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Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (AHSSL)

UCD Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (AHSSL) APPLY NOW 

Applications are now open for the 2024-25 academic year. Here is a Step by Step Guide on how to apply for UCD's University Access courses. 

This is the oldest access course in Ireland and is designed to prepare mature learners for successful study at university. 

Have a look at our 2023-24 University Access Course brochure - the 2024-25 brochure will be available in April. 

Watch this short video to hear from some of our recent graduates.

Students who achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.6 or more can apply for a guaranteed minimum number of places on the following degree programmes in UCD.

∙  (opens in a new window)BA Arts (CAO number DN520)

∙  (opens in a new window)BA Humanities (CAO number DN530)

∙  (opens in a new window)BSc Social Sciences (CAO number DN700)

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

∙  (opens in a new window)BCL Law (CAO number DN600)

∙  (opens in a new window)BSc Criminology with Psychology (CAO Number DN620)

Where there are more qualified applicants (i.e., students with a GPA greater than 2.6) than there are places, the allocation will be made by highest GPAs.

Our programme is student-centred and will offer you support and guidance throughout your Access year. You will experience a range of teaching approaches including group work, case studies, reviews, and in-class discussions in supportive large and small group settings. A variety of assessment methods are used including reflective journals, presentations, essays and exams to help you discover your learning style.

During your Access year, you will have the opportunity to sample lectures and make informed choices about your CAO application and next steps.

To see more important information, click on Progression below.

Find out more:

Anyone aged 22 or more on January 1st of their year of entry to UCD Access may apply for the course. This is so that you will meet the age requirement of being at least 23 on January 1st when starting an undergraduate degree. There is no upper age limit.

There are no formal educational entry requirements to the Access course. What we need to know about you is your life experience and any formal or informal learning you have undertaken previously. Give us as much information as you think relevant.

Applications are made online, directly to UCD. (Please note that there is no application fee for the Access course)

Once you have submitted an online application you will be invited to come and meet with us for a brief, informal interview. During this time you will also be asked to produce a short written piece. This written piece will form the basis of a conversation where we can explore how the course meets your needs and expectations. The interviews are an opportunity for you to discuss your study plans, as well as allowing us to advise whether the access course will be suited to you. After the interview you will be informed of whether you are being offered a place on the course.

Interviews are typically scheduled during June, July and August by arrangement.

Complete an Online Application

The fee for the Access Course to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (AHSSL) course was €850 for the 2023-24 academic year, this may be subject to change. 

Fees are paid in September when you begin the course; See "How to Pay" for more information on paying your fees.

There is no application fee for the Access course.

If you are registered as unemployed and/or in receipt of a social welfare payment, you may be eligible for fee support. In 2023-24 this reduced fees from €850 to €425.

Students who are asylum seekers or who have Refugee/Subsidiary Protection/Humanitarian Leave to Remain status may also be eligible for support through the Sanctuary Programme. 

Please see our Scholarships and Financial Support website for more information.

Access students take six modules (classes) during the academic year, three per trimester, including these three mandatory 'Core' Modules:

  1. (opens in a new window)First Steps - Introduction to Higher Education
  2. (opens in a new window)Digital Literacy
  3. (opens in a new window)Applied Academic Writing

and any three of the following 'Option' Modules:

Classes are scheduled both during the day and in the evening. It is possible to mix day and evening classes if you wish. For further information on these modules, including what and how you will learn, please click on the title. Timetables can be subject to change. 

View UCD Term Timetable

Students who achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.6 or more can apply for a guaranteed minimum number of places on the following degree programmes in UCD.  Where there are more qualified applicants for entry (i.e., students with a GPA greater than 2.6) than there are places, the allocation will be made by highest GPA

In addition to meeting the required standard on the course, you must be eligible to apply on the grounds of mature years and make an application through (opens in a new window)the CAO. 

University Access results are valid for two years only i.e. results from this year are valid for entry in this year and next year only.