Welcome to the International section of UCD Graduate Studies website. Studying at UCD for international students is a wonderful opportunity. In these pages you will find some useful information about studying in Ireland and at UCD.
On our two campuses, and in our numerous associated research and teaching institutions, we provide world-class teaching, learning and research facilities. We have excellent amenities to support your studies and your research, and also provide a range of services to ensure that your time with us is enjoyable and fulfilling, academically, personally and socially.
For over 150 years, UCD has produced graduates of remarkable distinction including famous surgeons, writers (e.g. James Joyce), architects, entrepreneurs and five of Ireland’s Taoisigh (Prime Ministers).
The main campus of UCD is situated at Belfield, a 132 hectare site 4 km south of the centre of Dublin city. This campus is an attractively landscaped complex of modern architectural buildings, accommodating most of the Colleges and Schools of the University as well as its student residences and numerous leisure and sporting facilities.
The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is located at the Blackrock campus, approximately two miles from Belfield. The picturesque Blackrock campus is located on the former Carysfort Park Estate and is now home to the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Please click here for maps of the campus.
For information on getting to UCD please click here.
UCD International Graduate e-brochure for Taught & Research Programmes
UCD Graduate Pathway programmes
UCD offers students from non - EU, non - English speaking countries the opportunity to make a smooth transition to studying abroad through the UCD Graduate Pathway Programmes. These programmes enable international students who do not meet direct entry requirements for Masters Programmes 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. Please click here for further information.
Further information about the range of services offered to UCD Graduate students on the various websites at:
| UCD Careers office | |
| UCD Sport | |
| UCD Childcare | |
| UCD Students' Union | |
| UCD Societies | |
| UCD IT Facilities | |
| UCD Alumni | |
| UCD Disability Support Services | |
| UCD Graduate Pathway Programmes |
Ireland has a rich history of cultural and scientific excellence. It is the international gateway to Europe, an English-speaking country that is full of natural beauty and is the chosen location for 13 of the world’s top 15 multinational companies. It has a young, highly-educated population, and is home to some of the world’s leading researchers.
Dublin
‘If Dublin didn’t ever exist, some mad, wonderful genius would have invented it!’
Dublin is as old as the hills that surround it, and as young as you want it to be. The nurturing place of James Joyce, Beckett, the Chieftains, U2 , Riverdance and more artists and writers than you could count. It’s the capital city of the country with the youngest and best educated population in Europe. Few capital cities combine art, learning, culture, fringe and enterprise in such a small area. Part of Dublin’s charm is its friendly scale. You can walk across it in an hour, if you don’t meet someone on the way!
Dublin is renowned for its pubs of course, but it’s the cafes, clubs and nightlife that make it a magnet for people who want something a bit more interesting to do with their time out. And you’re never far from the sea or the countryside.
For more information about Dublin, go to www.visitdublin.com
For details on Dublin transport visit www.dublinbus.ie , www.dart.ie, www.luas.ie
You can choose to apply to any of UCD extensive menu of taught graduate programmes or any of our highly rated research degree programmes depending on your area of interest. Taught degrees provide students with a highly structured learning environment in which to study their chosen subject, whereas research degrees give students the opportunity to conduct their own research under the close supervision of a supervisor.
Entry Requirements:
The normal requirement for entry to a Master’s degree programme is a second class honours degree in a relevant subject. However intending applicants should check the individual requirements listed in the School website since some degrees (e.g. MA by research) may require a higher standard for entry.For applicants who do not have the required minimal entry standard, a year-long qualifying course may be available in some cases. In addition, many Master’s programmes have an associated Diploma course which, if passed at an appropriate honours level, may provide part of the necessary academic qualification for entry. In this case relevant work experience may be an essential requirement.
For Master’s by research degrees, course work and examinations may also be specified by the College at entry; normally these have to be satisfactorily completed in the first year of a Master’s degree programme.
To be eligible to enter one of UCD’s PhD programmes, a candidate must have reached a high honours standard at the examination for the primary degree. In some cases, a Master’s degree may also be required. In certain cases, a candidate may be able to provide other evidence to the School in order to satisfy the entry requirements of the programme.
For all of the above, please refer to the relevant School or programme for more specific information on entry requirements for your chosen programme.
Many of UCD’s graduate programmes can be applied for online. Please visit www.ucd.ie/apply for more details about this process. All other programmes not listed on this site can be applied for by written application. Please contact the relevant School directly for more details. www.ucd.ie/apply
Comparison of EU Marking Systems with ECTS and US Grades (Guide Only)
UCD International Foundation Programmes
UCD offers students from non - EU, non - English speaking countries the opportunity to make a smooth transition to studying abroad through the UCD Graduate Pathway Programmes. These programmes enable international students who do not meet direct entry requirements for Masters Programmes 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. Please click here for further information.
Language Requirements
Courses at UCD are given almost entirely in English. All students applying for degree courses must be able to speak, read and writeEnglish fluently in order to take part in tutorials, seminar discussions and examinations. If your mother tongue is not English, or if you have not taken your under graduate education in English, you will need to have passed an approved test before registering for a course.
The two major tests are:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) IELTS (International English Language Testing Service) A minimum score of 600 in TOEFL (250 computer based with test of written English at 475+) or 6.5 in IELTS (minimum 6.0 in each band) is required for all programmes. Some courses require a higher level of English language competency. Please check with the relevant UCD School. Please note, that in all cases, the test results must be less than 2 years old.
Fees
Students are liable to pay fees, including the Student Centre Levy, to the University. In addition, students must budget for their own maintenance (including accommodation). On acceptance to a graduate programme students are required to pay fees. University fees are published in advance of the academic year in question, are fixed for each year and are subject to an annual increase. For specific information on the fees for your chosen course of study, and the dates by which fees have to be paid please visit: www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees
Please also check the new non-EU method of fee payment at: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/non_eu_fee_payment.html
Funding
For further information on our funding opportunities please visit our Funding opportunities page on the Graduate Studies website.
Offer Rounds
UCD’s graduate programmes can be applied for online. Please visit www.ucd.ie/apply for more details about this process.
We offer a system of offer rounds but do advise all candidates to apply as early as possible. These dates facilitate speedier decision-making and notification to graduate taught applicants.
Offer Rounds:
- 1st Round 15th December
- 2nd Round 15th March
- 3rd Round 15th May
- 4th Round 15th July
Other Deadlines
Some Programmes may have other closing dates. Please refer to the programme information on the website for this information.
Please note if you are a student from outside the European Union (EU) you may be required to apply for a study visa to travel to and study in the Republic of Ireland. To find out if you need a visa please visit www.inis.gov.ie. Please see the following department of justice web site for more information, http://www.justice.ie For further information that may be of interest to international students please visit: http://www.ucd.ie/international/livinginireland/visainformation/
Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB)
All non-Irish nationals who are not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, must register in person with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) after arrival and after completion of registration at UCD. The GNIB will issue you with a residence permit/GNIB card. For further information please visit: http://www.ucd.ie/international/information_for_students/registeringwithgnib/
Working in Ireland
For information on working in Ireland please visit the International Office website.
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