Bell Time Magazine Autumn/Winter 2015 | Page 8

BellTIME BellTIME Pontifical University St Patrick’s College, Maynooth St Patrick’s College Maynooth combines best of both worlds St Patrick’s College Maynooth is a Pontifical University, having been established by a Pontifical Charter in 1896. “The Pontifical University has Open Days throughout the year in conjunction with Maynooth University. “The two universities share the same campus and cooperate in a number of important academic programmes,” says Ruth Daly, schools’ liaison officer at the university. UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES “If you take arts subjects with Maynooth University and theology at the Pontifical University, you really have the best of both worlds. Given the small numbers of students in the theology classes, the learning experience is very personalised.” Baccalaureate in Theology & Arts (BATh) CAO code MU001 Baccalaureate in Theology (BTh) CAO code MU002 Ruth visits schools to talk about the programmes offered by St Patrick’s College as well as alternative routes into college. The BA in Theology & Arts is a three-year, level 8, honours degree programme comprising of Theology and Arts subjects. The Theology modules are taught in the Faculty of Theology in the Pontifical University, while the Arts subjects are taught in Maynooth University. Both universities share the same campus and facilities The BA in Theology is a three-year, level 8, honours degree programme aimed at students who wish to study Theology in depth. Students study First Arts Philosophy as part of this degree. “It’s very important that students make an informed decision while they’re filling out their CAO. I advise students to go to as many open days { } These programmes qualify under the Free Fees initiative and the Higher Education Grants Scheme Applications from mature students welcomed The Pontifical University also offers a number of Postgraduate Degree programmes in Theology AUTUMN OPEN DAYS FRIDAY 27TH & SATURDAY 28th NOVEMBER (Same dates and venue as Maynooth University) Spring & Summer Open Days: Saturday, 23rd April 2016, Saturday, 25th June 2016 Jayne Neeson, Armagh, BTh 2014 “There are many reasons to study Theology at St Patrick’s College. Personally, my top reason would be the small community and campus. Travelling for university and leaving home for the first time can be a daunting experience. However, my fears were soon swept away. The lecturers and students of Theology were like a family to me. Studying Theology shapes your way of thinking, you learn a wide set of skills that are adaptable to life.” as possible, because they may come across a course that they’ve never heard of, but that’s right for them,” she said. As a mature student, Ruth decided to attend college in order to help her understand the complexities of her second child’s rare genetic condition called DiGeorge syndrome. She completed a certificate in psychology by attending an outreach programme delivered by Maynooth University at a local school. The open days run from 9am till 4pm on Friday 27 November and Saturday 28 November, with theology talks taking place on both days. There will be free regional commuter buses running to the university on the Saturday. Other Open Days for 2016 are on Saturday 23 April and Saturday 25 June. “I loved it, and the lecturer encouraged me to consider returning to college as a mature student. She recommended I attend the Return to Learning course at Maynooth, which teaches you academic writing and a range of skills required to participate in third-level learning.” To arrange a talk from Ruth or one of the Student Ambassadors at your school, or to order a prospectus, email [email protected] Ruth went on to study theology at the Pontifical University and history and classics with Maynooth University. Being able to attend evening lectures in history allowed her to juggle student and family routine. Shauna Fitzpatrick, Clondalkin, BATh 2015 “Theology is an academic subject like any other, but what makes it different is that you develop a set of values and principles for life. It allows you to explore the differences between faiths and to understand the world in a broader context. Having completed my degree, I am absolutely sure that I chose the right course for me, not just because of the subjects but because of the Maynooth experience.” Admissions Office, St. Patrick’s College, Pontifical University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Tel: +353 1 708 4772 14 Email: [email protected] www.maynoothcollege.ie Ruth refers to the Pontifical University as one of the best colleges in Ireland from the point of view of both Leaving Cert and mature students, as it offered a wide range of student supports. Meet Our Student Ambassadors For more information, f