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Access Service

Preparing for the Transition to College

Starting college—or returning to education after time away—can feel like a big step. At DCU Access, we’re here to make that transition smoother and more empowering for everyone.

Our community programmes are designed to support individuals from under-represented groups who are considering re-entering education. Whether you're exploring new opportunities yourself or working with learners who are, we’re here to help.

 

Students attending Changemakers
DCU Discovery

DCU Discovery: Your Leadership, Your Education

DCU Discovery is a leadership programme designed to ignite transformation through experiential and participatory learning. The programme brings together students, mentors, and community partners in a collaborative journey of leadership and personal growth.

Programme content

The content of the main programme can be broken down into three elements:

  1. Facilitating personal growth by helping participants build confidence and self-belief.
  2. Exploring concepts of power, leadership & change and how they can grow as leaders for change in their life.
  3. Investigating further & higher education opportunities for participants.

If your organisation is interested in running the programme, we’d love to hear from you! You can express your interest in participating in our introductory workshop HERE.

📩 Alternatively, please contact: laurence.vanderhaegen@dcu.ie

 

Students participating in Headstart session
Headstart in the Community

Headstart: Your Pathway Back to Education

Headstart is a free, 10-week programme designed for adults who are considering a return to education. 

Delivered in Partnership With:

  • DCU Access Service
  • DCU in the Community
  • Whitehall College of Further Education
  • Ballymun Adult Education Service (Dublin ETB)

Why Join Headstart?

  • Boost your confidence and prepare for your next educational move
  • Identify your skills, strengths, and goals
  • Learn about opportunities and supports for returning to education
  • Enjoy interactive classes including:
    • Guidance Counsellor sessions
    • Campus tours of a College of Further Education and DCU
  • No exams, no pressure—just supportive learning tailored to you

 

🗓️ Applications open in September 2025

Students giving a talk on their student experience
Supporting Prospective Learners

At DCU Access, we are committed to promoting inclusion and diversity in education

for under-represented groups.  

Who Are Under-Represented Groups?

We support individuals who may face barriers to accessing higher education, including:

  • Students from low-income families
  • Students from socio-economically disadvantaged areas
  • First-time mature students
  • Second-chance mature students (those who previously accessed higher education but did not complete a course)
  • Students progressing from Further Education Colleges
  • Students with disabilities
  • Members of Irish Traveller or Roma communities
  • Migrants, refugees, or those with experience of the international protection system

How do we support you?

Our team of Outreach officers encourages and supports under-represented groups and individuals (over 16 and no longer in school) who plan to access a programme of study at DCU but are unsure of the process or their ability to do so. 

We do this in the following ways:

  • Answering individual queries
  • Partnering with community, voluntary, and statutory organisations to deliver tailored programmes
  • Referrals to guidance counsellors, where appropriate

Every learner’s path is unique. So if you have questions about applying to college, funding options, or discovering the range of supports available, we’re here to help guide your journey.

Get in Touch:

Reach out to us today by emailing us at maturestudents@dcu.ie