On This Page
Entry Pathways
At UCD, we know that no two students are the same. Are you completely new to college life? Are you returning to education after time away? Do you need a flexible way to explore new skills or interests? There are many pathways to studying at UCD. Choose your pathway and start your journey today.
Undergraduate:
- Disability Access Route to Education (DARE)
- Higher Education Access Route (HEAR)
- Mature Years
- QQI-FET (Further Education Pathway)
Part-time/flexible learning:
- Open Learning
- Lifelong Learning
- University Access Programme
HEAR/DARE
HEAR (Higher Education Access Route) and DARE (Disability Access Route) are national third level admissions schemes which promote equity of access to higher education for school leavers either from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds or school leavers with a disability or significant ongoing illness.
UCD has a number of reserved places to offer eligible HEAR and DARE students. For details of application procedures please see (opens in a new window)www.accesscollege.ie
Click here to learn more about the HEAR and DARE schemes at UCD.
Applications for the HEAR and DARE schemes for 2025 are now closed.
QQI-FET
More than half of UCD undergraduate programmes accept applicants with appropriate Level 5 or 6 QQI-FET Major Award qualifications. Places are offered on a competitive basis. A minimum of 5 distinctions is required. Some programmes have specific component requirements.
Applications should be made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO) with places being allocated on a competitive basis.
For more information follow the link to visit the UCD QQI-FET entry routes webpage.
Mature Entry
We offer mature places on a wide range of undergraduate degree courses, as well as part-time courses that will help prepare you for learning at third level. We value the diversity, wisdom and experience that mature students like you bring to our campus.
Visit our Mature Years webpage to find out more about the opportunities for you and the application process.
Part-time/flexible study
At UCD Access and Lifelong Learning we're committed to increasing the part-time/flexible study options available to make university learning fit around your life. We have a range of part-time study options: University Access, Lifelong Learning, and Open Learning, each offering a diverse experience which can be used for pure enjoyment, enhance your skills or be used towards undergraduate full-time study.
Follow this link to explore our part-time/flexible study options.