UCD’s strategic initiatives and policies support an inclusive, research-informed and student-centred academic environment
Strategy to 2030 - Breaking Boundaries
Transforming the Student Experience through UCD Strategy 2030
At UCD, we are committed to shaping an exceptional learning journey for every student. Through the UCD Strategy to 2030, we are building on our strengths in teaching, curriculum design, academic programmes, student experience, and support services.
Two flagship initiatives — Learning for Life and Student Experience — led by the Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Colin Scott, are central to this transformation.
We are reimagining our curriculum to equip graduates with the broad set of skills and attributes they need to thrive in a complex and rapidly changing world. We are widening access to our outstanding portfolio of educational programmes, recognising and supporting the diverse paths our learners take throughout their lives and careers. We are fostering a stronger sense of belonging and community for all students. And we are developing our physical and digital campuses in a seamless and integrated way to support these goals.
Explore our vision in the UCD Strategy to 2030 – Breaking Boundaries, and hear more from Professor Colin Scott in (opens in a new window)this short video. Stay informed about developments in Learning for Life and Student Experience here on this site, along with under strategic projects already underway.
Learning for Life & Student Experience
Learning for Life
Learning is at the core of what we do in UCD, and ‘Learning for Life’ is a key strategic initiative under the UCD Strategy to 2030. It acknowledges our commitment to delivering educational offerings that are responsive, flexible and accessible, and to empowering our community of learners to fulfil their potential.
Learning for Life, led by the Registrar and Deputy-President, is designed with a bold vision and a broad scope, aiming to deliver transformative impact and lasting value. Under this initiative, UCD will embed general education, foster the development of transversal skills, expand diverse and flexible learning options, enhance students' sense of belonging, review the curriculum, and embed reflective practices to support holistic growth and lifelong learning.
Student Experience
Today's students navigate unique challenges within a constantly evolving global landscape. In the face of this, the ‘Student Experience’ strategic initiative is designed to enhance UCD students’ overall experience, foster their wellbeing and sense of belonging across all modes of learning.
Led by the Registrar and Deputy President, a key aspect of the ‘Student Experience’ initiative is building the diversity of our student population, bringing our motto “Cothrom na Féinne” to life. Under this initiative, UCD will focus on improving student services and supports, cultivating inclusive spaces, strengthening students' sense of belonging, enriching intercultural experiences, and prioritising a sense of partnership with our students.
Find out more about ‘Student Experience’ in the UCD Strategy to 2030 – Breaking Boundaries, and in (opens in a new window)this short video from the Registrar and Deputy President, Professor Colin Scott.
Artificial Intelligence at UCD
UCD AI Governance Principles
The University is committed to responsible and ethical AI governance, rooted in our core values of Inclusion, Excellence, Engagement, Integrity, Collegiality, and Creativity. These principles, approved by the University Management Team, guide our use of artificial intelligence, ensuring we safeguard academic integrity, promote equitable learning access, maintain high ethical research standards, and provide transparency in administrative processes. Developed and contextualised specifically for the higher education environment, these foundational principles serve as a clear framework for how we approach, implement, and manage AI across the institution.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning
UCD’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Framework Implementation Programme emerged in response to the need for a more coordinated, inclusive, and scalable approach to embedding work-integrated learning across the curriculum.
The initiative builds directly on key recommendations from the Academic Internship Framework (AIF) Review, the Clinical Placement Strategy Discovery Project, and the User Experience Research Project, all of which highlighted the value of adopting a Work Integrated Learning approach to support diverse student pathways, meet regulatory requirements, and foster consistent quality in placements.
The WIL Programme is fully aligned with UCD’s 2030 Strategy, particularly the cross-cutting initiative "Learning for Life", which commits to developing student employability and lifelong learning through experiential opportunities.
Programme Objectives
The WIL Implementation Programme seeks to establish a cohesive, inclusive, and student-focused framework for work-integrated learning across UCD. Its core objectives include:
- Creating a unified WIL Framework that integrates all forms of WIL—internships, clinical placements, professional work experience, and project-based learning—while respecting their distinct academic and professional identities.
- Broadening the offering of WIL opportunities to reach a significantly larger proportion of UCD students across all disciplines.
- Enhancing student preparedness, support, and satisfaction, ensuring consistency before, during, and after placement experiences.
- Strengthening relationships with host organisations and employers, through more coherent communications, agreements, and engagement strategies.
Ensuring equity, accessibility, and inclusion, adhering to Universal Design principles across all WIL activities and supporting students of all backgrounds to participate fully.