The University of Limerick

The University of Limerick was founded in 1972 and is located in Ireland's 650-acre National Technological Park on the Shannon River, just outside of Ireland's fourth largest city. The university enrolls over 16,500 students, including more than 2,000 international students. Nearby Limerick is a thriving, modern city, which offers a variety of historic, artistic, and theatrical attractions as well as an especially lively music scene.

 

Academics

The University of Limerick's academic strengths are in the natural sciences (including equine studies), engineering, business, and technology. The university has several courses in Irish studies. The unique equine studies program is of special interest to students interested in veterinary science and equestrians with a strong science background. (Note that students wishing to enroll in a riding course are required by the University of Limerick to also be enrolled in at least one science-based equine studies course. Hollins requires that all students enroll in at least one course in Irish Studies to investigate in-depth one or more aspects of the country's culture.

Students on this program enroll in regular university classes with Irish and other international students. Classes are taught and graded by University of Limerick faculty. As in most overseas universities, courses are less structured than in the U.S., with fewer assignments and an expectation that most of your learning will take place through independent reading and study outside the classroom. Students enrolling in this program should be highly self-motivated. Most classes will be in lecture format, with class participation and discussion playing a minor role. Your grade may be determined by one or two major assignments/examinations. Students who take their academic program seriously generally do well.

For more information visit the University of Limerick's website: Plan Your Academic Experience 

 

Courses

Students can access full course syllabi via the University of Limerick's module website here: Book of Modules (Course Listings). It is recommended to use the advanced filters option in the upper right corner when looking at classes. 

The module code is the key in most cases to find out when the class is running: ex. HI 4142: 'Games of Thrones: Gender, Power, and Identity, Ireland and the Wider World, 1500-1950

• HI is the subject area (History);
• 4 is the type of study – only modules beginning in 4 are offered to study abroad students. Use the advanced filters feature in the upper right corner to easily access the study abroad courses. 
• The final digit is the only way to determine which semester it will run in. 1, 3, 5, 7 are fall semester classes; 2, 4, 6, 8 are spring semester classes. 

Students typically enroll in four to five courses, the minimum number of credits being 14. All courses are subject to the registrar's course approval process.

University of Limerick Academic Calendar

*Please see the updated University of Limerick Grading Scale.

Other Program Features

• Airport pick-up
• Support services and assistance provided by the international education office staff
• Weeklong on-site orientation program
• Social events and weekend trips for international students organized by the UL international education office
• Wide range of university-sponsored clubs and organizations

 

Housing and Meals Hollins students in Limerick live in student villages on or off campus with Irish and other international students. Most housing is in suites with several double or single bedrooms sharing a living room, kitchen and bath, and some campus accommodation villages have ensuite bathrooms, so students will have their own shower and bathroom facilities in their bedroom. Students prepare their own meals or eat in the subsidized restaurants on campus. Hollins provides a cash allowance for meals equivalent to a semester's worth of meals on-campus at Hollins.  Students are encouraged to apply for housing as soon as they've received their acceptance from the University of Limerick as accommodations are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  

Eligibility

Minimum requirements are:

• Sophomore or junior status
• Cumulative GPA of 2.9 or higher
• GPA of 2.9 or higher in major
• Two strong faculty recommendations, including one from a faculty member in your major
• No major disciplinary infractions

Finances

Hollins students can expect to pay a similar amount to what they pay for a semester on-campus at Hollins for study abroad semester programs. Hollins students can also apply for semester-length Travel Awards through Hollins to help with costs not covered by the comprehensive program fee. 

 

What is Covered by the Comprehensive Fee

• tuition
• accommodations
• orientation on Hollins campus and at program site
• comprehensive health insurance while abroad (Hollins provides through CISI)
• program handbook and other materials

What is NOT Covered by the Comprehensive Fee

• roundtrip airfare 
• books and other course-related expenses (including printing on campus)- NOT coverable by Hollins Travel Awards
• linens rental for student villages
• GNIB immigration fee
• personal expenses including independent travel

How to Apply

Hollins students will complete a two-step application process for semester study abroad programs.

1. First, students must submit an application to the Hollins International Programs Office via the 'Apply Now' link below. Applications for Fall and Spring programs for the academic year are due by March 1. 
2. Students who are approved by Hollins to study abroad will submit an application directly with the University of Limerick. An application link will be issued to you directly by the University of Limerick after referral by the Hollins International Programs Office. The University of Limerick makes final admissions decisions.