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Foundation Course - Mature Students

Foundation Course for Higher Education

The Trinity Access Programme offers mature students a Foundation Course for Higher Education. This course prepares mature students, personally and academically, to study for a degree. The Foundation course was set up in 1997 to tackle educational disadvantage. It offers another way to third-level education for mature students whose social, economic and cultural experiences have prevented them from going to college. Foundation Course students can enter into the Trinity College Dublin undergraduate degrees.

Applications for 2024/25 have closed. Applications for 2025/26 will open in November 2024.

Is this course for me?

Students can choose from two broad areas of study: arts and social sciences, or science. Throughout the course you have full access to all college supports and services. There are also TAP supports tailored especially for you. In addition to classes in Study Skills, Educational Guidance and Information Technology, students may choose from the following: English, History, Philosophy, Law, Politics, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Business,Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science.
Trinity Access Programme for Mature Students
Rachel Merriman: Sociology & Social Policy - Trinity Mature Student Champion
Eddie Phibbs - TAP Champion
Robbie Dolan: Engineering - TAP Champion
Mohammad Bajilan: Medicine - TAP Champion
Margaret Byrne: Ancient & Medieval History - TAP Champion
Carly Bailey: Law and Politics - Trinity Mature Student Champion
Kathleen Joyce: Social Work and Policy - TAP Champion
David Hogarty: Maths - TAP Champion
Jamie McDonagh: Social Work - TAP Champion

Eligibility

To be eligible for this course you must:
  • demonstrate a real desire to pursue a third-level course and the ability to do so
  • be 23 years of age or older on 1st January of the year you apply
  • be resident in Ireland
  • come from socio-economic background(s) under-represented in third-level education
  • be eligible for the Government Free Fees Scheme
  • submit evidence of your English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
Please note:
  • There are no standard educational requirements such as the Leaving Certificate or an aptitude test
  • One place is reserved each year for an applicant from the Traveller Community who meets the above criteria and who scores 30 or over at interview
  • One place is reserved each year for an applicant who is a care leaver, meets the course criteria and scores 30 or over at interview

How do I apply?

  • If you have any questions please contact us by email: foundationcourse@tcd.ie or phone: (01) 896 3472