Community

The Access and Outreach Office at TU Dublin is strongly committed to community and Further Education and Training (FET) engagement, working to create clear and supported pathways into higher education for learners from all backgrounds. Through partnerships with community organisations, youth groups, and FE colleges, the team promotes awareness of university opportunities and supports learners in making informed choices about their educational journeys. Activities such as information sessions, campus visits, collaborative projects, and progression workshops help to build confidence and strengthen connections between TU Dublin and local communities. By engaging directly with adult learners, community education providers, and FET partners, the Access and Outreach Office ensures that higher education remains open, inclusive, and reflective of the diverse communities it serves.

Taste of TU Dublin

This is a half-day event for people in further education or community-based learning programmes who are interested in progressing to higher education. Sessions are flexible and tailored to meet each groups’ needs and areas of interest. It consists of information sessions, a taster lecture/activity and a campus tour to get an idea of what university life involves.

TU Dublin Mature Student Preparation Day 

These sessions provide a valuable opportunity for incoming mature students to meet TU Dublin staff, learn about the campus environment and connect with fellow students before the term begins. They help mature students feel more confident, informed, and supported as they begin their university journey.

Information Sessions delivered in Further Education Centres & Community Organisations 

We work in partnership with community organisations, statutory bodies, and further education providers to co‑create and deliver information sessions that help people understand the different entry pathways into higher education. These sessions focus on two key areas:  

1. Information on the different ways young people under 23, particularly those from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, can access higher education. These routes include: 

• CAO application process 
• TU Dublin Access Entry Routes 
• Progression from Further Education courses 
• Access Foundation Programmes and Access to Apprenticeships

2. Information on mature student entry routes for learners over 23 include: 

• Mature student entry requirements
• Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
• Application processes such as CAO and direct entry
• Supports for adults returning to education
• Preparation options like the Access Foundation Programme 

Information Sharing & Capacity Building

We deliver targeted information sessions designed to equip community organisations, education providers, statutory agencies, further education and volunteers with the knowledge and tools to support underrepresented groups.

Information sessions for those supporting International Protection Applicants, Refugees and Asylum seekers in community and education settings. 

We deliver tailored information sessions for professionals, helping them provide accurate, up-to-date, and accessible guidance to individuals navigating the International Protection process into higher education. 

Adult Guidance Counsellors, Information Officers and Community Groups 

We identify emerging information needs of the various client groups and the most effective means to communicate this information. We then develop and deliver information sessions focused on access routes into university, new and emerging courses, and progression opportunities within further and higher education. These collaborative sessions ensure that learners receive accurate, up‑to‑date information and clear guidance on the pathways available to them, helping to support informed decision‑making and wider participation in education. 

Resources to Access Higher Education  

We have developed a range of clear, user‑friendly resources designed to help people who are interested in learning more about TU Dublin, the application process, and the supports available. These resources aim to provide straightforward information that makes pathways into higher education more accessible, easier to understand, supporting learners to make informed decisions and feel more confident about taking their next steps. 

For further information contact Karen.Carter@TUDublin.ie