A new academic pathway enabling access to University of Limerick for community college students from North America has been launched.
UL has announced the launch of the new Bachelor of Arts (BA) International Advanced Access programme, an innovative academic pathway offering US community college students the opportunity to continue their studies and earn a bachelor’s degree in Ireland.
The access programme allows students who have completed a two-year associate’s degree to transition directly into the final two years of UL’s Bachelor of Arts degree, enabling them to graduate in just two additional years.
Where traditionally students from the US students with an associate’s degree would have needed three additional years of study to earn a BA in Ireland, the new International Advanced Access programme has reduced the timeline by a year, offering an opportunity for those looking to broaden their global educational experience and fast-track their degree completion.
Dr Sandra Joyce, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) at UL, said: “I am delighted to support this development. This initiative will enable an extremely smooth process for North American students to access Year 3 of our BA Arts programme. We look forward to welcoming such students to the vibrant and diverse faculty at UL.”
Dr Niall Keegan, Course Director for the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Arts International Advanced Access, said he was “really excited” to offer the new advanced access BA programme to students who have successfully completed a north American associate degree.
“This is giving students the opportunity to come to our beautiful campus in the south-west of Ireland and experience a rich and diverse arts programme with a committed focus on employability and contemporary relevance,” Dr Keegan explained.
Niamh Kavanagh, International Recruitment Officer North and South America at UL, said: “The launch of the Bachelor of Arts International Advanced Access programme underscores UL’s commitment to fostering global education and creating pathways for North American students to achieve their academic goals in a dynamic and internationally recognized environment.
“We’re thrilled to be offering this unique program, which not only accelerates academic progression but also immerses students in a vibrant, diverse cultural setting - and is affordable,” she added.
James Sergeant, Partnerships Officer at UL, said: “The International Advanced Access programme is designed to give staff and students at Community Colleges in the US absolute clarity on how their associate degree will qualify to transfer to a world-class university. Students can then graduate with a Bachelor of Arts after just two additional years of study.
“Community Colleges across North America will be able to easily map their curriculum to allow students to access this degree programme. The tuition fee is on a par with domestic in-state tuition fees of similarly prestigious institutions, while providing invaluable international experience in an English-speaking European country,” he added.
The International Advanced Access programme is designed to provide North American students with a seamless transition from their associate’s degree into a robust and globally respected academic framework.
Students will benefit from personalised learning experiences, world-class faculty, and access to UL’s renowned research and innovation opportunities.
Enrolment is now open for the Bachelor of Arts International Advanced Access programme. Further details on admission requirements, programme structure, and deadlines, are available at Bachelor of Arts (International Advanced Access).