Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Open Learning for Credit

Applications Now Open for 2025-26

Open Learning for credit is ideal for you if you are:

  • Curious and interested in exploring a subject at a university level, at your own pace. Mature students using Open Learning to support a university application
  • Anyone interested in studying for credit
  • Professionals seeking Continued Professional Development (CPD)

You can select from over 450 modules at undergraduate level and join UCD students in their lectures, lab, tutorials and seminars. You can select modules in either Autumn (Trimester 1) or Spring (Trimester 2) and enjoy all the benefits of being a UCD student, without the full-time commitment.

You can study at your own pace and choose to exit with:

  • A University Certificate in Open Learning (30 credits, NFQ Level 7), or

  • A University Diploma in Open Learning (60 credits, NFQ Level 7)

Additional Information

Applications for Open Learning are made directly to Access and Lifelong Learning. Once we have assessed your application, you will be made a formal offer via email. When you accept this, you can expect to receive another email with a link to register for your specific module within 2-3 working days.

If you experience technical issues submitting your application, please get in touch with us by emailing (opens in a new window)all@ucd.ie.

There will not be an option to select your module when you submit your application for your Open Learning programme. The application you complete is to join the programme. When it’s time to select your modules, you will receive an email notification when it is time to choose your modules at the end of August/beginning of September.

You should receive an email with a link to register your modules within two working days of accepting your offer.

Please see our Guide to registering for Open Learning modules modules for a step-by-step guide to the process.

If you accept an offer for 2025/26, a €100 deposit is required at the time of accepting your offer. 

Each credit-bearing module costs €525. Modules will commence either in September and January and are offered over a 12 week period.

If you are unsure whether this programme is right for you, get in touch with our team, we are here to help. You can call us at 01 716 7123, email (opens in a new window)all@ucd.ie, or drop into the UCD Access and Lifelong Learning Centre. 

We’ll be happy to talk through your options and support you in making the right decision.

UCD Access and Lifelong Learning

University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7123