NCI

When is open day? Friday 12th November 4.30-6pm (virtual), and Saturday 13th November 12-1.30pm (virtual); Wednesday 19th January (v/on-campus tbc).

Web: ncirl.ie/Events

What makes NCI unique?

Consistently over the past five years, NCI has had the highest graduate employment rate in Ireland thanks to its award-winning Careers Service. The College also has a wide range of active clubs and societies. It is located in Dublin City Centre close to many forms of public transport – including its own Luas stop.

Mary Immaculate College

When is open day? 27th October 9.30am-5pm (virtual). MIC Thurles on 6 November 10am-3.30pm (on-campus).

Web: mic.ie

What makes Mary Immaculate College unique?

The ‘MIC experience’ is unique, giving students a home away from home where they will achieve the goal of being a highly employable graduate and a well-rounded individual. The College prides itself on its excellence in teaching, learning and research with engaging and challenging programmes. As well as the academic aspect, personal development and student satisfaction take priority at MIC. It’s never a case of ‘all work and no play’ with a mix of sports, activities and volunteering through the network of college clubs and societies.

IT Sligo

When is open day? Friday, 12th November 4pm – 6pm (virtual); Saturday, 13th November 10am – 3pm (on-campus).

Web: itsligo.ie/openday.

What makes Sligo IT unique?

According to the Good University Guide 2021, IT Sligo is ranked 1st in Ireland for Student to Lecturer ratio across all Universities and Institutes of Technology in Ireland. One of the major advantages to life in IT Sligo is the sense of community, as students can find a full team of dedicated staff to support their growing student population.

IT Sligo offers many alternative routes into professions. For example, the Health Science programmes have routes into allied health professions such as physiotherapy, radiography and occupational therapy.

IADT

When is open day? Saturday, 20th November from 10am – 4pm (on-campus). There will also be an opportunity to visit the Open Day online.

Web: iadt.ie

What makes IADT unique?

IADT is Ireland’s only institute of art, design and technology to focus specifically on the creative, cultural and technological sectors. Working in close partnership with industry and communities, the stimulating interdisciplinary environment produces graduates who are innovative, creative and entrepreneurial. IADT is also home to the state-of-the-art National Film School.

Griffith College

When is open day? Wednesday, 17th November from 6pm – 7pm (virtual); More dates tbc.

Web: griffith.ie/opendays.

What makes Griffith College unique?

Griffith College is Ireland’s largest independent third-level institution with 7,000 students across its campuses in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Griffith College enjoys national and a growing international reputation for student success. The College has gained an award-winning reputation for providing students with first-class lectures and excellent study material. The student to lecturer ratio at Griffith is on average 20:1, enabling the staff to facilitate a learning-by-doing approach and to provide individual and frequent feedback.

What’s new?

Griffith College runs an apprenticeship for Advanced Healthcare Assistant Practitioners, and is also currently working towards validating an apprenticeship degree in Bar Management.

Accommodation?

Yes, the Griffith Halls of Residence are located on the main campus, on South Circular Road, Dublin, a convenient 15-minute walk to the city centre. The Halls comprise of 165 self-contained apartments that can accommodate approximately 600 students.

What not to miss: As well as open evenings, Griffith College also offers a number of workshops and events for prospective students throughout the year. Students should register an interest now by completing an online form to make sure they don’t miss out.

GMIT

When is open day?

GMIT Galway Campus: Further Ed, PLC, Mature, Graduate & Professional Development Students: 20 Jan 2022, 6pm – 8pm

GMIT Galway Campus: GMIT Spring Five Campus Open Day 12 March 2022, 10am – 1pm.

Web: openday.gmit.ie

What makes GMIT unique?

GMIT offers students a wide choice of locations with its five campuses in the West of Ireland. Each location has its own appeal, so whether students want to be in bustling Galway city, in towns such as Castlebar and Mountbellew or in the beauty of Connemara (Letterfrack), there is a GMIT campus where they will feel at home. GMIT and partner institutes LYIT and IT Sligo recently submitted an application to Minister Harris seeking approval for designation as a Technological University for the West and North-West of Ireland.

What’s new?

An extension to GMIT’s Innovation Hub (IHub) at the Galway campus was completed this year, doubling the size of building, providing space for additional MedTech R&D units, incubation units for start-ups in the software, digital tech, connected health sectors, new co-working spaces, an events space, social hubs; and breakout meeting and networking areas.

GMIT Careers Service launched its new online careers module for all students across different disciplines as an alternative to work placement.

What not to miss: The open day is a great opportunity to visit GMIT and the Five campuses virtually and view live talks and presentations from staff and students. It is possible to book in for a campus tour on any of the Five campuses through CampusTours@gmit.ie.

NCAD

When is open day? 24th November 2021, from 1pm to 6pm .

Web: ncad.ie

What makes NCAD unique?

The National College of Art and Design occupies a unique position in art and design education in Ireland, offering the widest range of art and design degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level, across four Schools: Design, Fine Art, Visual Culture and Education. The quality of the art and design programmes at NCAD is globally recognised; NCAD is the top-ranked art and design institution on the island of Ireland and is in the top 50 art and design institutions in Europe (QS world university rankings by subject – academic reputation).

What’s new?

NCAD is proud to be the lead partner in the Creative Futures Academy (CFA), a ground-breaking partnership between three leading creative institutions: The National College of Art and Design, University College Dublin and the Institute of Art Design + Technology. The CFA, following its launch in September 2022, will offer new skills, fresh networks and opportunities for learning throughout students’ lives and careers.

Accommodation? No

What not to miss: The virtual tour led by the Students’ Union is a great way to get a feel for the campus. Prospective students should also make sure not to miss the sample portfolios and demonstrations by current First Year students, and to chat with the NCAD admissions staff about the applications process, and how it differs from applying to other establishments.

Hibernia College

When is open day? 9 November 6 – 7 pm (v): Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Early Childhood Education; 10 November, 5 – 6pm (v): Professional Master of Education in Primary Education; 11 November, 1 – 2pm (v): Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Nursing in General Nursing; 11 November, 5 – 6pm (v) Professional Master of Education in Post-Primary Education; In-person open day on 15 January in Dublin, location tbc.

Web: hiberniacollege.com/meet-us

What makes Hibernia College unique?

Hibernia College is a private higher education college, dedicated to providing access to flexible, high-quality graduate, postgraduate and professional education. Hibernia College maintains a strong focus on professional education and practice-based learning for regulated professions. The College’s award-winning blended learning model incorporates the latest technologies to provide a student-led learning experience that is flexible and accessible 24/7, from anywhere in Ireland.

What’s new?

The BSc (Hons) in Nursing in General Nursing at Hibernia College is a new and innovative approach to undergraduate nurse education. The programme is designed to provide learning opportunities for mature students, graduates of further education programmes and school leavers who wish to undertake a full-time Level 8 degree programme. Commencing in Spring 2022, the programme is delivered through a blended learning design with a mixture of practical clinical learning, traditional classroom-based and online learning.

Additionally, Hibernia College has several partnership agreements under consideration to further expand its offerings and grow the College nationally and internationally.

Accommodation? No

What not to miss: Webinar participants are encouraged to take part in webinar polls and ask questions at any time.

Waterford IT

When is open day?

Friday 14th & Saturday 15th January 2022 (virtual/on-campus tbc).

Web: wit.ie

What makes WIT unique?

WIT has a ‘right student, right programme’ ethos. This begins at senior cycle with opportunities for prospective students to see if they would like a certain area of study with Try events, in addition to open events suited both to schools and parents/family members of CAO applicants.

WIT also runs a Peer Mentoring Programme, P2P (Peer2Peer), which is one of the transition activities in place to help students settle into college. Peer mentors play a key role helping new students transition to college life.

What’s new?

This year WIT added three new courses: Bachelor of Business in Early Childhood Care and Education, Bachelor of Business in Business Information Systems and Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. In April 2021 WIT with its partner IT Carlow made a submission to the Minister for Further and Higher Education to merge and to be designated a Technological University. It is anticipated that designation will take place early in 2022.

Accommodation?

WIT offers on campus accommodation, and also has a student portal, WIT Student pad, where students can find rented accommodation in Waterford.

What not to miss: The full open day programme has not been confirmed yet, however typically every year lecturers and current students are on exhibition stands to answer specific questions, and there are normally demonstrations at these stands too.

TUS

When is open day? TUS Clonmel Digital Campus 28th October 10am – 1pm (on-campus); TUS Athlone Campus 13th November 11am – 2pm (on-campus); TUS Moylish and LSAD Clare Street 27th November 10am – 2pm (on-campus); TUS Thurles 4th December 2021 Time: 11am – 1pm (on-campus).

Web: tus.ie/opendays/

What makes TUS unique?

With a clear focus on meeting the evolving needs of society and industry through applied learning, TUS puts the individual needs of its students front-and-centre, prioritising accessibility and opportunity for all. By combining this student-first philosophy with next-generation thinking, TUS is the driving force for education, research, and commercial collaboration in the regions.

What’s new?

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest became Ireland’s newest Technical University on October 1, 2021. It is also Ireland’s first cross regional TU. TUS is also part of the Regional University Network European University (RUN EU), which is an established network of like-minded and regionally focused Higher Education Institutes (HEI’s) from six partner institutes across Europe. The network is developing Interuniversity Future and Advanced Skills Academies, which promote and develop joint student-centred flexible learning activities, including short advanced courses, research programmes, European double degrees and joint degrees which will benefit TUS students and graduates.

Accommodation? No

What not to miss: The opportunity to physically visit the campuses will allow students, parents and teachers to experience Ireland’s newest technological university. The open days are an ideal opportunity to visit each unique campus and explore the excellent facilities first hand. Each open day is specifically tailored to the suite of courses available at each campus, so students attending will benefit from advice on compiling an excellent portfolio to a range of specialised talks and campus tours, along with an opportunity to speak one-to-one with the academic staff, and students.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology

When is open day? 18th November (on-campus and virtual).

Web: Lyit.ie

What makes Letterkenny IT unique?

LYIT is currently working towards becoming Ireland’s next Technological University with its partners in IT Sligo and GMIT. LYIT offers 54 CAO programmes and has two campuses – one based in Letterkenny and one based in Killybegs, with 5,000 students attending the two grounds. LYIT has three Faculties – Faculty of Science & Health; Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Engineering & Technology.

What’s new?

LYIT is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, and has had a 43% increase in student enrolments over the last seven years. LYIT is always developing new programmes that meet the needs of learners from the region and beyond. This year LYIT introduced a number of new programmes including a Level 6 programme in Electric Vehicle Engineering, a new Level 8 Honours Degree in Computing & Mathematics, a new Level 8 programme in Sports & Exercise Rehabilitation and a new Level 8 programme in Biomedical Engineering.

Accommodation? No

What not to miss: The schedule for Open Day 2021 will be available on the LYIT website from late October 2021. Incoming students are encouraged to attend programme demonstrations and also, the Department talks which take place during the on-campus and online event.

Munster Technical University

When is open day? MTU Bishopstown Campus 11th and 12th November (on-campus); MTU Crawford College of Art & Design 11th and 12th November (on-campus); MTU Cork School of Music 20th November (on-campus); MTU Kerry Campus 26th November (on-campus).

Web: mtu.ie

What makes MTU unique?

MTU prides itself on offering practical, hands-on experience to students through embedded work placements included in most courses.

Quarter 4 of 2021 will see the commencement of a new STEM building at the Kerry campus. This multi-million-euro facility will consist of a split-level building of three storeys, comprising lecture theatres, classrooms, machinery workshops and halls and laboratory space.

What’s new?

MTU launched five new courses this year across its campuses: Bachelor of Science in Global Business and Pilot Studies, Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics & Business, Bachelor of Science in Coaching Science & Sports Pedagogy, Bachelor of Arts in Food Business Innovation and Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

Accommodation? No

What not to miss: Students should make sure to visit the various exhibition areas and take the opportunity to talk to staff and students about their areas of interest. Students should also avail of a campus tour.

DBS

When is open day? 7th December 2021, 5pm – 6:30pm (virtual).

Web: dbs.ie/online-open-event.

What makes DBS unique?

At DBS, the city is your campus. It’s a historic, vibrant city where there is always something going on. The DBS Student Experience team caters for all students and provides an exciting, interactive and inclusive programme of events for all throughout a student’s time in DBS.

DBS offers a comprehensive range of career-focused courses in the areas of Business, Psychology, Media, Computing, Law and more.

What’s new?

DBS this year added a new course in Global Business.

Accommodation? DBS works with a number of accommodation providers in the area.

What not to miss: The online event presents the ideal opportunity to speak face to face with a team of expert lecturers, and to gain first hand information on the courses on offer across a variety of disciplines.

RCSI

When is open day? 5th January 2022 (virtual).

Web: rcsi.com/dublin/undergraduate/meet-rcsi/undergraduate-open-day

What makes RCSI unique?

RCSI is the only specialist health sciences university in Ireland, offering undergraduate and graduate entry degree programmes in Medicine, Pharmacy, Advanced Therapeutic Technologies and Physiotherapy. RCSI is unique in offering the entire medical education spectrum, from undergraduate and postgraduate to continuous professional development.

RCSI also has the highest research citation rate in Ireland and the field-weighted citation is double the world average.

What’s new?

2022 will see the launch of a new undergraduate degree programme from RCSI’s School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. The Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies is an innovative, future-focused programme that fuses digital technology with traditional science.

Accommodation?

RCSI has a number of on-campus and off-campus accommodation facilities for incoming students each year. On-campus accommodation such as Mercer Court can be reserved through the accommodation office and information and pricing is available on their website. The college can also assist students with securing off-campus accommodation options through third party contacts.

What not to miss: The schedule for the 2022 undergraduate open day will be available on the RCSI website soon. Students are strongly encouraged to attend talks relating to their programme of interest, the Q&A with current students as well as the admissions session which will discuss entry requirements, fees, scholarships and access routes.

Marino

When is open day? 20th November, 10am to 3pm (on-campus).

Web: mie.ie/openday.

What makes Marino unique?

Marino is an associated college of Trinity College Dublin, and all courses are accredited by TCD. Students graduating from Marino Institute of Education receive a Trinity degree. MIE offers students a vibrant and friendly community, where lifelong friends are made. Every student in MIE is assigned a personal tutor from the academic staff who is there to support their studies. Other support services for students include a health service, a disability service, a counselling support service and a chaplaincy service.

What’s new?

MIE has recently introduced twenty undergraduate scholarships (each worth €500) for first year students to recognise student contributions in areas such as arts and culture, sports, promotion of the Irish language, volunteering, and academic achievement.

To date Marino students have availed of the Counselling Service in Trinity College Dublin, but from January 2022, MIE will have its own dedicated full time Counselling Service on campus.

Accommodation?

MIE students are lucky to have newly refurbished state-of-the art, on-campus student apartments. The apartments along with the extensive green spaces, playing pitches and local shops, bars and restaurants make the perfect setting for students to live and study.

What not to miss: Prospective students should make sure to avail of a campus tour, to see all that Marino has to offer first-hand.

Pulse College

When is open day? Games & Animation (virtual): 8th November at 6pm; Music Production & Music Tech (virtual): 9th November 2021 at 6pm; Film & TV Production (virtual): 10th November 2021 at 6pm

Web: pulsecollege.com/open-days/

What makes Pulse College unique?

Housed in the historic Windmill Lane Recording Studios and The Market Studios on Halston Street, Pulse College has three decades of proven track-record in delivering professional industry training courses in audio and music, game and animation, and film. Our students learn within the environment of working world class studios which means they hit the ground running upon graduation.

What’s new?

We are so excited to have recently added our BA (Hons) in Creative Technologies & Digital Art along with our MA in Scoring for Film, TV, and interactive media which is receiving huge international interest.

Accommodation? No

What not to miss: In order to get as much as possible out of the open evenings, it is highly recommended to ask as many questions as possible in the Q&A, to allow students to make the right decision with their future.