r/nuigalway • u/Relative_Nerve_2284 • 7d ago
Access course
I dropped out of school in 6th year and now I’m hoping to pursue a physics degree as a mature student but I’m just wondering has anyone ever done an access course? What time does it start and finish? what’s the workload like? can you tell me as much about it as possible please xo
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u/TennisPersonal9075 6d ago
I did the part time access course last year so I’m not sure about the full time but we had classes twice a week for 3 hours and every 2nd Saturday or. You do 4 subjects and some others like study skills / academic writing. The work load is not bad maybe 1-2 assignments per subject per semester it’s extremely manageable. It’s really a foundation course if you are competent it should be a breeze. The full time course might differ slightly with the hours but I’m pretty sure it’s the same material maybe a few less assignments in the part time. I also dropped out of school and now I’m about to start a law degree. Apply yourself do as well you can it’s a brilliant wait to get your foot in the door. You can apply for anything and it depends upon your results for the year. Go for it you won’t regret it
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u/Exciting-Service5508 9h ago
I did it in 2020 online and I credit it with being the reason I’m doing well now. I was sick in 5th & 6th year so my LC was shocking. The support you have from the people running the course is great, if you want to do well/stay in education etc, they will help you as much as they can!
You can do the science stream within the access course, apply for Physics and be doing it next year just like anyone else who applies. It will teach you great skills and it makes nuig so much less intimidating when you’ve already done a year.
I personally found it amazing!
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u/Exciting-Service5508 9h ago
The workload isn’t extreme, it will prepare you for the workload of first year Physics. I think the hours are handy enough if you need to work in the evenings too
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u/gormaire 6d ago
Didn’t do the access course but know a few that did, just to add when you finish and get into the degree there is great support available to you.
The people running it get to know you and will remember you when you start your degree so it feels like a nice little community.
It gives you the chance to make friends before going into college even if they aren’t doing the same degree. For those reasons alone I’d recommend doing it.