Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Science, Engineering

Enroll in a dynamic, multi-cultural institution with a global reputation for academic excellence. University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s largest university and has been ranked among the best universities in the world. You'll benefit from a large and diverse range of courses and experience UCD as an innovative and research-intensive institution. While you study alongside local and international students, you'll also encounter an inspiring city with a forward-thinking mentality that is home to global business and top multinational companies.

Unique study opportunities

  • Courses in animal science, forestry, agri-business, and nutrition at the School of Agriculture and Food Science.
  • Courses with field trips to famous sites in Ireland (Archaeology Department and the School of Irish, Celtic Studies, and Folklore).
  • Research and independent study for academic credit may be possible.

Language

Language of Instruction: English

Foreign language study available. Notable options: Gaeilge, one of Ireland's official languages. Check host institution catalog for additional offerings.

Courses and Credit

Requirements While Abroad

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take a full-time course of study: Four to five courses for 25 quarter/16.5 semester UC units per semester.
  • A total of 50 quarter/33 semester UC units are required per year.
  • You may take two courses (5 quarter/3.3 semester UC units each) or one course (10 quarter/6.7 semester UC units) per term pass/no pass.

Current Program Courses

At University College Dublin you will have the opportunity to expand your academic and cultural horizons by taking courses in your major as well as courses that focus on Ireland. Courses are available in the fields of agriculture, arts and humanities, engineering, sciences, and social sciences. See the Academic Offerings guide in the Catalog and Resources section for more information on the fields of study that are available at UCD. Courses may be lower or upper division to UC.

Take advantage of courses created specifically for visiting students such as Reading Irish Literature, Ireland Uncovered, and Music in Ireland.  

You are required to take 50 percent of your total load in the department you are applying to. For more detail, see the Academic Offerings document under Catalogs and Resources below.

Catalogs and resources

  • Academic Offerings: See an overview of academic offerings at all Irish partner institutions.
  • University College Dublin: Find a full selection of courses offered at the university. Some courses may not be available to international students.
  • UCEAP Course Catalog: See a list of courses students have taken on this program. (Note: The number of units has not been updated for all courses.) This is not a current representation of course offerings on this program. Reference the above links to review recent course offerings. 
  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location.

Academic culture

Studying abroad in Ireland helps you develop an independent learning style, with strong writing skills and active participation in your own learning.

  • Introductory courses at an Irish university are comparable to sophomore-level courses in the US.
  • Second-year courses at Irish universities are often equivalent to upper-division UC level and third-year or fourth-year courses are specialized and demand significant background knowledge.
  • There is more emphasis on writing and independent reading than at UC.
  • Differences in teaching style may include less-detailed instructions, fewer in-class sessions (except science classes), and fewer in-term assessments.
  • Many courses are taught with lectures and seminars. Lecture class sizes can be quite large while seminar groups are smaller.
  • Faculty (called lecturers) don't often hold office hours, but welcome individual questions and are eager to help visiting students.
  • Final grades depend heavily—and sometimes fully—on the final exam.
  • UCEAP participants aren't allowed to retake exams (called re-sits), and exam dates are not flexible.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework. Grades for the fall semester are typically available late March. Grades for the spring semester are typically available late July or early August.

Tip: If you intend to put yourself on your campus degree list for graduation while on UCEAP, consult your campus advisors before departure about possible delays in the degree verification process.