CHOOSE YOUR SUBJECTS
We have a wide variety programmes at Maynooth and they can be broken down into three main categories: Arts & Social Sciences (MH101), Science & Engineering (MH201) and then all our various other degrees which we call Denominated Degrees.
Now that you’ve made your necessary preparations, it’s time to be sure about your subject choices.
Subject Talks
On Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 September we will be hosting a series of Subject Information Talks on campus to help students with their subject choices in advance of registration. Join us (check the schedule) and ask our staff anything that’s on your mind about our Arts or Science degrees or any of our courses. We are here to help!
Arts and Social Sciences (MH101)
The Maynooth ARTS (MH101) degree is our flexible programme that gives you a wide range of options to customise your studies to match your own interests and goals.
You choose from a wide range of subjects which you can research below, and you can combine them to build your own degree. Of course there are some limits. In each subject there are specific topics that you have to study. But as far as possible, we let you decide.
You don’t have to decide everything at once. You can take up to four subjects in first year, and decide what combination is right for you. We also let you change your mind in the first four weeks of semester one, so if you realise that a subject is not for you, you can choose something else. You can also make some changes to your choices at the start of the second semester.
When you begin second year you will be able to decide the structure of your degree (based on your subjects and results from first year).
Science and Engineering (MH102)
By studying Science at Maynooth, you are joining a research tradition that can trace its roots to the first professors of the Royal College of St Patrick, founded in 1795. The Faculty of Science and Engineering at Maynooth University now comprises the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Experimental Physics, Mathematical Physics, Mathematics and Statistics, and Psychology.
You choose four subjects in first year, one of which has to be Mathematics. The other three science subjects come from a pool of seven. You can research these subjects below in the presentations.
You don’t have to decide until four weeks after commencement of first year. This gives you a chance to sample various subjects before you lock in your choices and make an informed decision.
Help Choosing Your Subjects and Programmes
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Review and research your course choice on the Study at Maynooth section of our website. This links to our Course Finder which has further details of course content.
Reflect on your interests. Ask yourself questions:
- Why did I choose this subject in the first place?
- Is it selected by me or by someone else?
- What are my strengths?
- Does the subject interest me?
- What kind of occupation could I pursue with this subject?
- Could I see myself doing this for years to come?
Subject Information (10 – 11 September) and Welcome Week (16 – 20 September)
Consult Department websites as a way to get a feel for a potential subject. Talk to various department staff to enquire about subjects that interest you.
Seek out students who are currently studying the same programme or who have graduated from the same programme. Meet and ask them questions about their coursework, career hopes, and experiences?
The Programme Advisory Office provides information on any choices you might wish to make related to your programme.
Talk to the Careers and Employability Service about your subject choices and potential career implications.
Change of Mind
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At the beginning of the academic year, you will have up to four weeks to change your mind about your subjects.
You can change your subject choices up until Friday 18 October (free of charge) BUT remember to use this 4 week window wisely.
Get the timetable of the subjects / modules that you are interested in from the Timtabling Office.
If you do want to make changes, this can be done on-line via the registration amendment facility which can be accessed by logging into your Student Web account (you’ll get one when you register): https://studentweb.nuim.ie
Try and avoid making changes to your subjects at the last minute without previously attending the lectures of the relevant subject you are moving to.
All subjects are taught from day one of the commencement of lectures, so the later you leave it to firm up your choices, the more of a subject you may miss.
Please contact The Programme Advisory Office if you have any questions about changing your subjects after registration. Details are available from their website.
Critical Skills
Unique
Interdisciplinary
Essential
What is “Critical Skills”?
Critical Skills is a unique offering to Maynooth University first-year students that will help you transition to third level.
It is designed to help first year students to learn, experience, practice and develop essential skills that will support their University career. You will learn how to write great academic essays, how to reference your work and effectively gather information.
Our class sizes are small, so you will better be able to network with your fellow students and interact one on one with your tutors. We focus on the active learning of transferrable skills sets.
Not all courses are eligible for critical skills. For more information and to learn how to check your eligibility, visit our webpage:
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”