General Requirements
Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate/Equivalency Exam
Award of Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate Required
If you're following international curriculum, please see the following links for entry requirements:
- Cambridge A Level
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
- US Curriculum
Entry via UCD's International Foundation Year is also available for many programmes. Click here for more details.
Please contact us for further information
This page provides information and guidance on entry requirements for international (non-EU/ non-EEA) students only. Specific subjects and grades required for the programmes are detailed below. In addition, please note that the equivalences shown are the minimum required to be eligible for consideration on a competitive basis. The information provided below is subject to change and annual review
Please be advised that your fee assessment status determines how you should apply.
In all cases, UCD applicants who are granted EU fee status will only be admitted through the Central Applications Office (CAO) system and in line with CAO policies and procedures and National University of Ireland (NUI) matriculation regulations.
If you are eligible for EU fees please contact UCD Registry-Admissions for further advice (www.ucd.ie/askus).
Students with UK citizenship and who meet the residency requirement will continue to be assessed for EU fees in the normal manner and should apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO). All other prospective applicants with UK citizenship who are assessed for non-EU fees should apply direct to UCD. For more detailed information on the EU fee assessment process and the conditions which require a formal assessment to be submitted to UCD Registry, please refer to the EU Fee Assessment webpage.
‡ indicates course has alternate entry pathway through Liberal Arts & Sciences (LBS1)
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
Other Language |
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Business |
BSS1 |
Commerce ‡‡ |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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BSS2 |
Economics & Finance |
5 overall across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits)
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5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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BSW1 |
Commerce International |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level |
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B722 |
BSc Business ‡‡ |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
Other Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Law |
BSJ4 |
Business & Law |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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LWS2 |
Law with French |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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3.5 GPA at 1st Year University level in French |
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LWS6 |
Law |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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LWW1 |
Law with Philosophy |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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LWW2 |
Law with History |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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LWW3 |
Law with Politics |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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LWW4 |
Law with Economics |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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LWW9 |
Law with Social Justice |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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LWWD |
Criminology with Psychology |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Other Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Arts & Humanities |
BAU4 |
BA Modern Languages |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
At least one Advanced Level language must be selected, 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in that language required. If studying two at Advanced Level, 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level required in both. |
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BAU5 |
BA Arts (2 subjects) ‡‡ |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level
For Mathematics subject combinations, we strongly recommend that you also have at least a 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in Mathematics. |
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AYS1 |
Languages, Linguistics and Cultures |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level |
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CCS2 |
Creative & Cultural Industries |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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CAS1 |
Classics, Art History and Archaeology |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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CAS2 |
Classics, English and History |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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ENS5 |
English Literature |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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ENS6 |
English with Creative Writing |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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ENS7 |
English, Drama and Film |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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HPS1 |
History And Politics |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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HSS3 |
History |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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HSS5 |
Global Studies |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level |
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HSS6 |
European Studies |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
If choosing a language at Beginners Level, 3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in Other Language is required. If at Advanced Level, a 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in that language is required. French is only available at Advanced Level |
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ISS1 |
Irish Studies |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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MCS4 |
Music, Film and Drama |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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MCS5 |
Music |
3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
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Liberal Arts & Sciences |
LBS1 |
Liberal Arts and Sciences |
3.4 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
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Sustainability |
STS1 |
BSc Sustainability |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
Other Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Social Sciences |
COS1 |
Philosophy, Politics & Economics |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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ECS4 |
BSc Economics |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.75 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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EMS1 |
Economics, Mathematics & Statistics |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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PCS2 |
BSc Psychology |
4.8 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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PTS5 |
BSc in Politics and International Relations |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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SBU2 |
BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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SBU3 |
BSc Social Science (2 Subjects) ‡‡ |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level Please Note: In order to study Mathematics, a 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in Mathematics is required. In order to study Economics, a 3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level in Mathematics is required. |
German: In First Year two streams are offered, one for absolute beginners and another for non-beginners. For the non-beginners level a minimum of 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level or equivalent is required. |
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SCS1 |
Computational Social Science |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
Lab Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Engineering ‡ |
NUS1 |
Engineering Omnibus‡ |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 3.0 GPA at 1st Year University level Pilot for 2026/27 Ecctis OMPT-D: 55% |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
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Architecture |
LDS2 |
Landscape Architecture |
3.4 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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RCS3 |
City Planning & Environmental Policy ‡‡ |
3.4 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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ATS4 |
Architecture ‡‡ |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
Lab Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Science, Computer Science & Actuarial Science |
BSS3 |
Actuarial and Financial Studies |
5 overall across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits)
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3.75 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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CSSA |
Computer Science |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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Science programmes, including: |
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SCU1 |
Science - Explore Multiple Streams ‡‡ |
44.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.5 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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BLS1 |
Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences ‡‡ |
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CHS2 |
Chemistry ‡ (includes Medicinal/Sustainable/Biophysical)‡ |
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EES1 |
Earth & Environmental Sciences ‡‡ |
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MHS2 |
Mathematics ‡ (includes Applied/Financial/Statistics)‡ |
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PYS2 |
Physics ‡ (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)‡ |
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Check out the Science Brochure for details! |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
Lab Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Agricultural Science |
ANS1 |
Animal Science ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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CPS1 |
Animal & Crop Production ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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CPS3 |
Crop Science ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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DBS1 |
Dairy Business ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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EQS1 |
Animal Science - Equine ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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ESS1 |
AgriEnvironmental Science ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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ETS2 |
Agricultural Systems & Technology |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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FAS1 |
Food and Agribusiness Management ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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FAW1 |
Food Business with Chinese Studies ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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FOS1 |
Forestry ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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FSS2 |
Food Science ‡‡ |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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FSS6 |
Sustainable Food Systems |
3.9 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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HLS6 |
Horticulture ‡‡ |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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HMS1 |
Human Nutrition ‡‡ |
4.8 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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UAS1 |
Agricultural Science - Omnibus (You can decide on your area of study during first year). |
3.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
Lab Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Health Science |
BHS1 |
Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences |
4.8 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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MDS2 |
Medicine |
4.4 Average across 6 Subjects (assuming all 5 credits) + 3.4/4.0 in 1st Uni + Interview Successful applicants often present with a stronger academic background |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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MDS4 |
Radiography |
4.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) (483) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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MDS5 |
Physiotherapy |
5 overall across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits)
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3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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MDSS |
Diagnostic Radiography (Graduate Entry) |
The 2.5-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree (NFQ Level 8) with a minimum of Second Class Honours and above, or equivalent. |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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MDS9 |
Medicine (Graduate Entry) |
The 4-year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold or are expected to hold a 4-year Bachelor degree(NFQ Level 8) in any discipline with a minimum overall Second Class Honours (Upper Division) and above, or equivalent. Additionally, all applicants are required to submit a current GAMSAT* or MCAT* score (minimum 57 and 503 respectively). Although only graduates are eligible to apply for this programme, the graduate Medicine degree is equivalent in standard to the undergraduate Medicine degree. *Currency of Results: GAMSAT: must have been taken within two years from 01 September prior to the start of programme (i.e. for admission in September 2026, the earliest acceptable test date would be 01 September 2024). MCAT: must have been taken within two years from 01 August prior to the start of programme (i.e. for admission in September 2026, the earliest acceptable test date would be 01 August 2024). Students who have previously been unsuccessful in any Medicine programme (i.e. have not met academic or other requirements within the programme) or have any issues which would affect their registration with the Irish Medical council will only be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis in exceptional circumstances, to be considered by the Medicine programme board. |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
Lab Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sports & Performance |
MDSK |
Sport, Health & Exercise Science |
4.6 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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SMS2 |
Sport & Exercise Management |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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Code |
Description |
2026 Entry Requirements |
Maths |
Lab Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Veterinary Medicine |
VTS1 |
Veterinary Medicine |
4.6 Average across 6 Subjects (assuming all 5 credits) + 3.4/4.0 in 1st Uni |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
Chemistry 5 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.75 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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Applicants must normally have at least 60 hours practical experience relevant to animal handling. This must have been undertaken in the last three years i.e. for entry in 2026, between 1st February 2023 and 5th July 2026, and all details must be submitted by 5th July 2026 to be taken into consideration. This must include experience with at least two of the following four animal categories: Pets, Horses, Farm Animals, Wildlife/Zoos. For full details and to complete your records of experience, please click here for more information. |
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VTS2 |
Veterinary Nursing |
4.3 average across 6 subjects (assuming all 5 credits) |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
3 in USSLC (assuming 5 credits) or 2.0 GPA at 1st Year University level |
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VTS3 |
Veterinary Medicine (Graduate Entry) |
The 4 year graduate entry programme is open to applicants who hold or are expected to hold a 4-year Bachelor degree in a biological / biomedical / animal science discipline with a minimum of Second Class Honours (Upper Division) or above [or equivalent]. For full details about the application and assessment procedures, including information about pre-requisites, please refer to the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine website: www.ucd.ie/vetmed |
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