University College Dublin

Career-focused students from across the globe choose Ireland as their preferred destination for further studies. Ireland has so much to offer – from friendly locale to mesmerizing landscapes, to world-class education system, and more. Besides, the country has an average of around 40% of the English-speaking community that are below 25 years of age. Ambitious young individuals may therefore come to this vibrant, dynamic and inspiring country and explore the world of opportunities here. The country houses numerous universities and colleges that offer a wide range of courses. These courses have world-recognition status and are open for application for overseas students.

Dublin, located in the province of Leinster on the east coast of Ireland, is the capital and also the largest city of the country. This city is home to University College Dublin (UCD) – the largest and most international university of Ireland. It was founded in 1854 as the Catholic University of Ireland, and since then has flourished and made a great contribution towards the development of modern Ireland. It is one of Europe’s research-intensive universities, and offers numerous courses at an undergraduate, masters and PhD level. The university also offers research, innovation and community engagement programmes.

In case you are considering this globally-engaged university for your overseas study abroad programme, you will be pleased to know that it attracts over 6,000 students from over 120 countries worldwide. Out of the total number of students, a whopping 27% are international students. Besides, the university is ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide, according to The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016. Degrees from the university are accredited by world-leading organizations in engineering, medicine, and architecture, among others. It is also one of Europe’s best research-intensive educational institute, which offers world-class facilities across a broad range of subjects. University College Dublin is therefore an ideal place to begin your career.

International students coming to Ireland may work up to 20 hours a week during their study. Students are allowed to work up to 40 hours each week during their holidays. This work option allows you to earn some money to meet your lifestyle expenses in Dublin. Besides, you may get an opportunity to gain work experience in your field of interest.

Courses Offered

University College Dublin Ireland is indeed a distinct Irish university, with a global impact. Through their wide range of courses, you may enhance your skill set and grow both on a personal and professional level.

You may explore the following UCD undergraduate courses.

Business, Economics and Social Sciences (3 years degree)

Bachelor of Commerce with majors in: Accounting; Human Resources Management; Management and Innovation; Marketing; Management Information Systems; Banking and Finance
BA Economics
BSc Economics and Finance
BSocSc Social Science with subject options in: Economics; Geography; Information Studies; Politics; Sociology; Social Policy; Archeology

Business, Economics and Social Sciences (4 years degree)

BSc (Hons) Actuarial and Financial Studies
BBL (Hons) Business and Law
BCL (Hons) Law

Engineering and Sciences (4 years degrees)

BSc (Hons) Computer Science
BSc (Hons) Science (common entry) with the following specializations:
BSc (Hons) Applied and Computational Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
BSc (Hons) Cell and Molecular Biology
BSc (Hons) Chemistry
BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Biophysical Chemistry
BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Environmental and Sustainable Chemistry
BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology
BSc (Hons) Genetics
BSc (Hons) Geology
BSc (Hons) Mathematical Science
BSc (Hons) Mathematics
BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology
BSc (Hons) Microbiology
BSc (Hons) Neuroscience
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
BSc (Hons) Physics
BSc (Hons) Physics with Astronomy and Space Science
BSc (Hons) Physiology
BSc (Hons) Plant Biology
BSc (Hons) Statistics
BSc (Hons) Theoretical Physics
BSc (Hons) Zoology

Health Sciences (4 years)

BSc (Hons) Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences
BSc (Hons) Health and Performance Science
BSc (Hons) Food Science
BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition
BSc (Hons) Radiography
BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Management

Agriculture and Food Science (4 years)

BAgriSc (Hons) Agricultural Science

Architecture and Engineering (4-year BEng, or 3-year BSc + 2-year MEng degrees)

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Engineering
BSc (Hons) Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering
BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering
BSc (Hons) Electrical Engineering
BSc (Hons) Electronic Engineering
BSc (Hons) Energy Systems Engineering
BSc (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
BSc Structural Engineering with Architecture
3 Years + 2 Years MArch degrees: BSc (Hons) Architectural Science

In order to be eligible for any of the aforementioned University College Dublin courses, it is necessary to prove proficiency in English language. For this purpose, the University demands an IELTS score of at least 5.0 (minimum 5.0 in writing) or equivalent. Students also need to be at least 17 years of age and must have had good high school graduation grades or equivalent. It is important to note that UCD has its intakes in the months of September and January. The length of programs here is usually three terms.

Amenities offered

There are numerous benefits of studying at the University College Dublin campus. From a strong academic support system to accommodation to food outlets and locker facility, the university offers it all. You may therefore get the most of your study program and have an enriching experience.

In terms of accommodation, UCD Belfield and Blackrock provide on-campus accommodation as well as off-campus option at Muckross Halls, Donnybrook. You may explore from numerous residence options, based on your preferences and budget. You may choose from traditional halls of residence-style to self-catering apartments to catered accommodation. These residences offer numerous facilities, such as laundry, gym and a Res Life program that helps build a community spirit within the residence.

The campus also offers the services of Allied Irish Banks (AIB) and that of Bank of Ireland (BOI). AIB has its branch in Belfield campus, which provides students banking facilities including specialized loans. AIB has numerous ATMs located all over campus, making it easy for you to meet your cash requirements. Bank of Ireland, on the other hand, has a Student Store across the flyover from the Stillorgan Road exit. The bank has a special team to cater to the banking needs of students. They help you open a student current account, offer loan facilities, and much more.

If you are a foodie, you will be pleased to know that UCD has numerous food outlets on campus to the likes of Blackrock Restaurant, Costa, Earls Deli, Pi Restaurant, Pulse Café, Starbucks, Subway, and many more! You may therefore satisfy your food cravings while studying at UCD.

On an academic front, you may avail of a range of academic and student support services. The UCD Applied Language Centre offers an opportunity for students to enhance their proficiency in the English language. The university also has an Access Centre that aims to provide an accessible and inclusive surroundings for students. Some of the support facilities offered include assistive technology, library assistance, note-taking service, and alternative examination arrangements, among others.

International students may benefit from UCD Students Union. The SU works in close collaboration with UCD International to promote events for overseas students. It offers information on accommodation and welfare services, and much more.

The University has a Career Development Centre that helps students to build a strong career. The centre helps you search for job vacancies, make appointments, book workshops and events. You may also access the online career resources at the Career Development Centre.

University College Dublin Ireland has a huge library equipped with various books, guides, and resources. The library also provides services such as laptop loans and study group rooms. Students may benefit from a host of other amenities, such as prayer room, student counseling services, and recommendation of local dentists, among others. UCD also offers the services of chaplains who act as student advisers in times of bereavement, distress and illness.

You may avail of the aforementioned amenities to support your journey at UCD.