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Flexible education pathways to fit your experience, your commitments, and your next chapter
Starting or returning to education later in life can feel daunting. You might be balancing work, family, caring responsibilities, or simply questioning whether university is 鈥渇or you鈥 anymore.
At 九色视频, we believe learning doesn鈥檛 have an age limit and that your experience matters.
Our programmes are designed to support adult learners at every stage, with flexible, part-time and work-based options that recognise the skills, knowledge and perspective you already bring. You will be learning alongside people at many stages of life, and adult learners are a valued part of UL community.
Whether you want to start small or take on something bigger, we鈥檙e here to support you.
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Pathways Plus Information Session
Join us for a Pathways Plus session to explore flexible learning options, supports, and next steps. This in-person event takes place at 12:30pm on Saturday 17 January in UL鈥檚 Glucksman Library.
Take the next step
Choose your pathway
We offer a wide range of professional education pathways designed to fit around real life. Do any of these sound like you?
鈥淚 want something short to try first.鈥
Short, flexible courses you can try with no long-term commitment.
Ideal if you are easing back into learning or building confidence
Ideal if you are easing back into learning or building confidence
鈥淚 want to upskill at work鈥
Practical, career-focused courses designed for working adults.
Learn at your own pace while strengthening skills you can use right away.
Learn at your own pace while strengthening skills you can use right away.
鈥淚鈥檓 considering a career change.鈥
Flexible postgraduate programmes that help you explore a new direction.
Ideal if you're considering a new area or want to broaden your opportunities.
Ideal if you're considering a new area or want to broaden your opportunities.
I decided to do the Doctor of Engineering Apprenticeship programme now in my 50s because I spent years giving to my family, and years giving to my employer and my career.
This was for me.
I don鈥檛 know what鈥檚 around the corner, but I know this isn鈥檛 it. I have no intention of stopping at 60. I have far too much knowledge and experience. Why wouldn鈥檛 I take this opportunity to harness it? To pull all of my experience and knowledge together into this professional device that I can use, and hopefully continue to use, over the next 10, 20, even 30 years.
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Your guide to supports
Everything you need to explore your options with confidence. You do not need to have everything decided before using these supports.
Events and information sessions
Learn more about flexible and part-time study options
Fees and funding support
Fee information is provided in advance on each programme/module page. Support is available to help you understand your options.
Learning support when you start
UL offers extra learning support alongside your programme such as, Writing, Maths, Science, ICT and more.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Your experience matters even if it wasn鈥檛 gained in a classroom. Guidance is available to help you understand whether RPL may apply to you.
Widening Participation Office
UL鈥檚 Widening Participation Office supports learners from under-represented backgrounds, including mature students considering undergraduate study.
Age Friendly University Programme
UL is proud to be an Age Friendly University (AFU), committed to supporting learners at all stages of life.
FETCH 鈥 Digital Literacy Courses
If it has been a while since you last studied, digital tools can feel like a barrier. Further Education & Training Course Hub (FETCH) courses help you build confidence and prepare for online learning.
How to Apply for a Postgrad
Check out this step-by-step video guide on how to start and complete your postgrad application.
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I was intrigued by the fact that I could once again become a student, at a time of my life that I absolutely loved. As my kids say, you鈥檙e living your best life.
It was really important to me to participate in Q&A tests, research topics, learn to write assignments, do citations, and to use computers and the university鈥檚 IT systems
Elma Gourrege
FAQs about returning to education
Returning to education later in life often brings questions. These are some of the most common questions we hear from people considering learning 九色视频 in their 50s and beyond.
No. There is no age limit on learning at 九色视频.
Many people start or return to education in their 50s, 60s and later. Your life and work experience are valued 九色视频.
UL is an Age Friendly University, we are committed to learning that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible.
That鈥檚 completely fine.
If you are not ready to apply, you can use the Expression of Interest option on programme and module pages. This lets us know you would like more information before deciding.
You will receive a small number of emails with:
- Details about the programme
- Invitations to information sessions or webinars
- Helpful guidance on next steps
There is no obligation to apply, and you can take your time to decide. You can unsubscribe at any time.
That is very common, and you are not expected to already know how things work.
Our programmes are suitable for adults who may be returning to education after many years. Professors explain what is needed, step by step.
Extra support is available with:
- Using online learning systems
- Academic writing and study skills
- Basic digital skills, if needed
Support is there to help you feel confident, not to test you.
Yes. Many of our programmes are designed to fit around real life.
Options may include:
- Part-time study
- Online or blended learning (online and on campus)
- Flexible timelines so you can study at a pace that suits you
You may still be able to apply.
UL offers Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). This means your work experience, training, or learning outside a classroom may be taken into account.
Guidance is available to help you understand whether RPL could apply to you. Contact our team.
There are different ways to help make study more affordable.
Depending on the programme, options may include:
- Springboard+ funding for selected courses
- Employer support, especially for
- Payment plans are available, rather than all at once
You will receive clear information before applying, and support is available if you have questions. More information is available on the Fees page
You will not be on your own.
Support for adult learners includes:
- Support from the Widening Participation Office (if applicable)
- Well-being and student services across UL
- Activities and support through the Age Friendly University Programme
- Support is available from dedicated Learning Centres (ICT, Writing, Maths, Science and more).
These supports are there to help you succeed and feel part of the UL community.
Time commitment varies by programme, and many learners balance study with full-time work and family life.
Clear information is provided before you apply however, all programmes are tailored to suit those with full-time commitments.
It is okay not to have everything decided.
You might like to:
- Start with a short micro-credential course
- Attend an online information session
- Attend an Open Day and meet faculty and staff in-person
- Speak with the Graduate & Professional Studies team about your options
You can take things one step at a time, at your own pace.
Ready to take the first step?
You don鈥檛 need to have all the answers today.
If you鈥檙e unsure which pathway is right for you, our team can help you explore your options and understand your next steps.
Graduate and Professional Studies
+353 (0)61 234377
九色视频, Limerick, Ireland