University College Dublin

University College Dublin is one of Europe’s leading research-intensive universities. In the top 1% of institutions worldwide in the 2024 QS World University Rankings, UCD was ranked 173rd. In previous years, UCD has been ranked number one in Ireland and in the global top 100 for graduate employability (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, 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 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.

Get Involved

UCD has 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. Students also have multiple opportunities to get involved in exciting initiatives related to their 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.