Dublin City University

No. 1 Globally for Career Development

Dublin City University has been announced as the Career Development category winner at this year's 2023 Global Student Satisfaction Awards, ahead of other category finalists Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Swinburne University of Technology. The awards are based on reviews from over 125,000 representing 200 different nationalities.

DCU graduates now earn more than any other Irish university

A recent study by the Central Statistics Office found that DCU graduates earned the most out of all Irish universities, measured during the first and tenth year after completing their courses. The university beat Trinity College Dublin for the first time in a decade, with new graduates taking home EUR 630 per week on average, as new figures from the Central Statistics Office show.

DCU graduates also have the highest earnings ten years after finishing their studies, with an average weekly salary of EUR 1,140, or EUR 59,280 per year.

2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings

According to the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings Dublin City University has been ranked 23^rd in the world and first in Ireland for its graduate employment rate.

The graduate employment rate measures the proportion of graduates in full or part-time employment within 12 months of graduation.

New courses

DCU strives to constantly update its courses to meet industry and student demand. DCU Futures is the most ambitious innovation in teaching and learning in the history of Dublin City University. Within the DCU Futures programme there are 6 new courses and four new specialisms. These include a BSc in Psychology and Disruptive Technologies, a BSc in Psychology and Mathematics, a BEng in Mechanical & Sustainability Engineering, a BSc in Digital Business and Innovation, a BSc in Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence, a BSc in Physics with Data Analytics, and a BSc in Global Challenges.

DCU provides a unique learning experience which is tailored to the individual needs of students. Faculty are dynamic, responsive, and experienced in developing students into independent, critical and confident learners. The university is distinctive in the learning outcomes of its programmes, reflecting the current needs of enterprises and society, while also anticipating the future needs of graduates and employers.

Each faculty is committed to teaching excellence, with many highly ranked worldwide for different disciplines. DCU Business School, for instance, has been recognised by the prestigious global accrediting body, AACSB. Research is combined with theoretical and practical learning, helping students to develop into career-ready graduates.

Programmes at DCU offer students the opportunity for work experience during their studies that include professional placements in health sciences and education, as well as study abroad opportunities. The university provides such opportunities with the aim of contributing to the learning and employability of graduates.

Many professors and academic staff members are internationally recognised experts in their fields. They are committed to providing innovative teaching and supportive learning environments. Classes are small in size, so each student receives the close attention they need to grow. The courses and programmes offered are all underpinned by the latest pedagogy and teaching technologies.

Prospective students have over 80 undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education programmes to choose from at DCU. Options include full and part-time courses, as well as off-campus learning. Programmes are taught by the following five faculties:

DCU Business School

Covering global business, accounting, finance, marketing, management, human resources and more.

Humanities & Social Sciences

Covering English, communications, languages, history, geography, law, philosophy, music and more.

DCU Institute of Education

Covering arts education, human development, inclusive and special education, policy and practice, early childhood education and more.

Engineering and Computing

Covering computing, electronic engineering and mechanical manufacturing and engineering.

Science & Health

Covering biotechnology, chemical sciences, health, human sciences, nursing, physical sciences and mathematical sciences.

Foundation programmes

DCU also offers foundation programmes suitable for applicants who do not meet English language entry requirements. In addition, where high school qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to an undergraduate degree, students will be required to participate in their approved Pathway Foundation programme. These programmes are delivered on the DCU campuses in Dublin, and students will be registered students of DCU and can access the world class services and facilities of the university.

DCU encourages international students to apply as soon as they can, as it makes the application process easier. There are general application requirements as well as specific requirements for different courses and programmes.

English language requirements

As courses are taught in English, international students who aren't native English speakers will have to prove their English language proficiency. This can be done through one of the following language tests, or equivalent:

• IELTS – Overall score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one skill. The Business School and School of Communications also require postgraduate applicants to present 6.5 in writing and speaking
• TOEFL – Overall score 92 or above. The Business School and School of Communications additionally requires all section scores 21 or above.
• PTE Academic – Overall score of 63 with minimum 59 in all components. The Business School and School of Communications additionally require a minimum of 63 in speaking and writing.
• English Test via Duolingo.
• DET – Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components. The Business School and School of Communications additionally require a minimum of 176 in speaking and writing.

Students from the following countries will need to check the language-specific requirements: Brazil, China, India, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, USA and Vietnam.

Postgraduate

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an internationally recognised university with a minimum of a 2.2 result (GPA 2.5/4.0). Many programmes require a minimum of a 2.1 (GPA 3.0/4.0). In addition to meeting English language requirements, applicants may also need to supply writing samples, or attend an interview. Professional and personal experience is also considered for certain postgraduate programmes.

DCU is expanding rapidly, with recent developments including a new state-of-the art student centre which combines facilities for social, cultural, global engagement and entrepreneurial activities.

Students benefit from a large variety of learning facilities as well as social and personal amenities including:

• Bookshop
• Gym and Swimming Pool
• Interfaith Centre
• Libraries
• Pharmacy
• Print shop
• Language translation services
• Food and dining options
• Helix Centre for Performing Arts
• Modern Learning Theatres
• Cafes and restaurants

Library

There are two libraries at DCU, the O'Reilly Library on Glasnevin Campus and Cregan Library on St Patrick's Campus. These have many flexible study spaces, learning resources, books, journals, expert support and more.

Sports and wellbeing

Clubs and societies are the heart of DCU, with over 140 clubs and societies. DCU boasts an award-winning gym, a state-of-the-art sports campus, and playing fields. Home to University Sports Complex, the DCU Sports Ground and a Soccer Centre. Through DCU Sports and Wellbeing, students can keep fit and healthy, as well as enjoy different sports and activities.

Interfaith Centre

Across the three campuses, students can attend daily religious services and find private areas for observation and ablution. Celebrations are held for all faiths and community events bring together all students.

Accommodation

International undergraduate students who wish to live on campus can live in student housing where they have a private bedroom and shared living and kitchen areas. Rooms are fully furnished and have Wi-Fi access. En suite options are available.

Entertainment

DCU also hosts comedy festivals, guest speakers and gigs throughout the year.

According to the 2022 QS Graduate Employability Rankings Dublin City University has been ranked 23^rd in the world and first in Ireland for its graduate employment rate.

97 percent of DCU students enter professional employment or continue their studies within six months of graduating.

Careers Service

During their studies, and as a recent graduate, students can benefit from the university's extensive career services. A hub for employability, the careers service empowers students to reach their career goals. Experienced careers advisors help students, regardless of whether they know what path they want to go down yet or not.

Additionally, DCU's careers service currently has approximately 1,300 registered employers on its careers platform. The service also offers quality learning and development initiatives, opportunities and tailored support at different points of the student journey. This includes:

• Interview skills
• Assessment centre preparation
• Mock interviews
• Workshops on job searching and branding
• Career planning
• Personalised career guidance
• Aptitude and psychometric tests
• Careers fairs
• Mentorships
• Networking events
• Industry panels and insight events