UCD's Open Learning Pathway - New Flexible Entry Route for Progression to Undergraduate Degree

Open Learning for school leavers means you can fit university around your life. Whether you are a student that the leaving cert didn’t suit but you want to go to college or you are wondering if university is for you. Open Learning fits around your schedule and gives you all the benefits of being a full-time student, without the full-time commitment.

Open Learning allows you to select the modules you wish to study, set the pace of your study, and whether you undertake the module assessment. It also can lead to undergraduate degree entry in UCD if you are taking the Certificate in Open Learning (30 credits) or if you are a Mature Student you can take one module (5 credits) in lieu of the MSAP exam. 

Open Learning is for you if you:

• Need a more flexible study schedule
• Don’t yet qualify for entry to an undergraduate degree
• Want to get a feel for academic life before starting a full degree
• Are interested in one or more of the module topics available and want to learn more from experts in that field

How Does it Work?

With over 300 modules (courses) to choose from as an Open Learner, there is something to suit everyone's interest. All of the modules are at undergraduate level, so it’s a chance to join classes with full-time degree students while learning at your own pace.

Entry Requirements

There are no entry requirements for Open Learners - Anyone is welcome to sign-up for a module. You can take as few or as many modules as you want, whatever best suits your own schedule, but we recommend three per semester at most.

Although there are no formal entry criteria, students are expected to meaningfully engage during their studies, attend lectures, manage their own learning, interact with the academic resources, present their ideas in class alongside peers, and take part in other teaching and learning activities, required by each programme

As an Open Learner, you are a fully registered UCD student, will have a student card, and have access to all of the facilities and supports available to other UCD students.

Certification and Progression

Open Learners who successfully complete 30 credits (6 modules) will be awarded an NFQ Level 7 Certificate in Open Learning and can progress onto 12 degree programmes across UCD's academic schools. 

How to Apply

To get started, you need to first complete and submit an online pre-registration form here.

Fees and Financial Support

The fee for Open Learning is €375 per audit module or €500 per credit module. Please note that a small number of modules are 10 credits, which will incur a higher fee. 

Scholarship and Financial Support

You may be eligible to apply for a PATH Open Learning Scholarship. Further information and eligibility criteria are outlined on the PATH Open Learning Scholarship webpage.

Alternatively, support may also be available to you through the Sanctuary Programme or the Part-Time Student Support Fund.

Click here for full details on the Open Learning Pathway.