Third Level Admissions Entry Requirements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014

Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Questions (355)

Arthur Spring

Question:

355. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Education and Skills his views on the fact a person (details supplied) who was unable to sit the MSAP exam on 8 March 2014 due to a certified medical reason has been advised he will have to wait until next year to resit the MSAP; the options that are open to the student in order to enrol for studies in the 2014-15 academic year; and if this student should be exempt from sitting the MSAP as he previously attained a degree from the same university in which he plans to enrol. [13621/14]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The MSAP (Mature Students Admission Pathway) is designed to assess a range of competencies considered important for success in tertiary study. I understand that mature students applying for specific courses in UCC, UCD and NUIG are required to have a MSAP result.

Universities are autonomous institutions within the meaning of the Universities Act 1997 and the management of their academic affairs, including admissions criteria, are matters for the individual institutions concerned. My Department has no function in relation to such matters. I would suggest that the person concerned contacts the admissions office of the relevant institution for information regarding his application as a mature student.

I understand that the website Qualifax.ie is a very useful resource for those considering entering higher education and full details of MSAP and other requirements of higher education institutions are available on the website.

Question No. 356 answered with Question No. 296.

Question No. 357 answered with Question No. 354.