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14 Progression Pathways to choose from

Friday, 15 December, 2023

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The Open Learning Progression Pathways are an access route exclusive to UCD. Applications to join Open Learning are made directly to UCD Access and Lifelong Learning through the UCD Online Application System.

A reserved number of places are available on 14 degree programmes for students who successfully complete a Certificate in Open Learning and who meet the entry requirements of their programme.

Students apply for these degree places via (opens in a new window)the CAO whilst they are completing their Certificate.

We have also designed a Progression Pathway Readiness Checker to help you make sure that you're aware of the commitment involved in Open Learning.

Progression Pathways Brochure 2023/24

Pathway to Arts and Humanities, Social Science, Psychology, Law and Commerce

Programme Admission Requirements

(opens in a new window)BA Joint Honours Arts (DN520)

Certificate in Open Learning with a Grade Point Average of 2.6 or higher.

There are no specific module requirements for this programme, but students are strongly encouraged to take Stage 1 (first year) modules. Our module list is divided by College - School - Academic level to make it as easy as possible for you to find the right modules for your Certificate.
(opens in a new window)BA Humanities (DN530)

Certificate in Open Learning with a Grade Point Average of 2.6 or higher.

  
Please note: on Progression Pathways where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places on a degree programme, candidates will be ranked by Certificate GPA.

Programme Admission Requirements

(opens in a new window)BSc Social Sciences (DN700)

Certificate in Open Learning with a Grade Point Average of 2.6 or higher.

There are 10 places on this course available for Open Learning applicants. Where there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on Certificate GPA.

  
(opens in a new window)BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology (DN750)

Certificate in Open Learning with a Grade Point Average of 2.6 or higher.

First Steps - Students on this pathway must study the First Steps Study Skills module. This is a great opportunity to kickstart your University knowledge and to get to know your fellow Open Learning students.  
One Core First Year Social Sciences and Social Policy Module
4 x First Year Modules

There are 5 places on this course available for Open Learning applicants. Where there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on Certificate GPA.

  
(opens in a new window)Pathway to Law (DN600)

Certificate in Open Learning with a GPA of 2.6 or higher. 20 Credits of your Open Learning Certificate must be from the School of Law.

Applicants must be at least 23 on 1 January prior to entry.

There are 5 places available on this course for Open Learning applicants. Where there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on Certificate GPA.

  
(opens in a new window)The BSc Criminology with Psychology (DN620)

Certificate in Open Learning with a GPA of 2.6 or higher. 15 Credits (3 out of 6 modules) in your Certificate must be criminology modules (ie those with a LAWXXXXX module code); and 5 Credits (1 out of 6 modules) in your Certificate must be a Psychology module (ie PSY10050 or PSY10080).

Sample Subject Combination:

Applicants must be at least 23 on 1 January prior to entry.

There is 1 place available on this course for Open Learning applicants. Where there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on Certificate GPA.

  
Please note: on Progression Pathways where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places on a degree programme, candidates will be ranked by Certificate GPA.

Programme Admission Requirements

(opens in a new window)Pathway to Law (DN600)

Certificate in Open Learning with a GPA of 2.6 or higher. 20 Credits of your Open Learning Certificate must be from the School of Law.

Applicants must be at least 23 on 1 January prior to entry.

There are 5 places available on this course for Open Learning applicants. Where there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on Certificate GPA.
(opens in a new window)The BSc Criminology with Psychology (DN620)

Certificate in Open Learning with a GPA of 2.6 or higher. 15 Credits (3 out of 6 modules) in your Certificate must be criminology modules (ie those with a LAWXXXXX module code); and 5 Credits (1 out of 6 modules) in your Certificate must be a Psychology module (ie PSY10050 or PSY10080).

Sample Subject Combination:

Applicants must be at least 23 on 1 January prior to entry.

There is 1 place available on this course for Open Learning applicants. Where there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on Certificate GPA.
Please note: on Progression Pathways where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places on a degree programme, candidates will be ranked by Certificate GPA.

Programme Admission Requirements

(opens in a new window)Pathway to Psychology (DN720)

Students must study 2 modules from the following 5 Core first year Psychology modules. They must achieve a minimum B- (3.02 GPA) in the 2 Psychology modules. Successful students must achieve a Certificate in Open Learning, with a Grade Point Average of 3.08 and completion of 2 core modules, alongside 20 additional credits.

There are 2 places on this course available for Open Learning applicants. Where there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on Certificate GPA.

  
Please note: on Progression Pathways where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places on a degree programme, candidates will be ranked by Certificate GPA.

Programme Admission Requirements

(opens in a new window)Pathway to Commerce (DN650)

Certificate in Open Learning with a Grade Point Average 3.08 or higher. The certificate must be composed of 5 compulsory modules alongside one additional 5 credit module.

Students must study and pass 5 of the following modules and 1 additional 5 credit module of their choice-

There are 5 available places on this course for Open Learning applicants. Where there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on Certificate GPA.

  
Please note: on Progression Pathways where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places on a degree programme, candidates will be ranked by Certificate GPA.

An Open Learning Certificate can be used to apply for a limited number of places through the CAO for progression onto one of the following undergraduate degree programmes at UCD. As this is a pilot Progression Pathway places are limited. Please take time to read the entry requirements for each programme carefully as certain courses require that you complete specific modules in order to be eligible for admission.

Programme Admission Requirements
(opens in a new window)BSc Science (DN200)

Certificate in Open Learning with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.08 or higher. Students must study and pass two science modules and one maths module. Please contact UCD ALL for recommendations on an appropriate level module.

There are 10 places on this course for Open Learning applicants.
(opens in a new window)BSc Computer Science (DN201)

Certificate in Open Learning with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.08 or higher. Students must study and pass two science modules and one maths module. Please contact UCD ALL for recommendations on an appropriate level module.


There are 2 places on this course for Open Learning applicants.
(opens in a new window)DN250 Agricultural Science

Certificate in Open Learning with a Grade Point Average of 3.08 or higher, Students must study and pass 2 modules from Science programmes, O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or an equivalent Open Learning Mathematics module.

Please contact UCD ALL for guidance on selecting an appropriate Mathematics module.


There are 2 places on this course for Open Learning applicants.
(opens in a new window)DN261 Pathway to Agriculture and Food Science

Certificate in Open Learning, with a Grade Point Average of 3.08 or higher. 2 modules must be from Science programmes, O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or an equivalent Open Learning Mathematics module. 2 Modules out of 6 must be from Science programmes. O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or an equivalent Open Learning Mathematics module.  

For students who require a Maths module, the following are recommended:

• MATH00030 Access Maths
• MATH00040 Access Maths II

Other students may wish to consider the following Maths modules: 
• MATH10310 Calculus for Science
• MATH10290 Linear Algebra for Science

Please contact UCD ALL for guidance on selecting an appropriate Mathematics module.

There are 2 places on this course for Open Learning applicants.
(opens in a new window)DN262 Human Nutrition

Certificate in Open Learning, with a Grade Point Average of 3.08 or higher. 2 modules must be from Science programmes, O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or an equivalent Open Learning Mathematics module. 2 Modules out of 6 must be from Science programmes. O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or an equivalent Open Learning Mathematics module.

For students who require a Maths module, the following are recommended: 

• MATH00030 
• MATH00040 

Other students may wish to consider the following Maths modules: 
• MATH10310 
• MATH10290

Please contact UCD ALL for guidance on selecting an appropriate Mathematics module.

There is 1 place on this course for Open Learning applicants.
Please note: on Progression Pathways where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places on a degree programme, candidates will be ranked by Certificate GPA.

Programme Admission Requirements

(opens in a new window)DN130 Pathway to City Planning & Environmental Policy

Certificate in Open Learning with a Grade Point Average of 2.6 or higher.

Students must study and pass the following 4 modules as well as 2 other 5 credit modules.

There are 3 places on this course for Open Learning applicants.
Please note: on Progression Pathways where the number of applicants exceeds the number of places on a degree programme, candidates will be ranked by Certificate GPA.