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AHSSL Young Adult Applicants

🎓 Diploma in Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences & Law (Access to AHSSL)

Your pathway to university begins here.

The Access to AHSSL programme is a year-long, part-time foundation programme designed to introduce students to university-level study at UCD. It is a Special Purpose Level 6 Diploma Award. Whether you're exploring your options or taking your first steps toward a degree, this programme helps you build confidence, develop academic skills, and prepare for university life.

Young Adult Applicants (21 or younger)

If you're 21 years old or younger on 1st January of the year you apply, you’ll need to meet specific access criteria and submit the required documentation. These criteria ensure the programme supports the goals of the National Access Plan 2022–2028, which aims to improve equity of access to higher education. 

✅ Access Criteria

To be eligible, you must meet at least three of the following:

  • Attended a DEIS post-primary school for at least two years
  • Your household income in 2024 was €55,924 or less (Please provide evidence of this with your application under the Files Section for e.g. A Statement of Liability (formerly a P21) or Self-Assessment Chapter 4 or complete this (opens in a new window)Social Welfare Form) 
  • You or your family had a Medical/GP Visit Card valid on 31 December 2024 (Please provide evidence of this with your application i.e. a letter confirming that you are in receipt of a medical card/GP Visit Card or a copy of the valid card. It can be included in the Files Section of the application form)
  • Your family received a means-tested social welfare payment for at least 26 weeks in 2024 (If this applies to you, please download (opens in a new window)this form. You can upload the completed form with your online application. It can be included in the Files Section of the application form)
  • You live in an area classified as disadvantaged, very disadvantaged, or extremely disadvantaged
  • Your parents/guardians have not attended higher education. 

Already HEAR eligible (2024 or 2025)?
You can provide proof of HEAR eligibility instead of meeting the criteria above.

📚 What to Expect in the Programme

The Access to AHSSL programme is a student-centred experience that supports your learning journey every step of the way.

You will experience a range of teaching approaches including group work, case studies, reviews, and in-class discussions in supportive medium 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

You’ll also get the chance to sample university lectures and make well-informed decisions about your CAO application and degree choices.

🎯 Pathway to a UCD Degree

Complete the programme with a GPA of 2.6 or higher, and you can apply for a guaranteed minimum number of places on these UCD degrees:

Where there are more qualified applicants (GPA > 2.6) than available places, offers will be made in order of highest GPA.

🎯 Ready to Get Started?

Explore your potential. Build your future. Take your first step toward university.

👉 Find Out More Below & Apply to Start in September 2025
Applications for the 2025/26 academic year will open soon — please check this page regularly for updates.

👉 Download Access Criteria & Forms
Get everything you need to apply:

👉 Contact Us for Support
Have questions? We're here to help — email us at (opens in a new window)all@ucd.ie 



Age Requirement: 

  • University Access Young Adult applicants (You are 21 or under on January 1st of the year you apply and must meet the stated (opens in a new window)access criteria)
  • University Access Mature applicants (You are 22 or over on January 1st of the year you apply) 

English Language Requirement

  • Applicants who do not have English as their first language must satisfy UCD’s English Language requirements. A score of 6.5 in an IELTS or equivalent exam is required. Please find full details on UCD’s Minimum English Language requirements as well as a list of acceptable qualifications on this webpage
  • If you do not have this formal qualification and want further information on the assessment options listed, please contact (opens in a new window)all@ucd.ie 

There are no other formal entry requirements but applicants must 

  • Be able to demonstrate a readiness to pursue third level programmes and a level of learning ability suitable to do so.
  • Share life experience and any formal or informal learning undertaken. Provide as much information as you think is relevant on the application form and please include all educational history. 
  • Attend an informal interview and complete a short written assessment on the day. In the written assessment applicants must demonstrate engagement and interest in their response to the question. 

It is also important to note that applicants who already hold a higher education qualification (level 7 or above) are not eligible to apply. 

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. We will open for the 2025/26 academic year shortly. (Please check the website for updates)

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. In the written assessment we want you to demonstrate engagement and interest in your response to the question. 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.

Classes are timetable during the day and in the evening. 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:

Image of the UCD AHSSL Course Structure

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

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.

Students typically apply for their degree of choice while in their University Access year, and progress from the part-time programme into their degree programme. Some may defer that place for no more than 1 year.

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

If you are applying as a Young Adult and meet the required (opens in a new window)access criteria - you will be eligible for a fee reduction. In 2024-25 this reduced fees from €890 to €445.

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. 

Scholarships:

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

Bursaries:

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

Please Note: There is no (opens in a new window)SUSI funding for University Access Programmes. 

While studying on UCD's University Access Programme, support and guidance will be offered  by the University Access Programme Support Officer. 

As a UCD student you will have access to UCD's wide range of Student Support Services and campus facilities.