Explore UCD

UCD Home >

AHSSL Mature Applicants

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

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

APPLY NOW to start in September 2025.

Scroll to the bottom of the webpage and click on the yellow 'Apply' button to start your application. Please refer to the How to Apply: Step by Step Guide to assist you in completing the application. 

The closing date for mature applicant applications to AHSSL for the 2025/26 academic year is the 20th of August. Late applications may be considered. 

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.

Mature Applicant

If you're 22 years of age or older on 1st January of the year you apply, you apply to the AHSSL programme as a mature applicant. 

📚 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

If you finish the programme with a GPA of 2.6 or higher , you’ll have the chance to apply for a set number of guaranteed places on the below 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 NOW to Start in September 2025
Scroll to the bottom of the webpage and click on the yellow 'Apply' button to start your applicaton. Please use this  How to Apply: Step by Step Guide to assist you in completing the application. 

👉 Need Support or Have Questions?
We’re here to help — email us at (opens in a new window)all@ucd.ie 

Age Requirement: 

  • University Access Mature applicants (You are 22 or over on January 1st of the year you apply) 
  • 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)

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 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 for the 2025-26 academic year are now open - APPLY NOW to start in September 2025.

Scroll to the bottom of the webpage and click on the yellow 'Apply' button to start your applicaton. Please use this  How to Apply: Step by Step Guide to assist you in completing the application. 

Please note that there is no application fee for the Access course. 

The closing date for mature applicant applications to AHSSL for the 2025/26 academic year is the 20th of August. Late applications may be considered. 

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 timetabled 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

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.

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 is €890 for the 2025-26 academic year. 

If you are registered as unemployed and/or in receipt of a social welfare payment, you may be eligible for fee support. Please see the Scholarship and Financial Support section. 

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:

  • Cothrom na Feinne Access Programme Fee Reduction Scholarship: 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 reduced fees from €890 to €445.
  • ThinkAgain Scholarship: Think Again is a scholarship for women over the age of 23 from households on a low income. The Think Again scholarship is available to women studying any course in UCD, full-time or part-time, including women studying on an Access Programme. 
  • Sanctuary Programme Scholarship: Scholarship for International Protection (Asylum Seeker), Refugee, Subsidiary Protection, or Leave to Remain (except deportation stage) status and who are not eligible for other state support. Please visit the webpage for more details.

Bursaries:

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

Please Note:

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.