Frequently Asked Questions
What types of courses are on offer?
There is a broad range of courses on offer, ranging from Masters Degree, Graduate Diploma, Degree and Higher Certificate level programmes, Professional Body courses and shorter courses in Business and Enterprise, Information Technology, Health Studies, Science, Engineering, Humanities and Education and Community Development.
When do courses begin?
All third level programmes are scheduled to commence the week beginning Monday 6th September 2010. All professional and personal development courses are scheduled to start the week beginning Monday 4th of October 2010. Lectures normally take place from Monday to Thursday 7-10pm, Friday 1pm - 6pm or Saturdays 9am - 1pm.
Please note: All registered students will be notified of the start date for their course in writing one week in advance.
Where do courses take place?
Most courses take place at the WIT Cork Road Campus or College Street Campus, however we also offer a number of courses throughout the South-East e.g. Enniscorthy & Cappoquin.
What if I can't find a course to suit my needs?
We operate on the principle of providing a friendly customer service therefore, if you do not find a course in this prospectus to suit your needs, we are always willing to consider new ideas for viable courses. Please call us or visit us and let us know your needs and we will do our best to assist you. Telephone: 051-302040
How do I know if I'm choosing the right course for me?
It is important that the level and content of a course will suit your individual needs and meet your expectations. In order to find out relevant information about the course content, teaching methods, amount of extra work required outside class, assessment methods etc., we recommend that you study the relevant section of this prospectus. If you require further information or advice, you should:
> Contact the Department of Adult & Continuing Education @ 051-302040.
> Visit REGSA (Regional Educational Guidance Service for Adults) where the professional adult guidance counsellors will be delighted to assist you in your choice of course. Please contact REGSA for an appointment at 051-302287 or shealy@wit.ie
> Professional Courses - contact the professional body directly, all relevant contact details are provided as part of the course description. Please note that for some professional courses, in addition to WIT tuition fees, students are required to pay additional fees to the Professional Body for membership and exam.
Please Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that these fees are paid directly to the Professional Body.
What are the entry requirements for courses?
All courses have their own entry requirements, please refer to the relevant section of our prospectus for more detailed course information.
How can I register?
You can simply register on line using the link on the Adult Education home page.
When is the closing date for receipt of applications?
Closing date for 3rd level programmes is 31st July.
Closing date for personal and professional development programmes is mid September.
How much do courses cost?
Details of course fees are stated in the prospectus. All fees must be paid in full prior to commencement of the course. Payment can be made online using your credit/debit card or you can still register online but follow with payment by cheque, postal order or bank draft (made payable to WIT) within 10 working days otherwise the application will be considered void. Please note cash will not be accepted.
Does WIT have a Refund Policy?
> When a course is under-subscribed & does not run, WIT offers a 100% refund of fees.
> If you cannot attend a course for which you have enrolled, you may apply for a fee refund in writing. If you have not attended any classes a refund (less a 20% administration cost) will be given.
> You must advise the Adult & Continuing Education Office one week in advance of the course commencement date that you are unable to attend, otherwise no refund can be given.
Is there any assistance available with paying fees?
Most adult education courses operate on a self-financing basis and we do all in our power to keep our fees as affordable as possible. It is your responsibility to pay for your fees, however the following supports may be worth considering:
> Employers - In 2009/10, over 40% of part-time students' fees were paid by their employer.
> Tax Relief - People pursuing part-time courses leading to a Third-level qualification may be eligible for Tax Relief on their fees if paying from their own income. Registered employers may also be eligible to claim relief on programme fees paid for employees. For further details, please contact your local Revenue Office to get a form IT31 or visit www.revenue.ie. NB: Always retain your online receipt of payment for tax purposes. If you wish to obtain an additional copy of your receipt there is a surcharge of €20.
> Financial Support from Development Agencies and Charities - In some instances, students have received assistance in paying their fees from ADM Partnership Boards, Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
> WIT Bursary for the Unemployed: We encourage those in receipt of Job Seeker's Allowance or Unemployment Benefit to apply as part time students toWIT in order to improve their employment prospects. For this reason we are offering a 25% bursary to all applicants in receipt of either of these twowelfare payments. Please provide evidence of your payment by supplying your PPS number and signing the declaration which states that the information you are submitting is accurate and honest. Your details will be verified by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. (Please see the reduced fees listed by programme in this prospectus under the heading 'Cost, if eligible for bursary'. This scheme will be subject to review at the end of the 2010-2011 academic year and does not apply to any of our part-time postgraduate programmes.)
Students with Disabilities
If you are a student with a disability, you should inform WIT of your disability when you register. Every effort will be made to assist you by e.g. timetabling classes in ground floor rooms within close proximity of the entrance, lifts etc.
What is ACCS?
ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) allows you to study one or more Modules from Higher Certificate, Degree, Graduate Diploma or Masters level programmes. When you have accumulated sufficient credits, you will be granted the relevant Third Level qualification. This flexible method of study enables you to obtain a Third Level qualification at your own pace and all Third Level courses in this booklet may be taken in this form.
What if I know some of the course material already?
Recognition of Prior Learning (Exemptions) Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is a mechanism for recognising relevant learning you have already undertaken at an equivalent level on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). WIT may recognise your previous experience and training, and developing a progression route to advanced qualifications in this area. Please note further information on WIT’s RPL policy is provided upon request. How to Apply for Exemptions (RPL) Please request an RPL application form from the Adult Education Office and return it with a copy of relevant certificates of qualification. Applicants can register for a programme by paying the annual tuition fee at the beginning of the academic year and when exemptions are granted a refund of 60%per module is reimbursed to the student. Closing date for receipt of RPL applications is the 24th September 2010 for Semester 1 modules and January 28th 2011 for Semester 2 modules. Please make all RPL applications to the attention of Third Level Administrator, and post to: School of Education, WIT College Street Campus, Cork Road, Waterford.
Can I apply as a mature student for full-time courses?
To qualify as a mature applicant, you must be at least 23 years of age on 1 January 2009. Mature students may be exempted from the normal entry criteria but will have to attend for interview to explain why they want to pursue the course. Mature students on full-time courses are entitled to the same financial assistance as school-leaving students. If you need help or advice on how to become a mature student and what course best suits you, please contact Ann Elmes, Registrar's Office @ 051-302603 or Peter Lucey, REGSA @ 051-302287.
What if I don't feel ready to go to College yet?
WIT offers a full-time Foundation Course for adults who do not feel ready to return to formal Third Level education. This course is aimed at mature students who may wish to update themselves in the basic educational skills and gain the self-confidence required to become full-time students. Applicants must be 22 years of age by 1 February 2009. Foundation Maths from this programme is also offered on a part-time basis. Apply Directly to REGSA.
Closing Date: 31 July 2010.
WIT Card
Students registering on courses will be issued with a WIT card, which costs €15. The WIT card is essential for students to access the library, canteen and shop facilities. This card remains valid for the duration of your studies at WIT.
Industry and Work-Based Training
We welcome enquiries from HR & Training Managers who are interested in arranging delivery of our programmes to staff either in-company or at WIT. Accredited courses can be adapted to meet the company circumstances or new courses can be developed to meet demand. For further information, please contact Richard Moody, Assistant Head of Department @ 051-302040 or email: rmoody@wit.ie
Study Skills Training
We offer an on-line study skills guide, http://www2.wit.ie/StudyatWIT/AdultEd/StudySkillsGuide/ This guide aims to prepare you to manage your study and time effectively, use library resources and access WIT resources.
