17 Open Learning Progression Pathways - Applications will open Thursday 24 July
If you wish to progress to one of 17 full-time degree programmes, you may wish to consider taking a Progression Pathways Programme. It is a one year, part-time University Certificate in Open Learning (NFQ Level 7), which you can complete. You can use this programme instead of your Leaving Certificate results to support your CAO application.
The requirements are as follows:
- Being your programme in Trimester 1.
- Complete 30 credits (6 modules).
- Meet the GPA requirements for your programme.
- Meet the individual programme requirements of your programme (for example, required modules).
If there are more students than places who have met the entry requirements, places will be allocated in the degree programme on the basis of highest GPA in your University Certificate.
If you are interested in joining our Progression Pathway Programme, we would recommend you join our mailing list and apply as soon as applications open. Places on our Progression Pathway Programme are limited and are filled quickly. Scroll down to see our brochure and the details of each programme.
Please ensure that you consult our Open Learning Readiness Checker and are aware of the academic and financial liabilities of being a UCD student before applying for our programme.
Applications for Open Learning Progression Pathways will open on Thursday 24 July 2025. We are using UCD’s new application system this year. If you encounter any issues submitting your application, please let us know by contacting (opens in a new window)all@ucd.ie.
We are hosting drop-in sessions for anyone who needs help with submitting their application:
Tuesday 22 July - 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 29 July - 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursday 31 July - 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Wednesday 6 August - 11:00-12:00 p.m.
Next Steps
After you submit your application, you will be invited to attend a consultation with a member of the Open Learning Team. Prior to attending, you will be asked to complete our Readiness Checker.
Update to Admissions Policy
There are no formal education requirements to apply for entry to an Open Learning Progression Pathway. However, we are introducing a quota for our pathways, which is targeted at the following groups identified by the National Access Plan:
- Entrants from socio-economic groups that have low participation in higher education*
- First time, mature students
- Students with disabilities
- Further education and training award holders
- Irish Travellers
- Roma communities
*Those who are on or below HEAR income limit, have a medical card, are on a means-tested social welfare payment, went to a DEIS school, or are from (opens in a new window)an area of disadvantage.
50% of our Progression Pathway places will be retained for those coming from these groups. If these places are unfilled, they will be redistributed to waitlisted students prior to the beginning of the academic year.
If you are accepting an Open Learning Progression Pathways offer in 2025/26, you will be required to pay a €500 deposit at the time that you accept your offer. Students who identify as being from a socio-economic group which has low participation in higher education at the time of application, will not be required to pay this deposit to accept their place.
