Foundation courses are designed to reintroduce adults to formal education in a flexible and supportive learning environment. Olive Keogh reports on the course at Blanchardstown IT

Foundation courses are offered by a number of third-level institutions around the State. They they vary in style and structure. For those who want to take the fast track, one-year full-time courses are available. But experience shows that few adult learners have the luxury of time. Most are trying to fit their studies into an already busy schedule.

"We asked potential students about the time they could commit and quickly discovered that a part-time course suited most people better," says Niamh Lynch, student affairs manager at the Blanchardstown Institute of Technology.

"Mornings were preferred so the students (who have just started the programme) come in two days a week from 9.30 p.m. until 1.30 p.m. and they have started with two subjects, maths and information technology. "Over the coming months, modules in communications, study skills, personal development, business studies, engineering and a language will be added.

"The subjects covered in the foundation certificate are closely related to the general courses we offer here," says Lynch. "It is our hope that foundation students will follow on to one of these other programmes. We will be reserving specific places for successful foundation students on our national certificate and national diploma courses." The Blanchardstown IT foundation course is aimed at those (over 21 years of age) who would like to pick up the strands of their education (no matter how threadbare) with a view to achieving a third-level qualification. Commitment and enthusiasm rather than a glowing academic record are what's required from any would-be student. "Lack of confidence is the big issue for adult learners," says Lynch.

"Our aim is to help them to overcome this by offering as much support as possible. We have an access officer who works with our mature students and the class is small so people don't feel swamped and they get one-to-one attention. People shouldn't be put off because they were bad at maths or they don't know anything about IT. The course is structured to take account of where people are coming from and what they are likely to know or not to know," says Lynch. She can be contacted for further information at (01) 885 1041.