Dublin City University
Dublin, Ireland • Founded 1989 • World Rank #740
Overview
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
Looking to reach Dublin City University? Address, contact details, and online links below. For finance and tuition payment queries, the bursar or finance office is typically a separate contact point.
Academic Details
Below are the institutional metrics for Dublin City University: scale, staffing balance, and accreditation context. These shape the academic experience more than headline rankings often suggest.
Academic Structures
Below: how Dublin City University organises its faculties and constituent units. Distance learning programmes often sit in a separate division from on-campus teaching, with different administration.
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
Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.
- Mathematics
Master's 15 programs
Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.
- 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
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- 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
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
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
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Education (Institute) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Foreign Languages Education
- Music Education
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
- Religious Education
- Science Education
- Technology Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Business (School) 8 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Air Transport
- Business and Commerce
- E-Business/Commerce
- Finance
- International Business
- Marketing
- Transport Management
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Search and filter Dublin City University's available programmes by degree level. The list reflects the institution's current catalogue and may not include programmes that are paused or pending approval.
Master's Degree
49 programmes
Dublin City University lists 49 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
MEd in Arts Education Practice
MA in Chaplaincy Studies and Pastoral Work
Master of Education 2 years
MEd in Special Educational Needs
MSc in Education and Training Management (eLearning)
MSc in Education and Training Management (Leadership)
MEd in Autism
MEd in Early Childhood Education
MEd in Literacy Professional Practice
Professional Master of Education (Post Primary Education)
Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching)
MSc in Guidance Counselling
MEd in Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia)
MSc in Management (Operations and Supply Chain)
MSc in Accounting
MSc International Accounting and Business
MSc in Business Analytics
MSc in Digital Marketing
MSc in Emergency Management
Executive MBA
MSc in Finance
MSc in Global Management (Digital Disruption)
MSc in Human Resource Management
MSc in Management (Business)
MSc in Management (Strategy)
MSc in Strategic Learning and Development
MSc in Work and Organisational Psychology/Behaviour
MSc in Bioprocess Engineering
MSc in Biotherapeutics
MSc in Child and Family Health and Wellbeing
MSc in Diagnostics and Precision Medicine
MSc in Elite Sport Performance
MSc in Financial Mathematics
MSc in Health and Social Inclusion
MSc in Physiotherapy
MSc in Psychology and Wellbeing
MSc in Psychology (Conversion)
MSc in Psychotherapy
MSc in Specialist Nursing
MSc in Computing
MA in Data Protection and Privacy: Law and Computing
MEng in Electronic and Computer Engineering
MSc in Electronic and Computer Technology
MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
MSc sa Bhainistíocht agus Gnó Digiteach
MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature
MA in Choral Studies
MSc in Climate Change: Policy, Media and Society
MA in Creative Music Performance
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
3 programmes
There are 3 programmes to choose from at Dublin City University for doctoral candidates. A PhD or equivalent typically takes three or more years of supervised, independent research.
Doctor of Education
Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sport)
Doctorate in Psychotherapy
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
103 programmes
This group collects Dublin City University's 103 programmes of certificates, diplomas, and foundation or associate programmes — practical entry points or stepping stones toward a degree.
BA Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance
BA Journalism
BA Multimedia
BA Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation
BA Theology and Religious Studies
Graduate Diploma in Leadership in Autism and Neuro-Inclusive Education
Graduate Diploma in Gifted Education
Graduate Certificate in Autism Education
Graduate Diploma in Guidance Counselling
Graduate Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education
Professional Diploma in Inclusive and Special Education
Certificate in Religious Studies
Graduate Diploma in Social, Personal and Health Education/Relationships and Sexuality Education
Graduate Diploma in Child and Family Health and Wellbeing
Professional Diploma in Clinical Supervision
Graduate Diploma in Health and Social Inclusion
Graduate Diploma in Specialist Nursing
Professional Diploma in Teaching Physics
Graduate Certificate in Women's Health (Sport and Exercise)
Masters Engineering Qualifier - Electronic and Computer Engineering
Single Module Programme - Engineering and Computing
Access Course for the MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Programme
Master Engineering Qualifier B - MEng in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
Bachelor of Education - Church of Ireland Pathway (Restricted Entry)
Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood
Bachelor of Science in Education and Training
Foundation Programme in Education and Training 2 years
Bachelor of Education - Gaeltacht Applicants Pathway
Bachelor of Education - Irish Sign Language Pathway (Restricted Entry)
Bachelor of Education in Home Economics and Technology (Post Primary)
Bachelor of Education in Gaeilge and French or German or Spanish
Bachelor of Education in Technology, Engineering and Graphics (Post-Primary)
Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching)
Bachelor of Religious Education and English
Bachelor of Religious Education and History
Bachelor of Religious Education and Music
Bachelor of Science in Science and Mathematics Education
BA Global Business (Spain)
BA in Accounting and Finance 3 years
BA Aviation Management
Bachelor of Business Studies
BA Business Studies International
BSc Digital Business and Innovation
BA Global Business (Canada)
BA Global Business (France)
BA Global Business (Germany)
BA Global Business (USA)
BSc Marketing, Innovation and Technology
Common Entry into Actuarial and Financial Mathematics
BSc Actuarial Mathematics
BSc Analytical Science
BSc Applied Physics
BSc Athletic Therapy and Training / Athletic Therapy and Strength and Conditioning (Integrated MSc)
BSc Biological Sciences General Entry
BSc Bioprocessing
BSc Biotechnology
BSc Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
BSc Chemical Sciences General Entry
BSc Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence
Higher Diploma in Children's Nursing
BSc Environmental Science and Technology
BSc Financial Mathematics
BSc Genetics and Cell Biology
BSc Health and Society
Certificate in Peer Support Working in Mental Health
BSc Nursing (Children's and General Integrated)
BSc Nursing (General)
BSc Nursing (Intellectual Disability)
BSc Nursing (Mental Health)
BA Physical Education with Biology
BA Physical Education with Mathematics
BSc Physics with Astronomy
BSc Physics with Biomedical Sciences
BSc Physics with Data Analytics
BSc Physics General Entry
BA Psychology and Disruptive Technologies
BA Psychology and Mathematics
BA Psychology
BSc Psychology
Single Module Programme Psychology
BSc Sport Science and Health
BSc Computing for Business
BEng Biomedical Engineering
BSc Computer Science
BSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
BEng Electronic and Computer Engineering
Common Entry into Engineering
BEng Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
BEng Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering
BEng Mechatronic Engineering
BA Applied Language and Translation Studies
BA Arts: Joint Honours (Humanities)
BA Arts: Joint Honours (International Languages)
BA Arts: Joint Honours (Law)
BA Arts: Joint Honours (Media Studies)
BA Arts: Joint Honours (Politics)
BA Arts (Single Module)
LLB Bachelor of Civil Law
BA Climate and Environmental Sustainability
BA Communication Studies
BA Economics, Politics and Law
BA Gnó agus Gaeilge
BA International Relations
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Dublin City University
Below is a five-step path through the application process at Dublin City University, useful for first-time applicants and international students.
- 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 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 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 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 Confirm receipt and track progress
Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] 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
Short Q&A on the institutional facts that matter most when shortlisting Dublin City University as a study destination.
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 10,000-14,999 students.
How is Dublin City University ranked?
Dublin City University is ranked #740 globally and #5 in Ireland.
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.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Universities affiliated with European University Association (EUA) typically share standards on quality assurance, mobility programmes, and research collaboration. These fellow members are worth knowing if Dublin City University's affiliation matters to your shortlisting. Cross-membership institutions often facilitate joint events and credit transfer.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Industry placements and co-op programmes around Dublin City University draw on the same regional employer base. The nearby universities listed below often compete for similar internship slots.
Universities Often Compared with Dublin City University
Students applying to Dublin City University often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Dublin City University on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.
