The Access Foundation Programme (AFP) is a one-year full-time course preparing students, both personally and academically, to pursue undergraduate programmes at TU Dublin. Students are based on the Aungier Street campus.
Graduates from the programme move on to undergraduate courses across a range of disciplines offered at the university, including Science and Health, IT and Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Social Science, Business, Hospitality, Arts and Tourism.
Why was the AFP set up and who is it for?
The programme forms part of TU Dublin’s commitment to extending access to education to people from communities lacking a strong tradition of participation in third-level education. The course is of particular benefit to adults who’ve been out of education for a long time, or who did not complete a Leaving Certificate. In addition, we welcome applications from people whose skills no longer allow them to access the labour market.
Learning outcome/What will you study?
Students take six compulsory modules and two optional modules each semester. Optional modules are chosen from a range of modules in the areas of science, engineering, business, social science, art and computing. Students will develop the skills needed to undertake an undergraduate qualification at TU Dublin, learn how to research and write academic work, and improve their communication and information technology skills.
This programme is designed specifically for applicants who have experienced socio-economic disadvantage and/or educational disadvantage. Each candidate is screened at the short-listing stage to determine eligibility for the programme.
Am I suitable or ready for the programme?
Candidates are assessed for their academic suitability for the programme. The following are considered:
- Educational experience and qualifications. Particular emphasis is paid to educational experiences over the last five years. You should detail all relevant educational experiences including secondary school qualifications, experience of further adult education and training, as well informal education or non-certified courses. Please include a copy of any relevant qualifications or certificates.
- Work and volunteering experience. You should detail your work experience.
- Essay and personal statement. You are required to submit a handwritten essay and personal statement.
- Access Foundation Programme - Candidate Brief 2025/2026
Other Entry Requirements:
- Candidates who already hold a higher education qualification, with no evidence of deterioration in academic ability, are deemed ineligible.
- Those who participate in the programme must have the right to live and study in Ireland. Applicants should either have an Irish/EU passport, a stamp 4 visa or be able to show they are within the International Protection system in Ireland.
Semester 1
- Introduction to Applied Writing [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Communications [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Higher Education 1 [Mandatory]
- Study Skills [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Financial Accounting [Elective]
- Art Portfolio [Elective]
- Introduction to Chemistry [Elective]
- Introduction to Irish History [Elective]
- Engineering Fundamentals - Electronic & Electrical [Elective]
- Introduction to the Humanities [Elective]
- Introduction to Social Science [Elective]
- Information Technology MS Office Applications I [Elective]
- Information Technology – Technical Applications I [Elective]
- Mathematics Fundamental 1 for Access [Elective]
- Mathematics - Intermediate 1 [Elective]
- Mathematics - Advanced 1 [Elective]
- Introduction to Marketing [Elective]
- Fundamental Physics [Elective]
- Human Biology [Elective]
- Computer Science Fundamentals I – Networking Technologies [Elective]
- Introduction to Tourism & Hospitality [Elective]
Semester 2
- Applied Writing 2 [Mandatory]
- Applied Communications [Mandatory]
- Introduction to Higher Education 2 [Mandatory]
- Research Skills [Mandatory]
- Art Portfolio [Elective]
- Cell Biology and Genetics [Elective]
- Applied Chemistry [Elective]
- Introduction to Economics [Elective]
- Applied Social Science [Elective]
- Approaches to Humanities [Elective]
- Information Technology MS Office Applications II [Elective]
- Information Technology – Technical Applications II [Elective]
- Introduction to Management [Elective]
- Mathematics Fundamental 2 for Access [Elective]
- Mathematics - Intermediate 2 [Elective]
- Mathematics - Advanced 2 [Elective]
- Mechanical Engineering [Elective]
- Applied Physics [Elective]
- Computer Science Fundamentals II – Programming [Elective]
- Introduction to Cultural Tourism [Elective]
Students who successfully complete the programme will be offered a place on a suitable undergraduate course at TU Dublin through a facilitated entry process. We offer guidance and support during the year to help students to identify undergraduate options.