Who Are We?
Dublin City University (DCU) is a young, dynamic and ambitious university with a distinctive mission to transform lives and societies through education, research and innovation. Since admitting its first students in 1989, DCU has grown to a student body of over 20,000 from over 120 different countries across five campuses.
The University has earned a reputation as Ireland’s university of enterprise, through its strong, active links with academic, research, and industry partners both at home and overseas. It develops highly sought-after, well-rounded graduates who are ready for the workforce and eager to apply their knowledge and skills in a broad range of settings.
Prof Daire Keogh, President of DCU
"DCU is proud to be one of the world’s leading Young Universities, with a mission to transform lives and societies. Our focus is on providing a transformative student experience that equips graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed."
DCU is made up of five campuses: Three of these campuses, Glasnevin, St. Patricks & All Hallows, are academic campuses, where students have lectures, study and socialise.
DCU Alpha is our innovation campus, where research-intensive businesses that are creating the technologies and services of tomorrow.
Last but not least we have the DCU Sports Campus, where world-class athletes train for competition.
All of the campuses are within a short walk or bus ride of each other. Campus Maps can be found here.
Why DCU?
There are so many good reasons to choose DCU, including:
Entrepreneurial, innovative and creative, DCU is future-focused with a strong track record for careers advice and employability.
We encourage and facilitate students to gain practical, real-world experience by doing internships and practicum-based projects and providing industry based learning. As a graduate of DCU, you can apply for the Graduate Visa Scheme, which enables you to work full-time in Ireland post-graduation for one or two years depending on your degree type.
Quick Stats:
- 1st in Ireland and 23rd in the World for Graduate Employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings, 2022)
- 96% of DCU graduates are in employment or start further studies within 6 months of graduation
- Graduates have the highest median salary, earning more than any other Irish university (CSO)
- 80% of undergraduate courses include a DCU INTRA (INtegrated TRAining) work placement as part of their degree
- DCU Business School is in the Top 1% of business schools globally, and is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and The EFMD Quality Improvement System (EQUIS).
DCU supports you in the early stages of your professional life. Our Careers Service can give you career guidance, introduce you to the Irish job market, help you meet employers and build your CV and LinkedIn profiles ensuring you are successful after your time at DCU. You’ll also have access to our careers advisers for two years after you graduate.
You’ll benefit from our long-standing links with business and industry as you seek a work placement or your first job after graduating. Ireland is the European headquarters for over 1,000 multinational businesses such as:
- All Top 10 information technology companies in the world, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, Intel and PayPal.
- 9 of the top pharma/bio companies, such as Pfizer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Amgen and GlaxoSmithKline.
- 9 of the world’s top 10 medical device companies, including Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Abbott, Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals.
Our university community is vibrant and diverse, with more than 20,000 students from over 122 countries. We have three modern academic campuses, all close to the bustling city centre of Dublin and the rural landscape beyond.
The 'U' Student Centre is a cornerstone of our main Glasnevin Campus, this is where you will find the NuBar, study and relaxation spaces, the Students’ Union office and the Leadership & Life Skills Centre run by Student Support & Development.
As a student at DCU, you have access to state-of-the-art study facilities, three world-class libraries and free WiFi across campus. And with great transport links and unmatched student support, DCU has all you need for a happy and fulfilled student life.
Across our busy campuses, you can grab a coffee or sit down to lunch at a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars. On our main campus in Glasnevin, you’ll also find a pharmacy and our chaplaincy service and Inter Faith Centre welcomes students from all faiths and backgrounds.
Student Support and Development also offers an extensive range of student advice and welfare resources and support.
Sports and Wellbeing is at the heart of the student experience in DCU. We have 40 sports clubs and a state-of-the-art sports complex with a gym, pool and more. Our Healthy Living Centre offers students a range of mental health and wellness supports.
Along with our sports clubs, DCU is home to over 130 student societies, covering interests as diverse as anime, dance, music, Harry Potter, poker, style and more. Our Glasnevin campus is also home to one of Dublin’s biggest arts venues, The Helix.
For more about on-campus accommodation and the applications process, please click here. Advice on off-campus accommodation can be found here.
Quick Stats
- DCU is now ranked as Ireland's Top Young University and 59th globally. (Times Higher Young University rankings 2024)
- DCU has the best student/academic staff ratio in Ireland (Higher Education Authority, Ireland).
- DCU is also ranked in the top 400 universities worldwide (Times Higher Education World University Rankings)
- DCU was ranked 1st in Ireland for Student Experience at the Education Awards 2022.
DCU is at the vibrant heart of Ireland's capital city, Dublin. With three unique campuses in the bustling Glasnevin-Drumcondra area, all within easy reach of the city centre and major amenities. Dublin is a city steeped in culture and history and was founded by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago. It is also a great springboard for exploring the beautiful mountains, coastline, and countryside located on the city's doorstep.
Ireland is also considered the gateway to Europe as the only English-speaking member of the EU and has strong links to the USA and the United Kingdom. As a modern, cosmopolitan city, Dublin boasts numerous major national and international employers who benefit from the creativity, innovation, and excellence of graduates of Irish universities.
Dublin is known for its lively atmosphere and there’s a different festival to enjoy almost every weekend, whether it’s Saint Patrick's Day, Culture Night or anything in between. And any day of the week, you can explore museums and galleries, enjoy world-class concerts and festivals, or discover the city’s great cafés and restaurants.
A whole country to discover
One of the joys of studying in Dublin is being able to explore the ‘Emerald Isle’, as Ireland is often called because of its beautiful green landscape. And the warmest Irish welcome awaits everywhere you go.
The whole island of Ireland, including world-famous scenic destinations such as the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway and the Wild Atlantic Way, is within a few hours’ drive, bus or train ride of DCU. Find out more on ireland.com.
Getting Around
Located a short bus trip or cycle from the city centre, the DCU campuses is easily accessible by public transport and are safe and welcoming for students from all over the world.
Discover all Dublin has to offer on visitdublin.com and plan any journey on public transport on Transport For Ireland. Young Adult Leap Cards are also the most affordable way to use for most public transport.
Ireland - The Making of You