Access to Arts Humanities Social Sciences & Law AHSSL
This is the oldest access course in Ireland and is designed to prepare matures 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
Anyone aged 22 or more on January 1st of their year of entry to UCD Access may apply for the course. This is so that you will meet the age requirement of being at least 23 on January 1st when starting an undergraduate degree. There is no upper age limit.
There are no formal educational entry requirements to the Access course. What we need to know about you is your life experience and any formal or informal learning you have undertaken previously. Give us as much information as you think relevant.
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 €850 for the 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. This will reduce your fee from €850 to €425.
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.
https://www.ucd.ie/all/cometoucd/scholarshipsandfinancialsupport/
Applications are made online, directly to UCD. (Please note that there is no application fee for the Access course)
Once you have submitted an online application you will be invited to come and meet with us for a brief, 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.
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.
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)
BSc Criminology with Psychology (CAO Number DN620)
Where there are more qualified applicants (i.e., students with a GPA greater than 2.6) than there are places, the allocation will be made by highest GPAs.
Our programme is student-centred and will offer you support and guidance throughout your Access year. You will experience a range of teaching approaches including group work, case studies, reviews, and in-class discussions in supportive large 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.
During your Access year, you will have the opportunity to sample lectures and make informed choices about your CAO application and next steps.
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 course webpage below.