Saor-Ollscoil na hÉireann (Free University of Ireland) provides third level education to mature students in the area of the humanities and social sciences, and makes awards in the Liberal Arts at BA, MA and PhD levels.
Welcome from the Chancellor
Saor-Ollscoil Na hÉireann was created as an university of ‘civil society’ and our motto is ‘Beholden to None’.
Concept of Education
The Saor-Ollscoil concept of Education is one of fitting people to their Environment, so that they may live wisely in relation to it. It is the function of any University to study the human environment, to conduct research into it, and to hand on the results of its research for the benefit of all who wish to live wisely. The Saor-Ollscoil caters for that proportion of the Irish Adult population capable of profiting by study in a creative non-rigid, credit system structure, leading to a Degree.
Course Brochure
Download our brochure for the academic year 2026/2027
The Ethos and the Environment
Saor Ollscoil na hÉireann (Free University of Ireland) was established in 1986 by a small group of educationalists with the creative vision of a life-long learning process.
The University provides third level education to degree standard for mature students in the area of the humanities and social sciences. and makes awards in the Liberal Arts at BA, MA and PhD levels.
The Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) programme is designed to:
- Open access to higher education to those who have not previously participated in higher education.
- Provide access to the knowledge and aptitudes required to enable citizens to participate fully in the economic, social and political spheres of Irish society.
Awards
The Saor-Ollscoil na hÉireann is an independent tertiary education institution and makes awards in the Liberal Arts at BA, MA and PhD levels.
The Saor-Ollscoil is open to students over 20 years of age who have a love of learning for its own sake and a wish to develop their capacity for logical reasoning and clear thinking. Places are offered to students through an informal interview process.
Student Centred Learning
Strong emphasis is placed on student-centred learning in a supportive, exam-free environment. Students are encouraged to develop their own thinking through dialogue and essays instead of cramming for final exams.
Recent Highlights
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Enrolments open for 2026/2027
Enrolments are open for the current academic year. Read More