Applications for 2025-26 have now closed - they will open for 2026-27 in spring/summer 2026
Access courses are year-long, part-time courses designed to prepare adults who may not have formal qualifications for successful study at university. These are Special Purpose Awards (Level 6) which equip students with the skills and confidence required to take the next step to selected degree courses at UCD.
We offer Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (AHSSL) and Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science, Computer Science, Medicine, Vet Medicine and Sustainability (SEAM+) courses.
Access courses are designed for you if:
- You do not meet existing entry requirements to university.
- You already qualify for university but are not ready to commit just yet.
Access courses aim to:
- Give you the skills needed to engage in a full-time degree.
- Introduce you to the methods of study, writing, and research required to take part in higher education.
- Prepare you to compete for entry to third level and to make informed choices about further study.
- Increase your self-confidence in your capacity to progress and participate in university.
- Offer you the opportunity to experience the fulfilment that can be gained from learning in an academic setting.
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions, or specific programme pages for AHSSL for Young Adults, AHSSL for Mature Students, and SEAM+ for any queries you may have.
Further information can be found in our University Access brochure:
