The Certificate in General Studies is a one year full-time, FETAC Level 5 programme which is co-ordinated by the Downtown Centre and delivered by the Shannon Consortium partners and the City of Limerick VEC Adult Education Service. Its core subjects include information technology, communications skills and a work placement module. It also offers participants the opportunity to study one of two academic disciplines - Humanities or Science.

Successful participants on the programme are guaranteed direct entry onto designated undergraduate programmes in each of the Shannon Consortium institutions. The choice of progression opportunities is dependent on the specialist elective chosen by the participant.

Classes are delivered, both in the Downtown Centre, on the main campus of each of the partner institutions and in the City of Limerick VEC MTI Building.

The Certificate in General Studies is an approved programme by the Department of Social and Family Affairs for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA).

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Anyone aged 18 years or over is eligible to apply. Applicants are assessed in terms of their experience, motivation and overall potential to be successful on this programme. Prospective students are requested to complete an application form for entry to the programme. Admission is on the basis of an interview and a short written assessment

The programme offers an alternative route into third-level for learners who are traditionally under-represented in higher education (students from different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, of different ages and students with disabilities) and therefore priority for places on the programme will go to such applicants in the first instance.

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