DCU Futures Evidence and Impact
Research-Informed Practice
The DCU Futures evaluation programme, conducted by the Institute of Education, provides evidence of the philosophy's impact on student learning and progression.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students in programmes implementing DCU Futures principles demonstrate significantly higher engagement in:
- Collaborative learning activities
- Interactions with faculty
- Reflective and integrative learning approaches
- Higher-order cognitive tasks
- Development of creative and social skills
These outcomes are measured against both non-DCU Futures programmes within DCU and national averages, showing consistent positive differences.
Student Progression
Analysis of academic achievement indicates students in DCU Futures programmes demonstrate stronger progression rates compared to peers in other undergraduate programmes. This effect is particularly pronounced for Access students, who outperform other students within DCU Futures programmes—a finding that contrasts with national trends linking socioeconomic background to progression challenges.
Programme Chair Perspectives
Annual evaluation with programme chairs demonstrates evolving attitudes toward the DCU Futures approach. The 2025 evaluation shows progression from initial resistance and uncertainty to pride and ownership of programmes, with chairs recognizing the value of the philosophy for student learning.
International best practice
The DCU Futures approach has been informed by international expertise through the International Pedagogy Advisory Panel, comprising experts in innovative pedagogies who review programme development and provide guidance to academic teams.
Institutional Awards
DCU Futures' impact on student experience has been recognised through three national Education Awards, alongside a shortlisting for a Times Higher Education (THE) Award.
Academic Awards
Dr Brian Freeland (School of Biotechnology, DCU Futures Bioprocessing specialism) Shortlisted, Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2025, Most Innovative Teacher of the Year, for his work on the inaugural undergraduate bioprocessing specialism and industry-co-designed modules (e.g. with Sartorius).
Dr Cliona McParland (Programme Chair, BSc Digital Business and Innovation) has been shortlisted and won awards for "Learning Beyond Lectures: The EdTech Talks," a student-led podcast series. Each episode is used as an assessment tool in the Digital Business and Innovation programme.
Dr Yalemisew Abgaz (Academic Collaborator, ADAPT-DCU; teaches DCU Futures Data Literacy and Analytics)
Winner, DCU President's Awards for Excellence in Teaching 2026, Overall Academic Award, recognised for a microcurricula approach to teaching Data Literacy and Analytics.
Dr Darren Clarke (Assistant Professor, School of History and Geography; Chair, BA in Climate & Environmental Sustainability) won the DCU President's Awards for Excellence in Teaching 2026 award for 'Distinctive Approach to Innovation in Assessment'. Darren was recognised for his use of reflective journals, research projects, group work, peer assessment, and interactive oral assessments across his modules. He is moving away from traditional examinations to encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and development of DCU's transversal skills.
Futures Dissemination
DCU Futures' thinking and practice has been shared widely through flagship events and conferences, both internally and with the wider higher education sector.
DCU Futures Transversal Skills Conference (2023) Integrating Transversal Skills for Higher Education
Held at The Helix, Glasnevin Campus, bringing together DCU colleagues, external academics, and policymakers — including Minister Simon Harris and Céline Jambon of the European Commission's Skills Agenda Unit.
MySkills Week / Employers Day
An annual campus-wide event across Glasnevin and St Patrick's campuses combining interactive skills quizzes, VR mock interviews with AI-enhanced feedback, and employer-led sessions.
Challenge Accepted
A DCU-wide showcase celebrating Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) across all five faculties, co-hosted by DCU Futures and the Teaching Enhancement Unit with input from the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), held at The Spark.
VIBES (Virtual Immersive Blended Education Symposium)
The inaugural DCU VIBES took place on 10 January 2025 at the Stokes Building, Glasnevin. Dr Cliona McParland chaired the session on immersive learning in business and the humanities, where she and student Georgia May Barry presented their work applying virtual reality to business education.