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Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (AHSSL)

UCD Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (AHSSL)

APPLY NOW to start in September 2025 

Scroll to the bottom of the webpage and click on the yellow 'Apply Now' button to start your application. Please follow this How to Apply: Step by Step Guide to help you complete your application. 

Your pathway to university begins here.

Whether you’re returning to education or just starting out, the Access to AHSSL is a part-time, year-long foundation programme at UCD that prepares you for university life — with the skills, confidence, and qualifications you need to take the next step.

Why Choose Access to AHSSL?

  • A pathway to university – Guaranteed number of places held on selected UCD degree programmes upon successful completion.
  • A chance to explore – Discover what subjects interest you before committing to a degree.
  • A supportive community – Join like-minded learners in a welcoming environment.

Find out more:

AHSSL Young Adult Applicants

Click here if you were 21 years of age or under on 1 January 2025

AHSSL Young Adult Applicants
AHSSL Mature Applicants

Click here if you were 22 years of age or over on 1 January 2025

AHSSL Mature Applicants

There are no formal educational entry requirements for the Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law Programme. What we need to know about you is your life experience and any formal or informal learning you have undertaken previously. So please include as much information as you think is relevant and upload any relevant supporting documents. 

*The Young Adult application requires additional access criteria and an additional section  needs to be completed on the application form - further details are at the below link: 

Any updated information will be shared when we open for applications for the 2025/26 academic year. 

The fee for the Access Course to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (AHSSL) course was €890 for the 2024-25 academic year. This may be subject to change. 

Fees are paid in September when you begin the course; See "How to Pay" for more information on paying your fees.

There is no application fee for the Access course.