Maynooth University
Maynooth, Ireland • Founded 1997 • World Rank #994
Updated May 2026
Overview
Founded in 1997, the Maynooth University is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the large town of Maynooth (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), County Kildare.
Officially recognized by the Department of Education and Skills of Ireland, Maynooth University (NUI Maynooth) is a large-sized coeducational Irish higher education institution. Maynooth University (NUI Maynooth) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 27-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.
NUI Maynooth also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, study abroad and exchange programs, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to mail, call, or visit Maynooth University? Address, phone, and digital contact options below. Religious and cultural accommodation queries route through specific student services.
Academic Details
Enrolment scale, staff balance, and accreditation context for Maynooth University are below. Female student percentage signals admissions reach and shapes the student-life environment.
Academic Structures
Maynooth University's academic structure — the schools, colleges, and divisions inside the institution — is laid out below. Use this map when figuring out which faculty owns the programme you want.
Unit 3 items
- Faculty of Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Faculty of Social Sciences
Degrees
Whether you're considering bachelor's, master's, or doctoral study at Maynooth University, qualifications are sorted by level. Stackable credentials (microcredentials adding up to full degrees) appear separately where available.
Doctoral 28 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Anthropology
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Chemistry
- Classical Languages
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Education
- Electronic Engineering
- English
- Finance
- French
- Geography
- Geography (Human)
- German
- History
- Irish
- Law
- Management
- Mathematics
- Media Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Social Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Department of Education and Skills of Ireland.
Centre for Teaching and Learning (Centre) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
EDEN Centre for Entrepreneurship, Design and Innovation (Centre) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Business Administration
- Design
- Leadership
Common Career Paths
- Designer
- Creative Director
- UX Researcher
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
International Engineering College (MIEC) (College) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Engineering
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
The Froebel Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education (Department/Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Education
- Preschool Education
- Primary Education
Common Career Paths
- Teacher
- Educational Administrator
- Curriculum Specialist
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy (Faculty) 12 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Ancient Civilizations
- Celtic Languages and Studies
- Chinese
- English
- French
- German
- Irish
- Media Studies
- Music
- Philosophy
- Spanish
- Theatre
Science and Engineering (Faculty) 9 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Electronic Engineering
- Mathematical Physics
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
Common Career Paths
- Engineer
- Project Manager
- Technical Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Social Sciences (Faculty) 11 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- Anthropology
- Business and Commerce
- Design
- Economics
- Education
- Finance
- Geography
- Law
- Social Studies
- Sociology
Common Career Paths
- Researcher
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
An Foras Feasa (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Heritage Preservation
- Irish
Callan Institute (Research Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Computer Science
- Information Sciences
- Information Technology
Edward M Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Peace and Disarmament
Hamilton Institute (Research Division) 4 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Information Technology
- Mathematics
Innovation Value Institute (Research Division) 2 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Information Management
- Information Technology
Institute of Immunology (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Immunology
National Centre for Geocomputation (Research Division) 1 subject offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Surveying and Mapping
National Institute for Regional and Spatial Analysis (Research Division) 3 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Economic and Finance Policy
- Geography (Human)
- Social Studies
Programs Offered
The full set of programmes Maynooth University offers is searchable and grouped by level below. Some programmes accept rolling applications; others run on annual cycles — check before applying.
88 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Ireland
Honours Degree 35 programmes
Showing 10 of 35.
Master's Degree 41 programmes
Showing 10 of 41.
Higher Diploma 5 programmes
Postgraduate Certificate 2 programmes
Postgraduate Diploma 5 programmes
How to apply to Maynooth University
A short guide to applying to Maynooth University — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
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1
Identify the right programme
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Maynooth University offers 88 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
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2
Check entry requirements
Each programme at Maynooth University has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
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3
Prepare your application documents
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
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4
Submit via the institution
Apply directly via Maynooth University's online portal at www.maynoothuniversity.ie. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
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5
Get in touch with admissions
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +353 (1) 628 5222. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maynooth University
Common questions about Maynooth University answered concisely, with each answer grounded in the institution's published data.
How old is Maynooth University?
The institution opened in 1997 (approximately 29 years ago).
Where is Maynooth University located?
Maynooth University is located in Maynooth, Ireland.
Is Maynooth University public or private?
Maynooth University operates as a public institution.
What is the student enrolment at Maynooth University?
Student enrolment at Maynooth University is around 10,000-14,999.
How is Maynooth University ranked?
It ranks #994 globally and #8 in Ireland.
What qualification levels does Maynooth University offer?
Programmes at Maynooth University cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.
What is Maynooth University's academic structure?
Maynooth University is organised into 3 academic units across its disciplines.
Is Maynooth University officially recognised?
Yes, Maynooth University is recognised by Quality and Qualifications Ireland - QQI (Dearbhú Cáilíochta agus Cáilíochtaí Éireann).
Where can I learn more about Maynooth University?
Maynooth University's official website is www.maynoothuniversity.ie.
Top-Ranked Universities in Ireland
Faculty awards and national-leader status concentrate at the top Ireland universities. Maynooth University's faculty distinctions compared to leaders signal where the institution sits in academic networks.
Members of European University Association (EUA)
Below: European University Association (EUA) member institutions alongside Maynooth University, useful for shortlists weighted toward partnerships. Partnership-driven shortlisting works well when post-graduate mobility is part of your plan.
Faculties at nearby universities
Regional admissions cycle quirks (early-deadline schemes, regional aid programmes) apply consistently across the universities near Maynooth University. Worth knowing during shortlisting.
Universities Compared with Maynooth University
Admissions advisor commonalities exist within peer tiers — advisors recommending Maynooth University often recommend the universities below alongside it as natural cross-applications.
Studying in Ireland: guides and resources
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