No. 4 Access, Transfer and Progression - GMIT

Academic Code of Practice No.4

GMIT Policies Access,Transfer and Progression


GMIT Policies Access,Transfer and ProgressionAs approved by the Academic Councilon 22 May 2009 and bythe Govering Body on 25 March 2010

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Table of Contents

1. OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................... 2

1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................. 2

1.2 Direct Admissions .................................................................................................. 2

1.3 Indirect Admissions ............................................................................................... 3

1.4 Range of Programmes, Levels and Awards ....................................................... 4

1.5 Hotel and Catering Craft Programmes (FETAC)................................................. 4

1.6 Engineering Trades Programmes (FETAC).......................................................... 6

2. ACCESS ...................................................................................................................... 7

2.1 CAO Application Process....................................................................................... 7

2.2 Categories of Applications ................................................................................... 7

2.3 Entry Qualifications ............................................................................................... 9

2.4 Evaluation of Qualifications for Entry............................................................... 10

2.5 Recognised Alternative Routes for Entry ......................................................... 14

2.6 Offers ..................................................................................................................... 18

2.7 Acceptance and Defer ......................................................................................... 18

2.8 CAO Special Cases: Health, Disability & SLD ................................................. 18

2.9 Special Sports and Cultural Achievements Scheme...................................... 19

2.10 Internal Transfer ................................................................................................... 19

2.11 Fáilte Ireland Programmes ................................................................................. 20

2.12 Fás Apprenticeships ............................................................................................ 20

2.13 Programmes Requiring Work Experience ........................................................ 21

2.14 Higher Certificate in Business in Hotel Management ................................... 21

2.15 Fáilte Ireland Day Release Programmes .......................................................... 21

2.16 Accelerated Technician Programme.................................................................. 21

2.17 Accelerated Technician Programme – ACCM................................................... 22

2.18 Non EU Students – International Office .......................................................... 22

3. TRANSFERS .............................................................................................................. 23

3.1 Other Higher Education Institutions ............................................................... 23

3.2 Internal Transfers ................................................................................................ 23

3.3 Other Recognised Transfers – FE Courses ..................................................... 23

4. PROGRESSION ...................................................................................................... 24

4.1 Add-on Degrees ................................................................................................... 24

4.2 Postgraduate Degrees – Taught ....................................................................... 24

4.3 Progression Qualifications ................................................................................ 24

4.4 Carrying Module Credits .................................................................................... 25

4.5 Defer Policy .......................................................................................................... 25

4.6 Other Admissions ............................................................................................... 25


SECTION A | POLICY

1. OVERVIEW

The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI), which was established in February

2001, has overall responsibility for developing a framework of qualifications and standards of

awards, as well as facilitating access, transfer and progression. Within that framework, The

Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and The Further Education and Training

Awards Council (FETAC) were established on the 11th June, 2001 under the Qualifications

(Education and Training) Act, 1999.

HETAC is the legal successor to the National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA). It is the

qualifications awarding body for third-level educational and training institutions outside the

university sector.

All HETAC awards at undergraduate (Levels 6, 7, 8), taught Masters (Level 9), Degree of Master

by Research (Level 9) and Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Level 10) in Mechanical Engineering

and Aquatic Science are conferred by Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology as a result of

delegated authority under Section 29 of the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999.

FETAC has responsibility for making and promoting quality awards in further education and

training.

Engineering trades programmes are validated by The Further Education and Training Awards

Council (FETAC) within The National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI) framework.

The GMIT embraces the vision and the policies encompassed in the National Framework of

Qualifications in its ongoing development of its policies and procedures.

1.1 INTRODUCTIONThe application process for admission to GMIT programmes falls into two categories: Direct

and Indirect.

1.2 DIRECT ADMISSIONSEntry to all programmes other than first year third level programmes (e.g. Transfers, add-on

Ordinary and Honours degrees, Access programmes, Postgraduate degrees, approved

programmes offered through the part-time or ACCM modes, Lifelong Learning initiatives, some

Hotel and Catering craft programmes,) is processed through Direct Admissions procedure. The

application, selection and offer process of Direct Admissions are carried out by GMIT.


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1.3 INDIRECT ADMISSIONS

Applications for programmes are made to, and processed by, an external agency, body or office

with or without powers for selection/recommendation of students, for admission to Institute

programmes e.g. CAO, Fáilte Ireland, FÁS.

a) Central Applications Office (CAO)

The Central Applications Office (CAO) provides a comprehensive application and offer

processing service for entry to all first year, full-time Level 6, Level 7 and Level 8 programmes.

The Institute has sole responsibility for the selection of applicants, offer recommendations,

entry requirements or qualifications and establishing cut-off points for entry.

Candidates who have accepted an offer of a place on a specific programme are enrolled by the

Institute, issued with Registration and fees advice documents.

b) Fáilte Ireland

Fáilte Ireland carries out the national recruitment of candidates for certain programmes in the

Hospitality and Culinary Arts Department.

Candidates are enrolled by the Institute, issued with Registration and fees advice documents

and scheduled for a personal registration process.

c) FÁS

FÁS, the National Training and Employment Authority (under the auspices of the Department of

Enterprise, Trade and Employment) is responsible for the registration of apprentices on the

standards-based apprenticeship scheme for all twenty-five trades.

Under the scheme, all apprentices attending Phase 4 and Phase 6 block-release programmes

in Electrical Installation and Motor Engineering are scheduled to attend GMIT by FÁS.

Candidates are enrolled and registered by the Institute.

1.4 RANGE OF PROGRAMMES, LEVELS AND AWARDSGalway-Mayo Institute of Technology offers a range of higher education programmes at Higher

Certificate (Level 6), Ordinary Bachelor Degree (Level 7), Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8),

Master Degree (Level 9) and Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Level 10), Higher Diploma (Level

8) and Special Purpose Awards (within Levels 6, 7 and 8). Programme structures allow

students great flexibility in deciding upon a career path.

i) Students who successfully complete the Higher Certificate programmes and who meet the

minimum learning outcomes may progress to an Ordinary Bachelor Degree.

ii) Students who successfully complete the Ordinary Bachelor Degree programmes and who

meet the minimum learning outcomes may progress to an Honours Bachelor Degree.


iii) Students admitted to either an ab initio Ordinary Bachelor Degree programme or an ab

initio 4 year Honours Bachelor Degree programme and who exit before completion may

apply for an approved embedded award provided they meet the learning outcomes of the

award and have earned sufficient ECTS credits.

iv) Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Modules (ACCM):

ACCS is an innovative scheme whereby course subjects may be studied on a single subject

basis, generally from the fulltime day timetable. A small number of programmes are

offered in this mode in the evening.

Subject certificates are awarded to successful participants and credits may be

accumulated towards a full award.

Most programmes are available through the ACCM mode.

(Appendix1 - Table 1)

1.5 HOTEL AND CATERING CRAFT PROGRAMMES (FETAC LEVELS 5/6)Following a strategic decision by Fáilte Ireland to withdraw from direct control of education and

training at Level 6, Institutes of Technology, operating together and in consultation with Fáilte

Ireland, have designed a suite of new programmes at Level 6 Higher Certificate to replace the

previously offered Level 6 Advanced Certificates validated by Fáilte Ireland with FETAC.

In the past application, admission and selection of successful candidates was undertaken by

Fáilte Ireland and students were assigned to colleges offering the Fáilte Ireland programmes.

As the new programmes are higher education Level 6, applications will be to individual

Institutes and the process will be managed through the Central Applications Office (CAO), in

common with all other undergraduate applications to the Institutes.

The following new Higher Education (Level 6) programmes were validated in November 2009:

Higher Certificate in Arts - Culinary Arts (2 year)

Higher Certificate in Arts - Hospitality Studies (2 year)

Higher Certificate in Arts - Bar Supervision (2 year)

Higher Certificate in Business -Tourism (2 year)

These new programmes are intended to:

• Facilitate more coherent Access, Transfer and Progression opportunities in line with

National Framework of Qualifications.

• Provide a single entry mechanism, through the CAO, in line with other programmes in

the IOTs.

• Enable eligible students to access higher education grant schemes.

• Meet the needs of industry by maintaining and enhancing strong skill based features

within the programmes.


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Admissions to these programmes, in September 2010, will be through the CAO system.

Minimum Entry Requirements for intakes 2010, 2011and 2012:

Standard entry requirements

• A pass grade of D3 or better in ordinary level papers in five Leaving Certificate subjects

(English or Irish must be included in the subjects passed)

• A FETAC Level 5 award in any discipline.

• an equivalent qualification

The following non-standard applicants may also be considered

• Mature applicants, EU nationals aged 23 on or before January in the year of entry.

• Where applicants can demonstrate sufficient learning gained in a relevant work-based

context, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedures may apply. RPL is governed by

each Institute’s RPL policy.

• The Leaving Certificate Applied programme does not meet minimum entry requirements.

However, LCA applicants who have significant, appropriate post-qualification work-

based learning may be considered under the RPL route. Such applicants must tick the

"Other school- Leaving" box on the CAO application form and present evidence of their

post-qualification learning.

• Applications for the Earn and Learn programmes will, as heretofore, continue to be

administered by the relevant the IOT’s.

Note:1) Each mature or RPL applicant is assessed on his or her own merits. Decisions made

in respect of any individual admitted under such processes do not constitute a

precedent for any other applicant.

2) Each Institute of Technology, as an autonomous admitting authority, decides its

policy and procedure for selection and admission of students.

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1.6 Engineering Trades Programmes (FETAC Level 6)Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology at present provides for two trades: Electrical Installation

and Motor Engineering. Trade apprentices are recruited directly to the trades by first applying

for apprenticeships (employment with a bona fide contractor or employer duly registered with

FÁS for the purpose of providing the ‘on-the-job’ training for the specific trade). The apprentice

will then have to register with FÁS and will be issued with a registration number and relevant

apprenticeship documentation. Apprentices are paid by FÁS when attending their mandatory

Phase 4 and Phase 6 block release programmes at the Institute.

An apprentice successfully completing all seven phases of the new standards-based

apprenticeship qualifies for the Advanced Certificate – Craft (FETAC Level 6).

Access and progression opportunities are available to holders of the Level 6 Advanced

Certificate – Craft and to apprentices who have successfully completed Phase 6 (final

education block) of the craft apprenticeship.


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2. ACCESS

2.1 CAO Application ProcessAll applications for admission to the first year of all two year Higher Certificate, three year ab

initio Bachelor Degree and four year ab initio Honours Bachelor Degree programmes must be

made to:

The Central Applications Office (CAO),

Tower House,

Eglinton Street,

Galway.

(Telephone: 091-509800, Facsimile: 091-562344, Web Page: www.cao.ie)

2.2 Categories of ApplicationsApplications are categorised by the Institute as follows:

(a) Irish or other European Union (EU)

(b) Mature

(c) Non European Union Presenting Leaving Certificate or FETAC

(d) Non EU not in the Irish Leaving Certificate system:

Non-EU applicants who are not presenting the Irish Leaving Certificate or FETAC, are required

to apply direct to the GMIT International Office.

Additionally, there are Restricted Application Programmes and Restricted Categories of Applicant.

1) Restricted Application Programmes:

Programmes are Restricted where they require a portfolio assessment.

The current programmes are: Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design and Bachelor of Arts in Film

and Television.

The restriction means that applications for these programmes will not be accepted after 1st

February in year of entry and cannot be introduced as new choices after that date through

the CAO change of mind process.

2) Restricted Categories of Applicant (EU):

Applicants are a Restricted category when presenting examinations/qualifications other than

Irish Leaving Certificate, FETAC Level 5/6, Northern Ireland or British GC(S)Es or are Mature.

The restriction means that applicants in this category will not be accepted after 1st February in

year of entry.

3) Non EU Applicants for Nursing Degrees

Non EU applicants for Nursing Degrees may only be considered for the offer of a place after all

qualified EU applicants have been considered (Bórd Altranais regulation).

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a) Irish and other European Union

• All European (EU) nationals aged under 23 before 2 January in the year of entry

presenting school Leaving Certificate are classified as standard applicants.

• The closing date for receipt of applications is 1 February in the year of entry. Late

applications for non-restricted programmes or non-restricted categories of applicant are

accepted up to 1 May in the year of entry.

b) Mature• All EU nationals aged 23 before 2 of January in the year of application are classified as

‘mature applicants’.

• The closing date for receipt of applications for consideration in this category is 1st

February in the year of entry.

Late mature applications will be considered for most programmes, with the exception of

nursing programmes.

c) Non European Union Presenting Leaving Certificate/FETACThe closing date for receipt of applications is the 1st February in year of entry.

Late applications for non-restricted programmes or non-restricted categories of applicant

are accepted up to the 1st May in the year of entry.

d) Non EU Applications to the International Office

The closing date for receipt of applications is 1st May in year of entry.

Non-EU applicants will be liable for the full economic fees associated with the programme.

CAO Exceptional Closing Date (22nd July in the year of entry)

Subject to certain exclusions and usual conditions for late applications, those who are

currently an undergraduate student in any one of the HEIs and entered that HEI through the

CAO system may make a Late Application, in paper form only, to arrive in CAO not later than

the 22nd July. The form must be stamped by the Admissions Office of the HEI where the

applicant is a student.

GMIT Admissions Office will approve applications and all such CAO applicants to GMIT

compete for places in the normal way through the CAO process.


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2.3 Entry Qualifications

Higher Certificate (Level 6) and Bachelor Degrees (Level 7)

Pass (Grade D3 or better) in five Leaving Certificate subjects including English or Irish and

Mathematics and a minimum of 140 Points, Foundation Studies Certificate or any FETAC Level

5/6 award.

Higher Certificate (Level 6) Hospitality and Culinary Arts Programmes:

Pass in Mathematics not required for entry in 2010, 2011 or 2012

Honours Bachelor Degrees (Level 8)

Pass (Grade D3 or better) in six Leaving Certificate subjects including English or Irish and

Mathematics, two of which must be passed in higher level papers at Grade C3 or higher.

Foundation Studies Certificate or any FETAC Level 5/6 award with three Distinctions will also

meet the minimum entry requirements for all programmes with the exception of Nursing Degrees.

[A Pass in Foundation Level Mathematics at minimum B2 level or higher will be accepted as

meeting the minimum OD3 Leaving Certificate mathematics requirement for all programmes with

the exception of programmes in the School of Engineering, engineering programmes at the

Castlebar Campus, all programmes at Letterfrack or for Nursing degree programmes.]

(see Table 5 below for points scoring).

The following programmes carry additional or different requirements to the Leaving Certificate

minimum entry requiremetns:

Baitsiléir Ealaíon (Gnáthchéim/Onóracha) í nGnó agus Cumarsáid –

Higher C3 in Irish (English not required);

Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design –

Pass in five Leaving Certificate subjects. Foundation Level Mathematics at B2 minimum is

accepted as one of the five.

BSc (Honours in Medical Science – a science subject and an Ordinary C3 in Mathematics;

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in General Nursing and

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychiatric Nursing –

a laboratory science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics and Chemistry (joint) or

Agricultural Science;

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Design and Technology Education –

Higher C3 in Design and Communications Graphics (previously Technical Drawing)

or Construction Studies.

Students Re-applying to CAO

Students re-applying to CAO must meet the normal minimum entry requirements and their

application is not enhanced or prejudiced by their previous levels 6, 7 or 8 studies regardless of

results.

ACCM Mode: Applicants are not required to meet the normal programme entry requirements but

any module pre-requisites have to be met.

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2.4 Evaluation of Qualifications for Entry

2.4.1 IrishStandard applications for non restricted programmes are assessed on the basis of education

qualifications: School Leaving results.

Standard Applicants for restricted programmes are, additionally, subject to project and/or

portfolio assessment.

(I) Irish Leaving Certificate

The ranking of applicants presenting Irish Leaving Certificate is based on points ratings in

accordance with Table 2 or Table 3 and Table 4.

Points will be calculated on the basis of the six best subjects in one Leaving Certificate sitting

only. Eligibility requirements in terms of Leaving Certificate subjects may be satisfied over two

or more Leaving Certificate sittings.

Table 2: Leaving Certificate Points (post 1992 )

Level A1 A2 B1 B2 B3 C1 C2 C3 D1 D2 D3

Higher 100 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45

Ordinary 60 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5

Table 3: Leaving Certificate Points (Pre 1992)

Level A B C D

Higher 95 80 65 50

Ordinary 55 40 25 10

Table 4: Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP)

The LCVP ‘subject’ will be considered as a passing subject provided the student achieves a

pass grade. This will apply to entry to all programmes with the exception of nursing degrees.

The ‘Link Modules’ result is considered and may be used as one of the best six subjects. Points

are awarded on the basis of the classification below.

Link Modules ‘Subject’

Pass 30 points

Merit 50 points

Distinction 70 points

Table 5: Foundation Level Mathematics

Where Foundation Level Mathematics is accepted as a passing subject, at

a minimum B2 grade, the following points scoring system will apply.

A1 A2 B1 B2

20 15 10 5


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(II) Foundation Level Irish

Foundation Level Irish, at minimum B3 level, can meet the minimum language requirement for

entry to all courses with the exception of Nursing Degrees and Gnó agus Cumarsáid.

No points will be awarded for this subject.

(III) Higher E in Mathematics

A Higher E in Mathematics can meet the minimum OD3 Maths requirement on all programmes.

(IV) Leaving Certificate Applied (LCA)

The Leaving Certificate Applied does not meet the minimum entry requirements to Institute

programmes. Holders of the LCA may gain entry through the FETAC Level 5 or Level 6 awards

scheme.

2.4.2 GCE/GCSE (Northern Ireland and British Examination Boards)The ranking of applicants presenting GC(S)E is based on points ratings in accordance with Table 6.

Table 6: GCE/ GCSE Points Ratings

GCE/AVCE Double Award GCE/AVCE “A” Level GCE/VCE “AS” Level PointsA*A* 300A*A 290

A*B/AA 280AB 270BB 260A*C 255AC 245BC 235

A*D 230AD 220

BD/CC 210A*E 190CD 185AE 180BE 170DD 160

A* 150CE 145

A 140B 130

DE 120C 105

EE D 80A* 75A 70B 65C 55

E D 40E 20



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(i) Points may be accumulated from not more than one sitting each of GCSE and GCE ‘A’

Levels.

(ii) A minimum of one ‘A’ Level is required in the five subjects for entry to Level 6/7 Higher

Certificate/Ordinary Bachelor Degree programmes and a minimum of two ‘A’ Levels (or VCE

Double Award) are required in the six subjects for Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree entry.

(iii) Not more than three GCE ‘A’ Level results may be included in the five/six subjects.

Mandatory subjects for entry must be included in the five subjects. 12

(iv) Minimum acceptable grade is C in GCSE and E in GCE ‘A’ Levels. Two GCE ‘AS’ Levels may

be counted for points instead of ‘A’ Level but will not be acceptable where an ‘A’ Level

grade in a specific subject is a requirement.

2.4.3 Other EU and Non EU School Leaving Examinations

In 2001 the Institutes of Technology Central Evaluation Forum (IOTCEF) for Non Standard CAO

applicants was established to provide a central scoring system for non standard applicants. In

2002 the Institutes of Technology published a guide outlining the methods used by the IOTCEF

to calculate CAO scores. Admitting Institutions may alter the points and not accept the IOTCEF

rating or accept the rating decision as presented and the candidate will then compete on a

points/ranking basis.

In instances where applications are not evaluated by the IOTCEF, applications may be

evaluated by the Institute. Each Leaving Certificate from other EU countries is evaluated for

standard of result, subjects, cognate subjects, programme minimum entry requirements and

regard to current year Irish Leaving Certificate cut-off points for offers. Such evaluations are

awarded a yes/no offer recommendation. The academic evaluation is carried out by the Heads

of Schools/Departments as appropriate to programme(s) applied for, academic staff members

with specialist knowledge and the Admissions Officer. The British Council International Guide

to Qualifications in Education and the IOTCEF Guide are used in the evaluation of qualifications

process.

EU, non-native English speaking are recommended to have a minimum score of 5.5 in the IELTS

or equivalent.

2.4.4 (1) Mature Applicants

(Other than Nursing)

Mature applicants do not have to meet the Leaving Certificate entry requirements. It is Institute

policy to reserve a minimum of 10% of places on each programme for such applicants.

Applicants applying on ‘mature’ basis are required to attend for an interview and information

and advisory session with specific academic selection panels. These sessions will be used to

assess suitability for the programme and to rank applicants for offer of places where the

number of applications exceeds the special reserve of places.


Mature applicants holding the Leaving Certificate also compete independently on points within

the standard application group.

(I) Mature Programme Code Nursing Applicants

There is a separate CAO Mature Programme Code for Nursing. Candidates applying for

consideration on mature basis must apply using the CAO Mature Programme Code. Mature

applicants applying on the standard code will only compete on Leaving Certificate and/or

FETAC Level 5/6. Mature applicants holding the Leaving Certificate or FETAC can apply under

both codes.

There is a reserve of 15% of places in General Nursing and 40% of places in Psychiatric Nursing

for mature students.

Candidates applying on mature basis for Nursing Degrees are required to undergo a written

assessment. Those who pass the assessment are invited for interview. The interview result is

on a pass/fail basis and those who pass are ranked on the written assessment result. The

assessments and interviews are carried out nationally by An Bord Altranais Nursing Careers

Centre during April/May.

(See ‘Nursing: A Career for You’ published by the Nursing Careers Centre.)

Note i) Mature Code applicants qualifying on Leaving Certificate basis are not automatically

considered and must have also applied under the standard code to be ranked.

Note ii) Mature Code applicants who have fulfilled Test/Interview requirements may use the

Change of Mind process to add a new programme (HEI).

(II) Non European Union Applicants Presenting Irish LC/FETAC

Non EU applicants also presenting non EU qualifications are assessed as for EU 2.4.3 above.

(There are different assessment procedures for Non EU applications to the International Office

– see Procedures 1.4)

All applicants should be sufficiently proficient to follow a programme and meet assessment

outcomes through the medium of English. The minimum English language entry requirements

will apply.

English Language Entry Requirements:

Non-EU, non-native English speaking applicants must have a minimum score of 5.5 in the IELTS

or equivalent.

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2.4.5 Restricted Programmes/Portfolio Assessment

i) Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design

All applicants are required to attend for portfolio assessment. The portfolio is scored out of

600 points and applicants scoring 240 points or over are deemed to have passed the

assessment. The portfolio score of eligible applicants is added to the Leaving Certificate points

(calculated on the basis of the six best subjects in one Leaving Certificate only), or FETAC score

or interview score for non-standard mature applicants. An applicant is ranked on the basis of

this aggregate score.

In the case of other EU school leaving certificate applicants, the portfolio score (if pass) is

considered in conjunction with the evaluation of the school leaving examinations or an

unconditional offer recommendation may be made.

ii) Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television

All applicants will be requested to present, in person, a portfolio/personal statement for

assessment.

The portfolio/personal statement is scored out of 600 points and applicants scoring 240 points

or over are deemed to have passed the assessment. The assessment score is added to the

Leaving Certificate points (calculated on the basis of the six best subjects in one Leaving

Certificate only) or interview score if non-standard mature applicant. Applicants will be ranked

on the basis of this aggregate score.

FETAC

A minimum of 5% of places is reserved for those with a full FETAC award. FETAC applicants

passing the Portfolio will be ranked for offer of a place on their FETAC score only.

Other EU School Leaving Examinations

In the case of other EU school leaving applicants, the portfolio score (if pass) will be

considered in conjunction with the evaluation of the school leaving examinations in making an

unconditional offer recommendation.

2.5 Recognised Alternative Entry Routes

In addition to the usual Leaving Certificate route for entry and the special reserve of places for

mature applicants (10% for general programmes, 15% for General Nursing and 40% for

Psychiatric Nursing programmes), FETAC Level 5/6 awards are recognised for entry. Additionally,

students successfully completing the GMIT Foundation Certificate (FETAC Level 5 Certificate in

General Studies) are guaranteed places on Higher Certificate, Bachelor Degree and Honours

Bachelor Degree programmes (with the exception of Nursing degrees). However, depending on

demand for places from this group, first preference programme choice cannot be guaranteed.


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2.5.1 FETAC Level 5/6 Awards

The FETAC Pilot Scheme, where any FETAC Award at Level 5/6 meets the entry requirements for

Higher Certificate or Bachelor Degree (Levels 6/7) programmes or any FETAC Award at Level

5/6 with a distinction grade in at least three modules meets the entry requirements for

Honours Bachelor degrees (Level 8) with the exception of Nursing degree programmes, is in

operation.

Applicants for Art and Design and Film and Television will also have to pass the portfolio

assessment.

The FETAC Links Scheme remains in place for Nursing degrees.

Nursing Links

Holders of FETAC Level 5/6 awards in Nursing Studies (DCHSN), Community and Health

Services (DCHSX) or DHSXX Healthcare Support with a Distinction in 5 modules including a

Distinction in Anatomy and Physiology (D20001), Introduction to Nursing (D20012) and Human

Growth and Development (D20032) or Biology (C20006) are eligible for consideration for entry.

Applicants holding the Leaving Certificate also compete independently on points within the

Standard Code.

For the majority of GMIT programmes, award holders will be scored and ranked with the

Leaving Certificate cohort. Should an applicant also hold the Leaving Certificate, the better

score will apply.

For a small number of programmes with limited places, 5% of places will be reserved for FETAC

award holders.

Places will be offered in rank order based on the FETAC result only.

Programmes currently in this group are –

Gnó agus Cumarsaid, Film and Television, Medical Science, Furniture Design and Manufacture

and Design and Technology Education.

There is a quota of places reserved in the Nursing degrees for FETAC award holders - General

Nursing 5/Psychiatric Nursing 2.

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2.5.2 Foundation Certificates:

a) FETAC Level 5 Certificate in General Studies and Joint GMIT/VTOS Foundation Certificate

Students who successfully complete the Foundation Certificate (FETAC) are eligible for

admission to Institute programmes with the exception of Nursing degrees. As an integral part

of the programme, students will be assessed and advised for their choice of higher education

programmes.

Applicants applying for admission to programmes in Engineering or Science must have a Maths

performance of at least 60% in the Foundation Certificate.

Where the demand exceeds the number of places available on a particular programme,

students are ranked on the basis of the Foundation Certificate results (overall average).

(Foundation Certificate students may also be applicants competing in the Mature category).

b) Joint GMIT/NUIG Foundation Certificates

Students who successfully complete the Joint GMIT/NUIG Foundation Certificates in

Engineering and Science and Business and Commerce are eligible for admission to Institute

programmes through the mature student selection process only. Students applying for

programmes in Engineering or Science must have a Maths performance of at least 60% in the

Foundation Certificate.

c) Ennis Outreach Access Programme (SIF Partnership) –

Pilot 2007 - 2009

This programme is available to mature students and school leavers from socio-economic

disadvantaged backgrounds. Students who successfully complete the Access Programme

Certificate are guaranteed a place on a higher education programme though not necessarily on

their first choice should the number of qualified applicants exceed the quota of available

places. Students applying for programmes in Engineering or Science must have a Maths

performance of at least 60% in the Foundation Certificate.

Where the demand exceeds the number of places available on a particular programme,

students are ranked on the basis of the Foundation Certificate results (overall average).

Application for entry to higher education programmes from any of the above groups is made in

the normal way through the CAO.

d) International Foundation Programme

Students on the International Foundation Programme are registered with GMIT but the

programme is delivered at the European Business Institute (EBI) in Parkmore, Galway.

Students who obtain the International Foundation Certificate and obtain an IELTS score of 5.5

are eligible to progress directly into year one of undergraduate programmes in GMIT with the

exception of Nursing degrees.

Portfolio assessment (where required) will also have to be passed.


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e) Pilot Access and Scholarship Programme

GMIT has developed a ‘Pilot Access and Scholarship Programme’ for students attending post-

primary schools in Galway and Mayo in the School Support Programme (SSP) under the

‘Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools’ (DEIS) initiative.

As part of the programme, ten scholarships to the value of €5,000 each will be provided to

successful applicants, in increments, over the duration of the programme of study.

All candidates must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Be an EU citizen attending (or have attended) one of the designated schools.

2. Be taking the Leaving Certificate examination in the current or previous year.

3. Be an applicant for a GMIT programme through the CAO and satisfy the general and

specific criteria for entry.

4. Satisfy the criteria for eligibility for 3rd level maintenance grant schemes (income

threshold in place at time of application).

Selection

Students will be selected on the basis of the Leaving Certificate results, socio-economic factors

and other information provided.

Applicants must have Leaving Certificate points within 50 points of the first round cut-off

points for the chosen programme.

f ) Enabling Maths Course

A pass performance of 60% in the GMIT Enabling Maths course can substitute for the minimum

Leaving Certificate Maths requirement (OD3) for entry to all programmes with the exception of

Engineering (in Galway, Castlebar, Letterfrack), Nursing and Medical Science.

Selection

Students will be ranked on their other Leaving Certificate subjects (best six having met other

minimum requirements) for entry to programmes not filled in Rounds 1 and 2 of the CAO

process.

(3) Advanced Craft Certificate (FETAC Level 6)

i) The Advanced Craft Certificate qualifies applicants for entry to Year 1 of Level 6, Level 7 or

Level 8 programmes (HETAC) or for entry to year 2 of linked/cognate programmes (e.g.

electrical to electronic or energy engineering) either direct or after completion of a short

bridging course especially in Mathematics.

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ii) Apprentices who have successfully completed phase 6 (final education block) of the craft

apprenticeship (Advanced Craft Certificate), but were unable to complete phase 7 because

of the economic downturn, will meet the minimum entry requirements to all programmes

in GMIT.

Applications will be subject to a scoring and ranking process as appropriate or to an academic

evaluation leading to an unconditional offer recommendation.

2.6 Offers

Cut-off points for programmes are agreed having regard to supply, demand and prediction of

possible acceptances. Offer recommendations made by GMIT are issued by the CAO.

2.7 Acceptance and Defer

An applicant, having received an offer, may accept the offer by returning the accept portion of

the offer notice to the CAO by the required closing date for acceptance (per CAO instructions

accompanying the notice) or seek a deferral of the place to the next academic year. Candidates

may defer for any reason other than to attend another full-time third level programme of study

or to repeat the Leaving Certificate. There is an open defer policy and generally all defer

requests are granted subject to the programme being available in the next academic year.

If subsequent to being granted a defer an applicant is found to be repeating the Leaving

Certificate or pursuing another full-time third level programme, the defer option will be

withdrawn and an automatic offer will not be made for that programme the following year.

The institute reserves the right to cancel the offering of any programme the following year,

even if defers have been granted.

2.8 CAO Special Cases:

Health, Disability and Specific Learning Difficulties

Applicants who have indicated on their CAO application that they have a disability are

identified and processed for consideration by the Admissions Committee for special case

admission. Current documentary evidence of their disability must be provided. For Specific

Learning Difficulties, a full educational psychologist’s report, no older than five years, will be

considered.

Candidates will be considered for special case entry when minimum entry requirements or the

cutoff points are not met. There must be clear evidence that their disability impaired their

examination performance or subject choices. An application with evidence will not guarantee

admission.

(Applications made directly to the Admissions Officer or Access/Disability Officer

will be considered.)


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2.9 Special Sports and Cultural Achievement (SSCA) Scheme

The GMIT SSCA Scheme is a special entry scheme targeted at outstanding sportspersons and

those who have made a significant contribution to cultural activities. Ten additional places will

be reserved for candidates who are committed to further developing their sporting, cultural

and academic careers. A maximum of two places will be available on any GMIT full-time

programme with the exception of the following:

GA785 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Science

GA880 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in General Nursing

GA882 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychiatric Nursing

GA980 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Design & Technology Education.

Eligibility and Selection

a) Candidates will be required to satisfy GMIT minimum entry requirements (general entry

requirements and specific programme entry requirements) for the programme(s) to which

they are applying.

b) Candidates will be required to demonstrate evidence of sporting or cultural achievements.

c) Candidates will be assessed on sporting/cultural achievement and academic performance.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to attend for interview.

2.10 Internal Transfer

(Transfer of first year students within the CAO process)

The CAO in its Memorandum of Understanding and the waiting list policy precludes an HEI

admitting or transferring a student to a programme for which she/he did not receive an offer.

However, GMIT Academic Council has agreed the following procedure in dealing with requests

to transfer.

GMIT Internal Transfer Policy Guidelines:

1) Special consideration will be given to transfer requests based on health and safety,

disability grounds or other extenuating circumstance.

2) The transferee must have a minimum of the cut-off points for the new course

3) The transfer must be recommended by the Admissions Committee and approved by the

Registrar.

4) The student must make the application in writing to the Admissions Officer. In the case of

a health and safety issue, a written notice from the Programme chairperson and Head of

School must support the application.

5) The applicant must not be allowed to attend classes in the new programme before

approval is granted.

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6) The Admissions Committee and Registrar must approve the transfer in advance of

attendance on the new programme.

7) With the exception of Nursing Degrees, any transfer would result in the creation of an

additional place on the desired programme.

8) GMIT will publish that places may be filled outside of the formal CAO process and inform

CAO accordingly.

2.11 Fáilte Ireland Programmes

Fáilte Ireland carries out a national promotional campaign (beginning of each year) for the

placement of students in Institute agreed programmes. The agreed programmes, described as

hotel and catering craft and apprenticeship programmes (from basic entry to advanced), are

generally full-time, block release or day release.

Progression routes from FETAC Level 6 Advanced Programmes to HETAC programmes are

available.

(Some day and block release hotel and catering craft programmes are also promoted by Fáilte

Ireland but application and selection is carried out through the Direct Admissions processes).

2.12 Fás Apprenticeships

An Apprentice is recruited to a trade by first applying for a job with an individual contractor, a

company or a contracting firm as an apprentice and then duly registering with FÁS. The

duration of an apprenticeship is currently four years. It is structured in seven distinct phases of

“On-the-job” training with employer; “Off-the-job” training with FÁS and “Off-the-job”

educational release at an Institute of Technology.

(Ref Appendix1 - Table 7)

Consequently, apprentices are scheduled to attend the Institute by FÁS for Phase 4 and Phase

6 block releases in two trades: Electrical Installation and Motor Engineering as follows:

Phase 4 “Off-the-job” educational release at GMIT: 10 to 11 weeks depending on the trade.

Phase 6 “Off-the-job” educational release at GMIT: 10 to 11 weeks depending on the trade.

There are three (off-the-job) block releases for each phase in both trades during the academic

year. Commencement dates and examination dates are agreed nationally.

Students are enrolled and registered by the Institute.


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2.13 Programmes Requiring Work Experience

Application

Application for the Bachelor of Business in Hotel & Catering Management (Block Release) is

made directly to the Institute.

Selection

Selection is based on educational qualifications, work experience, a personal interview and

written confirmation of a management trainee position for the first two blocks of industrial

release. Interviews are held in November.

2.14 Higher Certificate in Business in Hotel Management

This is a work-based programme for trainee managers where the majority of the learning

occurs on the job. The course involves three strands: on the job work experience, one month of

college learning each year and learning reinforcement through written assignments which

must be completed while the student is on work experience.

It is a 3-year programme commencing in November each year.

Application may be made to the Institute or to Fáilte Ireland. Applicants are selected by the

Institute based on the allocation of places by Fáilte Ireland to the hotels and on the

educational qualifications of the candidates.

A Higher Certificate in Business in Hotel Management is awarded.

Graduates may progress to Year 4 of the level 7 Bachelor of Business in Hotel & Catering

Management (Block Release).

2.15 Fáilte Ireland Day-Release Programmes

(National Apprentice Programme (NAP)

Application

Application for locally advertised day release programmes for persons employed in the hotel

and catering craft area is made to the Institute.

Selection

Selection is based on entry qualifications, work experience and a personal interview.

Interviews are conducted by relevant Department staff.

2.16 Accelerated Technician Programmes

Accelerated Technician programmes arise from an Industry/Institute of Technology partnership.

They are designed to address key technician skills needs of the Irish economy, to attract new

categories of student and to provide opportunities for them to acquire relevant qualifications and

industrial experience. They also offer a mechanism for the up-skilling of existing employees.

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The accelerated technician programmes are 18-month programmes combining attendance at an

Institute of Technology with experience in industry. Two six month periods are spent in an

Institute with a six-month period of placement in between. The programmes lead to a Higher

Certificate qualification.

Currently GMIT is offering the Higher Certificate in Computing in IT Support at Castlebar.

Application

The offering of the Accelerated Technician programme is reviewed on an annual basis and

advertised in the regional newspapers in October/November for January entry. Application is

made directly to the Institute.

2.17 Accelerated Technician Programmes – ACCM ModePeriodically, programmes are offered to industry at Levels 6, 7 or 8 on a single module basis.

Recruitment and selection is in conjunction with the employer following normal admission

procedures.

2.18 Non-EU Students International Office(a) Non-EU Students

GMIT facilitates the admission of Non-EU students either through the International Foundation

Programme or through the International Office Direct Entry.

(b) International Foundation Programme

The Foundation Programme is delivered on the premises of the European Business Institute

(EBI) in Parkmore, Galway but the students are registered students of GMIT having full access

to all the facilities in the institute.

Students who obtain the Foundation Certificate and obtain a score of 5.5 in the IELTS or

equivalent, are eligible to progress automatically on to many number of undergraduate degree

programmes. The International Office liaises with the

Heads of Departments/Schools with regard to courses and numbers and provides the list of

applicants to Admissions/Registration.

(c) Non-EU Direct Entry

Non-EU applicants, resident outside Ireland/EU, must apply to the International Office. (Non

–EU candidates in the Irish education system will continue to apply through the CAO in the

normal way.)

Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements for the course and Non EU, non native

English speaking must have achieved a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 for admission to

undergraduate courses and a score of 6.00 for admission to postgraduate courses.

The Cambridge English examination or TOEFL will also be accepted.


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INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

Applicants presenting Non-EU qualifications may be required to submit a certificate of

recognition of such awards from the National Qualification Authority of Ireland.

(See www.qualificationsrecognition.ie www.nqai.ie for details)

3. TRANSFERS3.1 Other Higher Education Institutions (HEI)

Applications from students wishing to transfer from other Higher Education Institutions

(including Universities) with stage or award qualifications are welcome. Students applying to

transfer to the second or later stage of a cognate programme will be subject to places being

available on that programme.

Applicants must have passed the stage examinations and have achieved the learning outcomes

for transfer or progression to the GMIT course.

Applicants will be ranked on overall average if demand exceeds available places.

Applicants holding professional awards may gain admission to stage 2 or higher of GMIT

programmes e.g. IATI to BB (Hons) in Accounting.

3.2 Internal Transfers

Transfer arrangements are in place for Bachelor of Business Year 2 to transfer to Bachelor of

Business (Hons) in Accountancy Year 2 and Bachelor of Business in Accountancy Year 3 to

Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Accountancy Year 3.

3.3 Other Recognised Transfers – FE Courses

FETAC Level 6 Awards

FETAC Level 6 award holders are eligible for admission to year 2 of approved programmes.

Currently the advanced certificate in Businesss and Administration, International Trade and

Computing in Software Development are linked.

(See Appendix for Approved Programmes)

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4. PROGRESSION4.1 Add-on Degrees/Transfer to Year 3 / 4 Ab-initio Programmes

Progression opportunities are available to GMIT and external HEI students to progress from one

award level to a higher level across a broad range of programmes. Progression opportunities are

also available from a number of FETAC Level 6 awards to HETAC Level 6/7 awards.

(See Appendix 3 – Programme Mappings)

4.2 Postgraduate Awards – Taught

Progression opportunities are available to GMIT and external HEI students to progress to

postgraduate programmes. Currently there are four programmes on offer – MSc in Computing,

Higher Diploma in Education (Technology), MSc in Environmental Systems and the Master’s of

Business.

The minimum entry qualification is a H2.2 in a cognate Honours Degree.

Non EU, non native English speaking, must have a score of 6.0 in IELTS or equivalent.

Selection and Ranking

MSc in Computing and MSc in Environmental Systems :

Applicants will be ranked on academic performance.

Higher Diploma in Education (Technology):

Applicants will be interviewed and ranked on aggregate of Level 8 examination result and

interview score. The interview will be scored on qualifications, work experience and

communication skills.

Master of Business:

Selection will be based on the personal statement and academic performance. Only in

exceptional cases, will applicants will be required to attend for interview to clarify on

qualifications.

4.3 Progression Qualifications

Students who achieve a pass in the Higher Certificate (Level 6) or Ordinary Bachelor Degree

(Level 7) examinations are eligible to progress to a related higher level award subject to the

availability of places.

Additionally, progression to the Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Civil Engineering requires an

overall Merit with a minimum of 70% in Mathematics.

The minimum entry qualification for progression to a postgraduate programme is a H2.2 in a

cognate honours degree programme or equivalent.


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4.4 Carrying Module Credits

A student may not progress from one award level to a higher award carrying module credits.

4.5 Defer Policy

There is no defer facility open to students who wish to defer their place on an add-on ordinary

or honours degree course.

4.6 Other Admissions

4.6.1 Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPL)

Policy is contained in Academic Code of Practice No 8 – Policy on Recognition of Prior

Experiential Learning.

4.6.2 Postgraduates – Research Degree Programmes (RDP)Policy and Procedures are contained in Academic Code of Practice No 5 - Research.

4.6.3 Lifelong Learning

Programme details and application procedures are contained in a separate prospectus and is

available from the Lifelong Learning Centre.

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Castlebar CampusWestport Road,Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Tel: +353 94 902 5700Fax: +353 94 902 5757

Letterfrack CampusLetterfrack,Co. Galway, Ireland. Tel: +353 954 1660Fax: +353 954 1112

Cluain Mhuire CampusCluain Mhuire, Monivea Road, Galway, Ireland.Tel: +353 91 770 661Fax: +353 91 770 740

Mountbellew CampusAgricultural College,Mountbellew,Co. Galway.Tel: +353 9096 79205

Administrative Headquarters

Dublin Road, Galway, Ireland

Tel: +353 91 753 161

Fax: +353 91 751 107

E-mail: [email protected]

www.gmit.ie


Documents

No. 4 Access, Transfer and Progression - GMIT