DCU is committed to widening access to higher education, this includes enhancing the lives of older members of the community through innovative educational,  health and wellness programmes, arts and cultural activities.

Despite being a  “young” university, it is not unusual to see older people on campus in DCU. Public lectures and events are held on an ongoing basis whilst credit bearing modules provide a flexible learning option to encourage mature learners to consider a university course to retrain or upskill at a flexible pace. The increased demand for the fitness programme  Active for Life programme aimed at older people demonstrates DCU’s commitment to support active and healthy ageing.

The Age Friendly University Initiative is developing and expanding, below are examples of opportunities and activities open to older adults at DCU

Opportunities 2019/20

For those considering a course of study to experience university without committing to a four-year programme it is possible to undertake a single credit bearing module from a selection we offer. 

These modules are from the undergraduate programmes and there are no entry requirements for mature applicants. Each module is worth 5 credits and can be completed in a single semester.  Modules can be undertaken in two ways: on a credit-bearing basis which requires participants to undertake assignments and exams.  This option is €500 and includes access to DCU support services (other than medical) and facilities.  Credits earned can contribute to an undergraduate award.

The second option costs €100, there is no requirement to undertake assignments and you will sit in with the class and take part in class dicussion and the lecture without the need to undergo tests or assignments..

The upcoming semester (Semester 1) runs from September to December 2019 and modules will take place on our DCU Glasnevin, All Hallows and St. Patrick’s campus during the day. 

Love of Life Long Learning (LoLLL)

We will be offering a range of customised modules under our Love of Life Long Learning Programme.  These modules will commence in early-October and will include our popular Geneaology,  Life Writing modules and computer modules. These modules are €60.00 each for an 8-week programme.

Our free computer classes offered in partnership with Third Age Ireland will commence in late September.  For more information on this programme please contact Third Age Ireland at 046-9557766. 

DCU in the Community

Based in Ballymun, DCU in the Community is an outreach centre which acts as a bridge between the university and its local community. Its mission is to provide educational opportunities to people, including older adults, in North Dublin in order to widen access to those who have not previously had the opportunity to attend university and to promote equality in third level education. Since 2011,  DCU in the Community has hosted a Summer School providing a wide variety of workshops and courses to the community. In addition to courses in Psychology and Digital Media  DCU in the Community offer the  “Bridge to Education”   course aimed at mature students who wish to prepare to return to further education.

For more information please visit the DCU in the Community Web site or call 01 700 8800.

Health and Wellness Programmes

Active for Life 

Active for life is an exercise programme, run by DCU Sport, to help older adults achieve optimal health, fitness, and a quality of life. These classes are designed to help improve muscle tone, strength and flexibility in a group setting. For more information please visit the Active for Life web page

DCU Connected

DCU Connectedn provides adults from through out Ireland with flexible access to third level education.Thousands of students of all age ranges have graduated with Dublin City University degrees through DCU Connected in that time. DCU Connected mission is to assist our students in achieving their educational goals without the need to attend regular campus-based classes. As an Open Education student, you can study in your own time, at your own pace and whatever place is convenient to you. As DCU’s Connected courses consist of a series of individual modules, you can tailor your study workload to the time you have available and build up credits towards your degree over time. Connected undergraduate courses are open to anyone. Also, if you are over 23, you do not need a Leaving Certificate-several of our graduates have been in their 80s.

For more information visit  DCU Connected 

Other Programmes in DCU

The School of Theology, Philosophy and Music offer a variety of programmes of interest some of which are on a part time basis.