DCU named ‘University of the Year’ and continues to climb third level rankings
Its record on social mobility, student progression and response to Covid-19 saw DCU named as the
Sunday Times University of the Year for 2021. It is the third time DCU has been awarded this ‘Good University Guide’ accolade, having previously won in 2004 and 2010. The guide highlighted DCU’s diverse student intake, a cornerstone of its ethos since its foundation in 1980.
It is now a university of 18,500 students, drawn from 55 countries. One in five students admitted to third level through the Higher Education Access Route last year are studying at DCU and the university’s access programme has supported more than 4,000 students over the past 30 years.
The university also gained a place in the Sunday Times third level rankings to stand in fifth position, having added more points to its overall ranking than any other institution.
DCU scores especially well for low levels of graduate unemployment – just 3% of students are out of work nine months after leaving according to the latest figures, a rate bettered by just two other institutions.
It has the second best progression rate in Ireland with 92% of students progressing from year one to year two of honours degree courses, and no university awards more top class degrees to its students, with 78.4% leaving with a first or 2:1. “All of the metrics in our ranking pointed firmly towards DCU being our University of the Year,” said Alastair McCall, editor of the Sunday Times Good University Guide.
“Students leave well qualified to take their place in the working world – where they are heavily in demand – and they are equipped to make a telling contribution when they get there. Dropout rates are low and student support is extensive. It is hard to think of a university that has done more to open up third level to the widest possible student audience and then ensure that their experience is focussed and fulfilling.”
Supporting students
Meanwhile, DCU is the top ranked university for providing a supportive student environment according to the most recent national results from studentsurvey.ie.
Covid-19 has presented challenges to DCU, as it has to all third level institutions, but DCU was quick to develop a package of educational, emotional and practical help for its students.
Recognising the financial impacts of the pandemic, the university moved to a flexible accommodation system for students, allowing them to book in by the night if necessary and reducing the need to make longer-term commitments. The university was quick to offer loans of laptops and technology, and also set up a hardship fund through its Educational Trust. In addition, many alumni volunteered to be mentors for students whose education has been disrupted since March 2020.
And as part of the national fight against the pandemic, the university has created a research and innovation hub to link its experts to the national effort. It has also trained frontline workers in a virus tracing centre in its nursing school, as well as making face coverings and goggles for healthcare workers using 3D printers.