Academic Studies in Ireland

Independent Learning

Higher education in Ireland is an independent learning environment. That means academic success involves a lot more than just attending all your lectures and tutorials: self motivation is vital. For international students in particular, living away from home means that they are learning for the first time away from the close support of family and friends. The only one who can make sure you study and hand assignments in on time is you!

Some first year students (Irish and international) can find this new learning situation quite difficult to get used to. However, you will find plenty of sources of help. Most course providers have an induction week where new students are given comprehensive tours of campus service and facilities. Lecturers and tutors are always on hand to help with any difficulties you may be experience with a subject. In addition several institutions offer learner support services, which assist students with issues such as study skills.

The principle of independent learning is no more apparent than in the area of research. In recognition of the importance of analytical and information skills to graduates in today’s economy, students in Irish colleges are introduced to research activity from their first year onwards. So whether you are enrolling in a business, arts or science degree, you will be involved in discovering new knowledge right from the start!

The benefits of being a fully fledged independent learner are considerable: it is an exciting opportunity to learn something for yourself rather than simply memorising the words of others. Students who can formulate their own beliefs and arguments are a key goal of Irish higher education. Graduates of Irish colleges and universities are self-confident, independent, communicative and ready for the challenges of the workplace.

Learning Facilities

Classroom and lecture hall facilities at Irish universities and colleges range from huge theatre style rooms with tiered seating for nearly a thousand students, to smaller, more basic rooms which are fairly similar to your average post-primary school classroom. Blackboards are still important but, these days, lecturers employ a wide range of IT, audio-visual and presentation technology.

Library facilities are very important to students and staff at a university. Modern university libraries house much more than books and photocopiers, with web terminals or wireless internet access, DVD and video viewing spaces, online study resources and private group study rooms all available. Most third level students spend a lot of time at the library, and Irish colleges provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere with enough space for students to study at their ease.

Students taking some courses (e.g. science, engineering etc.) will probably spend as much time in the laboratory as in a lecture hall or the library. Irish college and university laboratories are high tech and of the highest international standard.

Many institutions have developed dedicated facilities for different subjects. For example, sports science students at UL can use the ‘University Arena’, which houses the National Strength and Conditioning Centre and the Cardio-Fitness Centre; IT students at NUIG have the use of the Irish Centre for High End Computing, and the Music Technology Laboratory at NUI Maynooth is a centre of study and research in Sonic Arts and Computer Music. Students studying architecture, medicine, veterinary, language, or other subjects also have their own facility requirements, which are catered for by the colleges offering the courses.

All students need computer facilities and all Irish colleges have dedicated computer labs where students can work. High-speed Internet access is now standard at Irish universities, with many offering wireless access at places around the campus and in the student residences.