What Study Options Does Maynooth University Offer?

Maynooth University offers four main study routes: Level 8 undergraduate degrees (applied for through the CAO), taught postgraduate programmes (master's, diplomas and certificates), research programmes, and shorter options such as certificates, short courses and micro-credentials. The right route depends on whether you are starting a first degree, adding a qualification after your bachelor's, or looking for a small, focused piece of learning.

Undergraduate Study

Undergraduate study at Maynooth is built around Level 8 degrees. According to the university, thousands of first-year students join each September to begin a Level 8 degree, and the site points applicants toward the 2027 intake.

Key points from the university's own pages:

• Application route: Apply through the CAO (Central Applications Office). The site lists "How to Apply | CAO" as the main application path for undergraduates.
• Choosing a course: Use the New Course Finder and the prospectus and booklets to compare degrees before applying.
• Before you commit: Open Days and other events let you visit the university and ask questions directly; the site also offers an "Ask Us" contact route and a dedicated page for guidance counsellors.
• Funding: Scholarships are listed as a separate support option for undergraduates.

If you are a school-leaver or applying for a first degree, the CAO route is the one to plan around, and the course finder plus prospectus are the tools for narrowing your choices.

Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate study at Maynooth is described by the university as rigorous programmes delivered in a supportive campus environment with a welcoming academic community. The options fall into distinct types:

The site also lists the Graduate Research Academy for research students, and a combined "Fees, Funding & Scholarships" section plus "How to Apply for a Postgraduate Programme" guidance. Postgraduate applications are handled separately from the CAO undergraduate route, so check the postgraduate how-to-apply page rather than the CAO.

Short Courses, Certificates and Micro-credentials

Not every learner wants a full degree. Maynooth lists certificates and short courses under undergraduate study, and micro-credentials under postgraduate study. These suit people who want a specific skill or credential without committing to a multi-year programme. Because entry requirements and formats differ by course, confirm the details on the individual course page rather than assuming they match degree admission rules.

Research

Research at Maynooth is organised around an interdisciplinary approach spanning the natural sciences, social sciences, engineering and technology, and the arts and humanities. The site's research section links to research beacons, institutes and centres, international collaborations, the Graduate Research Academy, the Research Development Office, MaynoothWorks and a researcher directory. Prospective research students should start with the Graduate Research Academy and the research programmes listing.

Tools for Exploring Your Options

• New Course Finder — search across available courses.
• Prospectus and booklets — downloadable overviews of what is offered.
• Open Days and events — visit and ask questions in person.
• Ask Us — direct enquiries if a page does not answer your question.
• A–Z Directory and People Finder — locate departments and staff.

International Applicants

The MU International Office is the first point of contact for international students applying for full-degree, Erasmus, Study Abroad and Summer School programmes, and it also supports Maynooth students going abroad. Separate pages cover incoming Erasmus and Study Abroad students, summer and tailored programmes, prospective full-degree students, pre-arrival and orientation, and the Arqus European University Alliance. If you are applying from outside Ireland, start with the International Office pages before the general application guidance.

How to Decide

• First degree: undergraduate Level 8 via CAO; use the course finder and prospectus, then attend an Open Day.
• Qualification after a bachelor's: choose between a taught master's, a diploma or certificate, or a research programme depending on whether you want coursework or a research project.
• Small, targeted learning: look at micro-credentials, certificates and short courses.
• Applying from abroad: go through the International Office first.

The site does not publish fees on these overview pages; fee and funding details sit in the dedicated "Fees, Funding & Scholarships" sections, so check those before applying.