We hope we can answer all of your questions here, but if there is anything you're not sure about, please call 01 716 7123 or email (opens in a new window)all@ucd.ie.
Applications are made directly to UCD, and are now open - search on the Applications Page for the Credit or Audit option to begin.
We will be hosting in-person application support drop-ins on:
Application for the Progression Pathways will not open until summer 2026.
Open Learning costs €525 per 5 credit module or €400 per audit module. You can read how to pay your fees on our website.
A small number of modules are worth 10 credits and will incur a higher fee.
Open Learning is not a SUSI funded programme. If you are entitled to SUSI funding, you can still avail of it in your full-time undergraduate degree programme, but it is not available for Open Learning.
If you are enjoying your module and decide that you would like to take it for credit instead of audit, you can change - but you have to do this in the first three weeks of the trimester.
To make this change you'll have to contact Dr Jenny Doyle on (opens in a new window)jennifer.doyle@ucd.ie.
Yes, there are some means-tested supports available to help cover your costs. Options include the Sanctuary Scholarship and the Part-Time Student Support Fund.
Applications for the Sanctuary Scholarship have now closed.
However, Open Learning is not SUSI-funded.
If you plan to withdraw from the Open Learning Programme it's important that you get in touch with us, as this will impact your student record and may have negative implications if you wish to return to third-level education in the future. You can read more about withdrawing from a programme at UCD here.
You can withdraw from a programme without financial or academic penalty until Week 8 of term.
It's therefore important that you review all of your chosen modules carefully, read the module descriptions in full and establish that the timetable suits you before you commit to the programme.
The list of available modules is listed on our website and in the printed Open Learning brochure. There are over 450 on offer, and they range from Archaeology to Physics, from Languages to Agricultural Science.
Some modules will be reserved for students on Progression Pathways, and please keep in mind that Open Learning places on modules are limited and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
We recommend that you take a maximum of three modules per trimester.
Full descriptions and timetables can be found by clicking on the module title on our list.
Open Learning modules follow the main UCD term dates but your timetable will be flexible, as it depends fully on the modules you choose. The more modules you choose, the greater the time commitment required.
Because they are undergraduate modules, all classes will be 9-5, Monday-Friday.
Any given module can be spread throughout the week. For example, a particular module may have two hours of lectures in the week, the first on Monday at 10 a.m. and the second on Thursday at 5 p.m., with a tutorial on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
In order to ensure that a module works for you, you should double-check the times with module timetable search before signing up. Please note that those can change.
Once you have registered for a module or modules, your individualised timetable will be available through your UCD Connect Account.
The amount of time it takes to complete the Certificate or Diploma varies from student to student, depending on the credit workload.
Most Open Learners intending to use it as a pathway to a degree programme receive a Certificate after one year, completing three modules per trimester, but it can be done over a longer period.
If you are unsure of something or have any further questions please get in touch with us by emailing (opens in a new window)all@ucd.ie or calling 01 716 7123.