Eligibility and Application
A flexible admissions policy is in place, with three entry routes available.
- Application based on mature years, life experience and academic aptitude.
- Matriculation (i.e. Irish School Leaving Certificate Examination or equivalent).
- Advanced Entry / Progression based on prior learning.
An interview is part of the assessment process. A writing skills test may also form part of the assessment.
Students will require access to a laptop/PC, a microphone, a camera, and broadband to participate in the programme.
Please note that applications for this programme are made directly to UCD. Applications are not via the CAO.
To qualify on the basis of mature years, you must be at least 23 years of age on the 1st January of the proposed year of entry. Suitability will be based on age, work and life experience that is relevant to the course, and academic aptitude. An interview is part of the assessment process. A writing skills test may be required.
To qualify on the basis of matriculation, you must be age 21 on the 1st January of the proposed year of entry. Students must meet UCD's matriculation requirements, as outlined by UCD Admissions on this webpage. An interview is part of the assessment process. A writing skills test may be required.
You may be eligible for an exemption from the Diploma (Year 1/2 of the degree) if you meet any of the following criteria.
Applicants may qualify if they hold:
- A HETAC Ordinary Degree, or
- A National or Higher Certificate (Level 6), or
- A Diploma in Business (Level 7), or
- An equivalent business qualification with a grade of Merit or above.
To assess your eligibility for exemption, please review our curriculum (see the Curriculum tab) and compare your previous studies with the modules offered in our Diploma in Business Studies.
When submitting your online application, please tick the box indicating that you wish to apply for an exemption. You will then be required to complete the online Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Form.
As part of your supporting documentation, you must upload official transcripts of results, and a list of modules you have successfully completed.
All exemption applications and supporting documentation must be submitted no later than 31 July of the year in which you intend to commence the programme.
Teaching in UCD is through the medium of English; therefore you must demonstrate a high level of competence in the English language to be admitted. UCD's minimum English language requirements are approved by the University Programmes Board and apply to all applicants and all levels of study.
Applicants whose previous education was not taught in English must meet the University's minimum English language requirements.
Click here to view the UCD Minimum English Language Requirements
Information on programme fees is available on the UCD fees website here
Within your fee status (EU/non EU) select: >> Course and Programme Fees >> Undergraduate Certificate and Diploma >>
The definition of EU/Non-EU applicants is based on fee assessment criteria. If you are unsure whether you are an EU or non-EU applicant, please visit the fee assessment page.
The UCD Think Again Scholarship is a scholarship and development programme for women over the age of 23 from low-income backgrounds. It is available to women studying full-time or part-time, including those studying a Bachelor / Diploma of Business Studies. This scholarship is managed by UCD Access and Lifelong Learning, and further information is available on this webpage.
Uversity is a Registered Charity that grants Higher Education Scholarships to Adult Learners. This is an external scholarship not directly linked to UCD; however, students applying for the Diploma/ Bachelor of Business Studies may be eligible. Find out more about Uversity Scholarships here.
How to submit an application
- Students must submit applications online at www.ucd.ie/apply
- An application cannot be processed until your application fee has been paid in full.
- All applicants to the BBS must submit an online application under 'bssm dbs pt' (the DBS represents stage 1 of the BBS and entry is to the diploma initially).
- Useful Link: Direct Applications to UCD - HOW TO
- Your application will be reviewed by the Programme team.
- An interview is part of the assessment process. A writing skills test may be required.
- Interviews will take place online via Zoom.
- You can check the progress of your application by logging in to your application account and viewing your Application Status (e.g. offer, no offer, etc.).
- If you receive an offer of a place in UCD, your application status will change to Offer.
- All offers are made online.
- Useful Link: Direct Applications to UCD - HOW TO
- Make your decision. Click on Accept or Reject.
- This will take you to a page where you can either accept and pay the deposit if appropriate or decline the offer.
- Your acceptance will not be complete until you successfully record your acceptance and pay a non-refundable deposit of €500.
- Once you accept your offer, UCD will automatically create a student record for you.
- You will receive an email confirmation of your acceptance.
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