Age-Friendly Learning Opportunities at DCU

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

Despite being a “young” university, seeing older people on campus at DCU is not unusual. There are many events and activities held on an ongoing basis that are open to anyone who wishes to join. We open Many possibilities to allow our participants to learn new skills at their own pace. 

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

This semester’s modules are designed to ignite your passion for learning and personal growth. 

Audit Modules Semester 1 September 2025

Choose a single module from a wide selection of undergraduate courses and experience university and campus life as it is today! Timetables will be issued at the beginning of September.

Love of Life Long Learning Programme 2025 Semester 1

The Love of Lifelong Learning Programme starts early October depending on the course. 

This programme offers customised modules on a range of subjects.

These are 8 week modules. The modules start from €90.00 - €160.00.

Payments can be made: Monday to Wednesday 9.30 to 12.30 by phone 01 700 5454

Call in Person to the AFU office Monday - Wednesday 9.30 - 12.30pm.

We cannot provide refunds once a course is booked.

Here is a sample of some of the modules available this semester:

• Creative Writing
• Psychology
• Art Appreciation Class
• Painting Class
• Beginners and Intermediate Spanish
• Opera

This semester’s modules are designed to ignite your passion for learning and personal growth. 

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 siteor call 01 700 8800.

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 on Thursdays and Saturdays.

The increased demand for the fitness programme Active for Life programme aimed at older people demonstrates DCU’s commitment to supporting active and healthy ageing.

These modules are from the undergraduate programmes and there are no entry requirements.  A student card and a DCU student email are issued with these modules which take place over 8 weeks for 2 hours each week. This option costs €120, and a Certificate of Participation is issued at the end of the module.  

To register complete the registration form below, and return it to us in person or by email at afuinfo@dcu.ie, with a copy of your ID and student number if you already have one. Emailed photos of the completed registration form and ID are acceptable.

Here is the registration form, and after registration, you can pay for the course by phone or by appointment in person at the AFU office AG40 on the Glasnevin Campus.

If you have any queries, don't hesitate to contact us at afuinfo@dcu.ie or telephone for assistance