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About NUI Maynooth
Academic Developments
Recent Developments
Over the past number of years, the University has introduced a wide number of new academic programmes and courses in arts, engineering, and the sciences, and this process is continuing. Outlined below are details of new programmes for entry 2005, 2004 and 2003.
New Degree Programmes 2005
MH102 BA Music Technology
This course is designed for students with interests in music who are seeking a qualification in the areas of audio and information technologies. This programme will cover general elements of music, such as basic theory and notation, as well as composition and aspects of popular music. From informatics, students will also explore computer programming and signal processing. The course will also offer specialised modules in sound engineering and computer music. These will be taught in state-of-the-art studios and computer music laboratories. In addition to the music technology-specific modules, students will also choose two Arts subjects in First Year and continue with one of the chosen subjects from First year in the second and third year, to complement their degree. Depending on the student’s interests and abilities, he/she will choose to concentrate on audio production, music programming or composition for his/her final year. The programme will strive to maintain a balance between theory and practice to ensure that students gain experience working with the essential concepts and skills involved in music technology.
Applicants are not required to have taken the Leaving Certificate in music, however they are expected to have some music reading skills and knowledge of basic elements of music theory (eg. scales, intervals and chords). Successful applicants with difficulties in these areas will be provided with tutorials on the subject after admission.
MH104 BA Mathematics
Mathematics is one of the oldest academic subjects but it is still very much alive. New developments take place all the time, sometimes as a result of fresh ideas from within Mathematics itself and sometimes stimulated by applications to the physical, biological and social sciences, computing, technology and so on. The course aims to bridge the gap between school Mathematics and current frontiers of knowledge. The First Year of the programme is foundational, aiming to give a good grounding in each of the main areas of Mathematics: Analysis, Geometry, Probability and Computing. In the final two years of this degree programme, central areas of Mathematics such as Complex Analysis and Field Theory are studied in depth and there is a range of courses in rapidly growing areas such as: Differential Geometry, Numerical Analysis, Probability, Statistics and Graph Theory. At this stage in the programme, students begin to develop the ability to invent, criticise and perfect new Mathematics for themselves and to solve new problems. Students require at least a HB1 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics to take this degree programme. Please also refer to the subject Mathematical Studies within the MH101 Arts Degree, which requires an OB3 or HD3 at Leaving Certificate Level.
MH402 Finance and Venture Management
Electronic Engineering has been introduced as a stream within this degree in addition to Bioscience or Information Technology. Mathematics at HD3 or OB3 level is required.
MH403 BA Finance & Accounting
Many students embarking on a Finance course are not entirely sure what aspect of Finance they will specialise in post qualification. There are many options; economics, corporate finance, fund management and accounting to name but a few. The BA Finance and Accounting, provides the flexibility of a broad base in Finance - related topics but with an emphasis on Accounting-to facilitate students who feel they may wish, on graduation to pursue a career in Accounting. It is anticipated that the Accounting related topics covered on this degree course will entitle graduates to exemptions from equivalent examination papers of the professional accountancy bodies.
Psychology in First Arts
Students take Psychology and two other Arts subjects in First Year. They follow the same Psychology courses as students who enter the denominated degree (MH106). From September 2005, all students admitted to First Arts (MH101) have the option of studying psychology. Thirty places are available in Second Year Psychology (from 2006) and these are allocated on the basis of First Year results in Psychology. These students study Psychology only in second and third year. Normally, students who do not reach the standard required for admission to Second Arts Psychology in the Summer examination of their first year of registration, must on passing their First Arts examination proceed into Second Year with their two remaining Arts subjects from First Year. The BA in Psychology at NUI Maynooth is currently accredited by both the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and the British Psychological Society (BPS).
New Degree Programmes 2004
- BA Finance & Venture Management (Bioscience or Information Technology)
New Degree Programmes 2003
- BA (International) European Studies - MH108
- BA Media Studies - MH109
- Science Degree in Psychology - MH209
- Chemistry with Pharmaceutical Chemistry - MH210
New Degree Programmes & developments 2002
- Degree of Bachelor of Social Science - MH107
- Degree of Bachelor of Science - Biological Science - MH208
- Electronic Engineering - Common Entry - MH304
Expanding Opportunities for Arts Students:
The University has introduced two new options, within existing degree programmes, with effect from September 2002. Computer Science as an optional subject in the Arts degree gives students an opportunity to combine a background in an Arts discipline with the solid foundation in Computer Science offered by this course. Graduates of the course, who achieve a satisfactory standard, will be able to use their computer science skills in support of a career in their other arts subject, gain employment in the IT industry, or progress to a research MSc in Computer Science by taking 4th year BSc units as a basis for admission.
Spanish will now be offered as an optional subject in the Finance degree. This option is open to both beginners and non-beginners. Spanish is spoken widely throughout the world, with some 350 million speakers in 21 countries, and is ranked third among languages spoken world wide. This new option of Finance with Spanish offers wide opportunities for students who wish to engage in careers embracing this vast area.
NUI BSc Degree in Rural Development by e-learning
NUI Maynooth is one of four universities that will deliver Ireland's first NUI BSc Degree in Rural Development by e-learning. This is the first degree of its kind and is unique in that it has been developed and produced in a joint collaboration by the four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland - NUI Galway, NUI Maynooth, University College Dublin and University College Cork. It is aimed at people who are already highly involved in rural development, in either a voluntary or professional capacity and offers students the opportunity to gain professional skills and qualifications at the highest level.
Science Foundation Year
In an initiative to broaden access for students to study for a degree in science, the University has introduced a new Science Foundation Year programme, which will award successful students a National University of Ireland (NUI) Certificate in Science. The course is suitable for people who are interested in studying science at University but feel they would benefit from pursuing a preparatory course in science before entering the first year of an undergraduate degree. Successful completion of the Science Foundation Certificate will provide students with that basis and guarantee enrolment to many of the University's science degree courses. The course has a strong academic element but will also focus on study skills, personal development, information technology and career guidance.