Location
Ireland
International students
3600
THE World Ranking
351
Dublin City University (DCU) is world renowned for the quality of its teaching, learning environment and research, with a focus on practical learning and innovation. Times Higher Educations ranks DCU as Ireland's leading young university and in the top 60 young universities worldwide. Additionally, DCU is ranked in the top 400 universities in the world.
DCU has a wide variety of postgraduate and undergraduate courses, spanning a wide variety of subject areas, and offers a lively student experience to match. The university has been rated number one in Ireland for graduate employment, and the 23rd globally, according to the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings. This means that DCU students are ideally placed to seek and secure top employment opportunities in Ireland and beyond.
Additionally, the university has superb sustainability credentials, which reflects its forward thinking approach to learning and tuition. DCU is ranked among the top 100 universities globally for its contributions to climate action, sustainability, and health and wellbeing, based on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On top of all this, DCU students benefit from living and studying in Dublin, which is a vibrant European capital and frequently voted among the best student cities in the world. Its three city-centre campuses place students in the very the heart of Dublin, where they'll find world-class facilities, excellent student support, and great transport links within a rich cultural landscape with so much to explore and discover. The university is a dynamic and diverse institution committed to transforming lives through innovation, research, and education.
DCU provides a unique learning experience which is tailored to the individual needs of students. Faculty are dynamic, responsive, and experienced in developing students into independent, critical and confident learners. The university is distinctive in the learning outcomes of its programmes, reflecting the current needs of enterprises and society, while also anticipating the future needs of graduates and employers.
Each faculty is committed to teaching excellence, with many highly ranked worldwide for different disciplines. DCU Business School, for instance, has been recognised by the prestigious global accrediting bodies, AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. Research is combined with theoretical and practical learning, helping students to develop into career-ready graduates.
Programmes at DCU offer students the opportunity for work experience during their studies that include professional placements in health sciences and education, as well as study abroad opportunities. The university provides such opportunities with the aim of contributing to the learning and employability of graduates.
Many professors and academic staff members are internationally recognised experts in their fields. They are committed to providing innovative teaching and supportive learning environments. Classes are small in size, so each student receives the close attention they need to grow. The courses and programmes offered are all underpinned by the latest pedagogy and teaching technologies.
Prospective students have a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programmes to choose from at DCU. Programmes are taught by the following five faculties:
Covering global business, accounting, finance, marketing, management, human resources and more.
Covering English, communications, languages, history, geography, law, philosophy, music and more.
Covering arts education, human development, inclusive and special education, policy and practice, early childhood education and more.
Covering computing, data analytics, electronic engineering and mechanical manufacturing and more
Covering biotechnology, chemical sciences, health, human sciences, nursing, psychology, physical sciences and mathematical sciences.
DCU also offers foundation programmes suitable for applicants who do not meet English language entry requirements. In addition, where high school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to an undergraduate degree, students will be required to participate in their approved Pathway Foundation programme. These programmes are delivered on the DCU campuses in Dublin, and students will be registered students of DCU and can access the world class services and facilities of the university.
DCU encourages international students to apply as soon as they can, as it makes the application process easier. There are general application requirements as well as specific requirements for different courses and programmes.
As courses are taught in English, international students who aren't native English speakers will have to prove their English language proficiency. This can be done through one of the following language tests, or equivalent:
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an internationally recognised university with a minimum of a 2.2 result (GPA 2.5/4.0). Many programmes require a minimum of a 2.1 (GPA 3.0/4.0). In addition to meeting English language requirements, applicants may also need to supply writing samples, or attend an interview. Professional and personal experience is also considered for certain postgraduate programmes.
DCU is expanding rapidly, with recent developments including a new state-of-the art Polaris Building dedicated to STEM.
Students benefit from a large variety of learning, social and personal facilities including:
There are three libraries at DCU, the O'Reilly Library on Glasnevin Campus, the Cregan Library on St Patrick's Campus and the Woodlock Library on the All Hallows Campus. These have many flexible study spaces, learning resources, books, journals, expert support and more.
Clubs and societies are at the heart of DCU, with over 140 to choose from. Students enjoy an award-winning gym, a state-of-the-art sports campus, and top-class playing fields Through DCU Sports and Wellbeing, students can stay active, healthy, and engaged in a wide range of sports and activities.
Across the three campuses, students can attend daily religious services and find private areas for observation and ablution. Celebrations are held for all faiths and community events bring together all students.
International students can apply to live on campus in student housing where they have a private bedroom and shared living and kitchen areas. Rooms are fully furnished and have Wi-Fi access. En suite options are available. Accommodation is awarded to students on a lottery basis.
From live music and comedy nights to movie screenings and cultural events, there's always something happening on campus. The student-led DCU Drama and Music societies put on performances throughout the year, while clubs and societies host regular social events, quizzes, and themed nights.
The on-campus bar, Nubar, is a popular spot for students to unwind, with DJ nights and live gigs creating a lively atmosphere.
According to the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings Dublin City University has been ranked 23rd in the world and 1st in Ireland for its graduate employment rate.
97 percent of DCU students enter professional employment or continue their studies within six months of graduating.
During their studies, and as a recent graduate, students can benefit from the university's extensive career services. A hub for employability, the careers service empowers students to reach their career goals. Experienced careers advisors help students, regardless of whether they know what path they want to go down yet or not.
Additionally, DCU's careers service currently has approximately 1,300 registered employers on its careers platform. The service also offers quality learning and development initiatives, opportunities and tailored support at different points of the student journey. This includes:
Dublin City University's Business School announced a major milestone with news of their accreditation by the prestigious European Foundation for Management Development Global Quality System (EQUIS). Alongside AACSB and AMBA accreditations, DCU Business School joins the elite 1 per cent of global business schools worldwide. DCU Business School is now the only business school in Ireland with ‘triple crown' accreditation and the Small Business Charter award.
DCU has been ranked joint 59th globally by Times Higher Young Universities, making it one of the top 100 young universities in the world. DCU is now the top ranked young university in Ireland.
Dublin City University has been announced as the Career Development category winner at the2023 Global Student Satisfaction Awards, ahead of other category finalists Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Swinburne University of Technology. The awards are based on reviews from over 125,000 representing 200 different nationalities.
DCU Futures is the most ambitious innovation in teaching and learning in the history of Dublin City University. Within the DCU Futures programme there are 6 new courses and four new specialisms. These include a BSc in Psychology and Disruptive Technologies, a BSc in Psychology and Mathematics, a BEng in Mechanical & Sustainability Engineering, a BSc in Digital Business and Innovation, a BSc in Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence, and a BSc in Physics with Data Analytics.
Additionally, DCU has added new master's programmes including the MA in Documentary Practice, MA in Music, Sound, Culture and Media, MSc in Management (Operations and Supply Chain) and have a MSc in Physiotherapy launching soon.
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