As a part-time student, Carlow College, St. Patrick’s can offer you a range of study options to suit your individual needs. Students study part-time for a variety of reasons, including:
- part-time degree study
- upskilling for career development
- personal interest
Whatever your reason is, you will be fully supported through the process with Carlow College. As a small college, you have direct access to academic staff and a range of support services available to help you succeed in your chosen module/s.
Part-time Degree Study
Our part-time degree study option is available for those who wish to study on a part-time basis towards gaining a level 7 or level 8 degree. It is a flexible scheme that allows you to study up to six subjects (modules) per year towards a full degree qualification in a chosen area of study. Part-time students can study up to a maximum of six modules or a minimum of one module per academic year. If you wish to complete stage 1 of the degree over a two-year period, they must study 6 modules per year (3 modules in semester one and 3 modules in semester two).
All undergraduate degree programmes are available for part-time study, as below:
- Arts & Humanities
- English & History
- Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care)
(NOTE: the first stage of this programme may be completed on a modular basis, but students may only progress to stages 2 and 3 as a full-time student)
Part-time study at Carlow College, St. Patrick’s may also be used as a pathway to full time education. Once a part-time student has successfully completed stage one of a programme, they have the option to progress to stage two as a full time undergraduate student or continue on as a part-time learner. As an undergraduate full time student, you may be eligible for funding by applying to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
Career Development or Personal Interest
If you are looking to study part-time to upskill for career development or to develop an area of personal interest, you can study stand-alone modules with our current undergraduate programmes or choose from our range of part-time Certificate and Higher Diploma courses (run in the evenings or online). These modules can be completed to gain additional credits for a particular subject discipline and/or up-skill in a professional area. Under this type of study model students can choose modules that will enhance existing qualifications to improve career prospects and employability.
As modules are taught in conjunction with the main degree, you will be attending lectures with full-time students when that subject is scheduled in the timetable. Timetables for Semester 1 are available in early September 2023. Carlow College, St. Patrick’s offer learners the facility to change subjects/modules in the first week of lectures, if the timetable is not suitable. A learner must inform the Admissions Office of such changes.
Applications
Application for part-time study are made directly to Carlow College, St. Patrick’s and are not processed by the CAO.Â
Applications are now open for 2023/24 Semester 1 part-time degree study commencing September 2023.
Carlow College, St. Patrick’s recognises the importance of access to third level education. No specific entry requirements have been set, however application forms will be subject to assessment and candidates may be called for interview.
Should you require further guidance or information, please contact the Admissions Office at the College directly at (059) 9153243 or directentry@carlowcollege.ie where our staff will be happy to advise you.
If you are a student with additional educational needs, you are encouraged to contact the Head of Student Services and Learner Supports, Lisa Fortune, at (059) 9153223 to discuss your situation in a confidential and friendly environment
The fees per module are as follows: €250 per 5 Credit Module (includes QQI Fee). Payment of fees are required in full on or before the day of registration, per semester. A 15% discount on modules will apply to those who are in receipt of Social Welfare payments, proof will be required.
Example: (excluding discount) The cost of 30 credits per year is €1500 (€750 per semester). Two part payments of €750 MUST be paid on or before the commencement date each semester.
Example: (with 15% Social Welfare discount) The cost of 30 credits per year is €1275 (€637.50 per semester) Two part payments of €637.50 MUST be paid on or before the commencement date each semester.
Carlow College, St. Patrick’s have introduced semesterisation into the Academic Year. Simply put semesterisation is where modules are taught and assessed in a single teaching period. At Carlow College, St. Patrick’s there are two semesters over the course of the academic year.
Semester 1: Commences on 4th September and Concludes on 20th December 2023
Examinations for Semester 1: 11th – 20th December 2023
Semester 2: Commences on 22nd January 2024 and Concludes on 20th May 2024
Examinations for Semester 2: 7th – 20th May 2024
Please note: these dates are provisional and subject to change.
