DCU in the Community Courses

DCU in the Community

Research Centres page crop - Polaris letters

We offer educational and creative courses for people of all ages. These short programmes are suitable for learners who haven’t engaged with higher education before, or those who want to return to it. The courses are held in Ballymun, Finglas and on campus.

Headstart in the Community

Headstart is a 10-week programme for adults who want to explore their educational opportunities. The goal of this programme is to build your confidence and prepare you to make the next step in your education journey.

The course helps you to identify your skills, strengths, and goals. You’ll also learn about the available opportunities and supports as you consider re-entering education. Classes are interactive and informative, including meetings with guidance counsellors and tours of both a college of further education and Dublin City University.

The course is free of charge, and there are no exams.

Follow this link for further details of Headstart in the Community.

We are finalising dates and details of the next course.
Please check back soon for an update.
For more information, you can email DCU in the Community at community@dcu.ie or phone us on 087 742 3041

Lectures in Your Library

This is a 12-week programme of lecture-style seminars on subjects including Politics, Psychology and Media. The course is delivered by DCU lecturers in Finglas and Ballymun libraries. This programme is free of charge and there are no exams.

Before the start of each course, an information session is held for those interested in taking part. The session provides an overview of the course and gives you the chance to ask questions and meet some of the lecturers.

Acrylic Painting Workshops

Discover your artistic side and boost your confidence with these fun classes. At these popular workshops, you will learn various techniques and enhance your painting skills.

Our experienced teacher makes sure you get the most out of the sessions, which are designed to help you explore your creativity, enjoy your time, and have fun! Workshops take place in Ballymun Library and are free of charge.

Acrylic Painting Workshops are to be delivered from August-October 2025. Follow this link to the Acrylic Painting Workshop webpage.
For more information, you can email DCU in the Community at community@dcu.ie or phone us on 087 742 3041

Introduction to Psychology

This six-week course is for those interested in the study of the human mind and behaviour. You can expect to learn about the different perspectives of psychology, the scientific method of psychology and a brief overview of some clinical diagnoses and psychological treatment options.

Topics will include topics such as Personality, Positive psychology, Social Psychology and Ethics and research methods. The course takes place on DCU’s Glasnevin campus and is free of charge.

Audit Modules - Age Friendly University

For those considering entering, re-entering or sampling higher education, it is possible to undertake a single module from a wide selection on offer at DCU. Modules range from social science, law and politics to digital media and journalism. This allows older adults to sample various areas of study without committing to a longterm degree.

These modules are from undergraduate programmes, with no entry requirements, assignments or exams. Upon registering, students receive a student card, a DCU student email, and a certificate of participation.

This initiative is run by the DCU Age Friendly University - Follow this link to the AFU Learning Opportunities webpage.
For more information, you can email contact Grainne Reddy, DCU AFU Administrator (Grainne.reddy@dcu.ie).

To learn of new and upcoming courses and to be the first to know when registrations open, join DCU in the Community's mailing list.

Follow this link to register for the DCU in the Community Mailing List.