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Access to Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science and Medicine (SEAM)

UCD Access to Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science and Medicine (SEAM)

This course is designed to prepare adults, who may not have the formal qualifications, for successful study at university, particularly in the areas of Science, Engineering, Agriculture or Medicine.  Access to SEAM also progresses students to Computer Science and as of 2022 - Veterinary Medicine.

Our aim is to:

  • Facilitate you in finding a degree course that best suits your aptitude and interest
  • Give you the confidence and skills necessary to plan and organise study for your particular needs
  • Provide you with analytical skills to fully understand the material presented in all subject modules
  • Equip you with the skills and confidence to take on a degree course in Science, Engineering/Architecture, Agricultural Science, Veterinary Medicine or Medicine

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.

Evidence of recent prior learning is most relevant in an application, ability in maths, and prior learning in at least one of the science subjects is important.

The purpose of this pathway is to provide an access route to those who have not yet had the opportunity to attend university. Those without a Level 8 degree will be prioritised.

There are five steps in applying to the Access to Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science and Medicine (SEAM) course:

  1. Complete an Online Application
  2. Participate in four pre-entry maths workshops (including a maths assessment)
  3. Attend Maths Assessment
  4. Attend a pre-entry science lecture (including a short written assignment)
  5. Interview

Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 12 July 2023

Participation in the online Maths workshops, lecture and interviews is mandatory. These will take place on the following dates:

Maths Workshops

(Including a maths assessment)
  • Saturday, July 15 at 10:00
  • Monday, July 17 at 18:00
  • Wednesday, July 19 at 18:00
  • Saturday, July 22 at 10:00

Maths Exam: Monday 24 July at 18.00

Science Lecture

(Including a short written assignment)
  • Thursday 27 July at 18:00

Interview dates
  •  July 31st and August 1st 

Complete an Online Application

The fee for the Access Course to Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science and Medicine (SEAM) course is €1,800 for the academic year.

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 this course.

If you are registered as unemployed and/or in receipt of a social welfare payment, you may be eligible for fee support. This will reduce your fee from €1,800 to €600

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. The application process for the Sanctuary Programme is now closed for 2021.

Applicants to SEAM apply through this link: SEAM Scholarship Application 2021

Access to SEAM is offered on Monday and Wednesdays evenings and on Saturday mornings.

Access SEAM students take the following core modules during the academic year:

Autumn Trimester - (September to December)

Spring - (January to May)

The Access SEAM course follows the same dates as the general UCD Term Timetable.

Students who achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.08 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 3.08) than there are places, the allocation will be made by highest GPA

* Entry to Engineering is also contingent on obtaining an A- or higher in each of the mathematics modules.

** Entry to Medicine is also contingent on obtaining a minimum grade of A- in the module "Introduction to Chemistry, Physics & Biology". Applicants will be required to submit a learning journal and obtain an expected HPAT Ireland score of 150. Two places will be offered per year and will be allocated on a competitive basis. Applicants to this course should also note the following guidelines: Access to Medicine for Mature Students

*** Entry to Veterinary Medicine is also contingent on obtaining a minimum grade A- in the module ‘Introduction to Chemistry, Physics & Biology’.

A minimum of 60 hours Animal Experience, with one or more species, will be required. The animal experience should be within the past two years. Applicants will be required to submit a report reflecting on this experience and their interest in the Veterinary profession.

Applicants will be interviewed to assess their Critical Thinking, Communication Skills and their Interest and Knowledge of the Veterinary profession and the veterinary course.

 The above is not an exhaustive list; all applicants are also referred to the UCD Prospectus 

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 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.

For applying for one of our University Access courses, you must be at least 22 years old since the first of January.

2023-24 University Access Courses Brochure

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