Mary Immaculate College


Mary Immaculate College, also known as MIC and Mary I, is a College of Education and Liberal Arts. Founded in 1898, the university level College of Education and the Liberal Arts is academically linked with the University of Limerick. The College now has a student population of close on 5,000 enrolled in undergraduate programmes, an Contemporary and Applied Theatre Studies programme and a range of postgraduate programmes at Diploma, MA and Ph.D level. The College has a student retention rate of 96% - one of the highest in Ireland.

Current Developments

MIC is currently undergoing one of the phases of growth and development in the history of the college with the overall student population witnessing a tenfold increase since 1992. This expansion has brought with it a significant expansion and broadening of MIC’s academic provision, as well as a re-development of the campus which now offers teaching, learning and research facilities as well as events and conferencing facilities.
In 2016 MIC expanded its geographical footprint following the incorporation of St Patrick’s College in Thurles—another well-established college offering four degree programmes preparing students to become second-level teachers.
As a result of the incorporation of St. Patrick’s College Thurles, MIC is now a multi-campus institution offering 10 undergraduate degree programmes in Education and the Liberal Arts, as well as Continuing Professional Development offerings for teachers and numerous postgraduate opportunities to Masters and PhD level.
Also in 2016 a consortium, led by MIC, was awarded the contract from the Higher Education Authority for the delivery of the National Higher Education Programme for Inclusion Coordinators in Early Years Settings.

Degree programmes

MIC offers ten undergraduate degree programmes across both campuses. From 2017 the College's BA in Liberal Arts is delivered jointly with the University of Limerick with Drama & Theatre Studies, Economics, Sociology, Politics, Public Administration, Linguistics/TESOL, and Spanish now being offered. MIC also offers a host of postgraduate programmes to doctoral level in Education and the Liberal Arts, Continuing Professional Development courses and numerous access and inclusion pathways.

Student composition

Close on 10% of students on campus are mature students, a relatively high figure when compared to other third level institutions. The College, in addition to catering for mature students, also offers special entry to disadvantaged students, students with disabilities, refugees, members of ethnic minorities and Travellers.
MIC also offers Continuing Professional Development courses and is committed to improving access to higher education for adults—a range of tailored programmes and supports that make the journey for adult learners as easy as possible.
Through its Erasmus and student exchange programmes, the College also has an overseas complement in its student body. Students come from England, Wales, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Nigeria, Italy, Sudan, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Poland, Lithuania, China, United States, Indonesia, Norway, Denmark, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Iceland.
The College has recently expand into Mount Convent, a former Sisters of Mercy convent in O'Connell Avenue in Limerick, where it houses postgraduate students.

Wired FM

The College is home to a radio station, Wired FM, Limerick's only student radio station with a broadcast licence, run in partnership with another Limerick college, Limerick Institute of Technology.

Lime Tree Theatre

Mary Immaculate College is also the location of the 510 seat theatre known as the Lime Tree Theatre. It was officially opened on 30 October 2012. The venue is host to a wide range of performances, including theatre, music, comedy, traditional arts, schools’ performances and conferences.

Notable alumni

Since its founding in 1898 the Sisters of Mercy presided over the College up until 1999. The term principal was used for the position of head of the college in earlier years.
In addition to institutions throughout Europe, the College exchanges students and staff yearly with the following colleges and universities: