There are two learning programmes to choose from :

Programme 1 - Audit Modules and Programme 2 Love of Lifelong Learning modules (starting Feb 2026)

Programme 1 - Audit Modules: are now closed for registration and will repen in September 2026.

Programme 2

Love of Lifelong Learning (February - April) 2026

The Love of Lifelong Learning Programme begins the week of 9th February (start dates vary by course) – offering a vibrant mix of customised 8-week modules designed to inspire, challenge, and delight.

With prices ranging from €90 to €160, you can explore topics that spark your curiosity and feed your passion for learning.

Each module is crafted to ignite your creativity, expand your horizons, and enrich your personal growth.

How to register:
📞 Call us Monday–Wednesday, 9.30 am–12.30 pm, at  087 495 2547
🏛 Visit the AFU Office in person by appointment during the same hours, located at AG40 on the Glasnevin Campus.

Please note that we cannot offer refunds once a course has been booked.

This semester’s line-up includes:

Creative Writing:

Tutor: Grace Kelley
Venue : All Hallows Campus, Room PG01
Time:  2-4 pm, Wednesday 11th February
Price: €90

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 eight 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 and discuss in detail excerpts from the works of established authors.

- 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.

Psychology

Tutor: Rotating guest lecturers, led by Dr. Louise Hopper
Venue: Nursing Building, Glasnevin Campus, Room HG17
Time:  2-4 pm starting Monday, 9th February.  
Price: €90

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.

Art Appreciation 1 & Art Appreciation 2

Tutor: Aoife Convery
Venue: All Hallows Campus Room PG11
Time:  2-4 pm starting Wednesday, 11th February
Price: €90

Description:

Exploring the world of art, celebrating some of the unsung heroes of the past few centuries. This course will look at artists who have existed outside established institutions, who fought against the status quo and created amazing, beautiful art as a result; artists who pioneered change and made a space for themselves, and who are still working today to create art that reflects our world.

Painting (FULL)

Spanish (FULL) Beginners, Interdmediate and Advanced

Opera 1: VERDI - THE MAN, AND HIS OPERAS

Tutor:  Mr John McKeown, Composer, Director and Singer

Verdi wrote 27 operas.  This module will explore those that have endured, with great critical acclaim, to the present day. This module includes a ticket to the performance of Rusalka (Bord Gais Theatre, March 24th)

Session 1:Tuesday 10 February 

Verdi’s background & early life 

NABUCCO

Session 2: Tuesday 17 February

MACBETH

RIGOLETTO 

Session 3: Tuesday 24 February

IL TROVATORE 

LA TRAVIATA

Session 4:  Tuesday 3 March

UN BALLO IN MASCHERA

LA FORZA DEL DESTINO

Session 5:  Tuesday 10 March

DON CARLO

AIDA

Session 6:  Tuesday 24 March

Dvorak’s RUSALKA, in preparation for INO opera

Session 7:  Tuesday 31 March

Post-show RUSALKA discussion

OTELLO

Session 8:  Tuesday 7 April

FALSTAFF 

Verdi: Final years, death, and legacy 

Opera 2: 

Tutor:  Led by Leanne Fitzgerald, mezzo-soprano  (PhD candidate)
Venue : DCU Business School
Times:  Please note three classes have different times

Monday 9th February 2.00-4.00pm QG04

Monday 16th February 2.00-4.00pm QG04

Monday 23rd February 18.00-20.00 - Room QG02

Monday 2nd March 18.00-20.00 - Room QG02

Monday 9th March 18.00-20.00 - Room QG02

Monday 16th March 2.00-4.00pm QG04

Monday 23rd March 2.00-4.00pm QG04

Monday 30th March 2.00-4.00pm QG04

Price: €100 This module includes a ticket to the performance of Rusalka (Bord Gais Theatre, March 24th)

Description:
What is Opera? Discover the beauty and magic of this 400-year-old artform combining music,
theatre and storytelling. This 8-week interactive course introduces opera through listening,
discussion and attending an opera. Participants will explore opera’s history, styles,
languages, and emotional power, while discovering how opera reflects real life and the role it
plays in 21st-century Ireland.

Each session includes:
● Guided listening (audio/video)
● Group discussion and reflection
● Contextual storytelling (history, drama, characters)
● No prior knowledge of opera or musical literacy required

English: Literary Monsters

Delivered by the School of English DCU

When: Wednesdays, 11.00–1.00
Where: All Hallows Campus
Start date: 14 January
Format: Weekly in-person lectures (Reading Week observed).  There are 11 weeks for this series, three more than the normal 8.  As there is a different lecturer and topic each week, it is possible to join in on the programme. 

Registrations are being accepted up to Feb 4th.

This engaging lecture series explores how “monsters” in literature, film, and culture reflect social fears, moral dilemmas, political tensions, and questions of identity across time. From medieval romance to contemporary fiction and film, the module invites participants to consider why monsters endure and what they reveal about the societies that create them.

Texts and themes range from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Frankenstein to Dracula, Godzilla, A Monster Calls, and contemporary re-tellings, with contributions from a range of DCU scholars.

Registration and Payments

Please send an email to register your interest.

Grainne Reddy (grainne.reddy@dcu.ie ) will collect payments over the phone (087495 2547) or in person by appointment.

An email reconfirming the details before the modules start in the week beginning February 9th.

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

Audit Modules for Semester 2 (January - April) starting January 2026.  Timetable is available here: timetable-for-modules-semester-2-jan-2026_4.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.

Audit Modules Semester 2 2026 9 (Now CLOSED) 

Modules will reopen again for Semester 1 registration in September 2026

AFU Classes – 2026: The Love of Lifelong Learning Programme
 

Welcome to our Age-Friendly University (AFU) classes for 2026! As part of our mission to provide accessible learning to all, we offer a range of flexible, engaging, and thought-provoking courses. Please find the details for each class below, including schedules, pricing, and how to register.

Full Courses – Now Closed for Applications:

• Creative Writing
• Spanish – All Levels (No longer accepting applications)
• Painting with Mary
• Art Appreciation (Tuesday and Wednesday sessions)

Available Places on the Following Courses:

1. Introduction to Opera

• Tutor: Ms. Leeanne Fitzgerald
• 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.
• Course Fee: €90
• Schedule: 8-week course starting the week of 9th February
• Location: Nursing Building, Glasnevin Campus, Room HG17
• Registration Link: Google Form to register

2. Verdi - The Man and His Operas

• Tutor: Mr. John McKeown
• Description: This course explores Verdi’s legacy through his operas, with a visit to Bord Gais for a performance of Rusalka on 24th March.
• Course Fee: €125

• Schedule:

   

  • Session 1: 10th February - Verdi’s background & Nabucco
  • Session 2: 17th February - Macbeth and Rigoletto
  • Session 3: 24th February - Il Trovatore and La Traviata
  • Session 4: 3rd March - Un Ballo in Maschera and La Forza del Destino
  • Session 5: 10th March - Don Carlo and Aida
  • Session 6: 24th March - Dvorak’s Rusalka
  • Session 7: 31st March - Post-show Rusalka discussion and Otello

  • Session 8: 7th April - Falstaff and Verdi’s final years

     

• Location: DCU Glasnevin
• Registration Link: Google Form to register

3. Psychology Lecture Series

• Tutor: Rotating guest lecturers, led by Dr. Louise Hopper
• 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.
• Course Fee: €90
• Schedule: Mondays, 2-4 pm, starting 9th February
• Location: Nursing Building, Glasnevin Campus, Room HG17
• Registration Link: Google Form to register

General Information

• Payment: Payments can be made in person at the AFU Office (located in Albert College, DCU Glasnevin, Room A40, left of the main Dining Room), Monday to Wednesday from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm.
• Refund Policy: We cannot provide refunds once a course is booked.
• Pricing: Course fees range from €90.00 - €160.00, depending on the module.
• Register now: Please complete the relevant Google Form for each course.