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Dublin City University emblem

Dublin City University

Dublin, Ireland • Founded 1989 • QS 2027 #408

Updated Jun 2026 · Source: dcu.ie

Overview

English Name: Dublin City University
Local Name: Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath
Acronyms: DCU
Founded: 1989
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #408 Times Higher Education 2026 #301-350 ARWU (Shanghai) 2024 #901-1000 CWTS Leiden 2025 #416 SCImago 2026 #740
Motto: Ireland's University of Enterprise
Dublin City University institutional facilities
1 / 8

Founded in 1989, the Dublin City University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the large city of Dublin (population range of 500,000-1,000,000 inhabitants), County Dublin.

Officially recognized by the Department of Education and Skills of Ireland, Dublin City University (DCU) is a large-sized coeducational Irish higher education institution. Dublin City University (DCU) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 35-year-old Irish higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

DCU also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Geographic and contact information for Dublin City University is listed below.

Address: Glasnevin
Postal Code: D09 NA55
Phone: +353 (1) 700 5000
Fax: +353 (1) 836 0830
Email: trustoffice@allhallows.ie
Social Media:

Academic Details

Below are the institutional metrics for Dublin City University: scale, staffing, and accreditation.

Academic Year: October to May (October-January; February-May)
Recognition: Department of Education and Skills of Ireland
Accrediting Agency: Quality and Qualifications Ireland - QQI (Dearbhú Cáilíochta agus Cáilíochtaí Éireann)
Admission Requirements: Irish Leaving Certificate or recognized international equivalent
Total Students: 17,989
Academic Staff Range: 500-599
Full-Time Academic Staff: 1,777
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
European University Association (EUA)

Academic Structures

Dublin City University's academic units are listed below, by type.

Unit 8 items
  • All Hallows College
  • DCU Business School
  • Faculty of Engineering and Computing
  • Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Science and Health
  • Mater Dei Institute of Education
  • Royal Irish Academy of Music
  • St Patrick's College

Degrees

Also Undergraduate Certificate; Foundation Programme; Pre-Masters Programmes; Professional Postgraduate Diplomas. 'DCU Connected' also offer online postgraduate diploma (https://www.dcu.ie/connected)

Bachelor's 1 program
  • Mathematics
Master's 15 programs
  • Computer Engineering
  • Data Processing
  • Education
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Engineering
  • History
  • Information Management
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Music Education
  • Psychology
  • Public Relations
  • Software Engineering
  • Special Education
  • Theology
  • Translation and Interpretation
Doctoral 16 programs
  • Chemistry
  • Communication Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Cultural Studies
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Geography
  • Health Sciences
  • History
  • Law
  • Mass Communication
  • Mathematics
  • Modern Languages
  • Nursing
  • Physics
  • Psychology

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Department of Education and Skills of Ireland.

Engineering and Computing (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Business Computing
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Data Processing
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Production Engineering
Humanities and Social Sciences (Faculty) 22 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Applied Linguistics
  • Chinese
  • Communication Studies
  • Economics
  • Environmental Studies
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • French
  • German
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • Japanese
  • Jazz and Popular Music
  • Journalism
  • Law
  • Media Studies
  • Multimedia
  • Music
  • Political Sciences
  • Religious Studies
  • Social Sciences
  • Spanish
  • Theology
  • Translation and Interpretation
Science and Health (Faculty) 24 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Actuarial Science
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Applied Physics
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Astronomy and Space Science
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Biomedicine
  • Biotechnology
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Community Health
  • Environmental Studies
  • Genetics
  • Mathematics
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Education
  • Physical Therapy
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Psychotherapy
  • Sports
Education (Institute) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Education
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • Music Education
  • Preschool Education
  • Primary Education
  • Religious Education
  • Science Education
  • Technology Education
Business (School) 8 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Accountancy
  • Air Transport
  • Business and Commerce
  • E-Business/Commerce
  • Finance
  • International Business
  • Marketing
  • Transport Management

Programs Offered

Search and filter Dublin City University's available programmes by degree level.

155 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Ireland

Honours Degree 80 programmes

Showing 10 of 80.

Master's Degree 48 programmes

Showing 10 of 48.

Certificate 1 programme

Higher Diploma 1 programme

Micro-credential 1 programme

Postgraduate Certificate 3 programmes

Postgraduate Diploma 14 programmes

Showing 10 of 14.

Scholarships in Ireland

Scholarships open to students attending universities in Ireland are listed below.

DCU Humanities and Social Sciences PG Scholarship
University funded · International students · 2,000 EUR per total · Partial Tuition
A EUR 2,000 fee reduction on the full-time 2027-28 non-EU tuition fee, applied directly to the student account.
DCU Humanities and Social Sciences UG Scholarship
University funded · International students · 1,850 EUR per total · Partial Tuition
A EUR 1,850 fee reduction on the full-time 2027-28 non-EU tuition fee for listed Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences undergraduate programmes.
DCU Merit Scholarship for Non-EU Students
University funded · International students · Partial Tuition
Partial merit-based scholarships for some non-EU students; applicants are automatically considered and told with their admission decision.
Government of Ireland International Scholarship
Higher Education Authority · Government funded · International students · 10,000 EUR per year · Combined · Covers Living
Provides a full tuition fee waiver and a EUR 10,000 annual stipend to support living costs for one year of full-time postgraduate study; 60 scholarships are awarded each year across participating Irish higher education institutions.
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
Research Ireland · Government funded · 31,000 EUR per year · Combined · Covers Living
Up to EUR 31,000 per annum in any approved year: a stipend of EUR 22,000, a contribution to fees including non-EU fees of up to EUR 5,750, and eligible direct research expenses of EUR 3,250.
SUSI Student Grant
Student Universal Support Ireland · Government funded
State grants awarded by SUSI to eligible students on approved courses at post-leaving-certificate, undergraduate and postgraduate level; grant types and amounts are listed on the SUSI site.

How to apply to Dublin City University

Five steps that capture how applications to Dublin City University flow.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Dublin City University

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Dublin City University runs 155 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Before applying to Dublin City University, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Ireland.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Dublin City University's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.dcu.ie). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at trustoffice@allhallows.ie or by phone at +353 (1) 700 5000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dublin City University

Below are key facts about Dublin City University, drawn directly from institutional records.

In what year was Dublin City University established?

Dublin City University was founded in 1989 (approximately 37 years ago).

What city is Dublin City University in?

Dublin City University operates from Dublin, Ireland.

What is Dublin City University's control type?

It is a public higher-education institution.

How big is Dublin City University's student body?

Dublin City University serves approximately 17,989 students.

How is Dublin City University ranked?

Dublin City University is ranked QS 2027 #408.

What programmes are available at Dublin City University?

Dublin City University offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

How many faculties does Dublin City University have?

Dublin City University is organised into 8 academic units across its disciplines.

Is Dublin City University accredited?

The institution holds recognition from Quality and Qualifications Ireland - QQI (Dearbhú Cáilíochta agus Cáilíochtaí Éireann).

What is Dublin City University's official website?

You can find Dublin City University online at www.dcu.ie.

Top-Ranked Universities in Ireland

These are the most highly ranked universities in Ireland. Putting Dublin City University alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

Members of European University Association (EUA), alongside Dublin City University.

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