University summer schools help second-level students consider CAO options

One of the most difficult aspects of choosing a college course is the uncertainty involved in the choice. One can never be 100pc sure that they are making the right decision when they commit to a course and, even having done detailed research, it is always possible to make a poor choice. It is impossible to get a true sense of what a course or college is really going to be like until you are there. And for those who make a wrong decision, dropping out can lead to regrets as well as wasted time and money.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to experience college life, lectures and content before committing to a course? Well, you can do just that as all universities offer 5th year students the opportunity to become a student at their institution during the summer between 5th year and 6th year.

However, it always surprises me that more young people do not take up this opportunity.

It is really the best way to get firsthand insight into life as a student at that college and in that area of study.

Here are some of the summer school programmes on offer for 2019:

Maynooth University

Maynooth University (MU) will run a nonresidential summer school from June 10 to June 14 for those over 15 years of age. This allows students to experience study in areas such as primary school teaching, languages, biology, computer science, chemistry, maths, business, psychology and many more. Students over the age of 18 may apply to stay on campus during this week.

MU is currently taking bookings for the 2019 summer school.

It costs €30 to attend for one day or students can attend for five days and experience a wide variety of subject areas for €125, with lunch included for each day.

Students can book online at

maynoothuniversity.ie or contact Laura Creevey (01)7086058 for more information.

University College Dublin

UCD offers a summer school for students who will enter university in September 2020. It will open for enrolment in April, but students can register their interest and sign up for notifications now by going to ucdsummerschool.ie. Courses will run from June 4 to June 7. This summer school offers a wide variety of courses over the four days. Details are yet to be announced. Courses available reflect the UCD offering and, in the past, have included arts, engineering, science psychology, music and many more.

Students can sign up to one or more courses, if they wish.

NUI Galway

NUI Galway will run five summer schools this June in the areas of law, business, science, engineering and computer science. Each school targets different participants.

Arrangements for the schools differ according to subject area. Some subjects offer courses for 5th years only, while others will accept all senior cycle students, including TYs, and some are open to second-level students from all class years.

The cost of attending varies, although many are free and others charge a small fee.

Interested students can find further information on nuigalway.ie/summerschools.