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16 Open Learning Progression Pathways

Monday, 2 December, 2024

Open Learning provides exclusive access routes to 16 UCD degree programmes. You can apply directly to UCD Access and Lifelong Learning through the UCD Online Application System.

To achieve our Level 7 Certificate in Open Learning, you need to complete 6 modules in Open Learning.

During Open Learning , you will apply via (opens in a new window)the CAO for the programme of their choice and will use Open Learning as their entry route. Each programme has different entry requirements, including mandatory modules and a minimum GPA.

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

Applications for the 2024/25 Progression Pathway are now closed.

See the options for Progression Pathways in our Colleges below

(opens in a new window)BAgrSc Agricultural Science (opens in a new window)(DN250)

If you are interested in growing crops and raising animals to provide food, materials and products that people can use and enjoy, then UCD Bachelor of Agricultural Science programme has a range of exciting pathways to choose from. Our programmes aim to provide students with the knowledge and understanding of key scientific facts, principles, concepts and theories relevant to Agriculture and particularly animal and crop production, food production, forestry, horticulture and related environments and industries. Students are encouraged to think critically, be active, motivated, autonomous learners and to aspire to lifelong learning, leadership and individual career growth and development.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible applicants must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 3.08 in the Open Learning Certificate. 2 Modules out of 6 must be from Science programmes. O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or an equivalent Open Learning Mathematics module. 

Recommended Modules:

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

Other students may wish to consider the following Maths modules:

GPA Requirement: 3.08 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 4

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

(opens in a new window)BSc Food Science (opens in a new window)(DN261)

Food Science develops your scientific knowledge of how to produce high-quality, safe and nutritious food for the global market. As a food scientist, you’ll have a role to play in all aspects of the food chain, from production at farm level to the retailer and to the consumer.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible applicants must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 3.08 in the Open Learning Certificate. 2 Modules out of 6 must be from Science programmes. O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or an equivalent Open Learning Mathematics module.

Recommended Modules:

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

Other students may wish to consider the following Maths modules:

GPA Requirement: 3.08 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 3

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

(opens in a new window)BSc Human Nutrition (opens in a new window)(DN262)

Nutrition – the interaction between food and health – is becoming increasingly important in society. This degree covers many aspects of nutritional sciences, from biochemistry to molecular and public health nutrition, and also includes topics such as nutrition communication and food regulatory affairs. Upon graduating you’ll be able to apply your knowledge to many different areas of the food and health industry.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible applicants must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 3.08 in the Open Learning Certificate. 2 Modules out of 6 must be from Science programmes. O6/H7 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics or an equivalent Open Learning Mathematics module.

Recommended Modules:

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

Other students may wish to consider the following Maths modules:

GPA Requirement: 3.08 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 1

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

(opens in a new window)BA Joint Honors (DN520)

This 3-year degree provides an excellent foundation for a range of further study and career options. Joint Honours students choose from a portfolio of 25 different subjects which can be studied in different combinations. Popular combinations include English and History, Film Studies and French, Music and Irish.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible students must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 2.6 in the Open Learning Certificate. There are no specific module requirements for this programme. 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.

Recommended Modules:

Students are strongly encouraged to take Stage 1 (first year) modules. Explore your subject options - Arts is one of UCD’s broadest degree programmes and offers a variety of subject combinations. Open Learning is your chance to experience these subjects at university level and to make an informed choice about your degree.

GPA Requirement: 2.6 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 5

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

(opens in a new window)BA Humanities (DN530)

This is an innovative, interdisciplinary and multi subject degree that offers 12 defined courses. It provides coherence and depth to student learning within a carefully structured framework of related subjects. The Humanities degree has the added benefit of offering you ways to diversify your skills.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible students must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 2.6 in the Open Learning Certificate. 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.

Recommended Modules:

Explore your subject options - Humanities is one of UCD’s broadest degree programmes and offers a variety of subject combinations. Open Learning is your chance to experience these subjects at university level and to make an informed choice about your degree.

GPA Requirement: 2.6 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 5

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

(opens in a new window)BComm Commerce (DN650)

UCD Lochlann Quinn School of Business is the leading undergraduate business school in Ireland. Part of UCD College of Business, one of six academic Colleges that together form University College Dublin, it combines the excitement of university life with one of the most progressive education programmes in the world.

Programme Requirements:

Five core modules,  plus one free choice elective module. Core modules are indicated below.

Recommended Modules:

*For students that do not meet the standard Maths requirement of H6/O2 they will be required to take the following foundation level Maths module: MATH00300 Access Mathematics I during the Open Learning Certificate. They will take core MATH10030 when they progress to the BComm.

GPA Requirement: 3.08

Number of Places for 2025/26: 5

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

 

(opens in a new window)BSc Science (DN200)

If you have a fascination with natural phenomena and find yourself constantly asking “why?” and “how?”, then you’re well on your way to being a scientist. With an exciting and diverse range of subjects, Science at UCD unfolds a universe of career opportunities for students who have an enquiring mind, an ability to solve problems and a desire to explore new worlds. The first year of the Common Entry DN200 Science course is designed to enable you to sample a number of subjects in your chosen area. The UCD Science DN200 course offers 26 subjects categorised into seven streams.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible applicants must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 3.08  in the Open Learning Certificate. Students must pass one Maths module and two science modules, alongside their three other modules.

Recommended Modules:

For applicants who have not achieved an O2/H6 grade, or equivalent, in Maths the following modules are recommended:

The following modules are also accepted (Please note previous ability in Maths, at minimum 02/H6 level or equivalent, is recommended):

GPA Requirement: 3.08 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 10

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

(opens in a new window)BSc Computer Science (DN201)

Do you ever wonder how Google, Skype, Internet banking or computer games work? Would you like to develop the next generation of cutting-edge computing technologies? If you’re a logical thinker who likes problem solving and you enjoy subjects like mathematics, a degree in Computer Science could be for you. Students have the option to specialise in computer science or computer science with data science.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible applicants must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 3.08  in the Open Learning Certificate. Students must pass one maths module and two science modules, alongside their three other modules.

Recommended modules:  

For applicants who have not achieved an O2/H6 grade, or equivalent, in Maths, the following modules are recommended:

The following modules are also accepted (Please note previous ability in Maths, at minimum 02/H6 level or equivalent, is recommended):

GPA Requirement: 3.08 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 2

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

(opens in a new window)BSc Sustainability (DN240)

The BSc in Sustainability is an innovative undergraduate degree that aims to equip its graduates with the interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to address sustainability challenges by combining environmental, social and economic perspectives. After a common first year, each student will retain an interdisciplinary perspective throughout their degree, but will elect to focus on:

Sustainability with Environmental Science

OR
Sustainability with Social Sciences, Policy and Law

OR
(opens in a new window)Sustainability with Business and Economics

Programme Requirements: 

Eligible applicants must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 3.08  in the Open Learning Certificate. Students must take a maths module, GEOG10140 Mapping a Sustainable World and at least one of the following modules outlined below.

Recommended modules:  

GPA Requirement: 3.08 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 2 

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

(opens in a new window)BCL Law (DN600)

The UCD Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) degree enjoys a proud history and an established reputation at home and abroad. The BCL degree allows you to immerse yourself in the study of law, to engage with a range of interesting legal perspectives and to acquire a profound understanding of how law works in theory and in practice.

Programme Requirements: 

Eligible students must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 2.6  in the Open Learning Certificate. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.6 or higher and at least 20 Credits in the Open Learning Certificate must be from the School of Law.

Recommended Modules:

Students may wish to consider taking some of the following modules

  • LAW10420     Legal and Professional Skills
  • LAW10340     Contract Formation
  • LAW10360     General Introduction to the Irish Legal System
  • LAW10350     Contract: Vitiating Factors and Remedies

GPA Requirement: 2.6 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 3

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

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

Criminology is the systematic study of crime and its control. Criminologists ask what causes crime and how we might best respond to it; and why certain behaviours are criminalised while others are not. This new undergraduate programme brings together expertise in the Sutherland School of Law and the School of Psychology to offer an inspiring interdisciplinary learning experience. Students will develop versatile analytical skills and the ability to compare and contrast different perspectives as they consider crime, punishment, law, psychology and social policy in new and exciting contexts. The programme equips graduates with the tools to be active citizens, professional problem solvers and seekers of social justice.

Programme Requirements: 

Eligible students must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 2.6  in the Open Learning Certificate. Students must complete 3 criminology modules (15 credits) and 1 psychology module (5 credits).

Recommended Modules:

Students may wish to take one of the following modules

  • LAW10540     Introduction to Criminology
  • LAW10560     Academic and Professional Skills
  • LAW10490     Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • PSY10050       Introduction to Psychology

GPA Requirement: 2.6 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 1

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

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

Social Sciences students explore society and how people behave as individuals and in groups. With the four-year Social Sciences degree, you choose DN700 at CAO and then select your preferred subject combination. Your subject choices are guaranteed. There are options to change subject choices at the end of first year if you wish. You will gain a deep understanding of each subject you choose to study and develop real world skills in research, communication and leadership.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible students must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 2.6 in the Open Learning Certificate.  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.

Recommended Modules:

Find your perfect fit - university is an opportunity to engage with new subjects and ideas in a variety of different ways. Open Learning allows you to take modules from across UCD’s academic schools and to find the right degree for you.

GPA Requirement: 2.6 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 10

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

 
(opens in a new window)BSc Economics (DN710)

The UCD School of Economics is Ireland’s leading economics department. Our economists are experts with international reputations in a wide range of topics including behavioural economics, macroeconomics, economic history and the economics of health and labour markets. If you are interested in people’s behaviour and current affairs, and if you enjoy problem solving and are naturally analytical with good numeracy skills, then economics is an ideal choice for you. The BSc in Economics is a 3-year concentrated programme that provides students with thorough foundations in microeconomics and macroeconomics and their applications across a wide range of areas.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible students must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 3.08 in the Open Learning Certificate. Students must also have achieved a grade of at least B-  in at least 2 economics modules.

Recommended Modules:

Students are recommended to take either:

But they can choose from the following list:

GPA Requirement: 3.08

Number of Places for 2025/26: 2

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

 
(opens in a new window)BSc Psychology
(
(opens in a new window)DN720)

If you have a questioning attitude and good reasoning skills, you will really enjoy the world opened up by Psychology. Psychology has links to the natural sciences, the social sciences and the arts, so it is likely to appeal to a wide variety of people. The course has core modules that will introduce you to major theories and research methods, and you will also have a chance to choose option modules in specialist areas of psychology (e.g. counselling, clinical psychology and forensic psychology).

Programme Requirements:

Eligible students must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 3.08 in the Open Learning Certificate. 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.

Recommended Modules:

On this pathway you must study at least 2 of the Psychology modules below. 

GPA Requirement: 3.08

Number of Places for 2025/26: 2

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

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

The Bachelor of Social Science (Social Policy and Sociology) at University College Dublin is the premier honours degree of its kind in Ireland. It is the standard qualification for those working in policymaking and social services and recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. If you are interested in exploring how societies, communities and families work and wish to make a difference to the world, affect cultural change, contribute to public or corporate responsibility, then this course is for you. The degree provides an excellent grounding for a wide range of careers. It is also of interest to applicants who wish to become social workers.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible students must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 2.6 in the Open Learning Certificate.

Recommended Modules:

At least one core Social Policy module and one core Sociology module from Stage 1 of the BSocSc Social Policy and Sociology degree. Students must study a Study Skills Module, e.g. First Steps.

GPA Requirement: 2.6 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 5

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.

 

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

If you are interested in both the built and natural environment, and how human actions affect the environment, a degree in City Planning & Environmental Policy offers you a unique opportunity to further your interests. The degree integrates subjects that will deepen and broaden your understanding of environmental, social and economic issues, and sets these in a practical policy context. A degree in City Planning & Environmental Policy provides  you with strong analytical skills, as well as the ability to think critically about development and environmental issues. This degree provides the first steps to pursuing a career as a professional planner, urban designer or environmental policy expert.

Programme Requirements:

Eligible students must complete 6 modules and achieve a GPA of at least 2.6  in the Open Learning Certificate. Eligible students must complete required modules (20 credits) and two other first year modules.

Recommended Modules:

Students must pass the following 4 modules:

GPA Requirement: 2.6 or higher

Number of Places for 2025/26: 3

If there are more qualified applicants than places available, applicants will be ranked on their Open Learning Certificate GPA.