Institute of Technology Tallaght

Countering non-progression among mature students:
• Certificate in Preparatory Study for Higher Education
•
•
•
•
•
•
Started in 2009
Each year 70-100 mature students register
10 credit, NFQ Level 6 Special Purpose Award
Free to participants (funding by ETB, South Dublin County P’ship etc)
Core subjects: study skills, Maths, ICT, Academic English
Electives: up to 12 hours in 3-4 subjects
• Over last 2-3 years participants have begun completing their major
awards:
• Participants universally positive about experience
• Disproportionate number of participants end up as prize winners, top of
their class etc.
Institute of Technology Tallaght
Currently, 18 year olds who are not in a position to
access higher education via CAO are often not able
to access it until they reach 23 (when they become
mature).
 ITT developing an equivalent preparatory
programme for 18-23 year olds.
 Supporting participation needs stronger synergies
between providers for FET and HE.
