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AHSSL for Mature Students

AHSSL for Mature Applicants

AHSSL for Mature Applicants is for anyone 22 or over on 1 January of their year of entry to the Access programme.

APPLY NOW to start in September 2025.

Applying

Please use this How to Apply: Step by Step Guide to assist you in completing the application. 

Please note that there is no application fee for the Access course. 

The closing date for mature applicants to apply for AHSSL for the 2025/26 academic year is the 20th of August. Late applications may be considered. 

Once you have submitted an online application you will be invited to come and meet with us for an informal interview. During this time you will also be asked to produce a short written piece. In the written assessment we want you to demonstrate engagement and interest in your response to the question. This written piece will form the basis of a conversation where we can explore how the course meets your needs and expectations.

The interviews are an opportunity for you to discuss your study plans, as well as allowing us to advise whether the access course will be suited to you. After the interview you will be informed of whether you are being offered a place on the course.

Interviews are typically scheduled during June, July and August by arrangement.

Have questions? We're here to help - email us at (opens in a new window)all@ucd.ie or see our Frequently Asked Questions.

More info

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

If English is not your first language you 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 you 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.
  • Attend an informal interview and complete a short written assessment on the day. In the written assessment applicants must demonstrate engagement and interest in their response to the question. 

It is also important to note that applicants who already hold a higher education qualification (level 7 or above) are not eligible to apply.

Applications for the 2025/26 academic year are now open - apply now to start in September 2025.Please use this Step by Step Guide to assist you in completing the application. 

The closing date for young adult applications to AHSSL for the 2025/26 academic year is 20 August. 

Once you have submitted an online application you will be invited to come and meet with us for an informal interview. During this time you will also be asked to produce a short written piece. In the written assessment we want you to demonstrate engagement and interest in your response to the question. This written piece will form the basis of a conversation where we can explore how the course meets your needs and expectations.

The interviews are an opportunity for you to discuss your study plans, as well as allowing us to advise whether the access course will be suited to you. After the interview you will be informed of whether you are being offered a place on the course.

Interviews are typically scheduled during June, July and August by arrangement.

Classes are timetable during the day and in the evening. For more information on these modules, including what and how you will learn, please click on their title below. Timetables can be subject to change.

Access students take six modules during the academic year, three per trimester, including these three mandatory 'Core' Modules:

  1. (opens in a new window)IDIS00010 First Steps - Introduction to Higher Education
  2. (opens in a new window)IDIS00020 Digital Literacy
  3. (opens in a new window)IDIS00030 Applied Academic Writing

and anythreeof the following 'Option' Modules:

Image of the UCD AHSSL Course Structure

Scholarships:

  • Sanctuary Programme Scholarship - Scholarship for International Protection (Asylum Seeker), Refugee, Subsidiary Protection, or Leave to Remain (except deportation stage) status and who are not eligible for other state support. Please visit the webpage for more details.

Bursaries:

Please see our Scholarships and Financial Support website for more information.

Please Note:

UCD Access and Lifelong Learning

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