The Higher Education Review

Mary Immaculate College, founded in 1898, is one of Ireland's leading colleges of education and liberal arts, imparting knowledge at the university level. It is also a registered charity governed by various regulatory instruments. Having grown 25 times in its enrollment numbers compared to the early 1900s, MIC has also been able to expand its geographical footprint with its campuses present in Limerick City, a beautiful riverside city, and the town of Thurles. MIC is proud of its diverse student body. The inclusive nature of the institute is among its top features, in addition to top-notch academic provisions and a wide range of world-class amenities.

A Range of Educational Offerings
MIC provides a wide range of courses at undergraduate level including education, liberal arts, theatre studies, early childhood care, business studies, religious studies, and much more. Students at MIC can also choose from a range of postgraduate programs at diploma, masters and doctorate levels, covering certifications, professional development and research-based studies.

Over 5000 students are enrolled in the various undergraduate courses offered by the institute. Additionally, MIC is gearing up to welcome the first batch of students for a new course in Bachelors of Science in Psychology, starting in September 2022. In addition to these courses, international students are also offered various courses to help them better adjust to life in Ireland through courses like English as a Foreign Language, Irish Heritage Studies, English for Academic Purposes, and Beginners Irish Language.

The college also offers unique learning options to students in the form of study-abroad programs, which is optional. Students deciding against thestudy abroad programs have the option to complete their four year

degrees in three years, saving time and cost. However those who decide to pursue the program get the option to select any of the 50 partnering institutions across the globe.

MIC is acclaimed for its proficiency in teaching, training, and research. The extremely research-active professors, 82 percent among whom possess PhDs, extensively participate in creating effective educational practices. The Institution plays a critical role in third-level academic achievement in a diverse and welcoming Ireland by fostering an atmosphere as well as a philosophy dedicated to providing students with the freedom and the possibility to realize their maximum potential.

With more than 50 partnering institutions in the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe, MIC really does have a bustling international community and it annually welcomes upwards of 500 international students. A significant portion of the faculty at the institution engage in research, and they frequently participate in foreign mobility programs. The study programmes at MIC are some of the most sought-after in the nation, but the college is equivalently appreciative of its recognition as a caring institution where there is true concern for every person.

Infrastructural Offerings
Welcoming international students means fostering an environment that feels like a home away from home, and that is exactly what MIC has always strived to create. The infrastructure of the college is comprised of extensive libraries, various student clubs and societies, impeccable sports facilities, a performing arts theater with a seating capacity of 500, recreational areas for students, a medical centre, affordable accommodation options, and much more. Located centrally, the college also offers students ample opportunities to explore the city of Limerick which in itself is a vibrant community.

In addition to all the infrastructural facilities, the college also ensures that every student, be it domestic or international, has a safe campus life experience. International students also find additional support through the international student offices.

There is also an Academic Learning Center, Chaplaincy, Health Promotion unit, Counselling Centre, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, and Interculturalism Office, and a Student's Union, all of which are completely prepared for the benefit of the entire student body.

The Libraries at both the campuses are stocked with every relevant book, magazine, article archive and much more to assist students in their education. Beyond the physical library which all students have full access to, the college also maintains a comprehensive online library which contains everything that a student could need and much more. Being a research-centric college, MIC maintains extensive informational material archives.

"Welcoming international students means fostering an environment that feels like a home away from home, and that is exactly what MIC has always strived to create"

Furthermore, the institution consists of a dedicated careers service for all undergraduate students that not only advises them on the best career options, but also assists them in figuring out if they should opt for postgraduate degrees. The service also helps guide students to the ideal career path, or educational path for them, helps them fill out application forms, and even helps them find employment through a careers portal. This service maintains complete confidentiality to encourage students to take full advantage of every resource at their disposal.

Future Roadmap
Through the European Credit Transfer System and the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, all qualifications from MIC are completely accepted on a global scale. Nationally and globally, MIC alumni can be identified at the pinnacle of numerous industries, most prominently those in education, psychology, public policy development, and media and communications. Through the strong policies framing the college's future, anticipations around steady growth in terms of enrollments, and new courses are starting to materialize, and the institute aspires to continue growing.