Small courses and personal attention create the special atmosphere in courses in Ireland. International students will find an optimal learning environment here and are always in good hands thanks to the many services offered by the universities in Ireland.
The Irish universities themselves determine the type and scope of the courses, depending on the subject area. In addition to the types of exams, this also includes field trips and internships. As a rule, the courses start in autumn, so that some courses are only available in certain semesters. Part-time studies in Ireland are sometimes possible. In these cases, the courses often take place in the evening and usually in addition to weekend seminars or summer courses.
Types of Courses in Ireland
When applying to study in Ireland, students indicate their courses. In Ireland this refers to the courses and not the courses. For a bachelor’s or master’s degree, some of the students choose additional areas of focus in order to specialize. These are called streams.
The study in Ireland consists of different modules depending on the subject area, which include the courses. There are usually two types of modules for a degree program, which extend over one or two semesters:
- Core Modules
- Electives
The courses include the following types of teaching in Ireland:
Lectures
The lectures in Ireland correspond to the lectures in Germany. The events usually serve as an introduction to certain subject areas. The lecturers discuss the predominantly theoretical content with prepared lectures.
Seminars
Seminars are one of the most interactive teaching events in Ireland. To learn more about the country of Ireland and continent of Europe, please follow healthinclude. The students exchange ideas about the topics given by the lecturer and present them in presentations or group work. The aim is to develop certain theories, to question them and to get to know new perspectives.
Tutorials
At many universities, theoretical seminars or lectures also include tutorials. Above all, the students have the opportunity to address ambiguities and work through the subject matter in a targeted manner. For example, the tutors go through the tasks for the next lecture step by step.
Practicals and demonstrations
These practically oriented courses can be found predominantly in natural science courses. The students gain their first own research experience in the laboratory or gain insights into the handling of certain machines.
Field trips and site visits
Many Irish universities support practical relevance by offering field trips or site visits. The students visit certain research locations or their future workplace. Through such excursions, they apply their theoretical knowledge directly.
Research Project
When completing a research-based degree in Ireland, students often work on their own project. The research project for a Master by Research, for example, takes up a large part of the curriculum.
Course catalog at Irish universities
The Irish universities’ course catalogs are online approximately six months before the start of the academic year in Ireland. It lists all available courses and the associated courses. The courses have course codes that applicants need to study in Ireland, for example to apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO). These course numbers usually consist of two to three letters that refer to the university and two to three numbers.
In many cases the universities and institutes of technology do not give course numbers for the individual courses. If so, they consist of letters that indicate the subject area and numbers that describe the level of the course. Bachelor courses are, for example, in the 4000 range and master courses at 6000. When choosing a course for a semester abroad in Ireland, applicants should simply take the course name from the so-called course listings.
Types of exams and grading in Ireland
Students in Ireland earn credit points through the courses. You need 60 ECTS per academic year. Depending on the scope and type, students receive five to ten ECTS for a course in Ireland. To do this, it is necessary to provide proof of performance that differs depending on the subject. The following types of exams are possible:
- Essays
- Homework
- Exams
- Presentations or reports
- Group projects (e.g. case studies)
- Short oral or written exam (short-answer in-class exam)
At many universities in Ireland, lecturers continuously test students with the help of smaller transcripts. At the end of the semester there is usually a final exam. As a rule, it is possible to repeat exams several times.
The Irish grading system is very comparable across Europe. The various smaller certificates of achievement result in an overall grade for the course.
Atmosphere in the courses in Ireland
Small courses allow for an ideal learning atmosphere at universities in Ireland. This enables interactive and individually tailored courses. In addition, practice-oriented courses are easier to implement. The use of modern media and teaching methods are also natural in Ireland. In many cases, attendance is compulsory.
In research-oriented courses, for example a Master by Research, supervisors help students with problems. In addition, they pay attention to the respective study progress.
Overall, the courses in Ireland offer an open and friendly atmosphere in which the lecturers can be approached at any time.
Irish courses and differences to Germany
Despite the Bologna reform, courses in Ireland differ from those in Germany in some ways:
- The courses are more individualized and prefer active participation.
- The courses in Ireland are mostly more practical.
- As part of the service offering at Irish universities, personal attention to students is a matter of course.
- The grades in Ireland are made up of several records of achievement.
- Attendance is compulsory at universities in Ireland.
