at: www.maynoothuniversity.ie/postgraduate.
Undergraduate students should review current course timetables to get an understanding of the time commitment involved in their preferred programmes, as this will help with financial planning for postgraduate studies. While programmes may run with different modules and timetables may change from year to year, the current information provides the most up-to-date guidance on what to expect from the postgraduate experience. At Maynooth University, prospective students are encouraged to make contact with course coordinators to ask for more information about programme content in advance of making an application.
HOW TO APPLY TAUGHT PROGRAMMES
Apply using the Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC) online portal
Applicants will register their details on the PAC website before selecting their course. There is a €50 fee (non-refundable) to apply for up to three postgraduate programmes at Maynooth University.
All applicants should refer to the Course Finder pages for documents that are required as part of the application process.
Maynooth University students and graduates
- In general, transcripts and parchments are not required for Maynooth University qualifications. However, there are certain programmes that do require this information.
- Academic and/or work-related references on occasion are required.
- Personal statement
- Referees contact details (two Maynooth University academic staff members)
Details of requirements can be found on Course Finder
Non-Maynooth University students must provide
- Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for each year of study for all qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Non-Maynooth University applicants who are currently completing undergraduate/postgraduate programmes and have not completed final exams should submit certified copies of academic transcripts with details of subjects studied and results to date. Final results and the proposed date of conferring should be submitted as soon as they become available.
- Degree certificate stating your conferral date (if available).
- Current Passport as a form of identification.
- Two written academic references on headed paper signed and issued within the last year (this is a requirement for most programmes).
- Personal statement
- If English is not your first language, please provide certified evidence that you meet our English language requirements stipulated on Course Finder.
For further Information please see our FAQ section or email pacinfo@mu.ie Postgraduate FAQ | Maynooth University
Recognition of Prior Learning
Use your professional experience to apply for a postgraduate degree
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process that, based on demonstrated prior learning, may allow you to gain admission to a programme of study or to gain exemptions/credit from some parts of a programme.
Through its RPL policy, Maynooth University recognises the extent to which knowledge and skills that have been acquired from a range of learning experiences, including formal and informal programmes of study and participation in the labour market, contribute to life-long education. We welcome applications from prospective students who may have significant professional experience but do not have a formal third-level qualification or do not meet the academic entry requirements laid out for their chosen programme. Students who enter our postgraduate programmes through this route bring valuable insights and technical and workplace skills to the programme’s learning environment. Through the RPL process, your relevant professional skills and life experience will be reviewed alongside any formal learning to assess eligibility for admission to your chosen programme.
Should you wish to explore this route further, contact our RPL Office where you will be offered advice as to whether your acquired skills and knowledge may be appropriate for admission to the particular programme and, if so, how to pursue your application.
Find out more here
RESEARCH PROGRAMMES
Find your Research Interest and Programme of Study
When applying for a PhD or Research Masters programme, applicants should contact the Department where they wish to study before they apply on PAC. For programme information, research interests, entry requirements and department contact details please see the Maynooth University Research programmes page.
Apply to the Department and contact a Supervisor
Often the applicant will be asked to submit a research proposal to the Department in order to be considered. An interview may also be required as part of the application process. Prior to contacting a potential supervisor, we recommend you develop your research proposal. It is important that your research interests align with the supervisor's areas of expertise. To find a potential supervisor please see the Researcher Directory.
Key areas to consider when writing a research proposal
- Describe the topic to be investigated
- The aims and objectives of the research
- The central research questions
- Methodology, including for example, experimental, investigate and analytical methods and theoretical frameworks
- The alignment of the proposal project with the academic department's expertise and research areas
- Ethical considerations.
The PAC Application Process
When the applicant has confirmed with the Department that they will be accepted as a new PhD or new Research Masters student, they should then apply using the Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC) online portal to formalise the application and acceptance process.
Apply using the Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC) online portal
Applicants will register their details on the PAC website before selecting their course. There is a €50 fee (non-refundable) to apply for one postgraduate research programmes at Maynooth University.
All applicants should refer to the Course Finder pages for documents that are required as part of the application process.
Maynooth University Students and Graduates
- In general, transcripts and parchments are not required for Maynooth University qualifications. However, there are certain programmes that do require this information
- Written academic and/or work-related references on occasion are required
- Personal statement
- Research proposal
- Referees contact details (two Maynooth University academic staff members)
Details of requirements can be found on Course Finder.
Non-Maynooth University Students
- Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for each year of study for all qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Non-Maynooth University applicants who are currently completing undergraduate/postgraduate programmes and have not completed final exams should submit certified copies of academic transcripts with details of subjects studied and results to date. Final results and the proposed date of conferring should be submitted as soon as they become available.
- Degree certificate stating your conferral date (if available).
- Current Passport as a form of identification.
- Two written academic references on headed paper signed and issued within the last year (this is a requirement for most programmes).
- Personal statement
- Research Proposal.
- If English is not your first language, please provide certified evidence that you meet our English language requirements stipulated on Course Finder.
Requests for assistance should be made to
Graduate Studies Office Email pacinfo@mu.ie Web www.maynoothuniversity.ie/graduate-studies
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs About Applications
Q. Where do I apply for a postgraduate programme in Maynooth University?
A. You can apply on PAC here. However, in the first instance we advise that you review the programme details on our postgraduate Course Finder. In particular, you should note the commencement date for each programme and the closing dates for receipt of completed applications.
Q. I have not finished my degree yet, can I still apply?
A. Yes you can, we would suggest that you apply as soon as possible. Most departments assess the applications as they are submitted, as a current student you would be initially assessed on your previous year’s grades. Within a few weeks you could have a conditional offer; this means that you have a place on the programme if you achieve the entry grade or above in your final exams. Also, some programmes have limited spaces, so it is advisable to apply early. You may not register on a programme unless all entry requirements have been met before the commencement of the programme. Always remember to keep an eye on the closing date.
Q. Do all programmes close for applications on the same date?
A. No, it is important to check the closing date of the programme(s) you wish to apply for. Most programmes close for applications on the 30 June however, there are some programmes that close much earlier. Check our course finder pages for the programme closing date.
Q. Do I still need written academic references if it is a long time since I was a student?
A. Written references are a requirement of most of our programmes in Maynooth University. Often it is two academic references that are required, this can be checked on the ‘How to Apply’ tab on our Course Finder pages. If you are having difficulty getting two academic references, you can submit one academic and one personal reference from a current or previous employer.
Q. Does a full-time postgraduate programme require five days a week active engagement?
A. The timetable will vary from programme to programme, it is best to check with the department offering the programme what hours are involved.
Q. What is a Conversion course?
A. Conversion courses allow graduates of one discipline to qualify in a different discipline and offer students an opportunity to enter a new area of expertise. Maynooth University offers a range of Conversion Courses for students who want to move into a new area where they do not have previous experience. These courses are for BA or BSc graduates who would like to upskill in a new area.
Q. Can I apply if I do not meet the entry requirements?
A. For candidates who do not meet the academic entry requirements, a taught postgraduate qualification is still an option at Maynooth University. Through its Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) policy, Maynooth University acknowledges the value of labour market participation to life-long education.
Our RPEL policy facilitates a review of the professional skills and relevant life experience of the individual, particularly for applicants with professional qualifications or a level 7 degree.
Q. Is there an application fee?
A. There is an application fee of €50, which covers applications to three taught programmes or one research programme. This application fee is non-refundable.
Q. What should I put in my personal statement?
Q. What should I put in my personal statement?
A. Four sections to include in a good personal statement
- State the course in which you are interested.
- Give details of why you are interested in that programme / department / university - show that you have researched the course and that you understand what is involved in it. Explain what you will bring to the course e.g. Ability: Ability to complete this course, refer to your academic transcripts, tell them that you have excellent references, that your attendance is excellent etc. Remember, they want to see that you have the ability to successfully complete this course. Skills: Show that you will fit in well on the course – good communication, interpersonal, team-working skills. Provide details of the skills have you developed through previous study or work experience that are relevant to the programme you are applying for. Interest/Motivation: Show that you have good reasons, strong interest, enough motivation to complete this course. Where did your interest in this area come from? If you have previous employment or studies that are relevant highlight these. Explain your future plans after the course – you do not need to have a very specific plan but provide a sense of how this course will benefit your future career aspirations. Do you have other motivations for doing this course? Conclusion: Demonstrate that you are willing to meet any challenges this course presents as you are committed to the course and what it will give to you.
Q. What do I do if my name on my application is different from that on my documents?
A. If your current name is different from the name on your identification or your final award/certificate, you need to provide official documentation to show your name change. Accepted documents include: a marriage certificate, a signed affidavit provided you have changed your name by deed poll.
Q. Is a deposit required?
A. There is a €200 deposit to accept an offer on a taught programme, this is non-refundable unless you do not meet the entry requirements. For most programmes you have 14 days to accept the offer.
Q. How do I pay my deposit?
A. When you receive an offer, you will need to pay your deposit online through the portal in order to accept your place. You have 14 days from the date of offer to accept your place and pay your deposit. If you are having any technical difficulty paying your deposit, please contact pachelp@pac.ie.
Q. Is there a checklist for before I make an application?
A. Checklist Before Making an application:
- Valid Email Address: Applicants must have a valid email address to register with PAC. It is your responsibility to check your account regularly for updates.
- Credit/Debit card: A non-refundable application fee of €50.00 applies.
- PPS Number: Irish applicants are required to provide their PPS number. This is not mandatory for non-Irish applicants.
- MU Student Number: Applicants who are currently attending Maynooth University or have previously attended Maynooth University must include their MU Student Number. If you have forgotten your student number, please contact pacinfo@mu.ie.
Please see the Course Finder for entry requirements and documents required to be uploaded as part of the application.
Q. I have missed the closing date for the course I want. Is there any way I can still apply?
A. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible and each postgraduate programme has an indicated closing date. Individual departments may decide to open for late applications if places become available. Please contact the department where you wish to study to confirm whether you can make a late application.
FAQs After You Have Applied
Q. How to check your application status?
A. Once you have completed your application, check your application account regularly for updates on the progress of your application.
Q. How will I know Maynooth University has received my application?
A. Once you have submitted your application on PAC, you will automatically receive an email confirming that your application has been received.
Q. How can I update my application once submitted?
A. Once you have submitted your application you will not be able to update it yourself. Therefore, please ensure you are satisfied with your application before you submit it. If you need to amend your application after submission, please contact pacinfo@mu.ie.
Q. How can I get a letter confirming that I have been accepted onto a programme in Maynooth University?
A. Please contact the academic department that has offered you a place.
Q. My offer has expired. What should I do if I want to accept the offer?
A. You will receive an email alert notifying you of the pending offer expiry date. If you wish to take up your place after the offer expires, you will need to contact us to request this. A member of our Postgraduate Admissions Team will check if there are still places available on the programme and will be able to extend your offer where possible. Please contact pacinfo@mu.ie.
Q. Can I accept more than one programme?
A. You may receive an offer on different programmes at different times. Please note that only one offer can be accepted on PAC at any time. If you have accepted your preferred programme, please decline any subsequent offers you may receive. If you accept one offer and are subsequently offered a place on your preferred programme, you must decline or withdraw your original acceptance, to allow you accept your preferred programme. If you have paid a deposit on one programme and subsequently accept a second programme, the deposit will be transferred across.
Q. Can I add another programme to my application after I have accepted an offer?
A. Yes, you can add another programme to your application once it is open for applications. If you are offered a place on your preferred programme, you must decline or withdraw your original acceptance, to allow you accept your preferred programme. If you have paid a deposit on one programme and subsequently accept a second programme, the deposit will be transferred across.
Q. Can I defer my place when offered?
A. To apply for a one-year programme deferral, applicants must have accepted their offer of a place through PAC. If a deposit is required for the programme you have applied for, this must be paid. The request should be sent by email to the academic department. Deferral requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Q. Why was my application unsuccessful?
A. You can check the minimum entry requirements for all programmes on the postgraduate Course Finder. If you want more information about your application, contact the programme coordinator, details can be found on the postgraduate Course Finder.
