The Downtown Centre has co-ordinated the Certificate in General Studies, an access programme to higher education, for the past five years. 

Due to funding constraints, the Certificate in General Studies programme will not be offered in September 2012.

Two of our third-level partners will be offering access programmes for mature students (aged 22 or above on 1 January 2012) commencing in September 2012:

1. The University of Limerick will be running its one year full-time Mature Student Access Certificate Course. Further details are available from Maria O’Connell in the UL Mature Students Office at mso@ul.ieor 061-202735. Closing date for applications for this programme is 1^st May 2012. In addition, please note that the deadline for mature student applications for direct entry onto undergraduate degree programmes in UL has been extended to 1^st May 2012.
2. Mary Immaculate College will be running its one year part-time Foundation Certificate for Mature Students. Further details are available from Student Services on 061-204348 or from the Learner Support Unit on lsu@mic.ul.ieor 061-204373. Applications for this programme normally open in August / September.

The Downtown Centre’s educational guidance service continues to be available free of charge to anyone over the age of 18 who wishes to explore their options for progressing to third-level education. If you wish to make an appointment for a guidance consultation, please contact Clodagh on 061-233701 or clodagh.deklein@ul.ie.

We are happy to take contact details for anyone who wishes to be kept informed of developments in relation to the Certificate in General Studies. 

The Downtown Centre on 061-233701; Email: info@downtowncentre.ie; Web: www.downtowncentre.ie