Frequently Asked Questions

An access course may suit you if:

• You do not meet existing entry requirements to university.
• You would like to ‘test the water’ and see what you make of the university environment.
• You want to build study skills and confidence before taking the step into a degree.
• You already qualify for university but are not ready to commit just yet.

Age requirement:

• Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences & Law - Mature Students & Young Adults can apply
• Access to Science, Engineering, Agricultural Science, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine - Mature applicants only 

Mature Applicants are aged 22 years or over on January 1st of the year they apply
Young Adults are aged 21 years or younger on January 1st of the year they apply must meet the required(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)Access Criteria.

There is no upper age limit!

There are no formal educational entry requirements. You can apply using prior educational qualifications or life experience. Evidence of recent prior learning is most relevant in an application, while ability in Maths, and prior learning in at least one of the Science subjects, are important for SEAM+.

There is no upper age limit. Former students have found that the age-mix helps create an atmosphere which lends itself to sharing information and pooling resources.

It is desirable though not essential. You are not required to have formal qualifications, and you will be given the opportunity to make a personal statement outlining your life experience and abilities.

Part-time. AHSSL classes are offered in such a way that students may attend either morning or evening. Students register to six modules over the academic year. SEAM+ classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and on Saturday mornings.

The academic year for both Access courses follows the same term timetable as the rest of UCD. View the 2025/26 academic calendar. 

Module options may change on the AHSSL course from one year to the next. No matter what modules are on offer, bear in mind that the acquiring of learning skills and the process itself are the key objectives of AHSSL. The modules in SEAM+ do not change.

Details of all modules can be found on the relevant course webpage, under "Course Structure"

On completion of your Access course, your chances of being accepted are very high. You will need to achieve the require Grade Point Average (GPA) in assessment to be guaranteed entry to degree courses offering progression in UCD.

The programme coordinator, Therese Fitzgerald, will be able to assist you if you have any further questions. You can email her directly at (opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)therese.fitzgerald@ucd.ie.