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Mature Students Support Service

Head Start Programme

Female pink top head start

The Head Start programme offers incoming mature students the space to focus on transitioning to third level life.

This transition involves many exciting opportunities but can also offer some challenges both academically and personally. The programme was designed and created by the Mature Student Office and Student Support & Development in DCU.   

As participants work through the Head Start programme they identify areas of strength, explore where they can improve, learn about the academic and digital skills required for university, and discover how to access the support they require.

The Head Start Programme has 6 online courses

  • Course 1: My Head Start
  • Course 2: Learning at University
  • Course 3: Academic Writing 
  • Course 4: Introduction to Technology 
  • Course 5: Maths Refresher
  • Course 6: Your next steps

Each course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Head Start LIVE, which supports this self-directed, online programme takes place on campus and online during Orientation. A recording is available on request.