Dublin City University (DCU) is a university based on the Northside of Dublin, Ireland. Created as the National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin in 1975, it enrolled its first students in 1980, and was elevated to university status (along with the NIHE Limerick, now the University of Limerick) in September 1989 by statute. The early focus of the institution was, in particular, on science and technology, although it has also had, and has, a large business school. It has recently developed a presence also in the performing arts and in the humanities. DCU is also famous for its programme of work placement or INTRA (INtegrated TRAining), which was the first such programme in Ireland.
As of 2017, the university has 17,000 students and over 50,000 alumni. DCU has been providing adults all over Ireland and abroad with flexible access to higher education for over thirty five years. In 1982 the National Distance Education Centre was located at DCU and for many years offered programmes in the traditional ‘distance education’ mode of delivery. It changed to Oscail – DCU Online Education in 2004 to reflect the reality that its programmes were increasingly designed with large elements of online support. In 2013, DCU launched the National Institute for Digital Learning (NIDL) with the Open Education Unit as part of the new institute. This Unit manages an increasing number of online courses and degree programmes offered to Irish residents and students around the world through DCU Connected.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
Dublin City University Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
DCU St Patrick's Campus
Drumcondra Rd Upper, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, Ireland
DCU Sports Campus
DCU Sports Campus, Ballymun Road, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland
DCU Alpha (Innovation Campus)
11 Old Finglas Rd, Glasnevin, Co. Dublin, Ireland
DCU All Hallows Campus
DCU All Hallows Campus, Drumcondra, Dublin, D09 N920, Ireland
- DCU is the only university on the island of Ireland to be featured in the QS Top 50 under 50, coming in at No. 46 in this showcase of next-generation, leading universities, all established since 1962.
- DCU has also been placed 86th among the top one hundred young universities in the Times Higher Education 100 under 50.
- DCU is also ranked in the top 4% of universities worldwide.
- A key factor in the success of DCU's students on graduation is their INTRA Internship Programme, where students gain relevant, paid work experience as part of their degree programmes.
- Introduced in September 2011, Generation 21 is a unique programme of initiatives for students that fosters the skills and attributes that a young graduate needs to be successful in the 21st Century. Integrated into all their degree programmes, Generation 21 aims to shape DCU graduates into rounded individuals who are Creative and Enterprising, Solution-Oriented, Effective Communicators, Globally Engaged, and Active Leaders.
- DCU is renowned for both its excellent sports facilities and sporting heroes. Their excellent sports facilities include a state-of-the-art 25 metre swimming pool and spa, a superb fitness gym, basketball courts, squash courts and a sprint track.
- DCU is the only Irish member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU). ECIU is a prestigious network of 11 European universities all of which share a common commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship.
