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Why UCD?

UCD President

Welcome from the President

Making the right decision about your postgraduate study is an important decision and I hope that, as you learn more about UCD, you will see how you can build your future at this great university.

We pride ourselves on being a university for all, ensuring that everyone feels welcome, belongs and is valued,  where endless possibilities await you. We recognise, promote and value the breadth of talent, experience  and the contribution that you will bring, and strive to create an inclusive educational experience for everyone,  allowing you to fulfil your own potential.

UCD is a comprehensive research-intensive university  with distinctive achievements and broad ambitions for our future, matching your own ambition to succeed and develop over the course of your educational journey. We provide a holistic educational experience that embraces diversity, fosters research skills and cultivates critical thinking.

Our educational environment is designed to stimulate you with modern, flexible teaching and learning practices, utilising the most up-to-date technology. Our world leading lecturers share their research and scholarship so that you are engaging with the most up-to-date thinking and knowledge. Recognising the pace of change and the level of challenge facing the world in which we live, we update our curriculum content and structure regularly  so that you will graduate with the skills you need to make  a significant and lasting contribution.

We are one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities and Ireland’s leader in graduate studies with almost 11,000 graduate students, and you will take with you an outstanding qualification when you graduate from UCD. We prioritise your career development and work hard to ensure that you have every opportunity to thrive in your chosen career. Our student population of over 38,000 includes 10,000 international students from 152 countries and ensures that you will be part of a diverse and cosmopolitan campus.

Your time at university is not just about lectures and study, there is much more to life on our vibrant campus. We have excellent sports facilities and continue to develop those facilities giving you opportunities to thrive outside your chosen field of study. Our range of societies ensures that, whatever your passion is outside academia, you will find like-minded friends to spend time with.

Life on our 24-hour campus is vibrant, you can spend time with your peers, learning and picking up those life skills gained through experience and interaction. I invite you to explore the vibrant community and boundless opportunities here at UCD.

Professor Orla Feely
UCD President

UCD is Ireland's leader in graduate education with 21% of Ireland's Taught Master's students - 78% higher than the next-placed institution.

UCD is ranked number one in Ireland and 77th in the world for Employment Outcomes. QS measures employment outcomes as a reflection on the ability of institutions to ensure a high level of employability for their graduates, while also nurturing future leaders who go on to make an impact in their respective fields. 

UCD is on e of Ireland's leading research universities, securing a record €161 million in research grants in 2022/23. 

UCD is the most connected and networked university with government, industry and society in Ireland. UCD is an active member of many international education networks such as Una Europa, Universitas 21 (U21) and UNICA. UCD is number one in Ireland for the highest volume of research publications per year.

As the number one university of destination for international students coming to Ireland, international students make up 31% of the student body. International academics make up 36% of UCD’s faculty and over 50% of UCD research-funded staff is international. The UCD alumni network is also an active, influential and truly international body with 300,000 alumni living in 184 countries across the globe.

UCD has a huge range of facilities including: restaurants, cafés, a bookshop, a bike shop, a bar, a grocery shop, a large student centre and outstanding sports facilities.

UCD Graduate Admissions

University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
(If you are an international student please visit UCD Global)
T: +353 1 716 7777