University College Dublin

Founded in 1854, UCD was created from an idea, The Idea of a University, written by our founding Rector John Henry Newman. This classic work is one of the most enduring texts on the value of higher education. Newman’s vision, “True enlargement of mind”, embodies the aspiration to provide a holistic experience and inspiring environment beyond the classroom. Interpreted today as ‘Think Bigger’, it is a rallying call for the university and its community to unleash the unique potential of the individual to meet global challenges and “to benefit the wider world.”

Since its foundation, the University has made a unique contribution to the creation of modern Ireland, based on successful engagement with Irish society on every level and across every sphere of activity. The international standing of UCD has grown in recent years; it is currently ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions world-wide. UCD is also Ireland's most globally engaged university with over 30,000 students drawn from over 139 countries, including almost 5,000 students based at locations outside of Ireland. The University's main Dublin campus occupies an extensive parkland estate of 133 hectares and offers world-leading facilities including the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Lochlan Quinn School of Business and UCD Student Centre.

Research and innovation are essential drivers of a dynamic economy, an informed society and a vibrant culture. The spectrum of research and innovation at UCD encompasses individual scholars, research groups, start-up companies and large-scale collaborations with industry and other partners. Research is conducted within each of the University's extensive range of disciplines, and in multidisciplinary research programmes addressing challenges of global scale.

Cambridge A Level: At least three subjects at A Level Grade C and three other subjects at GCSE Level Grade C.

International Baccalaureate: 24 or more total points and the award of the IB Diploma.

If you are presenting the Irish school leaving certificate you are required to have attained a H7/O6 in English. If you are studying in another education system you are required to show equivalent competency in English either through your school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard in a recognised English language test.

For students affected by testing centre closures due to COVID-19, UCD has approved, temporarily, the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2020 intake. A DET score of 110 will be accepted as an equivalent for IELTS overall score of 6.5, and DET score of 120 will be accepted as an equivalent for IELTS overall score of 7.0.