Where do I apply if I am an undergraduate EU applicant?
All EU citizens seeking admission to the first year of an undergraduate programme at DCU are required to apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway. The CAO Handbook details the application procedures. Applications can also be made online through their website at www.cao.ie .

Where do I apply for an undergraduate programme if I am not from an EU member state?
We welcome applications from non-European Union applicants for all our programmes. Prospective undergraduate students must apply directly to DCU by 15th February. Applications may also be taken up to the 1st July if places have not been allotted however are advised to apply as early as possible, particularly where there are study visa requirements. In the case of applicants from countries where English is not the native language, evidence of competence in the English language will be required. Academic achievement in your home country and/or elsewhere shall be considered on a case-by-case basis and shall be given individual attention.

If you are a non-EU applicant currently studying for the Irish Leaving Certificate, you should apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), Tower House, Eglinton Street, Galway ( www.cao.ie ).

How do I apply for a taught postgraduate programme?
Applications for taught postgraduate programmes must be made through the Postgraduate Application Centre (PAC), whether you are from an EU-member state or from outside the EU. The PAC website is www.pac.ie and the instructions will guide you through the entire application process. The application fee should be paid directly to PAC, which can be done online. Any supporting documentation should also be submitted directly to PAC in Galway: Postgraduate Application Centre, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway.

What is the application procedure for postgraduate research study?
Prior to submitting an application, you should consult with the appropriate School on the proposed programme of study to ascertain whether or not the School would be prepared to recommend your application to Academic Council. All applications to undertake postgraduate research studies must be submitted on the University's official Postgraduate Research Application Form. The completed application form together with the necessary supporting documentation should be directly submitted to the University via the Registry. At present, there are no closing dates for Research applicants.

What is a Mature Student?
If you are 23 years old or more on 1st January of the year of entry you qualify to be assessed as a "mature applicant". This has advantages in that you will not have to compete with school-leavers in terms of academic achievement - provided you can demonstrate you have the ability to pursue and benefit from the programme you choose. Mature EU applicants should apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO), www.cao.ie , whereby non-EU mature applicants apply directly to DCU. This applies to all courses except Nursing, which is applied for through the CAO by both EU and non-EU applicants. The closing date for submission by EU mature applicants is 1st February each year. For non-EU mature students the deadline for applications is the 15th February, with a late application date on July 1st .

What is a Transfer Student?
A transfer student is a student who is presently attending another educational institution and wishes to transfer to an undergraduate degree course at DCU. Transfer applicants must apply directly to DCU by the 1st July and are assessed based on their application detail and may be called for interview. Depending on the curriculum of their previous studies a transfer applicant may be eligible for advance placement to year two or year three or may get exemptions from certain modules. Further details are given within the programme information on the web. Detailed information is available on our Transfer Applicants website: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/transfer.shtml.

Are there any particular considerations for an applicant who has a disability?
A If you believe that your academic ability will not be fully reflected by your examination results due to your disability, we will not expect you to compete directly with other applicants. Instead, your application will be considered separately on the basis of supporting medical or other appropriate documentation. If you wish to avail of this provision, please contact our Disability Service as soon as possible. The Website is: http://www.dcu.ie/students/disability/index.shtml

How many Undergraduate courses does DCU offer?
We currently offer over 50 courses to prospective students in the fields of Business, Humanities, Education, Science, Engineering, Computing. While a very small number of these courses are part-time, or offered at Certificate or Diploma level, the majority are full-time courses for students seeking a third level qualification known as a primary degree.

Do I have to provide evidence of English language competency?
If you are from a country where English is not your native language you are required to produce evidence of English language competency. English language competency can be proven in a number of ways, e.g. by producing an official TOEFL or IELTS test result, by showing that you have taken English at Irish Leaving Certificate level, by having successfully completed secondary education through the medium of English. Detailed information can be viewed on: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Can I still apply to DCU even if I don't meet the entry or the English language requirements?
If you do not meet the English language requirements, do not despair. We welcome applications for our International Foundation Certificate programme. This programme is specifically designed for non-native English speakers to bridge the differences between secondary school education in their home countries and in Ireland. The International Foundation Certificate (IFC) will help students to achieve the entry standards necessary for DCU undergraduate degree programmes, prepare students for the adjustment to university learning in an Irish context, and allow them to sample a small number of modules from their chosen degree programme.

Students who successfully complete this course will be guaranteed a place on their target degree programme in DCU, and will be entitled to exemptions from modules successfully completed in the foundation year. For detailed information on the IFC, please refer to: http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/deginfo.php?classname=ifc&mode=full

We also offer a pre-Master's Foundation programme for students wishing to take part in a taught Master's programme but whose English does not reach the required standard. Full details of this programme can be found at:

http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/deginfo.php?classname=IFP&originating_school=61

How is the academic year structured?
We operate on a semesterised basis, with two semesters in each academic year. Each semester lasts sixteen weeks - twelve teaching weeks followed by two study weeks and then a period for examinations. The following table sets out the key dates during the academic year 2007/2008.

How many intakes are there per year?
All programmes at DCU start in September, coinciding with the beginning of each academic year. At present, DCU does not offer a February intake for it's programmes, with the exception of some postgraduate programmes, i.e. GDip/ MA in Comparative Literature, GDip in Applied Language and Intercultural Studies, Grad Cert/ GDip / MEng in Electronic Systems, Grad Cert/ GDip / MEng in Telecommunications Engineering, Grad Cert/ GDip / MSc in Computer-aided Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. Where applicable, this is stated in the programme descriptor on the DCU website and also in the DCU prospectus.

How are the programmes structured?
We use a modular framework. Typically you will expect to complete six modules in a semester in an undergraduate programme, or twelve in a full year. Students typically complete 60 ECTS credits in any given year.

What are ECTS credits?
`ECTS' is the commonly used abbreviation for `European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System'. This system is used within the European Union as a basis for transferring and accumulating credits undertaken in member states. Typically, a module which takes place over one semester in DCU is worth 5 ECTS credit points. This may vary, however, and students should consult the modules on-line to ascertain the credits allocated to the individual modules. Each programme descriptor displays a list of the modules taught on the programme. At DCU, 5 ECTS credits is the equivalent of 3 US credits. In the cases of exchange and study abroad study, credit transfer must be discussed with the home institution.

Will my degree be awarded on the basis of examinations?
Only partly. DCU also makes extensive use of continuous assessment, including essays and project work where appropriate.

How good is your library?
The John and Aileen O'Reilly Library offers you a unique, flexible and comfortable environment in which to study and work. You can find a quiet private space to study on your own, book one of 18 collaborative study rooms to work with other students, or simply sit in one of the many comfortable armchairs to read a novel, the daily newspaper or the latest issue of a journal. Post-graduate students can avail of specially dedicated study areas. Within this highly technological environment you will have access to over 300 PCs with internet access, MS office applications and access to all student networks. Network provision is also available for laptop users. The library contains all essential course texts and general reading material. Access to a wide range of electronic full-text information resources is available on campus and from home. Library staff are available to provide one-to-one help and advice on how to make the most of all library resources and services. You will also have the opportunity to develop and enhance your information skills by attending training sessions delivered by an expert team of Subject Librarians. For more information about the library and to take a virtual tour, visit the library website at: http://www.library.dcu.ie

What can I expect in terms of computer services?
You will have access to computers located in computer laboratories throughout the campus. An increasing number of services available to you are delivered via the web, including personalised student pages, timetables, web publishing facilities and examination results, e-mail, word-processing, spreadsheet and graphics packages. Student Computing Guides are published by the Information Systems & Services. The Student Advisory Helpdesk will also advise you on the use of the computing facilities and will sort out any problems you might have with them. Information on DCU's computing services, inlcuding a location maps for computing facilities on campus, is available from: http://www.dcu.ie/csd/students.shtml

Where will I stay?
There are approximately 200 rooms available for international students in our Hampstead and College Park Apartments. These rooms are allocated on a first come first serve basis from March. Applications must be made online at www.roomsatdcu.com . Further information, including room types and rates, is available on the DCU website at http://www.dcu.ie/accommodation/int_oncamp.shtml or contact Ms Niamh Connolly at 00353 1 700 5344 or niamh.connolly@dcu.ie

What kind of services can I expect?
All bedrooms are en suite with a study desk and internet provision. There is also a connection for cable T.V. in each apartment and a telephone (for incoming calls only) are located in the living area of each apartment. Laundrette facilities are also provided within the residences. The residences reception is open Monday to Friday from 9.15 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. (closed for lunch on Friday).

What if I don't want / get on-campus accommodation?
Campus Residences Ltd also provide a list of off-campus accommodation to international students upon arrival in Dublin. There is ample student accommodation near the University.

What is it going to cost me to be a full time student at DCU?
If you are living away from home for the 30-week academic year, we estimate that your living costs (exclusive of programme fees and living expenses during the holidays) will be approximately €7,000 for the academic year 2007/2008. This estimate includes cost of shared accommodation, bills, food travel, books, clothes and social life.

What fees will I have to pay at DCU?
Full details are available at http://www.dcu.ie/finance/fees/schedule.shtml

Is there a health service at DCU?
We provide a free comprehensive health service for all students attending DCU. Located in the Henry Grattan building, the service is provided by a team of health professionals. The nursing service is available on an "open door" basis throughout the working week and there is an appointment system for medical, psychiatric and physiotherapy clinics. A comprehensive counselling service is also available.

Is there a Chaplain at DCU?
The Chaplaincy Service is located in the Inter-Faith Centre. Chaplains are available to help in any way they can. The Inter-Faith Centre is a place where people have the opportunity to pray either individually or in groups. It is also a meeting place for chaplaincy related groups. The Centre is open for most of the year and helps, in its own way, both students and staff to get the most out of University life. It is both ecumenical and inter-faith and is available to members of all religions (e.g. Christians, Jews, Muslims). People who belong to no particular organised religion are also weclome. In the Centre, there is “a quiet place” for all who need somewhere in which to pray or meditate. “Piano time” can be booked by students who wish to practice or simply relax and unwind. Details of services are available at: http://www.dcu.ie/students/chaplaincy/centre.shtml.

What other useful services are there on campus?
AIB Bank has a branch on the campus and a campus bookshop is run by Hodges Figgis. It supplies general reading material and stationery as well as the textbooks you will need for your courses. You will also find a wide range of useful services in the campus student centre, The Hub. It has two lounge/coffee bar areas, a games room, supermarket, travel shop, secretarial services bureau, video shop, print shop and a range of meeting rooms for clubs and societies. Be sure to `join' the bar and pay the necessary membership fee if you wish to avail of the bar facilities.

Who can help me when it's time to plan my next move?
The Careers & Appointments service is here to help. This service provides career information, careers education, advice, guidance and counselling in a wide variety of career related issues. It facilitates and promotes graduate employment and further study opportunities.

What sport and recreation facilities do you have?
Our campus sports facilities include an excellent indoor sports complex, with an exceptionally well-equipped gymnasium and climbing wall, a floodlit Astroturf pitch and four grass pitches for a variety of sports. There is certainly no excuse for being bored at DCU. You can take part in a wide array of social, sporting and intellectual activities by joining one or more of our 80 clubs and societies. There is a dedicated Societies Development Officer who is responsible for maintaining and improving society activities within DCU as well as encouraging the formation of new societies. You will find DCU students are highly active in sports. In recent years a number of teams and individuals have won intervarsity and national competitions, set national records and represented Ireland in international competition. `Clubs and Socs Day' takes place in October each year. On this day, students are given the opportunity to join the various clubs or societies on campus. More information will be available around the campus nearer to the event. For students joining DCU in the Spring Semester, please visit the Clubs and Societies Office, which is located on the first floor of the Hub (Student Centre) or consult the website http://www.dcu.ie/sportsclub/index.shtml for details.

What does the Students' Union do?
Our Students' Union provides a wide range of services, including advice on employment opportunities while you are studying, bus and rail ticket sales and secretarial services, as well as an extensive programme of student entertainment on and off campus. All students of the University are automatically members of the Union, which also co-ordinates and expresses your views on all issues relating to students at DCU. These include education, welfare and social and recreational matters. There are twelve executive officers who are elected by the students and each class has a number of elected representatives on Union Council. These representatives also sit on the Programme Boards. Students are also represented by the Students' Union on various University decision-making committees, including the Governing Authority, Academic Council, Disciplinary Committee and Library Committee.