About the DCU Engage Student Award

The prestigious DCU Engage Student Award provides our students with a recognised pathway for developing skills for university and career success.

The Bronze Award encourages incoming students to develop the keys skills required to a successful transition to University life. The skills have been developed to reflect the particular needs of our students. They include digital learning, resilience, goal setting, connecting and belonging, motivation, well-being and healthy living.

This Bronze Award consists of 2 stages and, once completed, students will receive the Bronze Engage Award, in recognition of their efforts in developing these key transition skills. 

Students should ideally start this during the First Semester of their First Year but can do it at any point during the academic year in First Year.

Students, to complete the Bronze Engage Award, you need:

• 3 out 6 stages completed of DCU Life Skills 
• 2 out 3 stages completed of DCU Community 

All students are automatically registered for the DCU Engage Award. Visit My DCU to find out more.

Overview of the Silver Award:

The Silver Engage Award is designed for 2nd, 3rd Year of University students. It encourages the development of practical career planning skills and skills valued by the employers, such as communication, critical thinking and leadership.

The Silver Engage Award will unfortunately not be offered in the 2023/24 academic year. We are currently working to re-design the Award for 2024/25. 

The final level of your award is the Uaneen Award, the gold standard in commitment to extra-curricular activity and engagement. This level is for final year students only.

Some students can take this as an integrated part of their studies, others will take it in addition to their studies – either way, it is testament to your commitment to reaching your full potential and enhancing your community.

More information about the Gold (Uaneen) award can be found here.

Bronze Award

"Participating in the DCU Bronze Engage Award gave me the confidence and motivation to break out of my comfort zone." 

DCU Bronze Award Participant (2020)

The DCU Engage Student Award has been a great way to get involved in university as a first year. 

DCU Bronze Award Participant (2020)

Silver Award

“I found the DCU Silver Engage Award very useful in acquiring new skills that will benefit me in my future career. I took part in workshops and activities that improved my communication, writing and leadership skills. 

DCU Silver Award Participant (2020)

“Doing the Engage Award was a great way to learn new skills, improve old ones and be ready for whatever comes in front of me, being exams, careers and life.

DCU Silver Award Participant (2020)

General Award queries (all levels)

Why should I do this award?

Participating in the DCU Engage Student Award will enable you to develop valuable skills that will enhance your life and boost your future career opportunities.

Our Award is endorsed by IBEC & is recognised by Ireland’s top employers, so it will make your CV stand out from the crowd!

What will I need to do to complete the award?

See the process for completing each level of the DCU Engage Student Award above.

Who is eligible to apply?

All incoming students can register for the Bronze Award. All second and third (but not final) year students can register for the Silver Award. All final year students can register for the Gold (Uaneen) Award.

How do I register for the award?

All incoming UG students are automatically registered for the award. New PG students can register on their My DCU page. Second and third years can register engageaward@dcu.ie for the Silver Award.  

For information on applying for the Gold (Uaneen) Award for final years see here.

Silver Award Queries 

More FAQs to come for Silver Award.