Guidance Counsellors

If you would like UCD to visit your school, please complete our Schools Liaison Form Here. A member of our Schools Liaison team will be in touch. While we aim to visit as many schools as possible each year, the number of visits we can accommodate is limited. Unfortunately, this means we cannot guarantee every request.

If you would like to visit UCD for a school tour, please complete our Schools Liaison Form Here. A member of our Schools Liaison team will be in touch. While we aim to accommodate as many tours as possible each year, the number of visits to campus we can offer is limited. Unfortunately, this means we cannot guarantee every request.

Sixth year students are making final decisions about their undergraduate study and preparing to apply through the (opens in a new window)CAO. Guidance at this stage should support informed course choice, clarify entry requirements, and help students feel confident about progressing to university.

Key areas where where you can can support students include:

• Understanding the (opens in a new window)CAO application process, (opens in a new window)key deadlines, and the (opens in a new window)Change of Mind facility

• Reviewing UCD undergraduate courses and checking specific entry requirements, including required Leaving Certificate subjects and minimum grades

• Exploring alternative entry routes such as HEAR, DARE, PLC pathways, and UCD Access programmes

• Considering points expectations and developing a balanced CAO strategy

• Linking academic interests and strengths with potential career pathways

• Encouraging attendance at UCD open days, information evenings, and virtual events

• Beginning conversations around the transition to university life, including fees, grants, accommodation, and student supports

Students should be encouraged to engage directly with UCD by registering for our event and news alerts.

Suggested resources

• myUCD Course Finder

• UCD Undergraduate Prospectus

• UCD Entry Requirements and (opens in a new window)CAO Information

• HEAR and DARE at UCD

Fifth year is an important stage for exploration and early planning. Students benefit from beginning to research third-level options while keeping their future pathways as open as possible.

Guidance at this stage can support students to:

• Explore interests, strengths, and possible career areas

• Understand how Leaving Certificate subject choices relate to undergraduate course eligibility

• Research UCD courses and subject areas without pressure to make final decisions

• Attend UCD open days, school visits, and virtual talks to gain insight into university study

• Use our (opens in a new window)CAO Decision Tree to help students narrow their course choices

• Develop awareness of the academic expectations and learning styles associated with third-level education

Fifth year should be positioned as a discovery phase, helping students build confidence and knowledge in advance of decision-making in 6th year.

Suggested resources

• UCD Course Finder

• UCD Subject and Entry Requirements

• (opens in a new window)Qualifax (national subject and course requirements)

• (opens in a new window)CAO Decision Tree

Transition Year provides students with time and space to explore their interests, develop key skills, and begin thinking about future education and career options in a supportive environment.

Guidance for Transition Year students can focus on:

• Introducing students to third-level education and how universities such as UCD are structured

• Supporting early awareness of Leaving Certificate subject choices and their importance for future study

• Encouraging participation in career exploration activities, work experience, and subject taster opportunities

• Promoting attendance at UCD campus visits, open days, and online events aimed at younger students

• Helping students reflect on their interests, strengths, and areas they may wish to explore further

• Positioning Transition Year as a foundation year that supports informed choices in 5th and 6th year

Early engagement with higher education during Transition Year can help students make more confident and informed decisions later in senior cycle.

Suggested resources

• UCD Open Days and Campus Visits

• (opens in a new window)Qualifax subject choice resources

• UCD Course Finder

• UCD Subject and Entry Requirements