January 2010 NUI Galway Fair Showcases 400 Postgraduate Programmes

The annual NUI Galway Graduate Studies Fair takes place on Wednesday, 3 February, from 12.30 – 4.30pm in the Bailey Allen Hall, Áras na Mac Léinn. Almost 3,500 postgraduate students currently attend NUI Galway, many of them travelling from overseas and this event will showcase over 400 of NUI Galway's full-time and part-time postgraduate programmes, including taught and research masters, and doctoral research options. The Fair will focus on the benefits of doing a postgraduate programme and the practicalities of making an application. An applications clinic and personal statement clinic will run throughout the day, and talks will include information on funding opportunities. At the Graduate Studies Fair, 80 information stands will provide details on postgraduate opportunities at NUI Galway, with academic staff and current students on hand to answer questions about specific courses. Stands from other institutions across the country will also feature. According to John Hannon, Head of NUI Galway's Career Development Centre: "In the current economic climate, there is increased interest among undergraduate students in staying in education by pursuing postgraduate studies. A postgraduate qualification can provide a real career boost. Undoubtedly, it can maximise career prospects and earnings". NUI Galway offers a wide range of fourth level courses, developing programmes based on its traditional academic strengths of Arts, Social Sciences, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Medicine, Nursing, Health Science, Law, Engineering, Informatics and Science. These areas have been augmented with innovative Research Centres in areas as diverse as Biomedical Engineering, International Human Rights, Digital Media & Film Studies, and Regenerative Medicine. Valerie Leahy, Postgraduate Admissions Officer, adds: "Last year postgraduate applications to NUI Galway increased by 40%. People are always interested in upskilling, improving their qualifications and their employability. With so many options available at postgraduate level, people must choose carefully. The Graduate Studies Fair offers the opportunity to talk to lecturers and current postgraduate students. My advice would be to apply early and often as you can make up to three applications online at www.pac.ie/nuigalway". An online prospectus of all that is on offer at NUI Galway at postgraduate level and further information about the Graduate Studies Fair is available at a href="http://www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/">www.nuigalway.ie/postgrad/. -Ends-