Learning Opportunities DCU 2026
There are two learning programmes to choose from :
Programme 2 Registration Opens Monday 14th September at 10.00am
The Love of Lifelong Learning Programme begins the week starting early October (start dates vary by course) and offers a vibrant mix of customised 8-week modules designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.
Whether you want to learn a new skill, explore a fresh interest, or simply enjoy the joy of learning, these modules are designed to ignite your passion and enrich your life.
With prices ranging from €90–€160, you can explore a wide variety of subjects in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Psychology NOW FULL
Venue: Nursing Building, Glasnevin Campus, Room HG09
Time: 2-4 pm starting Monday 5th October.
Description:
Ever wonder what truly drives us? This fascinating lecture series unpacks the science of the human mind. Each week, a new expert will explore a different corner of our world—from the psychology of happiness and relationships to the secrets behind our financial choices. This is a dynamic exploration of why we think, feel, and act the way we do. All you need is a curious mind.
Register here: Psychology Lectures
Introduction to Opera
Tutor: Led by mezzo-soprano Leanne Fitzgerald
Venues : HG17 Nursing Building
Time: Monday 28th September from 15.00-17.00pm
Course Description
What is Opera? Discover the beauty and magic of this 400-year-old collaborative artform combining music, theatre, literature, dance and visual art. This 8-week interactive course explores the development of opera from Renaissance Italy to the 20th century Germany through listening, group discussion and attending an opera. Participants will be introduced to the key composers of the genre and get to know some of the most well-known operas in the repertoire which is still performed today. No prior knowledge of opera or musical literacy is required.
Each session includes:
● Guided listening (audio/video)
● Group discussion and reflection
● Insights into opera production
Week 1 – What is Opera?
Birth of opera in Renaissance Italy
Key Composers and Repertoire
● Dafne – Jacopo Peri
● L’Orfeo – Claudio Monteverdi
Week 2 – Is Opera Italian?
Baroque opera and its characteristics
Key Composers and Repertoire
● Dido and Aeneas – Henry Purcell
● Alcina – George F. Handel
Week 3 – Is Opera Classical Music?
Classical opera and its characteristics
Key Composers and Repertoire
● Orfeo ed Euridice – Christoph W. Gluck
● The Marriage of Figaro – Wolfgang A. Mozart
Week 4 – Is Opera Funny?
Opera buffa and opera seria, and 19th century bel canto
Key Composers and Repertoire
● Don Giovanni – Wolfgang A. Mozart
● The Barber of Seville – Gioachino Rossini
Week 5 – Is Opera Beautiful Singing?
Bel Canto Style
Key Composers and Repertoire
● L'elisir d'amore – Gaetano Donizetti
● Norma – Vincenzo Bellini
Week 6 – Is Opera Representative of Real Life?
The development of verismo opera
Key Composers and Repertoire
● La Traviata – Giuseppe Verdi
● La Boheme – Giachomo Puccini
Week 7 – Carmen
A deep dive into the score of Carmen and it's production ahead of seeing the performance by Irish National Opera
Key Composers and Repertoire
● Carmen – Georges Bizet
Week 8 – Is Opera Epic?
German 20th century opera
Key Composers and Repertoire
● Salome - Richard Strauss
● Tristan und Isolde - Richard Wagner
Register here: Introduction to Opera
GENIUS AT WORK - THE OPERAS OF WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Tutor: John McKeown
Venue : Henry Grattan Building CG02
Time: 11am - 13pm October 1st
Description:
GENIUS AT WORK - THE OPERAS OF WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART.
Session 1
01 October
The child prodigy
Travels in Europe
The early operas/IDOMENEO
Session 2
08 October
DIE ENTFÜHRUNG AUS DEM SERAIL
Session 3
15 October
LE NOZZE DI FIGARO
Session 4
22 October
DON GIOVANNI
Session 5
29 October
Bizet’s CARMEN (in preparation for seeing INO production on 4 November
Session 6
05 October
CARMEN post-show analysis
COSI FAN TUTTE
Session 7
12 October
DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE
Session 8
19 October
LA CLEMENZA DI TITO
REQUIEM (although not an opera, we will certainly discuss one of his most searing and consequential works)
Legacy & everlasting presence in our world.
Register here: GENIUS AT WORK - THE OPERAS OF WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART
Art Appreciation (Tuesday) NOW FULL
Tutor: Aoife Convery
Venue: All Hallows Campus - Room PG11 - Purcell House
Time: 10.00-12.00 pm starting Tuesday 29th September
Description:
'Exploring the world of art, celebrating some of the unsung heroes of the past few centuries. This course will take a look at both well known artists and those who have existed outside of the established institutions. Together we will examine artists and movements in history that shaped the visual world and created amazing beautiful art as a result; and discover how art has been used to impact humanity beyond purely aesthetics.'
Register here: Tuesday Art Appreciation
Art Appreciation (Wednesday) NOW FULL
Tutor: Aoife Convery
Venue: All Hallows Campus Room PG09 - Purcell House
Time: 2-4 pm starting Wednesday 30th September
Description:
'Exploring the world of art, celebrating some of the unsung heroes of the past few centuries. This course will take a look at both well known artists and those who have existed outside of the established institutions. Together we will examine artists and movements in history that shaped the visual world and created amazing beautiful art as a result; and discover how art has been used to impact humanity beyond purely aesthetics.'
Register here: Wednesday Art Appreciation
Creative Writing
Tutor: Claire Hennessy
Venue : All Hallows Campus, Room SG11
Time: 2-4 pm, Wednesday September 30th
Description:
- Is your mind brimming with ideas for stories that are waiting to be written down? If so, this exciting course is for you.
- Over the space of four weeks, you will learn about what goes into writing fiction and non-fiction and engage in fun writing exercises that will prepare you for your journey as a creative writer.
- Each week will be dedicated to a different aspect of creative writing, including structure/style, plot, scene-setting, themes, voice, characterisation, dialogue, and conclusions.
- You will also read short excerpts from and examples of published work that illustrate the literary techniques explored each week, and learn how to read 'as a writer.
- Designed for beginner to intermediate writers, this course will broaden your knowledge of creative writing and provide you with the narrative tools needed to start writing stories of your own.
Register here: Creative Writing
Advanced Creative Writing
Tutor: Claire Hennessy
Venue : All Hallows Campus, Room PG10
Time: 2-4 pm, Thursday 1st October 2026.
Description:
-Each week will explore a deeper dive in to aspects of creative writing, including structure/style, plot, scene-setting, themes, voice, characterisation, dialogue, and conclusions.
- You will also read short excerpts from and examples of published work that illustrate the literary techniques explored each week, and learn how to read 'as a writer.
- Designed for intermediate - advanced, this course will build on your existing knowledge of creative writing and provide you with the tools needed to advance work of your own
Register here: Advanced Creative Wrting
Songs of Ourselves
Tutor: Dr. Seán Doherty
Venue : Purcell House, All Hallows Campus, Room PG11
Time: Wednesdays, 2–4 pm, starting 30th September
Description:
Irish folk songs are more than just tunes—they are our shared history, our memories, and our heart. In this unique course, we’ll explore how ballads have shaped Irish identity and served as a powerful source of comfort and connection. With plenty of room for listening, singing, storytelling, and sharing, this is a chance to connect with our musical heritage and with each other.
Register here: Songs of Ourselves
Painting with Mary NOW FULL
Course title: Painting class
Tutor: Mary McCarthy
Venue: St. Patrick’s College, Room FG24
Time: Starting Monday 28th September from 6–8.30 pm
Register here: Painting with Mary
Description:
The 8-week course is suitable for beginners and improvers. Painting in oil colours with brush and palette knife, the course will begin with practicing mark-making with charcoal, understanding colour through the colour wheel, mixing a limited palette. Further classes will elaborate on composition, perspective, light and shade, texture, landscape, seascape, skyscapes.
You will begin by producing some small paintings and work up to your masterpiece. It will be a fun and enjoyable experience in a relaxed environment.
Lower Intermediate Spanish (A2) NOW FULL
Tutor: Richard Lalor
Venue: Senior House All Hallows Campus, Room SG14
Time: Monday 28th September 11.00-13.00pm
Book: Pasos 1
Description:
Ready to move beyond the basics? This course is designed to turn your foundational knowledge into fluid conversation. Through interactive activities and real-world scenarios, you’ll deepen your grammar, expand your vocabulary, and start expressing yourself with greater ease. The perfect next step for learners who want to truly connect.
Register here: Lower Intermediate Level
Intermediate Spanish (B1)
Tutor: Richard Lalor
Venue: Senior House All Hallows Campus, Room SG05
Time: Tuesday 29th September 11.00-13.00pm
Book: Pasos 2.
Description:
Take your Spanish from proficient to polished. This dynamic class is for confident speakers ready to tackle the finer points of the language. We’ll dive into nuanced discussions, complex grammar, and cultural idioms to help you speak with fluency and authenticity. A challenging and rewarding experience for the advanced learner.
Register here: Intermediate Level Spanish
Beginners Spanish (A1) (Total Beginners)
Tutor: Richard Lalor
Venue: Senior House All Hallows Campus, Room SG14
Time: Wednesday 30th September 11.00-13.00pm
Book: Pasos 1
Description: "Spanish for Beginners and Improvers is a dynamic and engaging class designed for those new to the language as well as learners looking to enhance their basic skills. This course covers essential vocabulary, grammar, and conversational phrases, with a focus on building confidence in speaking and understanding Spanish in everyday situations. Whether you're starting from scratch or brushing up on your skills, this class provides a supportive environment to help you progress at your own pace."
Register here: Beginners Spanish
Conversational Level Spanish will start mid October and is not open for registration yet.
Once registered, an email will be sent to confirm the details before the modules start.
How to pay:
📞 Call us Monday–Wednesday, 9.30 am–12.30pm on 087 4952547
🏛 Visit the AFU Office in person by appointment
Please note: once a module is booked, we cannot issue refunds.
Grainne Reddy (grainne.reddy@dcu.ie ) will collect payments over the phone (087495 2547) or in person by appointment.
Navigate DCU: To find your way around DCU, use our Campus Explorer.
Parking Info: It is essential to purchase a parking permit for DCU St. Past and DCU All Hallows. The permit is €2. Parking on the DCU Glasnevin Campus is the Helix mutistory Carpark. Please visit the Parking Info for information.
Programme 1 - Audit Modules
Please note that we cannot offer refunds once a module has been booked.
Audit Modules for Semester 1 (September - November) starting September 2026. Timetable is available here: timetable-semester-1-september-2026.pdf
If you’ve ever wanted to experience university life without committing to a full four-year degree, why not dip your toes in with a single module from our exciting selection?
These modules are part of our undergraduate programmes, but with a twist – there are no entry requirements, no assignments, and no exams. It’s all about the joy of learning.
When you enrol, you’ll receive a DCU student card, your very own DCU email address, and a Certificate of Participation to mark your achievement.
The cost is just €125 for an 8-week programme (2 hours per week) – an accessible way to explore new ideas, meet like-minded learners, and be part of the DCU community.
| Module Owner | Code | CRN | Module Title |
| BIOTECHNOLOGY | BIO1000 | 10135 | How life works 1 |
| BIOTECHNOLOGY | BIO1014 | 10154 | Environmental Toxicology |
| BIOTECHNOLOGY | BTE1016 | 10151 | Biopharmaceutical & Immunological Analysis |
| BIOTECHNOLOGY | PHS1000 | 10135 | Introduction to Physiological Systems |
| BIOTECHNOLOGY | STA1003 | 11535 | Statistics |
| HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY | GEO1008 | 10712 | Introduction to Human Geography |
| HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY | GEO1027 | 10721 | Historical Geography |
| HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY | GEO1023 | 10718 | Hazardous Earth |
| HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY | GEO1040 | 11981 | Contemporary Urban Geographies |
| HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY | GEO1035 | 11973 | Migration and Diaspora |
| HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY | HIS1041 | 10770 | Witchhunting in Early Modern Europe |
| HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY | HIS1049 | 10774 | Postwar Europe |
| HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY | HIS1080 | 21379 | Global History Introduction |
| HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY | HIS1089 | 12194 | The Viking World |
| LAW AND GOVERNMENT | LAW1023 | 10848 | The Law of Contract |
| LAW AND GOVERNMENT | LAW1026 | 10851 | Criminal Law |
| LAW AND GOVERNMENT | POL1013 | 11330 | The Irish Political System |
| LAW AND GOVERNMENT | POL1018 | 11333 | Introduction to International Relations & Security |
| LAW AND GOVERNMENT | POL1029 | 11338 | Conflict, Security & Peace |
| LAW AND GOVERNMENT | POL1046 | 11345 | The Politics of South Asia |
| ENGLISH | LIT1000 | 10065 | Irish Theatre |
| ENGLISH | LIT1002 | 10313 | Gender & Sexuality |
| ENGLISH | LIT1017 | 10890 | Introduction to Fiction: Short Story & Novel |
| ENGLISH | LIT1018 | 10891 | Genre: The Tragedy-Comedy Complex |
| ENGLISH | LIT1023 | 11906 | Shakespeare's World |
| ENGLISH | LIT1024 | 10894 | Romanticism in the Age of Revolutions |
| ENGLISH | LIT1033 | 10897 | Irish Writing |
| ENGLISH | LIT1038 | 10899 | Postmodernism |
| THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND MUSIC | PHE1019 | 11287 | Philosophy: An Historical Introduction |
| THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND MUSIC | PHE1023 | 11288 | Bioethics |
| THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND MUSIC | PHE1025 | 11992 | World Philosophies |
| THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND MUSIC | RET1004 | 11285 | Justice & Peace |
| THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND MUSIC | RET1008 | 11438 | Introduction to Islam |
| THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND MUSIC | RET1041 | 11456 | New Testament: The Gospels |
| THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND MUSIC | RET1045 | 11459 | The God Question & the Problem of Evil |
| THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND MUSIC | RET1048 | 11460 | Theological Anthropology |
| THEOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND MUSIC | RET1050 | 11462 | Ecumenism |
| DCU BUSINESS SCHOOL | ECO1014 | 10352 | Development Economics |
| DCU BUSINESS SCHOOL | FBA1008 | 10650 | Financial Theory |
| DCU BUSINESS SCHOOL | PSY1093 | 11435 | Psychology in Organisations |
| HEATH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE | SPO1006 | 11495 | Introduction to Exercise Science |
| HEATH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE | SPO1028 | 11511 | Exercise Referral & Physical activity Promotion |
| HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | EDU1057 | 10509 | Human Development - Power & Politics |
| HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | HDE1017 | 10448 | Philosophy: Selfhood, Narrative & Recognition |
| HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | ECE1015 | 10326 | Child Development 1 |
| HUMAN DEVELOPMENT | ECE1037 | 10342 | Psychological Perspectives |
| Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health | HEA1027 | 11187 | Public Health Nutrition |
| Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health | NUR1003 | 10745 | Wellbeing across the lifespan 1 |
| Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health | NUR1015 | 11184 | Understanding Intellectual Disability 1 |
| Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health | SOC1010 | 11472 | Sociology, Health & Illness |
| POLICY AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE | EDU1056 | 10508 | Social & Personal Development with Communication Skills |
| SALIS | CUS1021 | 10314 | Ireland, Sex & Text |
| COMMUNICATIONS | MCO1019 | 10985 | History & Structure of the Media |
| COMMUNICATIONS | MCO1020 | 10939 | Introduction to Communication Studies |
| COMMUNICATIONS | MCO1022 | 10988 | Introduction to Media Literacy |
| COMMUNICATIONS | MCO1024 | 10942 | Sport, Media & Society |
| COMMUNICATIONS | MCO1028 | 10945 | Digital Media & Society |
| COMMUNICATIONS | MCO1038 | 10953 | Understanding Social Media |
| COMMUNICATIONS | MCO1066 | 10967 | Social Media, Journalism & Democracy |
Registration Form here: registration-form-semester-1-2026.docx
Programme 2 Registration Opens Monday 14th September at 10.00am
The Love of Lifelong Learning Programme begins the week starting early October (start dates vary by course) and offers a vibrant mix of customised 8-week modules designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and personal growth.
Whether you want to learn a new skill, explore a fresh interest, or simply enjoy the joy of learning, these modules are designed to ignite your passion and enrich your life.
With prices ranging from €90–€160, you can explore a wide variety of subjects in a friendly, welcoming environment.
This semester’s line-up includes:
Creative Writing
Psychology
Art Apprecation
Painting
Spanish
Opera
Once registered, an email will be sent to confirm the details before the modules start.
How to pay:
📞 Call us Monday–Wednesday, 9.30 am–12.30pm on 087 4952547
🏛 Visit the AFU Office in person by appointment
Please note: once a module is booked, we cannot issue refunds.
Grainne Reddy (grainne.reddy@dcu.ie ) will collect payments over the phone (087495 2547) or in person by appointment.
Navigate DCU: To find your way around DCU, use our Campus Explorer.
Parking Info: It is essential to purchase a parking permit for DCU St. Past and DCU All Hallows. The permit is €2. Parking on the DCU Glasnevin Campus is the Helix mutistory Carpark. Please visit the Parking Info for information.