Before You Arrive:
Why study at the University of Limerick Language Centre?
How do I apply for a course?
How much is my course?
How do I pay the fees?
When must I pay the fees?
What cancellation fees apply if I wish to cancel my course booking?
How do I apply for a visa to study in Limerick?
Can my children attend class at the University of Limerick Language Centre?
Can my family be accommodated with me during my course?
Is there a childcare facility on campus?
Are there summer camps that my family can get involved in?
If I can't get a visa, can I get a refund?
Should I buy medical and travel insurance?
On Arrival:
How do I get to Limerick?
In the event of an emergency, who can I call outside of office hours?
What happens if I want to extend my stay?
Can I stay in one of the student villages on campus?
If I stay in self catering accommodation, where can I get my meals?
If I stay with a host family are all my meals included?
When can I arrive at my accommodation?
Do I need to take a placement test and if so how what does it involve?
Do I need to bring anything to class with me?
How many students are in each class?
How many teachers will I have?
Day to Day:
What is the telephone code for Ireland?
Where can I buy international call cards?
In the event of an emergency, what should I do?
Where can I buy postcards and stamps?
Where can I buy a plug adaptor so that I can use equipment from my country?
What are the public holidays in Ireland and when is the Language Centre closed?
Are there any social activities I can get involved in outside of class time?
Where can I get a bike if I want to cycle to and from the University?
Will I have access to the internet and do I need to pay for it?
Can I take an internationally recognised examination during my time at the University of Limerick Language Centre?
Do I have a test or examination at the end of our course?
Can I do an undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University of Limerick?
What are the minimum English Language requirements for entry to a degree programme at the University of Limerick?
Why study at the University of Limerick Language Centre?
The University of Limerick - "The most impressive range of campus facilities in the State. At its centre is the striking €9 million Living Bridge across the Shannon. Then there is the centre for health sciences; the new Kemmy business school; construction of one of the largest all-weather sports pitches in Europe; and new homes for medical post-graduates and their families. And that's before we mention the best sports facilities and student accommodation of any university in the State." The Irish Times, National Newspaper - 07/12/2010
- Limerick is easy to get to and is just 20km from Shannon International Airport
- Renowned for quality English Langauge Teaching
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excellent teaching and support staff
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A brand new state-of-the-art Languages Building
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dedicated language learning classrooms equipped with multimedia projectors, monitors and CD players
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multimedia labs
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a digital audio language lab
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a large Language Resource Area for language students and teachers with a print and audio library, DVDs and CD-roms (including a significant collection of language teacher development resources)
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internet access and WiFi
As well as the following Campus Facilities:
- Five on-campus villages offering self-catering accommodation
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A huge range of restaurants, bars and cafes
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World class sports facilities including Ireland's National 50 metre Olympic-standard swimming pool, superb fitness centre and a large indoor sports hall
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A 1000-seat University Concert Hall offering performances of dance, ballet, musicals, drama, comedy and opera
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Wide range of Music, Arts and Culture on campus
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Over 60 active Clubs and Societies
- 4 storey Library
- Creche
- Regular bus service to/from the city centre and local housing estates
How do I apply for a course?
Fill out and return an application form for the course of your choice either online or by email, fax or post. Once we receive the application form we will issue an invoice and provisional letter of acceptance to you. To secure a place on the course you need to pay an administration fee. For a list of ways on how to pay you can view the methods of payment which are fully detailed in the terms and conditions of enrolment. The terms and conditions of enrolment should be read before you apply for a course.
If you wish to apply for one of our courses within 4 weeks of the course start date, just email us to make sure that there is availability on the course.
How much is my course?
This will depend on the course you have chosen and the length of the course. You should fill out the application form either online or send it to us by email, fax or post. When we receive it we will issue an invoice to you. The invoice will detail how much needs to be paid.
How do I pay the course fee?
1. Bank Transfer/Direct Credit Card -Please quote the name and four-digit student ID number of the applicant when paying by bank transfer or direct credit. If paying by bank transfer please make sure to cover any bank charges arising.
Account name: University of Limerick Language Centre
Postal Address: Ulster Bank
University of Limerick
Limerick, Ireland
Account number: 11090494
Branch Sort Code: 986050
IBAN Code IE27 ULSB 9860 5011 0904 94
Swift Code/BIC ULSBIE2D
2. Credit or Debit Card - Contact the Language Centre office language.centre@ul.ie for payment via Visa, Delta, Electron, Mastercard, Maestro International, Visa Credit, Commercial Cards & Laser
3. Bank transfer - Irish or International Bank Draft payable to the University of Limerick Language Centre
When must I pay the fees?
We would advise you to pay the administration fee when first applying. This will secure your place on the course. Full fees need to be paid at least 4 weeks before the course start dates. Accommodation details will not be sent to you until full fees have been paid.
What cancellation fees apply if I wish to cancel my course booking?
This will depend on how much written notice you give.
a. If notice of cancellation is given 22 or more working days before the commencement date of the course, tuition and accommodation fees will be refunded in full.
b. If notice of cancellation is given 21 to 8 working days before the commencement date of the course, 65% of tuition and accommodation fees will be refunded.
c. If notice of cancellation is given 7 working days or less before the commencement date of the course, no fees are refunded.
d. Notice of a cancellation must be received in writing within the deadlines outlined above. In all cases a cancellation fee of €50 is payable.
e. Where a student is unable to attend a course due to refusal of a visa by the Irish authorities, tuition and accommodation fees will be refunded in full provided full documentary evidence of the refusal is submitted to the University of Limerick Language Centre. In all other cases, the administration fee of is non-refundable.
f. The University of Limerick Language Centre reserves the right to cancel any course and will endeavour to give adequate notice in this regard. Where a course is cancelled by the University of Limerick Language Centre, administration and tuition fees will be refunded in full.
g. We recommend that students take out insurance against loss of fees through illness or injury, or the serious illness or death of a relative.
How do I apply for a visa to study in Limerick?
Students from several countries need to get a student visa before travelling to study in Ireland. Further information is available on the Travelling to Ireland Section of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs web page at http://www.gov.ie/iveagh/. Student visa regulations can be found on the web page of the Irish Department of Justice at: http://www.justice.ie.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs require a copy of a bank statement from the Language Centre along with a visa support letter once all of the fees have been paid by the student. We will be happy to issue these documents to you once full payment has been received. If you are refused a visa then we will refund the fees minus the admin fee once evidence of visa refusal has been provided to us.
Can my children attend class at the University of Limerick Language Centre?
Yes they can. We have a Junior Programme, English for Juniors, for children between the ages of 11 and 17 years. This course is part of our Summer Programme so it runs from June to August. For more information see English Language Courses or contact us.
Can my family be accommodated with me during my course?
Family accommodation is limited but we would advise that you contact us at the time of booking the course to see if it is possible. We will do our best to faciliate your request.
Is there a childcare facility on campus?
Yes, the Silver Apples Crèche is situated in the grounds of the University of Limerick Campus. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like further information or alternatively contact the Creche directly.
Are there summer camps that my family can get involved in if they do not want to attend an English course?
Yes, there are Summer Camps available for booking for students who wish to place their children in a caring and fun environment while they attend their course with us. Please contact us for more information on these camps.
Should I buy medical and travel insurance?
It is advisable to buy medical and travel insurance. Medical and travel insurance is the responsibility of each student. European Union students should bring their European Health Insurance Card with them. This should be in date. http://www.ehic.ie/. We advise students from outside the European Union to buy medical insurance before they leave their home country. Please contact the University of Limerick Language Centre office if you would like us to arrange medical insurance for you.
Travel insurance is also recommended for participants to cover losses in terms of luggage/non-attendance of course, etc.
In the event of an emergency, who can I call outside of office hours?
In the event that you need to contact a member of staff from the Language Centre outside of office hours, after 17h00, you should contact + 353 61 202700.
What happens if I want to extend my stay?
You should talk to a member of staff. We will do all that we can to help you extend your course and accommodation.
Can I stay in one of the student villages on campus?
Campus Accommodation is available during the summer programme. Outside of this time there is limited availability on campus for long term students. You should contact the Language Centre to see if it is possible.
If I stay in self catering accommodation, where can I get my meals?
There are 17 places to eat on campus, ranging from large self service restaurants offering good value hot food to trendy cafés offering gourmet sandwiches, great cakes, speciality coffees and juices. A full list of all of these restaurants, their locations and opening hours is included in the information pack you get on arrival. If you want to make use of the kitchen in your apartment then there are lots of supermarkets in the area for you to buy food and cook your own.
If I stay with a host family are all my meals included?
Monday to Friday you will get your breakfast and one evening meal. At the weekend, and on bank holidays, you will get all your meals. Juniors are different. They are entitled to all meals all week.
When can I arrive at my accommodation?
The check in day for campus accommodation is normally Sunday. If your flight arrives before Sunday, please let us know and we will try to accommodate you. Our host families are generally flexible allowing students to arrive either on the Saturday or Sunday, however you should check with us before you book your flight.
Do I need to take a placement test and if so how what does it involve?
Yes. On day one of your course you will sit a placement test so that we will be able to place you in a class that is most suitable to your level of English. The placement test includes speaking, writing, and a multiple choice test involving reading, grammar and vocabulary.
Do I need to bring anything to class with me?
You should bring a note book and a pen. We will supply you with a course book.
How many students are in each class?
This will depend on your level, but the maximum number of students in one class is 15.
How many teachers will I have?
This will depend on the course you apply for but generally you will have two teachers.
DAY TO DAY
What is the telephone code for Ireland?
The telephone code for Ireland is '00 353'. You should also drop the first '0' of the telephone number. For example when calling 061 202777, you will need to dial 00 353 61 202777.
Where can I buy international call cards?
International Call Cards are sold on-campus at O'Mahony's Bookshop, at the Students' Union office and in the SPAR shop on campus. These are all located in the Student Courtyard. Campus Map
In the event of an emergency, what should I do?
In the event of an EMERGENCY, a member of staff can be contacted by calling the main University number 061 202700. Security will have a number for a staff member that can be contacted. If you need to call an ambulance, fire brigade or police while on campus then you should call 3333 (internally) or 061 202333 (externally).
Where can I buy postcards and stamps?
You can buy cards from the Spar shop on campus and from the Students' Union, both of which are located in the Student Courtyard. Postcards can be bought from O'Mahony's bookshop. Stamps can be purchased from the Students' Union and from the Post Office in the Spar shop in University Court. Campus Map
Where can I buy a plug adaptor so that I can use equipment from my country?
Plug adaptors compatible for all countries can be purchased from Home Base on the Dublin Road or Atlantic Homecare on Childers Road. Prices vary.
What are the public holidays in Ireland and when is the Language Centre closed?
The Language Centre will be closed on all Irish Public Holidays. Public Holidays in Ireland are as follows:
1st January - New Years Day
17th March - St. Patrick's Day
Easter Monday
First Monday in the month of May
First Monday in the month of June
First Monday in the month of August
Last Monday in the month of October
25th December - Christmas Day
26th December - St. Stephen's Day
2011
The last day of class in 2011 will be Friday 16th December. The Langauge Centre will re open on Tuesday 3rd January 2012.
2012 Holiday Dates
The Language Centre will also be closed on:
- Monday 31st October 2011 to Friday 4th November 2011
- Monday 19th December 2011 to Monday 3rd January 2012
- Monday 2nd April to Monday 9th April
- Monday 6th August is a public holiday in Ireland. As a result, classes that week will start on Tuesday 7th August.
Are there any social activities I can get involved in outside of class time?
During the Summer Programme we run an extensive Social Programme. There is a full day trip to the atlantic coast of Ireland to see the Cliffs of Moher every weekend, either Saturday or Sunday. Also during the week there is a half day excursion for example a walking tour of Limerick, a trip to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park and we also hold lots of fee activites for example Irish Dancing, Gaelic sports etc. Students attending the summer programme will get a copy of the social activities timetable in their welcome pack on day 1 of their course.
During the rest of the year the Language Centre organises at least one event per month but international students can join in the many events and activities on campus. Language Centre students can also join one active 60+ Clubs and Societies on campus.
Where can I get a bike if I want to cycle to and from the University?
It is very easy to buy a bike on campus. There is a Bike Shop in the student court yard, beside the Paddocks Restaurant. Campus Map. There are new and second hand bicycles for sale at various prices. When you are finished with the bicycle, the Bike Shop will buy it back from you. Opening hours may vary during the summer. For more information, please visit the Language Centre office where staff will be happy to help.
Will I have access to the internet and do I need to pay for it?
Yes, you will have access. The Languages Building has free wireless access. There are also two computer labs in the building that students can use. There are several other locations on campus that offer wireless access:-
The Engineering Research Building
The Foundation Building
The Library
Selected areas in the Main Building
The Sports Arena
For a list of all the wireless access locations on campus log on to www.ul.ie , select Current Students, and then select Student Computing Services.
On campus accommodation also has free internet access. Host families may or may not have internet access.
Can I take an internationally recognised examination during my time at the University of Limerick Language Centre?
Yes. If you intend doing this you should speak to your teacher. S/he will be able to recommend material to help you to prepare for the examination. Staff will also help you to apply for the exam(s). We are now an offical Cambridge Exam Centre however we will not hold any Exams until at least March/April of 2012. Please contact us if you would like to receive information of future Exam dates.
Do I have a test or examination at the end of our course?
This will depend on the course you have enrolled in.
General English, Year Round Programme: The assessment weeks for 2011/2012 are the weeks beginning 24 Oct 11, 12 Dec 11, 13 Feb12, 26 Mar 12, 14 May 12, 18 Jun 12, 15 Oct 12, and 10 Dec 12.
Preparation for University: There will be continuous assessment throughout the course. This means that there will be a number of assessments throughout the course rather than one final examination.
Can I do an undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University of Limerick?
The answer to this question will depend on your academic qualifications and your English language proficiency. The general entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes can be located on our International Education Website www.ul.ie/internationaleducation. We would advise you to contact the International Education Division of the University for exact information.
The International Education Division
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
General Queries: (Monday-Friday 09.00-17.00) Tel: +353-61-202414. Fax: +353-61-213062. Email: international@ul.ie
http://www.ul.ie/international
What are the minimum English Language requirements for courses at the University?
Applicants from non-English-speaking countries are required to have a high level of competence in English. Any one of the following qualifications is acceptable as a minimum entry requirement.
| Examination |
Level Required |
| ETAP |
C1 |
| TOEFL
|
550 (paper-based)
213 (computer-based)
80 (internet-based) |
| IELTS |
Business, Education and Humanities:
Composite score in the range of 6.5-7 and not lower than 6 in any one component
Science, Engineering and Informatics & Electronics:
6-6.5 and not lower than 6 in any one component |
| Leaving Certificate English |
Ordinary Level Grade D or above |
University of Dublin (Trinity College)
English Composition (not English Literature)
|
Pass Level or above |
| GCE "O" Level English Language |
Grade C or above |
| GCSE English Language |
Grade C or above |
| CSE Grade 1 |
Pass in English |
| Hong Kong Certificate of Education, English Language Syllabus B |
Grade C or above |
| GCE Examination Boards Associated Examining Board (AEB) |
Grade C or above |
| GCE Examination Boards Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations |
Grade C or above |
| GCE Examination Boards Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (Cambridge) |
School Certificate Pass in the range 1-6 |
| University of London University Entrance and School Examinations Council (London) |
School Certificate Pass in the range 1-6 |
| Oxford Examining Body's "English as a Foreign Language" |
(Higher Paper)
Pass |
| Joint Matriculation Board (JMB) Test in English (Overseas) Examination |
Pass |
| University of Cambridge ESOL Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) |
Grade C or above |
| University of Cambridge ESOL |
Grade A on a Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) |
Other evidence of proficiency in English may be accepted; please contact the International Education Division for advice.
The International Education Division
University of Limerick
Limerick
Ireland
General Queries: (Monday-Friday 09.00-17.00) Tel: +353-61-202414. Fax: +353-61-213062. Email: international@ul.ie
http://www.ul.ie/international
