Mature student planning Medicine via QQI Level 5 (PLC) + HPAT: Looking for advice or past experiences!
Hi everyone!
I’m an EU student (over 23) planning my path toward studying Undergraduate Medicine in Ireland.
My current roadmap is to move to Dublin, take a QQI Level 5 Pre-University Science course (PLC)—I’m currently looking closely at Plunket College—and apply through the CAO Mature Student route alongside taking the HPAT.
Since I come from a non-traditional background, I’m building a strong foundation beforehand (studying science fundamentals autonomously and getting ready for the HPAT well in advance). My target is to achieve 8 Distinctions in the PLC while getting clinical/volunteering experience for potential MMIs and my Statement of Interest.
I’d love to hear from anyone who has taken this route, or who is currently studying Medicine/Science via a PLC:
- PLC workload & Distinctions: How manageable did you find getting Distinctions across all modules? How supportive were the tutors with feedback on draft assignments?
- HPAT Preparation: How did you balance HPAT prep alongside the continuous assessment of the PLC?
- Mature Student Applicants: For those who got in through the mature entry route, what made the biggest difference in your application or interview?
- Backup Plans: Did anyone use Biosciences or Nursing as a progression route or stepping stone?
Any insights, tips, or experiences would be hugely appreciated! Thanks in advance!