Irish students could snap up limited places

Posted 14 August 2006

STUDENTS from the island of Ireland can still enrol on courses at Harper Adams University College.

A limited number of spaces are available on courses at the prestigious Shropshire based institution – and prospective students could join the 39 students from Northern Ireland and 35 students from the Republic of Ireland already at the university college.

Richard Jopling, Head of Recruitment at Harper Adams, said: “Students from the island of Ireland make up 5.8 per cent of the 1280 students at the university college and they tend to gravitate towards Engineering, Agriculture and sometimes business courses.

“And it isn't too late for students to apply through UCAS as they will automatically go into the clearing system. At this stage, this would be the easiest way to apply in the admissions cycle.”

Following graduation, some students return to Ireland to work on their family farm, but many stay in the UK to work in the industry. Louise Robinson, from Ballygowan, is a typical example.

Despite not having the necessary Higher Level Results in her Leaving Certificates, Louise was able to start her studies on the University Access Course at Harper Adams. Through study application, she progressed to an HND in Agriculture and Animal Production. She has now topped this up to a BSc degree in Agriculture and Animal Science.

“I decided that if I stayed in Ireland to study then it is an automatic move to stay in Ireland and return to the family farm to work but I did not want to do that. I wanted to get a job within the industry and Harper Adams is renowned for its high employability after graduation.

“I would now like to get a job within the dairy industry as an advisor and would happily stay in the UK as it is a bigger industry and more opportunities for jobs. I would recommend anyone to go to Harper Adams because I enjoyed every minute of my time there – both the work and social sides – it is absolutely brilliant,” the 22-year-old added.

Harper Adams offers help to students to meet their study costs, which are £3,000  for Honours and Ordinary Degree courses and HND and £2,600 for Foundation Degree students, through means-tested higher education maintenance grants, student loans, paid employment, industry scholarships or Harper Adams Scholarships – either means-tested or merit.

Mr Jopling added: “There are costs involved in higher education, such as tuition fees and living expenses. But with so much help and support available, money issues need not prevent you from experiencing one of the most enjoyable and rewarding times of your life.

“At Harper Adams we guarantee to offer scholarships to undergraduate students who are in financial need and also to support students who, in their different ways, can enrich the learning community at the university college.”

Help and advice on any courses is available from the Admissions Office on
+ 44 (0) 1952 815000.