Government of Ireland International Education Scholar & Ambassador Programme 2015/2016

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1 Government of Ireland International Education Scholar & Ambassador Programme 2015/2016 Call for Applications from Brazilian Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students

2 Mary Immaculate College is delighted to offer two Government of Ireland International Education scholarships to Brazilian students for one academic year, commencing September Candidates may be: A final-year undergraduate; A full-programme taught master s degree student; A visiting research scholar who wishes to carry out one year s research in Ireland, either at master s or doctoral level. As Ireland s premier college of Education and Humanities, with a keenly research-active and student-focused faculty, MIC is well-placed to offer highly desirable programmes of study, which will greatly benefit the subsequent lives and careers of the scholarship recipients. Mary Immaculate College was founded in 1898 and is the oldest third-level institution in Limerick, in Ireland's Midwest region. It has a growing and diverse community of over 3,000 students enrolled in undergraduate programmes in Education, Humanities, Early Childhood Care and Education, and Theatre Studies, as well as a range of research-based and taught postgraduate programmes at Diploma, MA and PhD levels. Almost 40% of Ireland s primary school teachers are educated at Mary Immaculate College, with MIC graduates found at the top level of many sectors both nationally and internationally, most notably in education, psychology, public policy development and the media. MIC has a vibrant international community, collaborating with more than 50 partner universities and colleges worldwide and hosting over 70 international students annually. In line with the College s Strategic Plan , and in keeping with its Internationalisation policy, Mary Immaculate College will host two Government of Ireland International Education Scholars from Brazil in the academic year MIC offers superb, state-of-the-art facilities and on-campus accommodation. The campus is conveniently located in a leafy suburb, just ten minutes walk from the centre of Limerick city. Limerick city has a population of 60,000, half of which is aged under 30. There are three institutions of higher education in Limerick leading to a vibrant student culture! With access to all major routes, MIC is just 20 minutes from Shannon International Airport and close to all the most beautiful scenery and tourist destinations in the Shannon Region. Scholarship Opportunities The Government of Ireland Scholarship awards cover tuition fees plus 7,500 towards living expenses. 2

3 Undergraduate Award The successful scholar will study at the College for one year, choosing from a range of modules on one of following: Bachelor of Arts (Liberal Arts), Bachelor of Education, or the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Care & Education. These are 4-year, honours degree programmes, which lead to higher education awards at level 8 on the National Qualifications Framework, awarded by the University of Limerick. In addition to taking modules in English as a Foreign Language and/or English for Academic Purposes (advanced level), as required, the scholar may select courses from the following range of subject areas: Early Childhood Care & Education Education (primary teaching) English Literature French Studies; German Studies; Irish Language (all available at beginner levels) Geography History Irish Heritage Studies Mathematics & ICT Media & Communication Studies Music Philosophy Psychology Theatre Studies Theology & Religious Studies The complete listing of undergraduate modules available to all international students can be found at: The scholar may choose 3-4 modules from the list each semester, in addition to English language classes. In general, the equivalent of 6 ECTS credits will be awarded per module (unless otherwise stated) and transferred to the scholar s home university (with its prior agreement) at the end of the academic year. The scholar remains a student of their home university and will not be awarded a degree by MIC. The scholar will be assigned a mentor/academic advisor at MIC, who will assist with any academic queries. The International Office will be the first point of contact for the scholar for all other matters. 3

4 Postgraduate Award The successful scholar may take a complete taught MA or MEd programme in one year, or continue current research at master s or PhD level at MIC. MIC hosts a vibrant community of over 100 PhD researchers and 250 master s students. The College places postgraduate education and research at the heart of its academic mission and towards that end, the Research and Graduate School is committed to excellence in international best practice. It aims to foster creative teaching, learning and practice, original and unique research and the flourishing of the human spirit. Full-Programme Taught Master s Degree Award The successful scholar who receives a place on a taught one-year MA or MEd programme will have the opportunity to study for an internationally recognised, higher education award at level 9 on the National Qualifications Framework, awarded by the University of Limerick. Programmes generally consist of six taught modules and a dissertation of circa 18,000-20,000 words. Programmes are delivered through a variety of blended teaching, learning and assessment modes. A supervisor will be assigned and act as the scholar s mentor, supporting the scholar in writing their dissertation and offering academic advice. The scholar will also have the support of the Research & Graduate School and of the International Office, as well as a myriad of other supports offered at the College. Programmes available: Master of Education Master of Arts in Education and Well-being of the Older Person Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Management MA in History MA in Humanities MA in Language & Literature MA in Philosophy & Literature MA in Media Studies MA in Music Education Further information on the above listed programmes can be found at: EducationTaughtProgrammes.aspx and: ArtsTaughtProgrammes.aspx 4

5 Visiting Research Scholar Research informs and animates the educational mission of Mary Immaculate College within the higher education landscape. In accordance with its Mission Statement and its Strategic Plan , Mary Immaculate College is committed to supporting a diversity of research traditions and paradigms in an inclusive and engaging research community. Scholars will not be awarded a degree by MIC and current research projects should fall under one of the following broadly indicative specialist areas: Applied Linguistics Education English Language & Literature French Studies Geography German Studies History Irish Studies Mathematics Media & Communication Studies Music Philosophy Psychology Theology & Religious Studies Further information about research possibilities in these areas can be found at: EducationResearchProgrammes.aspx and: ArtsResearchProgrammes.aspx The successful scholar will be assigned an academic supervisor whose expertise matches the scholar s field of research. Research at MIC is premised on critical and inquiring approaches to the acquisition and publication of new knowledge and frames-ofunderstanding across a number of research fields and professional and public constituencies. The Research & Graduate School provides innovative and creative ways for engaging postgraduate students in new learning environments and supportive supervisory contexts. Carefully considered progression and feedback approaches, and opportunities to nurture collegiality, define MIC s programmes and give its postgraduate students a real sense of belonging in a community of practice. 5

6 The Role of the Government of Ireland Scholar at Mary Immaculate College As well as being awarded the Government of Ireland scholarship, each recipient will be recognised as an ambassador for the College and will be awarded a concurrent internship at the International Office at MIC. The scholars will promote and develop links between Ireland and Brazil during their time as scholars and afterwards as alumni. They will blog about their experiences and connect to students back in Brazil through the College s social media channels. Desk space and a computer in the International Office will be at the scholar s disposal for a designated period each week (1-2 hours) and staff of the office will set aside this time to support and mentor the student in developing these skills. MIC has a national and international reputation as a student-friendly institution. A high quality education, built on the long tradition of commitment to excellence, comes as part of a package that includes a friendly, safe, English-speaking and welcoming environment for students both from Ireland and all over the world. The scholars may wish to join the International Students Society, which organises regular touristic excursions and events. The College will cover the costs of participation on these trips for the scholars. The scholars will become familiar with Limerick s rich culture; the spectacular Lime Tree Theatre on campus; sport in Limerick and festival fun. They will also learn about Ireland s great history, as well as its strengths in entrepreneurship, business and technology. At least once in the academic year, the Government of Ireland scholars at MIC will be invited to speak as part of the seminar series Conversations in the Consortium, along with awardees from neighbouring institutions. Our goal is that the scholars will become key ambassadors in the promotion of MIC and Ireland in their communities of practice in Brazil, returning home with an expanded repertoire of academic skills as well as enduring and fond memories of their host country. 6

7 How to Apply Applicants must submit a cover letter, CV, certified English language translations of their academic transcripts and English language proficiency certificates, as well as letters of reference from two Brazilian referees. Applicants will be short-listed on the basis of the information contained in the cover letter and supporting documents. Undergraduate applicants will be scored out of 80 marks and postgraduate applicants will be scored out of 100 marks. Applicants must clearly outline the following in their cover letter: Academic history and achievements, including English language proficiency (20 marks) Current research work (applicable to postgraduate applicants only). Quality of the research plan and the discernible capacity of the applicant to deliver the planned research outcomes (20 marks) Reasons for applying for the Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship at MIC (20 marks) Record of interest and achievements in international education (20 marks) Long-term interest in Ireland and their views on the expected impact of their experience in Ireland when they return to Brazil (20 marks) Applicants will be required to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 for direct entry, or the equivalent in an internationally-recognised English language test. Those with scores of 6.0 IELTS, TOEFL IBT or TOEFL ITP are still eligible to apply, but will be required to take 8 weeks of pre-sessional English language classes (commencing early July). Pre-sessional English language classes will be provided free of charge by MIC. Applicants who do not meet these minimum scores will be considered ineligible. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed via Skype. Shortlisting and interviewing will be by the Associate Vice-President (Research); the Director of Teaching and Learning; the Dean of Arts and the Director of the International Office. Please submit applications via to international@mic.ul.ie. Applications must be received by June 19 th Interviews will be held during the week of June 22 th 26 th. 7