St Mary’s welcomes applications from mature students. Each application is considered individually, and account is taken of the applicant’s experience and achievements. However, the College requires evidence of recent study at A-level standard (or equivalent) or an access course in a relevant subject area to indicate the applicant’s ability to complete successfully an honours degree course. Access courses are offered at colleges of further and higher education within Northern Ireland and Great Britain as well as at Institutes of Technology in the Republic of Ireland. It is important that the content of the subjects and modules studied contain A-level equivalence in relation to the course subject.

Mature applicants are advised that they must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in English Language and Mathematics subjects. In addition, all new entrants to primary-level courses must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in at least one Science subject. An acceptable level of competence is defined as a GCSE level pass at grade C or higher or an equivalent qualification.