General Requirements
National Senior Certificate
Pass in 6 subjects at NSC with at least 40%
(excluding Life Orientation)
Two subjects must be at least at Level 6 NSC
If you're following international curriculum, please see the following links for entry requirements:
- Cambridge A Level
- International Baccalaureate Diploma
If you have previously studied at university, you may be eligible for direct entry in our courses. Please contact us for further information
English Language Requirements
National Senior Certificate:
English Home Language 40%
English Additional Language 60%
For additional information, please refer to
UCD Minimum English Language Requirements
This page provides information and guidance on entry requirements for international (non-EU/ non-EEA) students only.
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).
Specific subjects and grades required for all programmes are detailed below.
The equivalences are provided as guidance and are indicative only. 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.
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | Other Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | BSS1 | Commerce | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 70% in NSC | |
| BSS2 | Economics & Finance | First Year of University required. Alternatively, A Levels or IB Diploma will be considered. |
75% in 1st Year University or 90% in NSC | ||
| BSW1 | Commerce International | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 70% in NSC | Note: For French language combinations a minimum of 75% in 1st Year University or 90% in NSC in French is required. | |
| B722 | BSc Business | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 70% in NSC |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | Other Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law | BSJ4 | Business & Law | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 70% in NSC | |
| LWS2 | Law with French | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 80% in 1st Year University in French | ||
| LWS6 | Law | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | |||
| LWW1 | Law with Philosophy | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | |||
| LWW2 | Law with History | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | |||
| LWW3 | Law with Politics | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | |||
| LWW4 | Law with Economics | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 70% in NSC | ||
| LWW9 | Law with Social Justice | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | |||
| LWWC | Law with Chinese | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | |||
| LWWD | Criminology with Psychology | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Other Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & Humanities | BAU4 | BA Modern Languages | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent |
Note: If you choose to study a language at advanced level during your first year, it is recommended that you have at least a grade of 75% in 1st Year University or 90% in NSC in that language, or equivalent. Advanced Level: French German Italian Spanish. Beginner Level: German Italian Spanish |
| BAU5 | BA Arts (2 subjects) | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent |
Note: For French language combinations a minimum of 75% in 1st Year University or 90% in NSC in French is required. |
|
| AYS1 | Languages, Linguistics and Cultures | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| CCS2 | Creative &Cultural Industries | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| CAS1 | Classics, Art History and Archaeology | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| CAS2 | Classics, English and History | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| ENS5 | English Literature | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| ENS6 | English with Creative Writing | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| ENS7 | English, Drama and Film | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| HPS1 | History And Politics | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| HSS3 | History | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| HSS5 | Global Studies | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| HSS6 | European Studies | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| ISS1 | Irish Studies | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent | ||
| MCS4 | Music, Film and Drama | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts & Sciences |
LBS1 | Liberal Arts and Sciences | Average 50% in 6 subjects or equivalent |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainability | STS1 | BSc Sustainability | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | Other Language | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences |
COS1 | Philosophy, Politics & Economics | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC If you obtain less than 60% in NSC in Mathematics, you must pass a "Level 0" UCD Mathematics module before takingIntroduction to Quantitative Economics |
|
| ECS4 | BSc Economics | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 80% in NSC | ||
| EMS1 | Economics, Mathematics & Statistics | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC Note: In order to study this degree, we strongly recommend that you also have at least a 75% in 1st Year University or 90% in NSCin Mathematics. |
||
| LSS2 | Archaeology, Geography & History | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | ||
| PCS2 | BSc Psychology | Average 68% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | ||
| SBU2 | BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | ||
| SBU3 | BSc Social Science (2 Subjects) | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | In order to study Mathematics, we strongly recommend that you have a 75% in 1st Year University or 90% in NSC in Mathematics . In order to study Economics, if you obtain less than 60% in NSC in Mathematics you must pass a "Level 0" UCD Mathematics module before taking Introduction to Quantitative Economics. |
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 75% in 1st Year University or 90% in NSC or equivalent is required. | |
| SCS1 | Computational Social Science | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC Note: In order to study this degree, we strongly recommend that you also have at least a 75% in 1st Year University or 90% in NSC in Mathematics. |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | NUS1 | Engineering Omnibus | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 75% in 1st Year University or 90% in NSC | 70% in NSC |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | LDS2 | Landscape Architecture | Average 54% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC |
| RCS1 | City Planning &Environmental Policy | Average 54% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | |
| ATS4 | Architecture | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science, Computer Science & Actuarial Science |
BSS3 | Actuarial and Financial Studies | Average 66% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 85% in 1st Year University | |
| CSSA | Computer Science | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 70% in NSC | ||
| Science programmes, including: | |||||
| SCU1 | Science - Explore Multiple Streams | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 70% in NSC | 70% in NSC | |
| BLS1 | Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences | ||||
| CHS2 | Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable/Biophysical) | ||||
| EES1 | Earth & Environmental Sciences | ||||
| MHS2 | Mathematics (includes Applied/Financial/Statistics) | ||||
| PYS2 | Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science) | ||||
| Check out the Science Brochure for details! | |||||
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Science |
ANS1 | Animal Science | Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC |
| CPS1 | Animal & Crop Production | Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| CPS3 | Crop Science | Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| DBS1 | Dairy Business | Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| EQS1 | Animal Science - Equine | Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| ESS1 | AgriEnvironmental Science | Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| ETS2 | Agricultural Systems & Technology | Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| FAS1 | Food and Agribusiness Management |
Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| FAW1 | Food Business with Chinese Studies |
Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| FOS1 | Forestry | Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| FSS2 | Food Science | Average 58% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| HLS6 | Horticulture | Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| HMS1 | Human Nutrition | Average 68% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| UAS1 | Agricultural Science - Omnibus (You can decide on your area of study during first year). |
Average 56% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Science | BHS1 | Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences | Average 68% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC |
| MDS2 | Medicine | Average 64% in 6 subjects or equivalent + Interview Successful applicants often present with a stronger academic background |
60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| MDS4 | Radiography | Average 66% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| MDS5 | Physiotherapy | First Year of University required. Alternatively, A Levels or IB Diploma will be considered. |
60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| MDSJ | 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. |
60% in NSC | ||
| 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 and MCAT must have been issued within two years prior to the start of programme. 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 | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports & Performance |
MDS8 | Health & Performance Science | Average 66% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC |
| SMS2 | Sport & Exercise Management | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC |
| Code | Description | 2023 Entry Requirements | Maths | Lab Science | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine | VTS1 | Veterinary Medicine | First Year of University required. Alternatively, A Levels or IB Diploma will be considered. |
60% in NSC | Chemistry 80% in NSC |
| For 2023 entry, you must have at least 30 hours practical experience relevant to animal handling between 1st February 2020 and 6th July 2023 | |||||
| VTS2 | Veterinary Nursing | Average 63% in 6 subjects or equivalent | 60% in NSC | 60% in NSC | |
| 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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