Gaining entry into agricultural science in UCD doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get 455 points in the Leaving Cert, there is another way – and you can thank the Adult Education Centre in UCD for that.

They provide a Level Six Access to Science and Engineering Certificate in Foundation Level Studies course which prepares those over the age of 22 (who may not have the formal qualifications) for study at third level, particularly in the areas of science, engineering, agricultural science and health and safety.

Upon completing the course, entry is guaranteed into an undergraduate programme in these related areas to students who meet the assessment criteria, are eligible to apply on grounds of mature years, and who follow appropriate application procedures through the CAO. Applications are being accepted now for the course and should be submitted before 20 August.

The course aims to give students the confidence and skills they will need to engage in an undergraduate course. It will also introduce them to the methods of study, writing and research required for participation at third level.

Classes take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

There are no formal educational entry requirements for entry onto this course. Instead, candidates are required to complete an application form where they will have the opportunity to detail their educational qualifications, if any, their experience and strengths.

Applicants will be invited to attend a lecture on 27 August this year, after which they will submit a written summary.

They will then be selected for interview, which will take place that afternoon and on 29 August.

A diagnostic test for maths follows the interview. To help prepare for the maths test, students can attend a specially-designed maths workshop on the evenings of 25 to 26 August.

Fees for this course are €1,800.

Law

There is also an opportunity for students to gain a place on many of the UCD law courses through the Access programme.

Those who complete the Level Six Access to Arts and Human Sciences Certificate in Foundation Level Studies are guaranteed entry into law (or law with history/politics/philosophy/social justice/economics), social sciences or arts (full or part-time).

The Access to Arts and Human Sciences Certificate consists of four parts: study skills/writing skills, education guidance tutorials, IT skills and academic subjects (the academic subjects available include English literature, history, sociology, archaeology and politics).

Tutorial support is given on all aspects of the course, particularly on essay writing, assignments and written exams.

Students who have completed the course are guaranteed an offer of a place once they meet the same criteria as outlined for the science and engineering courses, as well as obtaining an average mark in excess of 60% in the overall course assessment.

Candidates are required to complete an application form and attend an interview. They will also be assessed on a sample of written work.

Interviews are typically scheduled during July and August by arrangement. Fees for this course are €850.

Additional information

• Students who are registered as unemployed and/or in receipt of one of the following payments: Jobseekers’ Benefit, Jobseekers’ Allowance, One-Parent Family Allowance or Disability Benefit may qualify for UCD Adult Education Access Programme 2014-2015 Fees Scholarship Programme.

• All applicants must be over the age of 22 on 1 January 2014.

• An 80% minimum attendance is required.

• For more information, contact the course co-ordinator, Thomond Coogan, on thomond.coogan@ucd.ie.

• Application forms can be downloaded from the UCD Adult Education Centre website and prospective students should complete and submit this application form directly to the UCD Adult Education Centre.