Graduate Offer Pack 2019 2020 - University College Dublin
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2019 – 2020 Graduate Offer Pack
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Graduate Offer Pack
Congratulations 01
CONGRATULATIONS
Welcome to University College Dublin and congratulations on being
offered a place in one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities.
UCD is Ireland’s leader in graduate education with over student. This includes information about the admissions
9,300 graduate students (2017/2018) of which almost a process and what you must do next in order to accept
quarter are graduate research students. your offer, as well as information about the University
and the city of Dublin.
UCD offers a unique campus environment with world
class degree programmes and research sitting side-by- Upon entering one of our graduate programmes you will
side with a wonderful array of clubs, societies, sporting begin on a path of intellectual stimulation, learning new
facilities, student residences and woodland walkways. skills and expanding your knowledge of your chosen
University life should be a journey of academic and discipline. It is a tremendously rewarding experience and
personal discovery and the UCD campus facilitates both. one which will both enrich your life and enhance your
We encourage our students to “Learn Today, Lead career prospects.
Tomorrow”. Many of UCD’s graduates have gone on to
leadership positions in Ireland and across the globe in I look forward to welcoming you to graduate
academia, medicine, engineering, the arts, sports and studies at UCD.
politics. UCD graduates are consistently ranked highly by
global employers and enjoy excellent job prospects.
This Graduate Offer Pack has been prepared with the
intention of making your transition to UCD as smooth as
possible. In the coming pages, we have included what we Professor Barbara Dooley
think might be some helpful information to you as a new Dean of Graduate Studies
02 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Graduate Offer Pack
Contents 03
CONTENTS
What to Do Now 05
Financial Information 10
Funding and Scholarships 14
Accommodation 16
Visa Information 18
Staying in Touch 22
Registration 23
Orientation 24
Destination UCD 26
UCD Global Centres 31
Student Support Services 32
Sport and Recreation 36
Destination Ireland 38
Destination Dublin 42
Visiting UCD 45
Recommendations from our Students 46
04 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Congratulations on receiving an offer to come
and study at University College Dublin, Ireland’s
largest and most international university.
At UCD, we pride ourselves on our excellent
teaching and research, our broad and diverse
curriculum, and our brilliant student body,
25% of whom hail from 138 countries
around the world.
Graduate Offer Pack
What to do now 05
What to
DO NOW
As soon as you receive your offer you need to:
ACCEPT DEFER or DECLINE
ACCEPTING YOUR OFFER
You must accept your offer in order to reserve your place TYPES OF OFFER
at UCD. You may be required to pay a non-refundable
deposit which will then be deducted from your fee Unconditional Offer or Full Offer
obligations. The deadline for accepting your offer will be An Unconditional Offer or Full Offer means
stated in your official online offer letter. An offer, whether that you have met all the entry requirements
conditional or unconditional, will be made in good faith for the programme.
taking into account information as supplied by the
applicant and/ or referee at the time of the application. Conditional Offer
A Conditional Offer means that you will be
UCD reserves the right to withdraw any offer if deemed accepted if you meet certain entry requirements,
necessary at a later stage. By acceptance of an offer of as specified in your offer letter.
admission, the applicant agrees to be bound by the rules,
regulations and policies of the University.
06 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
• Log in to your application account at
www.ucd.ie/international/apply
• Upon logging in, you will see that your application
appears with the status of ‘OFFER’. Click on ‘ACCEPT
OR REJECT’ and it will bring you to the page where you
can accept the offer, and pay the deposit, if appropriate.
ACCEPT • Your acceptance will not be complete until you
A FULL OR successfully submit your acceptance online and, where
CONDITIONAL appropriate, pay the deposit.
OFFER
• Upon acceptance of your offer UCD will automatically
create a student record for you. Following this you
will receive an email confirmation of your acceptance,
including your student number.
• If for some reason you are unable to take up your offer
of a place at UCD, please contact the UCD International
DEFER Admissions team so see if you can defer your offer to
the next academic year. You can view the Deferral Policy
AN OFFER
on our website at www.ucd.ie/registry/admissions/
Deferral_Policy.pdf
Graduate Offer Pack
What to do now 07
• Log in to your application account at
www.ucd.ie/international/apply
• Upon logging in, you will see that your application appears
REJECT with the status of ‘OFFER’ or ‘CONDITIONAL OFFER’.
AN OFFER Click on ‘ACCEPT OR REJECT’ and it will bring you to
the page where you can reject the offer. Please indicate
your reason for doing so.
MEETING THE CONDITIONS OF YOUR OFFER sure to check the English language requirements
English language condition for your chosen programme of study.
All UCD programmes are taught through English, and
applicants from non-English speaking countries must Academic condition
provide evidence of competence in English language If your offer is conditional upon obtaining a degree,
through a recognised English language test, or equivalent. the offer letter will state the level required. When your
degree results are known, please upload a certified copy
Please refer to UCD English language requirements of your results. We may also ask for original transcripts
and specific programme requirements. to be mailed. Official translations must be provided with
the original/copy documents where documents are not
For all proficiency tests the results must be dated within in English. Any offer will be conditional until we have
two years of the programme start date. Some courses received satisfactory original transcripts.
have higher English language requirements. Please make
08 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Deposit condition
A deposit of c500 is payable to secure a place on PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
most courses. Deposits are non-refundable. The deposit
amount will be deducted from your fee obligation.
Pay your fees
Proof of identity
Applicants should be aware that, if admitted to a
programme, they will be required to present either Organise health insurance
their birth certificate or passport as part of the
registration process.
pply for a visa
A
Contacts
(if applicable)
UCD International Admissions Team
internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
UCD School Contacts ake accommodation
M
www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/contact/schools/ arrangements
Make travel arrangements
Start registration
rrive in time for
A
orientationGraduate Offer Pack
What to do now 0910 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
FINANCIAL
Information
PROGRAMME FEES
In order to complete the registration process, you must
confirm your registration and pay the appropriate fee.
A detailed breakdown of your fee obligation is available
while registering in the SIS (Student Information System)
through your UCD Connect account.
When to pay fees to UCD
Students may pay fees by semester:
• You may pay one third of your fee in semester one
and the remainder in semester two
• If you are on a 3-semester programme you may pay
your fee in thirds by semester
Further information on payment dates is available at:
www.ucd.ie/students/fees/feepaymentdates.html
student visa to students who have paid their tuition fees
If you require a visa to study in Ireland, visa application in full or paid a minimum deposit to the value of c6,000.
requires that you pay the greater of c6,000 or half the Please ensure that you have paid and received a receipt
tuition fee prior to submitting your visa application to the value of the minimum visa payment requirement
– see page 23 for further information. of c6,000, so as to avoid visa refusal on the basis of
incomplete tuition fee payment.
Note 1: If you require a visa to study in Ireland please
be advised that the Irish Government will only issue a Note 2: Using PaytoStudy is the quickest method to
receive a fee receipt for visa purposes.
Note 3: Where a student is receiving funding from a third
party source, students must pay either a half or a third
(whichever is applicable to the programme) of any balance
of fees and charges in order to be a registered student of
the university.
HOW DO I PAY FEES?
You can pay directly by credit or debit card using
UCD’s online payment facility. This is available at
www.ucd.ie/sisweb. A receipt will be emailed to you at
your default email address or another that you specify.
Pay via the PayToStudy payment facility. This facility is
especially useful for students who require a visa to travel
and/or study. You may access this service via webpage:
www.ucd.ie/students/fees/howtopay.htmlGraduate Offer Pack
Financial Information 11
Students making payments from outside Ireland may
also pay UCD directly by International Bank Transfer to: IMPORTANT NOTES
UCD Fees Account, Bank of Ireland,
College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland. UCD regrets that it cannot accept cash
IBAN: IE82 BOFI 9000 1720 6115 11 payments for any portion of a student’s fees.
Swift Code: BOFI IE 2D If you pay UCD directly by International Bank
Transfer it is essential that you include your
Please ensure you enter your Student Number or student number (or application number) as the
Application Number as the narrative/description on sole narrative. A copy of the Bank Transcript should
the transfer so it can be identified as your payment also be sent to UCD at student.payments@ucd.ie
and added to your record. or faxed to +353 1 716 1228
Third Party Payment allows individuals and The UCD Fees and Grants office does not issue
organisations to pay fees on behalf of a UCD student by invoices to individual companies or to students
debit or credit card without having access to confidential for the purposes of paying fees. If you are in a
student information. Further information is available at situation whereby you are in receipt of private
www.ucd.ie/students/fees/thirdparty.html sponsorship this is a matter between you and
your sponsor directly. The fee liability for your
RECEIPTS programme rests in full with you as a student of
If you pay by bank transfer, you will need to contact UCD UCD. You can upload you your sponsorship letter
for receipts relating to visa applications etc. This may take at www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/
some time; therefore we urge international students to fundingletter.html
use the PaytoStudy option to expedite payment and
visa applications.12 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global UniversityGraduate Offer Pack
Financial Information 13
If you pay online you will be emailed a receipt. You may This is based on 2018/19 costs and is to help you
also print your own receipt for the current year. work out the costs for living expenses such as
Log into www.ucd.ie/sisweb accommodation, food and other basics. Lots of things
can affect how much money you’ll need, so these
For further information on UCD fees visit www.ucd.ie/fees numbers are indicative only and subject to change.
COST OF LIVING The estimates above do not include the cost of flights
This table gives a rough guide to the cost of living or insurance. You should also budget for any initial costs
in Dublin over the course of one academic year you will likely incur (e.g. you might need to budget for
(nine months). short-term accommodation upon arrival in Dublin).
Cost for the Also please note that all non-Irish nationals, who are
academic year not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, must register
Expense (9 months) in person with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration
Service (INIS) after arrival and after completion of
Rent (based on UCD Merville / c7,383 registration at UCD. The INIS will issue you with a
Belgrove rates)
residence permit/card. As of July 2018, the fee for
Food (including lunches) c2,250 this card is c300 and should be included in your
Travel (Leap Card) c720 budgeting calculations.
Books and materials (including c630
photocopying and printing)
Clothes / medical c405
Mobile phone (excluding c180
handset cost)
Social life / miscellaneous c1,170
Total d12,73814 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
FUNDINGand Scholarships
Check out www.ucd.ie/international/scholarships for information
on scholarships and funding available for international students.
FUNDING FOR US CITIZENS OR ELIGIBLE Some sponsors will require you to provide them with a
NON-CITIZENS (FINANCIAL AID) fee statement prior to confirming your sponsorship. You
The University is approved by the US Department of can access your fee statement online via your SISWeb
Education to certify loans under the ‘William D. Ford account. Log into your account, click on the ‘Registration,
Direct Loan’ Program. For details in relation to applying Fees and Assessment’ tab. Select ‘Programme Fee &
for US Federal Loans please see the Incoming Student Payments’. On this page there is a ‘Generate Statement’
Portal for a comprehensive instruction guide. If you do button. Click this to download a PDF fee statement.
not have access to the incoming student portal yet, you
may contact federalaid@ucd.ie for further details. If you have any questions, please contact
sponsors@ucd.ie
SPONSORED STUDENTS
If you are receiving funding from your government or LIVING AND WORKING IN IRELAND
another organisation, you are required to submit official Entitlement to work (casual employment)
confirmation of sponsorship prior to, or on registration. Students who are attending a full-time course of
Failure to do so may result in you being liable for tuition at least one year’s duration are entitled to seek
fees. You may email your sponsorship letter or Financial employment on a casual basis. Casual employment
Guarantee Letter to sponsors@ucd.ie means you can work for 20 hours per week during termGraduate Offer Pack
Funding and Scholarships 15
time or full-time (up to 40 hours) for the months • Have a valid passport
of June, July, August and September and from 15 • Have your Irish Residence Permit Card
December to 15 January inclusive. Please note • Pay c300 by credit/debit card
term dates at www.ucd.ie/students/keydates.htm • After 12 months, you may be eligible for the Green
Card or Work Permit Scheme.
UCD International provides information about living
and working in Ireland on their website: www.ucd.ie/ UCD International provides information about living
international/study-at-ucd-global/coming-to-ireland and working in Ireland on their website: www.ucd.ie/
international/study-at-ucd-global/coming-to-ireland/
Third Level Graduate Scheme
This allows non-EU/EEA students who have graduated
from Irish higher education institutions to stay in Ireland
for 12 months to seek employment after graduating
from an undergraduate degree, or for 24 months if
students are awarded a postgraduate degree.
Students are eligible for the scheme if they have a CONTACTS
Bachelor, Master or PhD degree. If you have graduated
UCD Fees
from UCD you can avail of this scheme. Employers can
www.ucd.ie/fees
hire graduates who are eligible to work for up to 40
hours per week. You must have a valid Irish Residence
UCD International Applications Team
Permit (formerly known as a GNIB card) card which will
Tel. +353 1 716 8500
be extended for 12 months. After your results are issued,
internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
you apply directly with the Burgh Quay Registration
Office. You must:
International Scholarships Information
• Provide a letter from the UCD Student Desk
www.ucd.ie/international/scholarships
indicating you have obtained your examination
results and are eligible to graduate16 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
ACCOMMODATION
Ireland’s largest university campus, UCD is a vibrant student community
with over 3,000 students living on our state-of-the-art campuses at
Belfield and Blackrock only 5km from Dublin city centre.
UCD RESIDENCES PROVIDES accommodation for A deposit is payable at the time of booking. This is
students in a mix of apartments, halls and catered refundable at the end of the academic year less the cost
accommodation, and all UCD accommodation is single- of any damage/breakages. All residences will also have a
room and apartment-style. As a guideline, accommodation utility charge. Information on the utility charge can be
fees for the 2018/19 academic year range from c6,629 – found on www.ucd.ie/residences/residential-services/
c11,686, depending on the type of accommodation. finance. Please note that should a student vacate their
residence during the occupancy period they will forfeit
The “Res Life” social programme helps to foster a sense their deposit and rent.
of community within the residences. There are games
rooms located in three of our residences, and a gym in HOW TO APPLY?
one of our newest builds. Specially adapted facilities Due to the high demand for a limited number of
are provided for students with disabilities. graduate places on campus, UCD randomly selects
students for these limited places. The eligibility for this
UCD has set aside on-campus rooms for graduate process is dependant on acceptance of your programme
students. For up-to-date information and allocation and payment of your programme deposit fee where
policy regarding on-campus accommodation please applicable.
see: www.ucd.ie/residencesGraduate Offer Pack
Accommodation 17
CONTACTS
Off-Campus Accommodation Office
Merville Residence Reception Office
Those who are selected will be advised via email on
University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4
how to proceed in order to obtain a place in on-campus
roombookingsupport@ucd.ie
accommodation.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday, 09:30 – 13:00
All students must accept their accommodation offer
and 14:00 – 17:00
within 72 hours. When this time has elapsed, the offer
will expire and another student will be selected at
Student Union Accommodation Services
random. We expect all rooms to be filled quickly due
Student Union Centre
to the large demand.
University College Dublin,
Belfield, Dublin 4
www.ucd.ie/residences
Tel: +353 1 716 3164/3112
internationalaccommodation@ucd.ie
accommodation@ucdsu.ie
Tel: +353 1 716 1031
welfare@ucdsu.ie
OFF-CAMPUS LIVING
The following websites have advertisements
If you are looking for information on off-campus
for available accommodation in Dublin:
options, and information on rented, private and
www.ucdaccommodationpad.ie
family-based accommodation, please visit
www.daft.ie
www.ucd.ie/residences/bookings/offcampus
www.let.ie
www.myhome2let.ie18 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
VISA Information
DO I NEED A VISA? INIS REGISTRATION
Some, but not all, students from outside the All students from outside the EU/EEA, after they have
EU/EEA require an entry visa for Ireland. You can registered with UCD, must register with INIS in order to
check on www.inis.gov.ie to see if you require a visa. obtain permission to remain in Ireland. INIS registration
(Examples – USA, Canadian, Brazilian, Malaysian must take place before the expiry date stamped on their
students do not require a visa whilst Indian, passport by immigration officials at the airport. This also
Chinese, Russian students do). includes countries such as USA, Canada, Australia and Brazil,
which though they do not require a visa to enter Ireland,
You must make your visa application online using are required to register with INIS after arrival. Further
the AVATS online facility. Completing the online information on registration will be provided at orientation.
application form is the first step. The application will
only be processed when the online form is completed Important note: When you have applied for your visa,
AND the required documentation, passport photograph please alert us by updating your profile on the Incoming
and appropriate fee are received by the relevant office Student Portal. The Incoming Student Portal is available
as indicated by the online system. If you are applying on your SISWEB account. Apply for your visa as early
from China, India, Nigeria, Russia, United Arab Emirates as possible.
or the United Kingdom, please also check the Irish
Embassy website for details of further documentation HEALTH INSURANCE
which may be required. Non-EU students must obtain private health insurance.
You can purchase insurance in your home country,
You should read the visa application details very however you will need to ensure that it is valid in Ireland
carefully. If you do not provide the documentation and in any other countries you plan to travel to. There
required, your visa will be refused. are different levels of private health insurance available.Graduate Offer Pack
Visa Information 19
When making a visa application you must:
Complete an
online application
E nsure your passport is
valid for 12 months
Check the Irish Embassy details
where your documentation is
to be sent
Have private health insurance
(please visit UCD International
Student Support Services for
information on health insurance
P rovide a passport
providers). Please note that private
sized photo
health insurance is not provided
by UCD
Show that you have enough
Pay the application fee money to support yourself
while in Ireland (bank account
statements for six months
previously, evidence of access to
c7,000, sponsorship letter, etc.)
Provide a signed letter of
application which explains Show evidence of language
why you require the visa proficiency. INIS requires IELTS
of 5 but UCD generally require
IELTS of 6.5
Provide evidence from UCD
that you have been accepted
Any other documents as requested
on a full-time course of study
by INIS or the Irish Embassy
through which you are applying
S how evidence of tuition fees
paid. Where fees exceed c6,000
then at least this amount must Make sure you keep copies
be paid in advance of all documents submitted20 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global UniversityGraduate Offer Pack
Visa Information 21
Students are advised to read their policy documents may take longer than this. You can check online at Visa
carefully. INIS requires that, if you have health insurance Decisions to see if your visa has been processed (using
from your own country it must cover you up to c25,000 your Visa Application Number). This list is updated weekly.
for in-hospital treatment.
If you get approval for a visa, the Embassy to which you
Many of our international students tend to opt for sent your documents will affix a visa to your passport.
a basic medical expenses insurance policy, which
satisfies the Irish immigration requirements, and For visa-related queries you can contact us:
can be purchased online for c130 with a company Applying from India: india@ucd.ie
now called Study and Protect, formerly ODON Applying from China: chinaoffice@ucd.ie
www.studyandprotect.com Applying from SE Asia: southeastasia@ucd.ie
The contact there is Brian O’Riordan Applying from Japan, Korea, Taiwan or Hong Kong:
BORiordan@odon.com eastasia@ucd.ie
Applying from Middle East or North Africa: dubai@ucd.ie
More comprehensive plans are available from one of the Applying from all other regions:
three main private health insurance companies in Ireland. internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
VHI: www.vhi.ie
Irish Life: www.irishlifehealth.ie If you are refused a visa you may appeal the decision
Laya Healthcare: www.layahealthcare.ie within two months. However, as this would affect your
date of arrival in UCD, you would need to seek advice
Please note that in order to apply for a policy from on final acceptable arrival date from the course
one of these companies you will need to provide an director/administrator.
address in Ireland. Also note that medical cover does
not normally begin immediately with VHI. There is
usually a ‘waiting period’ of six months.
www.ucd.ie/international/current-students/
student-support/health-insurance NEED MORE HELP?
Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
CHECKING ON YOUR VISA STATUS
www.inis.gov.ie
You should apply as early as possible for your visa as it can
take eight weeks for it to be processed but in busy periods22 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Staying in
TOUCH
CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT OFTEN! SOME IMPORTANT FEATURES AND
You will receive regular communications from the WAYS TO ENGAGE
University to the email address detailed in your • Update your Visa Application Status (if you require
application to UCD and you should take careful a visa to study in Ireland)
note of any instructions in these emails. • ‘Make Connections’ with other incoming students
• Download a Cost of Attendance (sometimes required
LOGIN REGULARLY TO THE INCOMING if looking to secure a bank loan to cover the cost of
STUDENT PORTAL your studies)
The Incoming Student Portal is a dedicated portal for • Check out UCD’s jargon buster, which will explain
students with offer of study to UCD to access important words and phrases you’ll hear used in UCD
information about coming to UCD as well as helping www.ucd.ie/students/jargon.html
to connect you with other students from your country/
state and with other students on your programme.
Your Programme Director may also post important TIP
messages about your degree programme so
Make sure that ‘internationaladmissions@ucd.ie’
remember to check frequently!
and ‘onlineapps@ucd.ie’ are added to your list of
safe senders so emails from these accounts do
HOW TO ACCESS THE INCOMING
not end up in your spam folder!
STUDENT PORTAL
Log in via www.ucd.ie/siswebGraduate Offer Pack
Registration 23
REGISTRATION
Once you accept an offer the next step is registration. You will need
to register online before you can begin your graduate studies at UCD.
Registration allows you to obtain your UCD Student Card (UCARD) and
gain access to the wide range of facilities available to our students.
REGISTRATION FOR the majority of programmes Please see www.ucd.ie/students/registration.html for
takes place in August and you will receive notification further details on registration such as times, guides
via email when registration opens. (including videos) to registration and other support
information. This website will be updated near
Registration will be available through UCD Connect registration open time in August.
at www.ucd.ie. Please note that your UCD Connect
account will be available 48 hours in advance of online
registration - access is not available immediately. Your
username is your UCD student number, and your PLEASE NOTE
password is your date of birth (in ddmmyy format).
To access UCD Connect email, you will need
to log into UCD Connect at www.ucd.ie
In UCD Connect, click on the “Student Life” tab, then
Your username is your UCD student number,
enter the SIS (Student Information System). If you were
and your password is your date of birth
a student of UCD in the last three years your computer
(in ddmmyy format).
account and email details remain the same. If you have
any questions or problems with the registration process,
please contact your College/School directly.24 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
ORIENTATION
When you come to UCD, you will be among 4,000 other new incoming
students, many of whom you will interact with both during orientation and
throughout your time at UCD. You are now part of the UCD family!
ORIENTATION IS THE TIME to ask questions, meet ample opportunity to meet UCD International staff
other students, have fun and dive into the Irish culture! and students through events such as the President’s
Orientation introduces you to the University and key Welcome, Student Café & Fair, social and cultural
staff members, and provides you with crucial information excursions, and many other exciting events that operate
and advice that will assist you in adjusting to the living out of the UCD Global Lounge, the University’s hub for
and learning environment of the University. You will international students
receive academic advice about your course and support
in how to enrol in the correct units of study. The UCD
Orientation programme runs over one week. UCD GLOBAL LOUNGE EVENTS
The UCD Global Lounge is staffed by Global Guides
Please note that Orientation Week begins officially on who are student ambassadors. They are available to
3rd September so it is wise to arrive in good time. answer questions regarding student life. You will have
opportunities to interact with our Global Guides
Classes begin on Monday 9th September. Please also during Orientation and throughout the year.
check www.ucd.ie/international/study-at-ucd-global/
coming-to-ireland/orientation for updates on Once orientation week is over, the UCD Global
September 2019 Orientation. Lounge calendar of events is packed with opportunities
Alongside student orientation, we also have an for students to take advantage of their time in Ireland.
extensive, fun and dynamic programme of activities for You can explore the island of Saints and Scholars
international students. During this time, you will have through road trips, walking tours, and by taking part inGraduate Offer Pack
Orientation 25
celebrations of Irish culture right here on campus. There Semester Dates Exam dates
is also an extensive calendar of celebrations of different
cultures throughout the year, including national day Orientation 3rd September –
celebrations. All students are invited to attend these 6th September
events, which are often organised in conjunction with Semester One 9th September – 9th – 20th
student societies. 29th November December
Semester Two 20th January – 5th – 16th May
2019/2020 TERM DATES 24th April 2019
Most programmes start at the beginning of the
Semester Three*
academic year in early September. The start date 18th May –
for your programme will be stated on your 30th August 2020
offer letter.
*If applicable
For details on term, revision and exam dates please
see the academic calendar for 2019/2020 at
www.ucd.ie/students/keydates.htm CONTACT
Student Desk
www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/contact.html26 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Destination
UCD
UCD has one of the largest urban campuses in Europe, and contains
not only the buildings in which students live and study, but also
gorgeous parkland teeming with wildlife, art and fabulous facilities.
RANKED IN THE top 1% of higher education institutes size swimming pool, and interactive laboratories, some
worldwide, students love our flexible curriculum, and our of which are unique to UCD. With such a large campus,
research-intensive academic staff comprises leading we have the ability to house an incredible breadth of
national and international opinion leaders and influencers. amenities (such as the UNESCO-recognised National
Folklore Collection), all of which make the UCD
UCD is Ireland’s leader in graduate education with over experience second to none.
9,300 graduate students (2016/17) with almost a quarter
being graduate research students. Blackrock campus
The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is
CAMPUSES located at the Blackrock campus, approximately 3km
The main campus of UCD is situated at Belfield, a 133 from Belfield. The campus is within walking distance
hectare site 5km south of the centre of Dublin city. of the thriving seaside town of Blackrock, one of the
Facilities include vaults of historical record, the biggest prime residential and shopping areas of suburban Dublin,
animal hospital in Ireland (and animal A&E for Dublin), which is linked by light rail and bus services to the city.
world-class teaching and research facilities, excellent The Blackrock campus is connected to the Belfield
accommodation, a huge sports centre with Olympic- campus by a scheduled bus service.
Left: UCD’s Sutherland School of Law, overshadowed by the Dublin Mountains and right: the Bloomberg Trading
Room in the Quinn School of Business.Graduate Offer Pack
Destination UCD 27
UCD’s Sports Centre is home to state-of-the-art facilities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Lyons estate that all students have the best experience and receive
Other University buildings include the Lyons Estate in the best education possible in an exciting, dynamic and
Co. Kildare which houses the UCD School of Agriculture, supportive environment.
Food Science and Veterinary Medicine’s research farm.
One quarter of our student population is from outside
THE PEOPLE Ireland and the EU, and over one third of our academic
At UCD, our faculty and staff are focussed on ensuring staff is from outside Ireland. This ensures that the
experience of all students at UCD is truly global, and
encompasses a multitude of attitudes, formed from
different life and learning experiences. A multitude
of clubs and societies make it easy for students to
meet each other, and get involved in activities that
not only mean a lot to them, but that also offer
invaluable life experience.
TOP 1%
f higher education
o
institutes worldwide
25% of our
student population
is from outside the EU28 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
OUR CELEBRATIONS! Our international admissions team are on hand to
At UCD, we celebrate many national days. Organised by, answer any questions you may have about coming to
or in collaboration with, relevant student societies, these UCD and you can find them in Dublin and further afield!
events really make students feel like they are in a home
away from home. Pictured on the next page: Holi, the Festival of Colour,
run by the UCD India Society.
Kuwait National Day celebrations, organised by UCD International.
Chinese New Year, run by UCD International and the UCD Chinese Students and Scholars Association.
Thanksgiving dinner, organised by UCD International. Malaysia Night, run by the UCD Malaysia Society.Graduate Offer Pack
Destination UCD 29
Holi, the Festival of Colour, run by the UCD India Society.30 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global UniversityGraduate Offer Pack
UCD Global Centres 31
UCD
GLOBAL
CENTRES
UCD has a network of Global Centres located in five cities around the world.
Staffed by UCD employees, these centres are contact and information hubs
for students and parents when students are making an application to UCD.
Make a call, drop them an email, or even visit a Global Centre in person. Each
Global Centre serves a specific region, if your country isn’t listed alongside a
centre, please contact our central office in Dublin.
NORTH AMERICA SOUTH ASIA
University College Dublin North America Global Centre, University College Dublin South Asia Global Centre,
12 E. 49th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017, USA Access Work Business Centre, Building 8C, 11th Floor,
Skype: UCDublin_NAmerica DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon – 122002, Haryana, India
Email: northamerica@ucd.ie Tel: +91-9384810500 / +91-9940633500
Email: india@ucd.ie
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Regions
Tel: +1-646-690-9024 (Eastern Time) ASIA PACIFIC
University College Dublin Southeast Asia Global Centre,
Central Region Suite 9.07, North Block, The Ampwalk, No.218, Jalan
Tel: +1-847-373-6731 (Central Time) Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 (03) 2715 1662
West Coast Region Skype: ucdseasia
Tel: +1-650-255-8532 (Pacific Time) Email: southeastasia@ucd.ie / eastasia@ucd.ie
CHINA MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
University College Dublin Global Centre Beijing, University College Dublin Dubai Global Centre
C612A, Lufthansa Office Building, Liangmaqiao Road, Dubai Knowledge Park, Block 2B, Office F-06, Dubai.
Chaoyang District, Beijing, PR China 100125 Tel: +97145898204
Email: chinaoffice@ucd.ie Email: dubai@ucd.ie
都柏林大学 | University College Dublin DUBLIN OFFICE
UCD全球中心(中国) | 北京市朝阳区亮马桥路 UCD International, Gerard Manley Hopkins Building,
50号燕莎中心办公楼C612A Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
邮编：100125 Email: internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
电话：＋86 010 8448 4288 / 4287 / 4290 Tel: +353 1 716 850032 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Student Support
SERVICES
INTERNATIONAL OFFICE STUDENT ADVISERS
The UCD International Office offers a wide range of Student Advisers provide support for all students throughout
support to both international students and Irish students their university experience, particularly during their first year.
who wish to study abroad. International students make They are attached either to particular programmes (e.g. Arts)
up about 25% of the UCD student population. The or to specific groups of students (e.g. international students).
services offered by the International Office include: Student Advisers are there to help make students’ time at
• Pre-arrival information for new international students UCD as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible. They are available
• Orientation programmes for private meetings with students so they can express their
• Cultural and social events concerns regarding social, personal or practical issues, and help
• Assistance with University procedures students to access other support services where necessary.
• Handbook for International Students
• International Student Adviser who assists with For more information please visit:
personal and practical issues www.ucd.ie/studentadvisers
For further information please visit: UCD LIBRARY
www.ucd.ie/international UCD’s libraries stock one million print books, 650,000
e-books, numerous subject databases and approximatelyGraduate Offer Pack
Student Support Services 33
84,000 print or electronic journals. There are also 3,150
reading places for quiet study time, group learning
rooms and social learning spaces. Many services can
1 million
rint books are available
p
be used online via the e-library, which also provides
across UCD’s libaries
assistance and advice about library facilities, collections,
information resources and opening hours. There is also an
open access toolkit to support bibliometrics training and
awareness. Library staff are available to help you make
the most of library resources. UCD CAREER
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Maths Support Centre
Whether you have a clear vision of what you
Located in the main James Joyce Library, the Maths Support
want to do upon graduation or are just beginning
Centre (MSC) offers free help to students with maths,
to look at your career options, the UCD Career
applied maths and statistics. This support is available to all
Development Centre can help you to:
UCD students, whether you are studying maths or not, and
• Understand the range of national and
support is offered on a one-to-one or small group basis,
international career opportunities
with tuition by friendly and experienced tutors.
available to you
• Find out what other UCD graduates from your
Writing Support Centre
programme have gone on to do
Also located in the James Joyce Library, the Writing
• Take credit bearing and non credit bearing
Support Centre offers free, high-quality tuition in writing
programmes & workshops to develop your
to students interested in improving their writing skills.
skills, competencies and attitudes that
One-to-one tuition and a range of workshops/seminars
employers seek
are delivered by our team of friendly and non-
• Develop a winning C.V., cover letter and
judgemental writing tutors, who strive to ensure that
interview techniques for face-to-face,
students are helped to communicate, structure and
telephone, Skype and group interviews and
present their knowledge and ideas in writing.
learn how best to compete for jobs
For further information please visit: www.ucd.ie/library34 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
UCD APPLIED LANGUAGE CENTRE (ALC) directory, and Blackboard Mobile Learn so you can
The UCD Applied Language Centre offers programmes check announcements on the go! There is also a Library
in the following areas: Foreign language electives and Catalogue Search facility so you can look up journals on
English language courses. your smart phone. Just search for “UCD Mobile” in the
Android Marketplace or your App store!
For further information please visit: www.ucd.ie/alc
UCD Access Centre
IT SERVICES UCD Access Centre provides support for students with
UCD Belfield is the largest campus in Ireland and is digitally disabilities. UCD Access Centre assists students in many
enabled with wireless access available campus-wide different ways from academic support to exam support.
(including residences). Online services can be accessed 24/7 Registration with Access Centre is confidential. All you
whether you are at home or abroad through UCD Connect. need to register is a letter from your medical consultant
UCD Connect gives you access to your personal files, library or an educational psychologist’s report (no more than 3
resources and online learning resources. years old). You will meet one-to-one with a member of
the UCD Access Centre team and together you will put
A large amount of software is available to students at in place your individual learning plan. The UCD Access
no charge when you come to UCD, including AutoCAD, Centre is here to support you.
EndNote, Microsoft Office and SPSS.
You can find more information and contact details at:
There are two IT Centres on campus, located in the www.ucd.ie/openingworlds
Daedalus and Health Sciences buildings. Look out for
our mobile IT Centre which will be on the move across
campus during term time! UCD is a BYOD (Bring your UCD STUDENT DESK
own device) campus so come to us for all your device
The UCD Student Desk offers a range of services
queries. UCD also has 1,000 computers available in
to students including registration/student
open-access laboratories across campus.
records, fees, assessment, regulations and
transcripts to name but a few.
Online support is available at www.ucd.ie/it
For the full range of services available to students
UCD Mobile
please visit www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk
This app gives you an interactive campus map
with information on campus facilities, tours, a staffGraduate Offer Pack Student Support Services 35
36 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
SPORT and Recreation
SPORT CLUBS
With 56 official sports clubs, excellent facilities and a
huge programme of fitness classes, there’s something for
everyone. So make the most of your time in UCD, get
involved, get active and have fun!
UCD SPORT AND FITNESS
Our modern Sport and Fitness Centre has an
extensive range of amenities, catering for students
of all fitness levels, from casual gym-user to Olympic
athlete. Facilities include a 50 metre swimming pool,
gym, dance and spinning studios, sauna and jacuzzi,
three multi-purpose sports halls, four squash courts, you-go basis or can pay a once-off annual charge for
handball/racquetball alley, climbing wall, changing unlimited access to the pool area.
facilities, performance and squad gyms, 17 natural grass
pitches (including the UCD Bowl, home ground to both For more information about our Sports Facilities,
UCD RFC and UCD AFC), six synthetic 5-a-side pitches, please visit: www.ucd.ie/sportandfitness
sand-based hockey pitch, synthetic rugby, GAA and
soccer pitches and the National Hockey Stadium. STUDENT SOCIETIES
Regularly recommended by international students as the
Student Gym Membership entitles current UCD students best way to make friends and fill your social calendar
to free access to UCD Sport & Fitness Gym and the in UCD, when you get here find a club, society or group
Performance gym. Students who activate their Student that interests you, and JOIN IT!
Membership can gain access to the pool on a pay-as-Graduate Offer Pack
Sport and Recreation 37
Student societies and networks are a great way to UCD STUDENTS’ UNION (UCDSU)
explore your interests and develop new ones. UCD has All UCD students are automatically members of
over 80 active student societies so there is something UCDSU, which represents students’ views and opinions,
for everyone. Many of our societies bring together and works on a number of university committees from
international students from different backgrounds, and all areas of university life as the voice of the student
networks such as the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) population. Five elected officers offer support and advice
and International Student Society run lots of events and to students during their time in UCD – the President,
activities throughout the year, including trips around Welfare Officer, Education Officer, Graduate Officer
Ireland. and Campaigns & Communications Officer.
For more information on UCD Societies, please visit: The UCDSU is there to advise, support and direct
www.ucd.ie/sportandsocieties.htm students through any kind of situation in which they
may find themselves. All the UCDSU officers are UCD
students, so they understand the issues facing students.
Students can call over at any time and have a
chat with them.
Throughout the year, the UCDSU Entertainments (Ents)
Office runs class trips and parties, gigs, comedy nights,
mystery tours and The Freshers Ball. They also run an
award-winning newspaper, The University Observer.
For more information about the UCDSU,
please visit: www.ucdsu.ie38 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Destination
IRELAND
Recognised as having one of the best education systems in the world,
and graduates who are sought after in governments, industry, NGOs and
organisations the world over, Ireland is an ideal choice for students who
want the best possible springboard for their futures.
DESPITE BEING a small country with a population of • University education that meets the needs
just over five million, we are a well-connected nation, of a competitive economy
with over 70 million people around the world who • Knowledge transfer between universities
claim Irish heritage! and companies.
OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT WE’RE SAFE
Ireland’s education system is amongst the best in the Ranked 10th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index.
world. We lead in the skills race with a higher percentage
of 3rd level graduates than the UK, US and OECD WE’RE HAPPY
averages. Ireland also ranks in the top 10 globally for: Ireland is ranked 14th in the World Happiness Index
• Quality of the education system 2018. This happiness leads to friendliness, and the IrishGraduate Offer Pack
Destination Ireland 39
people are renowned for their friendly and welcoming by students with ease while they are based in Dublin.
nature the world over. An island located off the western edge of Europe, next
to the United Kingdom, Ireland is within easy reach of
WE HAVE DIVERSE… WEATHER all major European capitals, so you can enjoy European
In Ireland, a hot (or cold, or rainy) topic daily is the adventures during your time with us too!
weather! You might experience four seasons in one
day – so be sure to pack your sunscreen, umbrella, rain YOU’VE SEEN US ON SCREEN
jacket, sweater and sunglasses when heading to class! Ireland is famous for its beautiful countryside, and is
featured in many films and TV shows. In Kerry you can
WE’RE YOUNG see Sceilg Mhichíl (Skellig Michael), AKA planet Ahch-To
Ireland has the youngest population in Europe with in Star Wars; in Wexford you can wander the beaches
a third of the population under 25 years old and featured in ‘Saving Private Ryan’, in Clare you can explore
almost half the population under the age of 34. the incredible Cliffs of Moher and see the location of
the Horcrux Cave from Harry Potter and the Half Blood
WE SPEAK ENGLISH Prince, and in Down you can travel the Kingsroad from
Ireland is soon to be the only member state of the ‘Game of Thrones’.
European Union (apart from Malta) whose first
language is English. WE’RE PROUD OF OUR CULTURE
AND HISTORY
WE’RE COMPACT, EASY TO NAVIGATE Ireland’s incredible culture and history is celebrated
– AND CLOSE TO EUROPEAN CAPITALS countrywide. With two UNESCO World Heritage
As a small country, Ireland’s beautiful landscapes and Sites, and many museums, cathedrals, parks and
vibrant cities are easily accessible. Dublin is just a two- monuments, Ireland’s past and present can be
hour drive from Galway in the west and Cork in the explored on every corner.
south, meaning that the entire country can be explored40 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Great career opportunities
In a 2017 study, Ireland was ranked 2nd in Europe for ‘Life/Career’ for students. With a one
year stay back visa for graduates, many UCD students now choose to stay in Ireland beyond
their studies and start their careers here. The Irish economy is also the fastest growing in the
Eurozone and the 6th most competitive in the world.
ICT MED TECH ENGINEERING FOOD & FINANCIAL
& PHARMA AGRICULTURE SERVICES
ICT ENGINEERING
Ireland is known as the internet and games capital The Engineering industry in Ireland is strong and
of Europe and is home to nine of the top ten global vibrant. It supports a very broad range of companies
software companies, nine of the top ten US tech in various fields, including environmental, biomedical,
companies, all of the top three global security and global aerospace, energy, ICT and medical devices to name but
enterprise software companies, four of the top five IT a few. The industry is also a very strong contributor to
services companies and all ten of the top ‘born on the Irish exports generating c4.2 billion in exports annually.
internet’ companies.
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
MED TECH AND PHARMA The manufacture of food and drink is Ireland’s most
Ireland is home all of the top ten global pharma important indigenous industry, with over c11 billion of
companies and has over 25,000 people employed in product exported every year to 175 markets worldwide.
the industry. Over c10 billion has been invested in Ireland supplies 10% of the world’s infant milk formula
new biological production in the last decade. Ireland and three of the four best-selling infant formula
has exported almost c40 billion in biopharmaceutical companies in the world are based in Ireland.
product, and was the 6th largest medicinal and
pharmaceutical manufacturing hub in the world
in 2017. FINANCIAL SERVICES
Ireland is the 7th largest provider of wholesale
Financial Services in the EU, and is home to over 500
international financial institutions in world-leading areas
such as fund administration and aircraft leasing.Graduate Offer Pack Destination Ireland 41
42 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Destination
DUBLIN
Dublin is located on Ireland’s east coast, and is served by a large
international airport which sees over 30 million passengers pass through
annually. With major European capitals just a short flight away, Dublin is an
ideal base from which you can easily explore the rest of Europe.
A COMPACT, COSY, yet bustling city, Dublin is easy to WE’RE EUROPE’S TECH HUB
navigate and the city centre is within walking distance, Regarded as Europe’s tech capital, Dublin’s thriving
or just a short bus ride, from UCD. Split in two by the digital hub is home to international IT giants such as
River Liffey, Dubliners identify as either ‘Northsiders’ or Google, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, AirBnB, Hubspot and
‘Southsiders’. UCD is located in Dublin 4, on the city’s Squarespace.
south side.
WE’RE AN EVENTFUL CITY
WE’RE FRIENDLY AND POPULAR! Dubin hosts many annual events such as the St Patrick’s
Dublin is one of the three most visited capital cities in Festival, a Chinese New year festival, Culture Night, the
Europe, and is regularly voted friendliest city in Europe Dublin Film Festival, and is home to the national football
by TripAdvisor. and rugby teams.Graduate Offer Pack
Destination Dublin 43
WE HAVE AN INCREDIBLE ARTS AND WE HAVE FOOD TO CATER FOR
PERFORMANCE SCENE EVERYONE’S TASTES!
Dublin has spawned jaw-dropping creative talent, and Dublin has a vibrant, young, multicultural population,
amazing authors such as James Joyce, Roddy Doyle, and and the city centre is packed with shops and restaurants
Anne Enright hail from the city. Dublin is also home to a to suit everyone’s budget and tastes. There is an Asian
multitude of world famous bands, including U2 and The strip just north of the River Liffey, home to many
Script, and actors such as Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson authentic and award-winning restaurants, and the many
and Domhnall Gleeson. supermarkets in the city centre stock ingredients from
around the world.
Storytelling is not just confined to books, music and
movies – Dublin has a vibrant stage scene and theatres EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
such as The Gate and The Abbey have performance runs Flanked by beaches to the east and mountains to the
throughout the year. You can also take many tours in south, and dotted with parks, Dublin boasts wonderful
Dublin, where the guides will make history come alive amenities for everyone to enjoy.
through their stories!
WE’RE ALL ABOUT THE CRAIC
(IT’S OUR WORD FOR FUN!)
The pubs, coffee shops, and music venues of Dublin are
important meeting and social venues for both Dubliners,
and visitors to the capital. You can enjoy coffee in a
bookshop, have a drink overlooking the city, or see
musicians perform any night of the week.44 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global UniversityGraduate Offer Pack
Visiting UCD 45
VISITINGUCD
BY PLANE CAMPUS TOURS
Dublin is served by Dublin International Airport, which is If you wish to take a tour of the UCD Belfield
located north of Dublin City Centre. There are frequent campus, details and booking information can
connecting buses from the airport to the city centre. be found at: www.ucd.ie/international/
Aircoach operates a service from Dublin Airport to study-at-ucd-global/meet-ucd/campus-tours
Leopardstown/Sandyford/Stillorgan which passes UCD.
Further details available at www.aircoach.ie. For further
information on Dublin Airport and flights please visit
www.dublinairport.com HOW TO VIDEOS
We have created a bank of videos showcasing
BY TRAIN
the best ways to get to UCD, and these can be
Dublin is served by two main railway stations, Connolly
viewed on our YouTube channel.
Station and Heuston Station. It is a short walk from
www.youtube.com/ucdglobal
Connolly Station to O’Connell Street, where the Dublin
Bus numbers 2, 11 and 46A can be boarded for UCD. The
route 145 provides a direct route from Heuston Station
to Belfield via the city centre.46 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Recommendations from our
STUDENTS
As Ireland’s Global University, UCD welcomes thousands of students from
around the world to campus each year. Here are some top tips from our
current and past students for incoming first years!
FOOD, DRINK AND COFFEE! Other options nearby: Tesco, Centra (on-campus),
Dublin has a large array of excellent supermarkets, Dunne’s Stores, SuperValu
restaurants, pubs and coffee shops, with a food and drink
culture that is truly global. The city centre is bursting Eating out / lunch
with stores stocking ingredients from around the world, For vegetarians & vegans: Umi Falafel (meal deals
and a world food market pops up on campus every before 5pm), Cornucopia, Veginity, Sova Vegan Butcher
Thursday for lunch! Markets: Dun Laoghaire People’s Park (Sundays, crafts
Supermarkets
For everything on a budget: Lidl and Aldi
For affordable Chinese groceries delivered to your MY FAVOURITE SPOT
door: www.chinese.ie
“Kilmainham Goal is one of my favorite spots,
Asian staples: Asia Market in the city centre,
and also go to a GAA match at Croke Park or a
Eurasia in Fonthill (huge supermarket, with great cheap
Rugby or Football match at Aviva Stadium and
hot food too – their onion bhajis are amazing!)
grab pre-drinks at a pub close to the stadiums.”
For Halal butchers and grocers try the shop at
Miesha Roberts
the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (10 minute
walk from UCD)You can also read
