Cumas

Certificate in Foundational Learning and Community

Cumas at University of Galway is planned as a full-time, mixed programme of inclusion for students with intellectual disabilities. The aim of the programme is to provide students with a third level learning experience which will develop their knowledge, social engagement and employment prospects.

Students on Cumas take part in social activities and academic classes with students without intellectual disabilities, as well as participating in classes with other students with intellectual disabilities. The programme also provides students with work experience through placement opportunities. While the primary aims of the programme caters to the students and their needs, it is also envisioned that University of Galway and the wider community will benefit by developing a greater understanding and appreciation of the potential of people with intellectual disabilities. 

The programme is founded on the following four pillars:  

1. Quality Education - meaningful learning relating to needs and interests of students.
2. Personal Growth and Independence – confidence building and life skills.
3. Community, Belonging and Advocacy – quality involvement in university life. 
4. Employability and Future Pathways – work placement and pathways for further study/lifelong learning.

The programme will have three components: 

1. Cohort learning modules – where participating students learn together as a group. These modules will include skills for learning and academic success, skills for engagement and society, and skills for career development.
2. Co-learning modules – where Cumas students learn alongside other students about subjects that are of interest to them. Cumas staff will collaborate with the subject lecturers to ensure meaningful participation.
3. Work placement – where Cumas students gain meaningful work experience based on their interests and strengths and develop transferable work skills. Both the student and the work placement provider will be supported by the Cumas team.

How to Apply

You can apply for a space on the Cumas Programme, by filling in this form: Cumas Application Form.

Personal data captured by this form will be processed in compliance with data protection legislation, used for the specified purposes only and deleted when no longer required. For further information on data protection at University of Galway please see https://www.universityofgalway.ie/footer-links/privacy.html 

Contact Us

Please email cumas@universityofgalway.ie or call 091 493 553 for further information.