Access and foundation programmes

Access and foundation programmes are one year, Level 6 courses that are intended to prepare you for college life and learning. If you are worried about going straight from a Level 5 to a Level 7 or 8, if you feel like you would benefit from learning how to learn at university level, or if you are looking for another route into university, an access or foundation programme could be an option for you. These programmes are often targeted at students who have experienced economic or educational disadvantage, so make sure to check the entry requirements before applying.

Not every university offers an access or foundation year, and for those that do, their programmes are all quite different. It is important to do your research and see which programme might be the best fit for what you need.

You apply to access and foundation programmes directly through each university's website rather than through the CAO. Give yourself time to complete the form; you will be telling the university a bit about yourself and your background, but also writing a short piece about your interest in the programme that you are applying for. Each programme has a different opening and closing date, so it is important to check these early on and make a note of any deadlines coming up.

Trinity Access Programme

The Trinity Access Programme is a one year, Level 6 programme intended to offer students a good foundation in university-style learning. They have a programme for young adults and for mature students.

You can choose between two areas of study: arts and social science or science. Mandatory modules include Study Skills, Educational Guidance and Information Technology.

Students then choose from English, History, Philosophy, Law, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Business, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science. Check the link above for more details.

UCD Access Programmes

UCD Access Programmes are year-long part-time courses, that are divided into two areas of study, the humanities and the sciences.

The Access to Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Law (AHSSL) programme offers a number of core and optional modules, and if you achieve the required grades, you may be eligible to progress on to one of seven degree programmes.

The Access to Science, Engineering, Ag Science, Medicine, and Vet Medicine (SEAM+) programme works in a similar way, but with an emphasis on the sciences instead.

Like the Trinity Access Programme, UCD Access offers both young adult and mature applicant routes.

TU Dublin Access Foundation Programme

The TU Dublin Access Foundation Programme is based on their Aungier Street campus and offers a wider subject choice than TCD and UCD. If you are concerned about subject choice, this could be an option for you.

Students take six compulsory modules and two optional modules each semester, and like UCD and TCD, may be eligible to progress on to a degree programme if they are successful in their foundation year and meet the entry requirements.

Maynooth University Turn to Teaching

The Maynooth University Turn to Teaching programme is a one year Level 6 programme for people who are interested in becoming primary school teachers, but who may not be eligible to apply via the established Leaving Cert. routes.

Students study five modules, including English, Maths, Irish, Think about Teaching and Introduction to University, with a view to progressing on to the Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme at Maynooth University should they satisfy the entry requirements.

Please note that the programme is not running for the 2025-26 academic year; please check the link above for 2026-27 applicants.

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