Brian Spring

University College Dublin

University College Dublin is one of Europe's leading research-intensive universities; an environment where undergraduate education, masters and PhD training, research, innovation and community engagement form a dynamic spectrum of activity. With over 33,000 students drawn from 144 countries, including almost 4,000 students based on overseas campuses, UCD is not only Ireland's largest university but also its most globally engaged. It is the 'university of destination' for international students coming to Ireland; UCD's international students make up 25% of its student body, while international academics make up 32% of faculty. The international standing of UCD has grown in recent years too; it is currently ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions world-wide. UCD is Ireland's leader in graduate education with over 9,900 graduate students; almost 20% of whom are graduate research students. Over 1,660 PhD students benefit from the University's structured PhD programmes, as well as its research-led education culture. The UCD Horizons scheme of modern, modularised education based on learning outcomes sees 50% of students take modules outside their subject areas. As Ireland's largest university, with its great strength and diversity of disciplines, UCD embraces its role to contribute to the flourishing of Ireland through the study of people, society, business, economy, culture, languages and the creative arts, as well as through research and innovation. Updated - May 2021