Graduate Offer Pack 2021-2022 - University College Dublin
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Graduate Offer Pack
Congratulations 1
2021-2022
Graduate
Offer Pack
Three years
in a row.
RANKED
RANKED IN
IN IRELAND
IRELAND
No.1
FOR
FORGRADUATE
GRADUATE
EMPLOYABILITY
EMPLOYABILITY
2018
2018••2019
2019••2020
2020
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 possible. In the coming pages, we have included what we
8,000 graduate students of which almost a quarter are think might be some helpful information to you as a new
graduate research students. student. This includes information about the admissions
process and what you must do next in order to accept
UCD offers a unique campus environment with world your offer, as well as information about the University
class degree programmes and research sitting side-by- and the city of Dublin.
side with a wonderful array of clubs, societies, sporting
facilities, student residences and woodland walkways. Upon entering one of our graduate programmes you
University life should be a journey of academic and will begin on a path of intellectual stimulation, learning
personal discovery and the UCD campus facilitates new skills and expanding your knowledge of your chosen
both. We encourage our students to “Learn Today, Lead discipline. It is a tremendously rewarding experience and
Tomorrow”. Many of UCD’s graduates have gone on to one which will both enrich your life and enhance your
leadership positions in Ireland and across the globe in career prospects.
academia, medicine, engineering, the arts, sports and
politics. UCD graduates are consistently ranked highly by I look forward to welcoming you to graduate
global employers and enjoy excellent job prospects. studies at UCD.
Indeed for the third year in a row, UCD is ranked number
one in Ireland for graduate employability by QS World
University Rankings. UCD is ranked 78 in the world.
This Graduate Offer Pack has been prepared with the Professor Barbara Dooley
intention of making your transition to UCD as smooth as Dean of Graduate Studies
02 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
CONTENTS
What to Do Now 04
Financial Information 08
Funding and Scholarships 13
Accommodation 16
Visa Information 18
Staying in Touch 22
Registration 23
Orientation 24
Destination UCD 26
Student Support Services 30
Alumni Supports 34
Sport and Recreation 36
Destination Ireland 38
Destination Dublin 42
Visiting UCD 45
Recommendations from our Students 46
Graduate Offer Pack
Congratulations 03
Congratulations on receiving an offer to come
and study at University College Dublin, Ireland’s
global university.
At UCD, we pride ourselves on our excellent
teaching and research, our broad and diverse
curriculum, and our brilliant student body, 29%
of whom hail from over 140 countries
around the world.
04 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
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 that
stated in your official online offer letter. An offer, whether you have met all the entry requirements for the
conditional or unconditional, will be made in good faith 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.
Graduate Offer Pack
What to do now 05
• Log in to your application account at
www.ucd.ie/global/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 Global
Admissions team so see if you can defer your offer to the
DEFER next academic year. You can view the Deferral Policy on
AN OFFER
our website at www.ucd.ie/registry
06 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
• Log in to your application account at
www.ucd.ie/global/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 For all proficiency tests the results must be dated within
English language condition two years of the programme start date. Some courses
All UCD programmes are taught through English, and have higher English language requirements. Please make
applicants from non-English speaking countries must sure to check the English language requirements
provide evidence of competence in English language for your chosen programme of study.
through a recognised English language test, or equivalent.
Academic condition
Please refer to www.ucd.ie/registry and specific If your offer is conditional upon obtaining a degree,
programme requirements and carefully note the the offer letter will state the level required. When your
requirements detailed in your offer letter. degree results are known, please upload a certified copy
of your results. We may also ask for original transcripts
to be mailed. Official translations must be provided with
the original/copy documents where documents are not in
English. Any offer will be conditional until we have received
satisfactory original transcripts.
Graduate Offer Pack
What to do now 07
Deposit condition PRE-ARRIVAL CHECKLIST
A deposit of c500 is payable to secure a place on
most courses. Deposits are non-refundable. The deposit
amount will be deducted from your fee obligation. Pay your fees
Proof of identity
Organise health insurance
Applicants should be aware that, if admitted to a
programme, they will be required to present either their
birth certificate or passport as part of the registration pply for a visa
A
process. (if applicable)
Contacts ake accommodation
M
UCD Global Admissions Team arrangements
internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
UCD School Contacts
Make travel arrangements
www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/contact/schools/
Participate in the Jumpstart
Programme
Join the UCD Alumni Network
Start registration
rrive in time for
A
orientation
08 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 trimester:
• You may pay one third of your fee in trimester and the
remainder in trimester two
• If you are on a 3-trimester programme you may pay
your fee in thirds by semester
Further information on payment dates is available at:
www.ucd.ie/students/fees
student visa to students who have paid their tuition fees
If you require a visa to study in Ireland, normally the visa in full or paid a minimum deposit to the value of c6,000
application requires that you pay the greater of c6,000 or 50% of tution fees. Please ensure that you have paid
or half the tuition fee prior to submitting your visa and received a receipt to the value of the minimum visa
application, but it is advisable to check directions from payment requirement, so as to avoid visa refusal on the
the specific visa office you are applying through. basis of incomplete tuition fee payment.
Note 1: If you require a visa to study in Ireland please Note 2: Using TransferMate is the quickest method to
be advised that the Irish Government will only issue a receive a fee receipt for visa purposes.
Note 3: Where you are receiving funding from a third
party source, you 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 TransferMate 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/howtopayGraduate Offer Pack
Financial Information 09
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 payments
IBAN: IE82 BOFI 9000 1720 6115 11 for any portion of a student’s fees. If you pay
Swift Code: BOFI IE 2D UCD directly by International Bank Transfer it is
essential that you include your student number
Please ensure you enter your Student Number or (or Applicant number) as the sole narrative. Please
Applicant Number as the narrative/description on the contact our Student Payments team (quoting
transfer so it can be identified as your payment and your UCD student / application number, payment
added to your record. amount, and payment reference) via the Student
Desk Connector at www.ucd.ie/students
Third Party Payment allows individuals and organisations
to pay fees on behalf of a UCD student by debit or The UCD Fees office does not issue invoices
credit card without having access to confidential student to individual companies or to students for the
information. Further information is available at purposes of paying fees. If you are in a situation
www.ucd.ie/students/fees/thirdparty whereby you are in receipt of private sponsorship
this is a matter between you and your sponsor
RECEIPTS directly. The fee liability for your programme rests
If you pay by bank transfer, you will need to contact UCD in full with you as a student of UCD. You can
for receipts relating to visa applications etc. This may take upload your sponsorship letter at www.ucd.ie/
some time; therefore we urge international students to students/fundingletter
use the TransferMate option to expedite payment and visa
applications.10 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
If you pay online you will be emailed a receipt. You may This is based on 2020 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 in or insurance. You should also budget for any initial costs
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).
Also please note that all non-Irish nationals, who are
Cost for the not citizens of the EU/EEA or Switzerland, must register
academic year in person with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration
Expense (9 months) Service (INIS) after arrival and after completion of
Rent (based on UCD Merville / c7,514 registration at UCD. The INIS will issue you with a
Belgrove rates) residence permit/card. As of June 2020, the fee for
Electricity/gas/bins c270 this card is c300 and should be included in your
budgeting calculations.
Food (including lunches) c2,250
Travel (Leap Card) c720
Books and materials (including c630
photocopying and printing)
Clothes / medical c405
Mobile phone (excluding c180
handset cost)
Social life / miscellaneous c1,170
Total c13,139Graduate Offer Pack Financial Information 11
12 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
UCD O’Brien Science BuildingGraduate Offer Pack
Funding and Scholarships 13
FUNDING, FINANCE
and Scholarships
Check out www.ucd.ie/global 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 www.ucd.ie/global.For Payments’. On this page there is a ‘Generate Statement’
any questions not answered on the website, and to get button. Click this to download a PDF fee statement.
your COA calculator, please email federalaid@ucd.ie.
If you have any questions, please contact
SPONSORED STUDENTS sponsors@ucd.ie
If you are receiving funding from your government or
another organisation, you are required to submit official LIVING AND WORKING IN IRELAND
confirmation of sponsorship prior to, or on registration. Entitlement to work (casual employment)
Failure to do so may result in you being liable for tuition Students who are attending a full-time course of
fees. You may email your sponsorship letter or Financial at least one year’s duration are entitled to seek
Guarantee Letter to sponsors@ucd.ie employment on a casual basis. Non-EU students on a
Stamp 2 are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week
You can also upload your Financial Guarantee Letter to during term time, and up to 40 hours a week during
https://www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/fundingletter.html14 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
breaks: June to August, and 15 December to 15 January. Third Level Graduate Scheme
Please note term dates at www.ucd.ie/students/keydates This allows non-EU/EEA students who have graduated
from Irish higher education institutions to stay in Ireland
UCD Global provides information about living for 12 months to seek employment after graduating
and working in Ireland on their website: from an undergraduate degree, or for 24 months if
www.ucd.ie/global/ students are awarded a postgraduate degree.
Scholarships Students are eligible for the scheme if they have a
UCD offers a variety of scholarships for graduate Bachelor, Master or PhD degree. If you have graduated
students. Scholarships for PhD and research Masters from UCD you can avail of this scheme. Employers can
students are usually administered by the School that hire graduates who are eligible to work for up to 40
the student is studying through, but are often advertised hours per week. You must have a valid Irish Residence
here: Permit (formerly known as a GNIB card) card which will
• www.ucd.ie/scholarships/ be extended for 12 months. After your results are issued,
• www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/feesfundingandscholarships you apply directly with the Burgh Quay Registration
Office. You must:
Students undertaking a taught Masters at UCD can find • Provide a letter from the UCD Student Desk indicating
scholarships for their field here: www.ucd.ie/global/ you have obtained your examination results and are
scholarships/ These include the prestigious Global eligible to graduate
Excellence Scholarship for outstanding students from • Have a valid passport
diverse backgrounds. UCD recognises returning previous • Have your Irish Residence Permit Card
exchange and Study Abroad students through the UCD • Pay c300 by credit/debit card
Past Exchange / Study Abroad Scholarship. Graduates • After 12 months, you may be eligible for the Green
from a Universitas 21 member university may also be Card or Work Permit Scheme.
eligible for the Universitas 21 Alumni Scholarship.
UCD Global provides information about living and
working in Ireland on their website: www.ucd.ie/global/
UCD Fees Living Costs
www.ucd.ie/fees www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/scholarshipsfinances/
CONTACTS livingcosts/
Global Applications Team
Tel. +353 1 716 8500 International Scholarships Information
internationaladmissions@ucd.ie www.ucd.ie/global/scholarshipsGraduate Offer Pack
Funding and Scholarships 15
UCD Mountaineering Club16 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 students in A deposit is payable at the time of booking. This is
a mix of apartments, halls and catered accommodation, and refundable at the end of the academic year less the cost
all UCD accommodation is single- room and apartment- of any damage/breakages. All residences will also have a
style. As a guideline, accommodation fees for the 2020/21 utility charge. Information on the utility charge can be
academic year range from c6,982 - c11,926 for two found on www.ucd.ie/residences/residential-services/
trimesters and c10,571 - c12,450 for three trimesters. 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 graduate
are provided for students with disabilities. places on campus, UCD randomly selects students for these
limited places. The eligibility for this process is dependant
UCD has set aside on-campus rooms for graduate on acceptance of your programme and payment of your
students. For up-to-date information and allocation programme deposit fee where applicable. You need to have
policy regarding on-campus accommodation please an offer of a place to study, or a conditional offer, to apply
see: www.ucd.ie/residences for on-campus accommodation. Applications are made via
the Incoming Student Portal.Graduate Offer Pack
Accommodation 17
CONTACTS
Off-Campus Accommodation Office
Merville Residence Reception Office
University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4
Those who are selected will be advised via email on
roombookingsupport@ucd.ie
how to proceed in order to obtain a place in on-campus
Opening Hours:
accommodation.
Monday – Friday, 09:30 – 13:00
and 14:00 – 17:00
All students must accept their accommodation offer
within 72 hours. When this time has elapsed, the offer
Student Union Accommodation Services
will expire and another student will be selected at
Student Union Centre
random. We expect all rooms to be filled quickly due to
University College Dublin,
the large demand.
Belfield, Dublin 4
Tel: +353 1 716 3164/3112
www.ucd.ie/residences
accommodation@ucdsu.ie
residences@ucd.ie
welfare@ucdsu.ie
Tel: +353 1 716 1031
The following websites have advertisements
OFF-CAMPUS LIVING
for available accommodation in Dublin:
If you are looking for information on off-campus
www.ucdaccommodationpad.ie
options, and information on rented, private and
www.daft.ie
family-based accommodation, please visit
www.let.ie
www.ucd.ie/residences/bookings/offcampus
www.myhome2let.ie18 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
STUDENT VISA
Information
DO I NEED A VISA? INIS REGISTRATION
Most students from outside the EU/EEA require an All students from outside the EU/EEA, after they have
entry visa for Ireland. You can check on www.inis.gov.ie registered with UCD, must register with INIS in order to
to see if you require a visa. (Examples – USA, Canadian, obtain permission to remain in Ireland. INIS registration
Brazilian, Malaysian students do not require a visa must take place before the expiry date stamped on their
whilst Indian, Chinese, Russian students do). passport by immigration officials at the airport. Even if
you do not require a visa to enter Ireland, you are required
You must make your visa application online using to register with INIS after arrival. Further information on
the AVATS online facility. Completing the online 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, please
AND the required documentation, passport photograph alert us by updating your profile on the Incoming Student
and appropriate fee are received by the relevant Portal. The Incoming Student Portal is available on your
office as indicated by the online system. If you are a SISWEB account. Please apply for your visa as early as
student from China, India, Nigeria, Russia, the United possible.
Arab Emirates or the United Kingdom, please also
check the Irish Embassy website for details of further HEALTH INSURANCE
documentation 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 are
required, your visa will be refused. different levels of private health insurance available.Graduate Offer Pack
Visa Information 19
Students are advised to read their policy documents check online at Visa Decisions to see if your visa has
carefully. INIS requires that, if you have health insurance been processed (using your Visa Application Number).
from your own country it must cover you up to c25,000 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 can be For visa-related queries you can contact us:
purchased online for c160 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 South East Asia: southeastasia@ucd.ie
Applying from Japan, Korea, Taiwan or Hong Kong:
More comprehensive plans are available from one of the eastasia@ucd.ie
three main private health insurance companies in Ireland. Applying from Middle East or North Africa: dubai@ucd.ie
VHI: www.vhi.ie Applying from all other regions:
Irish Life: www.irishlifehealth.ie internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
Laya Healthcare: www.layahealthcare.ie
If you are refused a visa you may appeal the decision
Please note that in order to apply for a policy from within two months. However, as this would affect your
one of these companies you will need to provide an date of arrival in UCD, you would need to seek advice on
address in Ireland. Also note that medical cover does not final acceptable arrival date from the course director/
normally begin immediately with VHI. There is usually a administrator.
‘waiting period’ of six months.
www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/healthinsurance/
CHECKING ON YOUR VISA STATUS NEED MORE HELP?
You should apply as early as possible for your visa as
it can take eight to twelve weeks to process. You can Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service
www.inis.gov.ie20 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global UniversityGraduate Offer Pack
Visa Information 21
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 Global Student
Support Services for information on
health insurance providers). Please
P rovide a passport
note that private health insurance
sized photo
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 proficiency.
why you require the visa INIS requires IELTS of 5 (or equivalent,
whereas UCD generally requires IELTS of
6.5 or higher (or equivalent)
Provide your final Offer Letter
as evidence that you have
Any other documents as requested
been accepted on a full-time
by INIS or the Irish Embassy
course of study
through which you are applying
S how evidence of tuition fees paid.
Where fees exceed €6,000 then
Make sure you keep copies
at least this amount must be paid
of all documents submitted
in advance22 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 a
application to UCD and you should take careful 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 • Check out UCD’s jargon buster, which will explain
for students with an offer of study to UCD to access words and phrases you’ll hear used in UCD
important information about coming to UCD as well www.ucd.ie/students/jargon
as helping to connect you with other students from • Connect with Alumni via the Incoming Student Portal.
your country/ state and with other students on your You can login via www.ucd.ie/sisweb
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 takes Please see www.ucd.ie/students/registration for further
place in August and you will receive notification via details on registration such as times, guides (including
email when registration opens. videos) to registration and other support information.
This website will be updated near registration open time
Registration will be available through UCD Connect in August.
at www.ucd.ie/connect. 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 Global 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. Many other exciting events take place in
and advice that will assist you in adjusting to the living the UCD Global Lounge, a multi-functional space which
and learning environment of the University. You will enables students to build connections with each other
receive academic advice about your course and support and the world around them.
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 one week who are student ambassadors. They are available to
before classes start 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 8th September. Please also check during Orientation and throughout the year.
https://www.ucd.ie/global/offerholders/orientation/ for
updates on September 2021 Orientation. Once Orientation week is over, the UCD Global
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 For details on term, revision and exam dates please see
is also an extensive calendar of celebrations of different the academic calendar for 2021/2022 at
cultures throughout the year, including national day www.ucd.ie/students/keydates
celebrations. All students are invited to attend these
events, which are often organised in conjunction with Semester Dates Exam dates
student societies. Orientation 2nd September -
7th September
ROAD TRIP - TO IKEA! Semester One 8th September - 7th - 18th
During Orientation Week, UCD Global organises bus 30th November December
trips to IKEA. There will also be an opportunity for you to Semester Two 17th January - 3rd - 14th
collect free items, including pots and pans, on-campus 22nd April May
via the Great Donate initiative organised by UCD
Semester Three* 16th May -
Students’ Union.
31st July
2021/2022 TERM DATES *If applicable
Most programmes start at the beginning of the
academic year in early September. The start date
CONTACT
for your programme will be stated on your
offer letter. Student Desk
www.ucd.ie/students/studentdesk/contact26 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 huge sports centre with Olympic-size swimming pool, and
worldwide, students love our flexible curriculum, and interactive laboratories, some of which are unique to UCD.
our research-intensive academic staff comprises leading With such a large campus, we have the ability to house
national and international opinion leaders and influencers. an incredible breadth of amenities (such as the UNESCO-
recognised National Folklore Collection), all of which make
UCD is Ireland’s leader in graduate education with over the UCD experience second to none.
8,000 graduate students, almost a quarter of whom are
graduate research students. Blackrock campus
The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School is
CAMPUSES located at the Blackrock campus, approximately 3km
Belfield campus from Belfield. The campus is within walking distance
The main campus of UCD is situated at Belfield, a 133 of the thriving seaside town of Blackrock, one of the
hectare site 5km south of the centre of Dublin city. Facilities prime residential and shopping areas of suburban Dublin,
include vaults of historical record, the biggest animal which is linked by light rail and bus services to the city.
hospital in Ireland (and animal A&E for Dublin), world-class The Blackrock campus is connected to the Belfield
teaching and research facilities, excellent accommodation, a campus by a scheduled bus service.
Left: UCD’s Sutherland School of Law, with Dublin mountains in the background, 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 the best education possible in an exciting, dynamic and
Other University buildings include the Lyons Estate in supportive environment.
Co. Kildare which houses the UCD School of Agriculture,
Food Science and Veterinary Medicine’s research farm. More than a quarter of our student population, and more
than one third of our academic staff, are from outside of
THE PEOPLE Ireland. This ensures that the experience of all students
At UCD, our faculty and staff are focussed on ensuring at UCD is truly global, and encompasses a multitude
that all students have the best experience and receive 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%
of higher education
institutes worldwide
29% of our
student population is
from outside Ireland28 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 you feel like you are in a home away
from home. Pictured on the next page: Holi, the Festival of Colour,
run by the UCD Indian Society.
Kuwait National Day celebrations, organised by UCD Global.
Chinese New Year, run by UCD Global and the UCD Chinese Students and Scholars Association.
Thanksgiving dinner, organised by UCD Global. Indian Cultural Day hosted in the UCD Global LoungeGraduate Offer Pack
Destination UCD 29
Holi, the Festival of Colour, run by the UCD India Society.30 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Student Support
SERVICES
UCD Global STUDENT ADVISERS
UCD Global offers a wide range of support to both Student Advisers provide support for all students
international students and Irish students who wish to throughout their university experience, particularly during
study abroad. International students make up about 25% their first year. They are attached either to particular
of the UCD student population. The services offered by programmes (e.g. Arts) or to specific groups of students
UCD Global include: (e.g. mature students). Student Advisers are there to help
• Pre-arrival information for new international students make students’ time at UCD as fulfilling and enjoyable
• Orientation programmes as possible. They are available for private meetings with
• Cultural and social events students so they can express their concerns regarding
• Assistance with University procedures social, personal or practical issues, and help students to
• Student Immigration Support Officer who assists access other support services where necessary.
with personal and practical issues
For more information please visit:
For further information please visit: www.ucd.ie/studentadvisers
www.ucd.ie/globalGraduate Offer Pack
Student Support Services 31
UCD LIBRARY
UCD’s libraries stock one million print books, 650,000
e-books, numerous subject databases and approximately
84,000 print or electronic journals. There are also 3,150
1 million
print books are available
reading places for quiet study time, group learning rooms across UCD’s libaries
and social learning spaces. Many services can be used online
via the e-library, which also provides 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 UCD Careers Network
are available to help you make the most of library resources.
Whether you have a clear vision of what you
want to do upon graduation or are just beginning
Maths Support Centre
to look at your career options, the UCD Careers
Located in the main James Joyce Library, the Maths Support
Network can help you to:
Centre (MSC) offers free help to students with maths,
• Understand the range of national and
applied maths and statistics. This support is available to all
international career opportunities
UCD students, whether you are studying maths or not, and
available to you
support is offered on a one-to-one or small group basis,
• Find out what other UCD graduates from your
with tuition by friendly and experienced tutors.
programme have gone on to do
• Take credit bearing and non credit bearing
Writing Support Centre
programmes & workshops to develop your
Also located in the James Joyce Library, the Writing Support
skills, competencies and attitudes that
Centre offers free, high-quality tuition in writing to students
employers seek
interested in improving their writing skills. One-to-one tuition
• Develop a winning C.V., cover letter and
and a range of workshops/seminars are delivered by our team
interview techniques for face-to-face,
of friendly and nonjudgemental writing tutors, who strive to
telephone, Skype and group interviews and
ensure that students are helped to communicate, structure
learn how best to compete for jobs
and present their knowledge and ideas in writing.
www.ucd.ie/careers/
For further information please visit: www.ucd.ie/library32 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
UCD
GLOBAL
CENTRES
UCD has a network of Global Centres located in five countries 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 and all other countries are served
through our central Dublin office.
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,
Email: northamerica@ucd.ie DLF Cyber City, Gurgaon – 122002, Haryana, India
Tel: +91-9384810500 / +91-9940633500
Northeast & Mid-Atlantic Regions Email: india@ucd.ie
Tel: +1-646-690-9024 (Eastern Time)
ASIA PACIFIC
Central Region University College Dublin Southeast Asia Global Centre,
Tel: +1-847-373-6731 (Central Time) Suite 9.07, North Block, The Ampwalk,
No.218, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
West Coast Region Tel: +60 (03) 2715 1662
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
1702, DRC Diplomatic Office Building, Dubai Knowledge Park, Block 2B, Office F-06, Dubai.
No. 19 Dongfang Dong Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Tel: +97145898204
China 100125 Email: dubai@ucd.ie
Tel: +86 10 8531 7367/ 7369
DUBLIN OFFICE
都柏林大学全球中心（中国） UCD Global, Gerard Manley Hopkins International Centre,
chinaoffice@ucd.ie 官方微信： Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
爱尔兰UCD Email: internationaladmissions@ucd.ie
+86 10 8448 4287/4288 官 Tel: +353 1 716 8500
方微博：爱尔兰都柏林大学
UCDGraduate Offer Pack Student Support Services 33
34 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
ALUMNI
for Offer Holders
SUPPORTS
The UCD alumni network is influential, successful, active While you are a student at UCD, you will have access
and truly international. Many of the 288,000 UCD global to a wider set of resources on the UCD Alumni
alumni network, living in 169 countries, hold positions in Network. You can meet a mentor and connect with
leading organisations around the world. recent graduates and experienced alumni in your field
of interest. You can also connect with Alumni on the
Now that you are a UCD offer holder, you can join the Incoming Student Portal, via your Sisweb account.
UCD Alumni Network and meet recent graduates who
are Global Alumni Ambassadors. Find people from your When you finish your degree at UCD, you will officially
location, the degree you are considering, or the area you join the wider UCD alumni community. They will be there
hope to work in. Hear about their experience as a UCD to support you in the next steps of your career journey.
student, how their degree helped them land their current
job, and how staying connected is helping them achieve Take a look at just some of UCD’s alumni blazing a trail
their professional goals. across the globe.
JANE ANN MCKENNA, BERNARD LOONEY, ANNIE ATKINS,
BUSINESS ENGINEERING ARTS & HUMANITIES
Jane Ann McKenna is Head of Bernard Looney is chief executive Annie Atkins is a graphic designer for
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) officer of BP. He joined the film based in Ireland. Annie creates
Strategic Planning. In 2007, Jane Ann organisation in 1991 as a drilling graphic props and set pieces for movie
left her career in banking to join MSF in engineer, working in the North productions shooting all over the
Darfur where she led the organisation’s Sea, Alaska, the Gulf of Mexico world. She has designed the graphics
response to crises in the Central African and Vietnam. He later ran BP’s oil for three Oscar-nominated films:
Republic, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Ethiopia and and gas operations worldwide. the animated feature The Boxtrolls,
most recently Afghanistan. She was He is a committed advocate of Spielberg’s Cold War thriller Bridge
appointed Head of Office of Médecins diversity and has worked to increase of Spies and Wes Anderson’s Grand
Sans Frontières Ireland in 2011. Jane understanding of and support for Budapest Hotel – which went on
Ann is responsible for the delivery of mental health in BP. Bernard is a to win the Academy Award for Best
emergency medical aid to some of the fellow of both the Royal Academy of Production Design.
most acute conflicts in Africa, Middle Engineering and the Energy Institute
East and Asia. She leads the strategic and is a mentor in the FTSE 100
growth and development of MSF’s Cross-Company Mentoring Executive
Irish office, focusing on fundraising, Programme.
communications and recruitment
initiatives.Graduate Offer Pack
Alumni Supports 3536 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
SPORT and Recreation
SPORT CLUBS
With 56 official sports clubs, a range of 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! Learn more
about UCD sports clubs at https://www.ucd.ie/sport/
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, Membership you can gain access to the pool on a pay-
gym, dance and spinning studios, sauna and jacuzzi, three as-you-go basis or can pay a once-off annual charge for
multi-purpose sports halls, four squash courts, handball/ unlimited access to the pool area.
racquetball alley, climbing wall, changing facilities,
performance and squad gyms, 17 natural grass pitches For more information about our Sports Facilities,
(including the UCD Bowl, home ground to both the UCD please visit: www.ucd.ie/sportandfitness
rugby and football clubs), six synthetic 5-a-side pitches,
sand-based hockey pitch, synthetic rugby, GAA and STUDENT SOCIETIES
soccer pitches and the National Hockey Stadium. Regularly recommended by international students as the
best way to make friends and fill your social calendar
Student Gym Membership entitles current UCD students in UCD, when you get here find a club, society or group
to free access to UCD Sport & Fitness Gym and the that interests you, and JOIN IT!
Performance gym. When you activate your StudentGraduate 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. Five elected officers offer
networks such as the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) support and advice to students during their time in
and International Student Society run lots of events UCD – the President, Welfare Officer, Education Officer,
and activities throughout the year, including trips Graduate Officer.
around Ireland.
The UCDSU is there to advise, support and direct
For more information on UCD Societies, please visit: students through any kind of situation in which they
www.ucd.ie/sportandsocieties 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 of a
almost five million, we are a well-connected nation, with competitive economy
over 70 million people around the world who claim Irish • Knowledge transfer between universities and
heritage! companies.
OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM IS EXCELLENT WE’RE SAFE
Ireland’s education system is amongst the best in the Ranked 12th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index.
world. We lead in the skills race with a higher percentage
of third level graduates than the UK, US and OECD WE’RE HAPPY
averages. Ireland also ranks in the top 10 globally for: Ireland is ranked 22nd in the World Happiness Index
• Quality of the education system 2020. 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 of coversation is adventures during your time with us too!
the 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 almost featured in ‘Saving Private Ryan’, in Clare you can explore
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 in Down you
WE SPEAK ENGLISH can travel the Kingsroad from ‘Game of Thrones’.
Ireland is soon to be the only member state of the
European Union (apart from Malta) whose first WE’RE PROUD OF OUR CULTURE
language is English. AND HISTORY
Ireland’s incredible culture and history is celebrated
WE’RE COMPACT, EASY TO NAVIGATE countrywide. Our two UNESCO World Heritage sties,
– AND CLOSE TO EUROPEAN CAPITALS the neolithic chambers of Brú na Bóinne, and the
As a small country, Ireland’s beautiful landscapes and aforementioned Skellig Michael, are unforgettable
vibrant cities are easily accessible. Dublin is just a two experiences. With many museums, cathedrals, ancient
hour drive from Galway in the west and Cork in the monuments and castles, Ireland’s past and present can
south, meaning that the entire country can be explored be explored on every corner.40 University College Dublin
Ireland’s Global University
Great career opportunities
With a two year stay back visa for graduates, many UCD students now choose to stay in Ireland
beyond their studies and start their careers here.
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 the top five global software vibrant. It supports a very broad range of companies
companies, nine of the top ten US tech companies, all in various fields, including environmental, biomedical,
of the top three global security and global enterprise aerospace, energy, ICT and medical devices to name but a
software companies, four of the top five IT services few. The industry is also a very strong contributor to Irish
companies and all ten of the top ‘born on the internet’ exports generating €5 billion in exports annually.
companies.
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
MED TECH AND PHARMA The manufacture of food and drink is Ireland’s most
Ireland is home to all of the top ten global pharma important indigenous industry, with over €13 billion of
companies and has over 30,000 people employed in product exported every year to 180 markets worldwide.
the industry. Over €10 billion has been invested in Ireland supplies 15% 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 €73 billion in biopharmaceutical companies in the world are based in Ireland.
product. The medical technology sector in Ireland is
recognised as one of the five global emerging hubs. The
sector employs over 40,000 people in Ireland and is the FINANCIAL SERVICES
second largest employer of medtech professionals in Ireland is the 4th largest provider of wholesale Financial
Europe, per capita. Ireland is one of the largest exported of Services in the EU, and is home to over 400 international
medical products in Europe with annual exports of €12.6 financial institutions in world-leading areas such as fund
billion and companies here directly export to over 100 administration and aircraft leasing.
countries worldwideGraduate 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 33 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 digital hub
or just a short bus ride, from UCD. is home to international IT giants such as Google, LinkedIn,
Facebook, Twitter, AirBnB, Hubspot and Squarespace.
WE’RE FRIENDLY AND POPULAR!
Dublin is one of the three most visited capital cities in WE’RE AN EVENTFUL CITY
Europe, and is regularly voted friendliest city in Europe Dublin hosts many annual events such as the St Patrick’s
by TripAdvisor. Festival, a Chinese New year festival, Culture Night, the
Dublin Film Festival, and is home to the national football
and rugby teams. You can catch many Gaelic football and
hurling games at Croke Park Stadium.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, Saoirse Ronan 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
Congratulations 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 campus,
located north of Dublin City Centre. There are frequent details and booking information can be found at:
connecting buses from the airport to the city centre. https://www.ucd.ie/global/study-at-ucd/campustours/
Aircoach operates a service (700) from Dublin Airport to
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, 39A and 46A can be boarded for
UCD. The route 145 provides a direct route from Heuston
Station to Belfield via the city centre.You can also read
