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University College Dublin (UCD)

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University College Dublin (UCD) is a distinctively Irish university but with global impact. Ranked in the top 1% of universities world-wide, UCD is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities where undergraduate education, postgraduate masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic continuum of activity.

 

Established by John Henry Newman whose classic work The Idea of a University is one of the most enduring texts on the value of higher education, and a source of inspiration for UCD’s current educational philosophy, UCD is Ireland’s global university – the ‘University of First-Choice’ for Irish students and the ‘University of Destination’ for the largest number of international students coming to Ireland. The university places great emphasis on the internationalisation of the Irish student experience – preparing all UCD students for future employment and life that crosses borders, boundaries and cultures. strive to give students a holistic education, instilling in them a desire to learn and create, to question and reason, to innovate and ultimately, to contribute to society at all levels, nationally and globally. The capabilities of our graduates underpin our reputation.

Undergraduate at UCD

The UCD educational environment stimulates our undergraduate students through flexible teaching and learning practices and through a curriculum that is informed by our researchers.

Our aim is to give our students the learning and skills to contribute to society, whatever career path they take.

UCD - HOLI - 2014

UCD Horizons is the name given to the structure for undergraduate taught degrees at UCD.  Through UCD Horizons, our students take elective modules as part of their undergraduate degrees. This is much more flexible than traditional degree structures and allows students to individualise their studies, offering students the opportunity to get involved in shaping their own degrees. The modular, credit based system is aligned to the best international standards with tutors on hand to advise students, to ensure they make the best choices and prepare themselves best for their career.  Taking modules from within their degree area enables students to delve deeper into their favourite subjects. Choosing modules from outside their degree area broadens their knowledge and gives them the opportunity to add to their skills. Ireland is a very open economy and we instill a sense of global engagement in our teaching and our lifestyle as well as in how we do business. Many of our degrees include an option to take modules in a partner university outside Ireland. So students benefit from their Irish and their international experience. 

International Foundation Year

If you want to study at UCD but need to advance your current English and academic skills to meet the requirements of a degree, both at undergraduate and graduate level, the International Study Centre at UCD can help you with a range of preparation programmes for degree study.

Find out more by visiting http://www.ucdisc.com/

Graduate Studies at UCD

UCD offers a wide range of high quality graduate programmes across its six colleges. There are over 8,500 students enrolled in graduate study at UCD. As an international recognized and research-driven University, UCD attracts talented students from around the world.

Our graduate programmes are offered in a modularised and credit based curriculum. The UCD credit system provides a framework which clarifies the relationship between educational activity (amount of student effort) and credit value (represented by modules). Credits for modules in the graduate domain typically range from 2.5 to 15 calculated on the basis of total student effort. The total student effort includes time spent in-class and at lectures, seminars, laboratories, tutorials or workshops and time spent on projects or assignments, as well as examinations. It also includes an estimate of independent study time.

Pre-Masters Programmes

Masters Pathways are available to offer students from non-English speaking countries the opportunity to make a smooth transition to studying abroad, UCD has created a set of Masters pathways. Pathway 1 and 2 enable international students to benefit from a preparatory course that enhances their English language skills, allows them to adjust to a different learning culture and helps them to get used to a new way of life. Experience has shown that for one year Masters Programmes, this preparation is crucial if international students are to achieve their full academic potential during graduate studies. 

Find out more by emailing premasters@ucd.ie

Research at UCD

UCD is home to a number of primary Research Institutes as well as major Collaborative Programmes, Centres for Science, Engineering and Technology (CSETs), Strategic Research Clusters (SRCs), and Graduate Schools in each of our six Colleges. Funded largely from a mix of exchequer and non-exchequer funding, the UCD Research Institutes and Major Collaborative Programmes have been established to provide world-class infrastructure for a critical mass of academics who are conducting research across a broad spectrum of areas.


Cultural/Social Programme at UCD

One of the essential elements of the study abroad experience at UCD is for international students to fully understand and appreciate the richness of Irish society and culture.

Our cultural/social programme offers Study Abroad students the opportunity to learn about Irish culture through a series of excursions and field trips in Dublin and across the island of Ireland. The country’s rich and complex history has left a remarkably artistic legacy and modern Ireland continues to be a global centre of artistic and cultural excellence.


Masters Pathways at UCD

Masters Pathways are available to offer students from non-English speaking countries the opportunity to make a smooth transition to studying abroad, UCD has created a set of Masters pathways. Pathway 1 and 2 enable international students to benefit from a preparatory course that enhances their English language skills, allows them to adjust to a different learning culture and helps them to get used to a new way of life. Experience has shown that for one year Masters Programmes, this preparation is crucial if international students are to achieve their full academic potential during graduate studies. 

UCD has agreements in place with a number of universities throughout China. These partner institutions have strengths in a number of areas, including Engineering, Life Sciences, Business and Law. These agreements allow students to undertake Masters Programmes at UCD after graduating from their home institution. In addition, UCD also welcomes applications from students from other countries who have already graduated from University. 

If you want to study at UCD but need to advance your current English and academic skills to meet the requirements of a degree, both at undergraduate and graduate level, the International Study Centre at UCD can help you with a range of preparation programmes for degree study.


English Language Centre at UCD

The UCD Applied Language Centre has developed an international reputation for its English language programmes since its establishment in 1989.  The UCD ALC was the first customised language centre in an Irish university. The UCD ALC provides an excellent range of high-quality facilities for language learners and teachers.

It has developed a range of areas of expertise in teaching and pedagogy.  It has a team of highly trained and experienced teachers who are engaged in continuous development of the UCD ALC curricula.

The UCD ALC provides a wide range of English language courses throughout the year. These include:

  • Pre-Sessional English Language Programmes
  • Short term and long term General English Programmes
  • Cambridge and IELTS Examination Preparation Programmes
  • English for Special Purposes (university collaborations, catering for groups, etc.) Programmes

Find out more by visiting https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/english/