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Open Learning Progression Pathways

Open Learning Progression Pathways 2025–26

UCD offers 17 Open Learning Progression Pathways into full-time undergraduate degree programmes. These one-year, part-time University Certificate programmes provide an alternative route to university without relying on your Leaving Certificate results. A Progression Pathway is a part-time University Certificate in Open Learning (NFQ Level 7), designed to help you progress into a full-time degree at UCD. You’ll complete 30 credits (6 modules) over one academic year.

You can use this certificate to support your CAO application instead of your Leaving Certificate. You’ll find more information on each pathway in our brochure or on our website.

Browse our available modules on our Modules page.

Sign up to attend our (opens in a new window)info session for part-time adult learners on Wednesday 14 August.

Application Timeline & Support

Applications are now open. You can expect to hear from us within 7 working days of applying for the programme. If you are also applying via the CAO for direct entry to UCD in September 2025, please ensure that you include this information in your application. Some of our pathways fill quickly, so if you are interested in applying, we’d recommend you do so a quickly as possible.

Drop-In Help Sessions in UCD Access and Lifelong Learning

Tuesday 12th August 12:00-1:00pm

Thursday 14th August 10:00-11:00am

Applications are now open for 2025-26

Ensure that you double-check every answer on your application - you will not be able to edit any answers after they have been submitted.

Information about Admissions

Priority groups include:

  • Socio-economic groups with low participation in higher education*
  • First-time, mature students
  • Students with disabilities
  • Further Education & Training award holders
  • Irish Travellers
  • Roma communities

*Examples include students who:

  • Are below the HEAR income limit
  • Have a medical card
  • Are on means-tested social welfare
  • Attended a DEIS school
  • Live in an area of disadvantage

50% of places are reserved for students in these priority groups. If unfilled, these will be offered to students on the waitlist.

Here are the steps to take after completing your application:

  1. You will be contacted and invited to select a consultation time that best suits you. Prior to attending, you will be asked to complete our Readiness Checker. The link will be emailed to you. This will help you get the most out of your consultation. You can review the Readiness Checker in our Progression Pathways Brochure.
  2. Identify the modules you would like to take, based on the pathway you have chosen.
  3. Attend a consultation with a member of the Open Learning Team.

If you accept an offer for 2025/26, a €500 deposit is required at the time of accepting your offer. 

Exception: Students from low-participation socio-economic backgrounds (as defined at the time of application) will not be required to pay the deposit.

Fees per module are €525. Completing a full Certificate or 6 modules will cost €3,150.

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 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.

Open Learning Progression Pathways Brochure 2025/26

17 Progression Pathways

A student walking through a barrier between an escalator and a green-glass wall Arts and Humanities
Click here to see full-time study options through Open Learning in Arts and Humanities
A white building with dark rectangular windows and a small porch Business
Click here to see full-time study options through Open Learning in Business
The first floor of a building, with the ground floor obscured by green trees Engineering and Architecture
Click here to see full-time study options through Open Learning in Engineering and Architecture
A photograph of a water tower in the background, with wild flowers int he foreground Health and Agricultural Sciences
Click here to see full-time study options through Open Learning in Health and Agricultural Sciences
A large white building with some glass front and some Science
Click here to see full-time study options through Open Learning in Science
Rows of chairs facing the top of a room with screens behind a desk Social Sciences and Law
Click here to see full-time study options through Open Learning in Social Sciences and Law

UCD Access and Lifelong Learning

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