Access to Arts Humanities Social Sciences & Law AHSSL
This is the oldest access course in Ireland and is designed to prepare learners for successful study at university.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 6 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 6 NFQ) | Special Purpose | National University of Ireland | Level 6 NFQ |
Entry Requirements
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 on the programme application form OR at the below links:
Access Eligibility Criteria
Access Eligibility Form (For applicants that were 21 or under on January 1st, 2024)
Please review the AHSSL Young Adult Application Guidebook for further assistance
https://www.ucd.ie/all/cometoucd/applying/universityaccesscourses/accesstoartshumanitiessocialsciencesandlawahssl/
Careers / Further progression
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
BA Arts (CAO number DN520)
BA Humanities (CAO number DN530)
BSc Social Sciences (CAO number DN700)
BSocSc Social Policy and Sociology (CAO number DN750)
BCL Law (CAO number DN600)
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 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.
Further information
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.
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 open
Mature Student applications (If you were 22 or over on January 1st 2024)
Young Adult application (If you were 21 or under on January 1st, 2024)
*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:
Access Eligibility Criteria
Access Eligibility Form (For applicants that were 21 or under on January 1st, 2024)
Please review the AHSSL Young Adult Application Guidebook for further assistance
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.
Access students take six modules (classes) during the academic year, three per trimester, including these three mandatory 'Core' Modules:
First Steps - Introduction to Higher Education
Digital Literacy
Applied Academic Writing
and any three of the following 'Option' Modules:
Introduction to Archaeology
Reading English Literature
Making History
Introduction to Law in Ireland
Introducing our Social Worlds
Classes are scheduled both during the day and in the evening. It is possible to mix day and evening classes if you wish. For further information on these modules, including what and how you will learn, please click on the title. Timetables can be subject to change.