Jump to Content

Testimonials

Hear what our 2025 graduates had to say...

Ben O’Gorman | Diploma in French

I am very glad to have undertaken the University’s Diploma in French and would highly recommend it to others. Having previously studied French, I was keen to continue enriching my fluency in the language. The fees are reasonable, and I was able to avail of the Adult Learning Tuition Scholarship to reduce the fees further. The Diploma ensures that everyone is taught at an appropriate level and pace by offering both an advanced and intermediate class, which really appealed to me. I was also eligible to enter directly into the second year of the Diploma through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which helped ensure the content was suitably matched for me. The classes are taught online in the evening which makes it perfect for people with daytime commitments and there was flexibility around assignments and exams to cater for people’s schedules. The teachers, Coralline Dupuy & Sylvie Mossay, were incredibly friendly and highly engaging throughout. They covered a range of interesting topics from communication, grammar, current affairs, classical literature and francophone culture. This course has really widened my education, deepened my skills, and bolstered my CV.

Connie Danaher | Diploma in Beekeeping (Apiculture)

I wish to say that I am so glad I undertook the two year part time Diploma in Scentific Studies (Apiculture). It was so enlightening in many ways bringing the student through all the stages of the evolution of the honey bee as we know her today, understanding how each bee has a role in the hive and the many challenges they have to contend with from diseases and pests through to environmental pollutants. It makes one appreciate a spoon of honey in whole new way and even more so when you realise how precious our Irish liquid gold is, especially when considering the unique Irish Black Bee - Apis Mellifera Mellifera is under threat from extinction due to many foreign species. I highly recommend anyone interested in beekeeping to do this wonderful course, not only will you be a better beekeeper as a result but you will see every insect in a whole new light. Thank you to all the lecturers who created this diploma and for making it so accessible being part-time and blended combining lab days on campus with the online classes. Go raibh mile maith agaibh.

Gary Hubbard | Science & Technology Studies (Degree)

I failed my Leaving Cert. Today, I’m an engineer travelling the world with Medtronic. I started this degree at 37, unsure if I could do it. In first year, there seemed to be a lot of tasks, but that was the point - this taught me how to organise myself. Year 2, I stopped worrying about every detail and learned to prioritise. Year 3, I learned critical thinking. Year 4, I tackled advanced problem-solving. The course builds you step-by-step, deliberately, with support at every stage. Science is taught, but also how to plan, think independently, and face new challenges. Rosie, Niamh, and the team believed in me long before I did. I walked into Medtronic able to take on digital projects, data work, and site assessments I never imagined. Tomorrow, I’ll face something I don’t yet know how to do — this degree has given me the tools to figure it out.

Martina Pesch | Earth & Ocean Science (Diploma)

I do not even know where to begin, I learned a lot about myself and my trust in my self-growth. I live with my family on Inishturk and have 6 children, so studying was never an option for me. When I heard about the course, I was sceptical. Can I do it? Can I manage it? But with enthusiastic support of my children, I signed up, embarking on a new adventure. The teaching style suited me perfectly, with weekly Zoom calls and excursions over the weekends. Our two Professors, Rachel Cave & Dr. Sadhbh Baxter ensured that it was always interesting and varied. They were always available to answer our questions. Geology and Ocean Science, they have so many facets that it was unfortunately only possible to touch upon a few topics. But at home I dived deeper in. Through the course, doors opened to my dream job. I was accepted into a training programme to become a Marine Mammal Observer and PAM Operator, and now I work all over the world. I have so much more to say, but unfortunately, there is not enough space. All I can say is, thank you for everything. And now I am studing at the Open University - Bachelor of Natural Science.

John & Phil Patchell (Brother & Sister) | Diploma in Gemmology

Very interesting and engaging course on the science and commerce behind the fascinating world of gemstones. A mix of in person practical’s at UG and remote weekly lectures. Very committed and knowledgeable lead Lecturer accompanied by guest lecturers focusing on specialised areas. Exceptional course facilities and equipment. Fully supported learning with a comfortable yet stimulating speed. Assignments were manageable for fulltime students, employed full-time and those focused on personal development. We enjoyed field trips to London and Lisbon and built lasting friendships with our fellow students. (John). Studying gemmology has been an eye-opening experience for me. Before joining the course I admired gemstones purely for their beauty, but now I understand the science and structure behind each one. The practical training using refractometers and other gem-testing tools gave me the confidence to identify gemstones accurately and professionally. What I appreciated most was how supportive and knowledgeable our Lecturer was - she didn’t just teach the theory but shared real-world experience that prepared me for the gemstone and jewellery industry. (Phil)

Anaïs Rizzo | Diploma in Gemmology

As someone who was never interested in anything scientific, I began with little to no understanding of the subject of gemmology. Slowly but surely, with Alex's guidance I have left with not just a firm grasp of gemstones, how they are formed & how to identify them, but also a passion to continue learning. This course has given me the confidence I needed to run my vintage jewellery business, Lola Bear Vintage. I can now stand behind each item I sell, knowing I am able to correctly identify various gemstones. The course combined online & in-person classes in a way that made it accessible for me working full-time. I found the workload to be very manageable & fair. Apart from class projects and homework, we were given countless resources such as books & websites to expand our knowledge in our own time. I also found a great sense of comradery within the class, the atmosphere was always extremely supportive. I really appreciated the guest lecturers who taught some of the in-person lab classes, giving us a glimpse into more niche subject areas of gemstones & jewellery. Overall this course is well designed, comprehensive, and set me up perfectly to establish myself in the jewellery world.

in Connect with Anaïs