Access to Science, Engineering, Ag Science, Medicine, and Vet Medicine (SEAM+)

You must be 22 or over on January 1st of the year you apply

If English is not your first language must satisfy UCD’s English Language requirements. A score of 6.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required.

There are no other formal entry requirements but applicants must

• Be able to demonstrate a readiness to pursue third level programmes and a level of learning ability suitable to do so.
• Share life experience and any formal or informal learning undertaken. Provide as much information as you think is relevant on the application form and please include all educational history. Evidence of recent prior learning is most relevant, ability in maths, and prior learning in at least one of the science subjects is important. 
• Complete the Maths & Written Assessment: The selection process includes a Maths assessment, Science lecture & written piece to be shortlisted for interview.

In the case that we have more applications than places on a progression route from SEAM+:

• There are 7 progression routes from UCD SEAM+ to UCD degrees: Science, Computer Science, (opens in a new window)Agricultural Science, Sustainability, Engineering, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.
• Each degree route has a set number of places. On application if one route is oversubscribed, we will encourage applicants to consider the other degree paths/alternative pathways. 
• If more students with a GPA over 3.08 apply than there are places available, the places will go to those with the highest GPAs first.

Please note: The purpose of this pathway is to provide an access route to those who have not yet had the opportunity to attend university. Those who have successfully completed a QQI Level 8 degree will not be considered. Those with a QQI Level 7 degree without a progression route to obtain a Level 8 may be considered.

There are five steps in applying to the UCD SEAM+ Programme - UCD Access to Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science, Computer Science, Sustainability, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine:

1. Complete the Online Application - scroll to the bottom of the webpage and click the yellow Apply Now button to start your application. Please use this  How to Apply: Step by Step Guide to assist you in completing the application. There is no application fee to apply. 
2. Participate in four pre-entry maths workshops (including a maths assessment) in UCD.
3. Attend Maths Assessment in UCD.
4. Attend a pre-entry Science Lecture (including a short written assignment) in UCD.
5. Interview in person in UCD.

The closing date for applications for 2025/26 is the 30th of June. 

Participation in the Maths workshops, lecture and interviews is mandatory. Below are the proposed dates for 2025, these could be subject to change. 

SEAM+ is offered on Monday and Wednesdays evenings and on Saturday mornings.

You can review the SEAM+ Timetable 2024_25, but be advised that this is subject to change. Updates will be communicated via Brightspace. 

SEAM+ students take the following core modules during the academic year:

Autumn Trimester - (September to December)

• (opens in a new window)MATH0030 Access to Mathematics I
• (opens in a new window)SCI00010 Flipped Classroom
• (opens in a new window)SCI00020 Introduction to Chemistry, Physics, and Biology

Spring - (January to May)

• (opens in a new window)MATH00040 Access to Mathematics II
• (opens in a new window)SCI00010 Flipped Classroom
• (opens in a new window)SCI00020 Introduction to Chemistry, Physics, and Biology

If you achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.08 you can apply for a guaranteed minimum number of places on the following degree programmes in UCD.  Where there are more qualified applicants for entry (i.e., students with a GPA greater than 3.08) than there are places, the allocation will be made by highest GPA

• (opens in a new window)Bachelor of Science (CAO number DN200)
• (opens in a new window)Bachelor of Computer Science (CAO number DN201)
• Bachelor of Agriculture (CAO number DN250/DN261)
• (opens in a new window)Bachelor of Engineering (CAO number DN150)*
• (opens in a new window)Bsc Sustainability (CAO number DN240)
• (opens in a new window)Medicine (CAO number DN400)**
• (opens in a new window)Veterinary Medicine (CAO number DN300)***

* Entry to Engineering is also contingent on obtaining an A- or higher in each of the mathematics modules.

** Entry to Medicine is also contingent on obtaining a minimum grade of A- in the module Introduction to Chemistry, Physics & Biology. Applicants will be required to submit a learning journal and obtain an expected HPAT Ireland score of 150. Two places will be offered per year and will be allocated on a competitive basis. Applicants to this course should also note the following guidelines: Access to Medicine for Mature Students

*** Entry to Veterinary Medicine is also contingent on obtaining a minimum grade A- in the module Introduction to Chemistry, Physics & Biology.

A minimum of 60 hours Animal Experience, with one or more species, will be required. The animal experience should be within the past two years. Applicants will be required to submit a report reflecting on this experience and their interest in the Veterinary profession.

Applicants will be interviewed to assess their Critical Thinking, Communication Skills and their Interest and Knowledge of the Veterinary profession and the veterinary course.

The above is not an exhaustive list; all applicants are also referred to the UCD Prospectus 

In addition to meeting the required standard on the course, you must be eligible to apply on the grounds of mature years and make an application through (opens in a new window)the CAO. 

Please note: University Access results are valid for two years only, i.e. results from this year are valid for entry in this year and next year only.