NUI Galway will hold an Information Evening for Adult Learners on Tuesday, 22 May 2007 where prospective students can find out all they need to know about part-time undergraduate and post-graduate study opportunities commencing in September 2007.

The event will be held from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Áras na Mac Léinn where course co-ordinators will outline the specific details and requirements on a range of part-time programmes, on a one-to-one basis.

NUI Galway's Strategic Plan for Adult Education pledges to increase access for non-traditional students and to expand distance learning and educational outreach.

Among the courses offered at Certificate, Diploma, Degree and Masters level include;

• Diplomas in French, Italian, German, Spanish and Irish
• BA in Training and Education
• BA in Family and Community Studies
• BSc. in Science and Technology Studies
• MSc in Software and Information Systems
• MSc in Technology Management

Seamus O'Grady, Director of Adult & Continuing Education at the University says: "The profile of Adult & Continuing Education has changed greatly at NUI Galway over the past 10 years. The BA in Family and Community Studies is an example of such new programme developments. It is designed to enable participants to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to Family and Community work practice and policy in Ireland or abroad."

The BSc in Science and Technology Studies is a unique programme that offers a combination of traditional subjects to give students a thorough grounding in the theoretical foundations of Science and Engineering along with specialist modules so that students can focus on areas that are relevant to their careers.

"The programme can also be completed on a modular basis to enable students study at a pace that suits them", explains course co-ordinator Niamh Nolan. "So, if you work or aim to work in manufacturing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals or medical devices this is the programme for you."

The innovative on-line MSc in Software and Information Systems is a tailor-made programme to advance and update a participant's knowledge of software and database design and development, developed in collaboration with Regis University, Denver, USA. The programme combines theory and practice, providing hands-on experience of software development methodologies and the application of information systems in industry.

The Masters in Technology Management, offered by the Atlantic University Alliance (AUA), a collaborative agreement between University College Cork, University of Limerick and NUI Galway is equally enticing for those working in R&D or new product development or for candidates who perform a range of roles in one of Ireland's SMEs.

Nuala McGuinn, Adult Education Development Officer, NUI Galway urges anyone considering part-time study to come along to the Information Evening as a first step to enhancing career prospects.

"Any software is only as good as its next update and you can apply the same principle to your career. The closing date for application for many of our courses is earlier than you think and in some cases it's as early as June, so now is the time for students to do their research."

For further details on all programmes visit the Adult Education website on: www.nuigalway.ie/adulteducation.