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

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

This is the oldest access course in Ireland and is designed to prepare learners for successful study at university.

Please complete this short (opens in a new window)Expression of Interest Form if you want to get up to date information on when applications open for the 2025/26 academic year or to find out about upcoming events. 

University Access Brochure 2024/25

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

  • Mature Student applications (If you were 22 or over on January 1st of the year you apply) 
  • Young Adult application (If you were 21 or under on January 1st of the year you apply) 

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

We have also developed an AHSSL Young Adult Application Guidebook to assist you:

Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law: Young Adult Application Guide PDF Format

Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law: Young Adult Application Guide Word Format

Watch this short video to hear from some of our recent graduates.

Students who achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.6 or more can apply for a guaranteed minimum number of places on the following degree programmes in UCD.

∙  (opens in a new window)BA Arts (CAO number DN520)

∙  (opens in a new window)BA Humanities (CAO number DN530)

∙  (opens in a new window)BSc Social Sciences (CAO number DN700)

∙  (opens in a new window)BSocSc Social Policy and Sociology (CAO number DN750)

∙  (opens in a new window)BCL Law (CAO number DN600)

∙  (opens in a new window)BSc Criminology with Psychology (CAO Number DN620)

Where there are more qualified applicants (i.e., students with a GPA greater than 2.6) than there are places, the allocation will be made by highest GPAs.

Our programme is student-centred and will offer you support and guidance throughout your Access year. You will experience a range of teaching approaches including group work, case studies, reviews, and in-class discussions in supportive large and small group settings. A variety of assessment methods are used including reflective journals, presentations, essays and exams to help you discover your learning style.

During your Access year, you will have the opportunity to sample lectures and make informed choices about your CAO application and next steps.

To see more important information, click on Progression below.

Find out more:

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 form needs to be completed - further details are at the below links: 

Applications are made online, directly to UCD. (Please note that there is no application fee for the Access course)

Applications for the 2024-25 academic year are now closed 

  • Mature Student applications (If you were 22 or over on January 1st of the year you apply)
  • Young Adult application (If you were 21 or under on January 1st of the year you apply) 

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

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. 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.

The fee for the Access Course to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (AHSSL) course is €890 for the 2024-25 academic year. 

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.

If you are registered as unemployed and/or in receipt of a social welfare payment, you may be eligible for fee support. In 2024-25 this has reduced fees from €890 to €445.

Students who are asylum seekers or who have Refugee/Subsidiary Protection/Humanitarian Leave to Remain status may also be eligible for support through the Sanctuary Programme. 

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

Classes are scheduled both during the day and in the evening. You can mix day and evening classes if you wish. 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 (classes) during the academic year, three per trimester, including these three mandatory 'Core' Modules:

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

and any three of the following 'Option' Modules:

Diagram showing the mandatory and elective AHSSL modules

Students who achieve a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.6 or more can apply for a guaranteed minimum number of places on the following degree programmes in UCD.  Where there are more qualified applicants for entry (i.e., students with a GPA greater than 2.6) than there are places, the allocation will be made by highest GPA

In addition to meeting the required standard on the course, you must be eligible to apply on the grounds of mature years and make an application through (opens in a new window)the CAO. 

University Access results are valid for two years only i.e. results from this year are valid for entry in this year and next year only.