About the University
University College Dublin is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. In the top 1% of institutions worldwide in the 2023 QS World University Rankings, UCD was ranked 173rd in the world. In 2019, for the second year in a row, UCD was ranked number one in Ireland for graduate employability and 74th in the world in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.
UCD, Ireland’s Global University, is Ireland’s largest university. Established in 1854, the University has a student body of over 34,000 students, with over 8,000 international students drawn from 139 countries. Students are attracted to UCD by its teaching and research strength, the programme portfolio (UCD offers Ireland’s most comprehensive range of programmes recognised and valued by academic institutions and employers worldwide) and the holistic experience that is studying at UCD offers.
The University's main Dublin campus occupies an extensive parkland estate of 133 hectares. World-leading facilities include the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, UCD Sutherland School of Law, UCD Lochlan Quinn School of Business and UCD Student Centre.
Rankings
Campus Life
UCD have the most diverse student facilities of any university in Ireland, with many facilities designed to encourage students to become involved in clubs and societies and stay fit and healthy. The Student Centre and the UCD Sport and Fitness complex are the hubs of student life on campus. There are also multiple opportunities for students to get involved in exciting initiatives related to their specific disciplines.
Student Centre facilities include a state-of-the-art 3D cinema, drama theatre, debating chamber, 600-seat auditorium, meeting rooms for student clubs and societies, TV studio, radio pod, seminar room, medical centre, pharmacy, barber, newsagent, The UCD Clubhouse (bar and function room), cafés, shops, and social spaces.
Sports facilities include a 50-metre swimming pool, gym, dance and spinning studios, sauna and jacuzzi, three multi-purpose sports halls, four squash courts, handball/racquetball alley, climbing wall, changing facilities, performance and squad gyms, 17 natural grass pitches, six synthetic 5-a-side pitches, sand-based hockey pitch, synthetic rugby, GAA and soccer pitches, and the National Hockey Stadium. Student gym membership entitles current UCD students to free access to UCD Sport & Fitness Gym and the performance gym.
Student life
UCD is home to more than 60 student societies catering to arts, music, sport, and religious groups, including a club for Indian students. UCD has an Applied Language Centre offering courses in several modern European and Asian languages besides courses in English as a foreign and second language.
Other services and facilities include a vast library, I.T workshops, an international swimming pool, a rugby club (Leinster Rugby), and an institute for sports and fitness. Campuses at UCD also provide multiple eating options at its many cafes and restaurants, most of which are open from Monday to Friday.
