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Modular Study

What is Modular Study?

At National College of Ireland we know that not everyone can commit to a full course of study. Our modular study programme lets people achieve a postgraduate qualification at their own pace. The programme takes a flexible approach, allowing you to gain your qualification through a process of credit accumulation. You may also elect to study a module because you require particular skills, and you will receive academic credits for this.

Modular students can apply for and study individual modules from selected postgraduate courses, at a pace that suits their lifestyle. Each module is a self-contained unit of teaching, learning and assessment, which is worth a fixed amount of credit towards an overall qualification. You may complete the programme over several years – typically a time limit of five years will apply – and you can spread the financial commitment of postgraduate study over a longer period.

Benefits of Modular Study

Time and Flexibility
Rather than put it off till next year why not take one module and complete the programme in manageable chunks so it can fit with work or family commitments. You may complete the programme over several years. (Typically a time limit of 5 years will apply)

Block Delivery
Many of our School of Business modules are block delivered, meaning you undertake a condensed period of study where you focus on one module at a time. A typical block would be delivered on a full time basis across three weeks over three days a week. On a part-time basis the block would typically be over six weeks two evenings a week. This allows you to decide between full and part time study on a module by module basis. You may decide this year to set aside some of your annual leave to complete a module during the day thus not interfering with family commitments while next year you may have more availability and commit to one module in semester 1 by part time study and one in semester 2 by full time study. Block delivery allows you to balance your study needs with your life.

School of Computing modules will generally not operate a block delivery format. Modules in this School will be delivered over 3 - 4 hours per week over 13 weeks.

Costs
Studying on a modular basis may allow you to spread the costs over a longer period as you are paying on a module by module basis. It may also facilitate your employer contributing towards the cost of your studies if you agree to pay for some modules and your employer pays for others.

Lifelong Learning
Whether you’re currently studying or thinking of returning to education, the flexibility of modular study allows you to engage in a real way with lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Students are often hesitant to make such a long term commitment of time and money which prevents them from engaging with third-level in a way which would benefit them and their organisations. The modular approach allows you to remain current while fitting in with your lifestyle and work commitments.

What can I study?

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirements for a module are the same as for the full programme. Therefore, for postgraduate programmes at level 9 you will be required to hold a level 8 honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. The college operates a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning Scheme meaning those who do not meet normal academic requirements may also be considered based on significant professional experience.

Can you mix modules with ones from other courses?

You cannot mix and match modules from different programmes should you wish to gain a full award. You are enrolled on a programme of study eg the MSc in Management albeit you have chosen to undertake the programme over a longer period of time than a traditional student. For a full award you will be required to have passed all the core modules and have accumulated 90 credits. Research methods and the dissertation must be taken together when all other modules have been completed.

What is the cost?

You pay on a per module basis.
The cost per module is €875 for School of Business modules.
Modules from the MSc in Cloud Computing are priced at €1,230 per module and modules from the MSc in Web Technologies are €985 per module.
Those students wishing to complete the Research Methods and Dissertation modules must do so at the same time and this counts as two modules.
Note: If you are intending to complete the full programme under the normal schedule it is more cost effective to pay the full programme fee.

I have been out of education for a long time. Does this matter?

National College of Ireland enrols thousands of students every year, many of whom have been out of formal education for many years. Our student support team will guide and advise you on study skills and be happy to help with any concerns.

How do I apply?

Those contemplating a modular approach to their studies should contact the appropriate Vice Dean for further infomation.

School of Business
Dr Colette Darcy
Vice Dean Postgraduate
Studies & Research
Tel: 01 4498 538
cdarcy@ncirl.ie

School of Computing
Paul Stynes
Vice Dean Academic Programmes & Research
Tel: 01 4498 613
pstynes@ncirl.ie

Further Information

If you would like more information on modular study you can
call: 1850 221 721. Or you can download our brochure.