Working to End Poverty and Promote Equity at Dublin City University

Updated: October 2025

Dublin City University (DCU) is committed to addressing poverty and social inequality through its policies, partnerships, and community engagement.
Our initiatives under UN Sustainable Development Goal 1 – No Poverty focus on equitable access to education, targeted financial supports, community empowerment, and evidence-based policy-making that drives national and global change.

1. Supporting Students from Low-Income Backgrounds

Equity of Access 

DCU commits the University to widening participation among under-represented and low-income groups.

• Up to 10 % of undergraduate places are reserved for applicants eligible through Ireland’s Higher Education Access Route (HEAR), which targets students from the bottom income quintile.
• By 2028, DCU aims to raise the four-year completion rate for Access students from 82.8 % (2022/23 baseline) to 86.5 %, matching the overall undergraduate average.
• These targets align with the National Access Plan (2022–2028) and the HEA Performance Agreement (2024–2028).

Comprehensive Student Support

• The Student Assistance Fund provides non-repayable grants to cover essential living costs such as rent, utilities, food, and transport.
• The Access DCU Programme delivers wrap-around academic, financial, and personal supports,  mentoring, tutoring, bursaries  from entry through graduation.
• The Pantry offers free nutritious food and household items to students experiencing financial insecurity.

Together these measures ensure that financial hardship does not prevent any student from completing their degree.

2. International Solidarity and Inclusion

University of Sanctuary Scholarships

As Ireland’s first University of Sanctuary, DCU provides full tuition-fee waivers and annual living stipends (€5,000 full-time / €2,500 part-time) to refugees, asylum seekers, and students from conflict-affected or low- and lower-middle-income countries.
These scholarships enable talented learners who would otherwise be excluded from higher education to pursue and complete their studies.
Learn more →

3. Empowering Local Enterprise and Community Resilience

DCU Innovate and DCU Invent

Through DCU Innovate the University supports local entrepreneurs and social enterprises to build financially and socially sustainable businesses.

• Enterprise programmes offer mentorship, training workshops, and access to university facilities.
• As a Knowledge Provider under the national Innovation Voucher Scheme, DCU enables small businesses to access up to €5,000 in funded R&D collaboration.
• Participants in the New Frontiers Programme can receive up to €15,000 in start-up support from Enterprise Ireland, facilitated through DCU.

These initiatives strengthen Dublin’s innovation ecosystem and foster inclusive economic growth.

4. Expanding Access to Basic Services through Community Education

DCU in the Community

Located in Ballymun, DCU in the Community delivers free short courses such as HeadStart in the Community and Lectures in Your Library, reaching adults in Ballymun, Finglas and Cabra.
These 10- and 12-week programmes open pathways to lifelong learning for those who have never previously engaged with higher education.

Education and Fitness Programme

In 2024, DCU’s Civic Engagement Unit piloted a 16-Week Education and Fitness Programme that combined wellbeing and learning supports for local residents, helping improve access to health and educational services in one model of community inclusion.

5. Influencing Policy to End Poverty in All Its Dimensions

National Policy Advisory Roles

• DCU’s Educational Disadvantage Centre sits on the Department of Education’s DEIS Advisory Group (appointed June 2025), contributing to Ireland’s National Action Plan on Poverty and Social Inclusion in Education.
• The DCU Policy Lab provides evidence-based analysis to government departments and local authorities, helping design inclusive, data-driven policies.
• The Centre for Human Rights and Citizenship Education advances global citizenship and poverty-reduction education through research and partnerships with international NGOs.

These policy engagements position DCU as an active contributor to the design and implementation of anti-poverty strategies in Ireland and beyond.

6. Measuring Our Impact

DCU’s integrated approach spanning access policies, financial supports, community partnerships and policy influence shows measurable progress towards ending poverty in all its forms.

By embedding equity, inclusion and empowerment at the heart of its mission, DCU continues to make a tangible contribution to SDG 1: No Poverty and to Ireland’s broader social-mobility goals.

Related links:

• DCU Access Service
• Student Assistance Fund
• University of Sanctuary Scholarships
• DCU in the Community
• DCU Policy Lab

SDG 3  Good Health and Wellbeing

Dublin City University actively promotes health and wellbeing across its campuses and in the wider community, reflecting the University’s mission to foster a healthy, inclusive and sustainable environment for all students, staff and partners.

Collaborations for Community Health

Through the DCU REACH Collaboratory, the University partners with the HSE Dublin North City and County to co-design and evaluate community health initiatives. This collaboration supports improved access to health services and evidence-based approaches to wellbeing in local communities.
Learn more:  https://ppinetwork.ie/about-us/lead-sites/dcu/

Student Volunteering and Health Outreach

The DCU Student Volunteering Programme provides students with opportunities to engage in local and national projects that promote health and wellbeing. Activities range from sports coaching and nutrition workshops to mental-health awareness campaigns and ageing-well initiatives.

Sport and Community Access

DCU Sport offers state-of-the-art facilities including swimming pool, fitness suites, sports halls and outdoor pitches that are accessible to students, staff, and members of the public. This shared use encourages lifelong participation in physical activity and strengthens community engagement through sport.

Health and Wellbeing Support

DCU provides comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information, accessible through the DCU Healthy initiative, and ensures students have access to confidential healthcare and education services.

 
The University also offers extensive mental-health support for both students and staff, with a focus on early intervention, resilience building, and wellbeing promotion. These include counselling services, workshops, and the new Employee Wellbeing Strategy 2025–2028.

Smoke-Free Campus

DCU maintains a smoke-free policy, reinforcing its commitment to a healthy campus environment and ensuring that all staff, students, and visitors benefit from clean air and smoke-free spaces.

DCU’s commitment to good health and wellbeing extends beyond the boundaries of its campuses and is embedded in its culture, policies, and partnerships. By supporting students, staff, and the wider community through evidence-based initiatives and accessible services, the University continues to promote a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable environment aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 4 – Quality Education

Empowering Lifelong Learning and Inclusive Access at Dublin City University

Updated 2026

Dublin City University is nationally recognised for excellence in teacher education, lifelong learning, and inclusive access.
Through its innovative teaching programmes, community outreach, and open-learning initiatives, DCU works to advance UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education, ensuring that everyone regardless of background can access and benefit from transformative learning.

1. Excellence in Teacher Education

Preparing Ireland’s Future Educators

The DCU Institute of Education is Ireland’s largest provider of teacher education and research, graduating thousands of qualified teachers annually across primary, post-primary, and early-childhood sectors.

 

DCU’s Bachelor of Education and Professional Master of Education programmes prepare graduates to teach at primary and post-primary school level, while specialist postgraduate pathways (in STEM Education, Literacy, Special Needs Education, etc.) address critical skills needs identified in the national education strategy.

2. Lifelong Learning and Public Access

DCU in the Community

Through its DCU in the Community initiative, the University provides free educational opportunities for local residents who are not registered DCU students.
Programmes such as HeadStart in the Community and Lectures in Your Library offer 10- to 12-week short courses in partnership with Dublin City Libraries.
Participants gain certificates of completion and free access to DCU-supported facilities and online materials—removing barriers to learning and fostering lifelong participation in education.

Public Seminars and Open Events

The School of Communications Public Seminar Series brings DCU academics and guest speakers together for open, free lectures on current topics such as media regulation, equality in sport, and immersive technology.
Held in the Seamus Heaney Lecture Theatre on DCU’s St Patrick’s Campus, these events are accessible to all members of the public and exemplify DCU’s civic engagement ethos.

Micro-Credentials for Lifelong Learning

DCU offers a growing suite of accredited Micro-Credential Courses for professionals and community learners.
Each short course (5–10 ECTS) delivers flexible, skills-focused training in areas such as sustainability, digital innovation, and leadership, aligned with Ireland’s National Micro-Creds Framework.
Courses run throughout the year on both an ad hoc and programmed basis, allowing individuals to build stackable qualifications without formal degree enrolment.

3. Educational Outreach and Community Engagement

Access Outreach and Engagement Programmes

DCU undertakes extensive outreach beyond its campuses through the Access Outreach and Engagement Programme.
Staff and student volunteers deliver mentoring, study-skills workshops, and tailored lectures in local DEIS schools and community centres to raise aspirations and build awareness of higher education.
Initiatives such as Access Mentoring, DCU in the Classroom, and Access to the Workplace reach thousands of secondary-school students each year, embedding DCU’s commitment to educational inclusion.

4. Policies Ensuring Equitable Access

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

DCU’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Policy guarantees equal opportunity in all teaching, outreach, and community programmes regardless of ethnicity, religion, disability, gender, age, or immigration status.
It ensures that every public-facing educational activity is inclusive and accessible.

Access and Participation 

The DCU Access and Participation establishes measurable goals for widening participation and supporting under-represented learners.

 

It commits DCU to embedding accessibility across all university operations, outreach, and lifelong-learning initiatives reinforcing the institution’s mission of social mobility through education.

5. Measuring Impact

DCU’s collective efforts under SDG 4 reflect an ecosystem approach to inclusive education from teacher training and community learning to public lectures and flexible credentials.
By removing barriers to participation, offering diverse lifelong-learning pathways, and influencing policy through practice, DCU continues to drive progress towards Quality Education for All.

Learn More

• DCU in the Community
• DCU Micro-Credentials
• Access Outreach and Engagement
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy

SDG 5 – Gender Equality

Dublin City University (DCU) demonstrates a sustained, evidence-based commitment to advancing gender equality across student access, participation, leadership, and outcomes. The University embeds equality and inclusion principles through policy frameworks, Athena Swan actions, mentoring initiatives, and family-friendly supports, ensuring that women can thrive academically and professionally. DCU’s work towards SDG 5 highlights robust institutional systems for monitoring gender representation, proactive interventions to address disparities, and alignment with national and international equality agendas.

Student Access Measures

Tracking and Monitoring

DCU systematically tracks women’s applications, acceptances, and enrolments through annual returns to the Higher Education Authority (HEA). These gender-disaggregated datasets inform strategic planning and widening-participation actions under the National Access Plan (2022–2028), enabling continuous analysis of trends and barriers for female learners.

Policies Supporting Women’s Access

The Athena Swan Silver Action Plan (2024–2029) forms the core of DCU’s institutional strategy to improve gender balance in applications, acceptance, and participation. It complements the national HEA Access Policy and DCU’s Widening Participation Framework, embedding gender equity within recruitment, teaching, and student support.

Women’s Access Schemes

Through its partnership with the 30% Club Ireland, DCU offers postgraduate scholarships exclusively for women in Engineering, Computing, and Business disciplines. These scholarships promote women’s progression into senior and under-represented fields, directly advancing SDG 5 targets on access and leadership.

Encouraging Applications in Under-represented Subjects

Collaborations such as the Fidelity Investments Ireland STEM Outreach and Scholarship Programme provide mentoring, financial supports, and research into girls’ subject choices, encouraging women’s entry into Computing and Engineering. Events such as MongoDB’s Women in Computer Science Summit (2024) further amplify visibility and role models.

Proportion of Senior Female Academics

DCU continues to strengthen gender representation in senior academic ranks through the Athena Swan framework and targeted leadership programmes. The University monitors female promotion trends annually and implements structural supports such as leadership training, mentoring, and flexible working arrangements.

DCU maintains a strong gender balance among graduates, with women representing a majority across most disciplines, including a steady increase in STEM graduates. The University’s data-driven approach ensures transparent reporting of gender outcomes across all qualification levels.

Women’s Progress and Support Measures

Non-discrimination and Protection Policies

DCU’s Dignity and Respect Policy prohibits discrimination on grounds of sex, gender identity, or family status. It includes protections for those reporting discrimination and clear mechanisms for investigation and redress. Complementary policies include the Student Gender Identity and Expression Policy 

Family-Friendly Policies

DCU offers comprehensive maternity and paternity policies, supporting women’s continued engagement in study and work. The on-campus crèche provides affordable childcare for staff and students, supplemented by subsidies from the Student Financial Assistance Fund.

Women’s Mentoring and Leadership Programmes

The DCU Women in Leadership Mentoring Programme connects female students with alumnae mentors from diverse industries, developing confidence, professional networks, and leadership skills. Participation exceeds 10% of final-year female students annually. Complementary schemes such as Aurora Leadership and Let’s Lead DCU further advance women’s professional development.

Monitoring Women’s Progress and Graduation Rates

DCU systematically analyses progression and graduation outcomes by gender through institutional analytics and national HEA data. Findings feed into the Student Success Framework and Athena Swan review cycle, informing targeted supports to close any gaps in retention or completion.

DCU’s demonstrates a university-wide culture of gender equality embedded in policy, practice, and analytics. From gender-disaggregated data monitoring to mentoring, childcare, and leadership development, DCU ensures that women’s access, participation, and success are integral to its mission. Its strategic integration of Athena Swan, EDI policies, and access frameworks positions DCU as a sector leader in embedding equality across higher education.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Dublin City University is deeply committed to the responsible use of water resources and to the promotion of sustainable water management across all campuses. Through a combination of policy, practice, and innovation, DCU ensures that clean water and effective sanitation underpin our environmental strategy and our contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Water Management and Conservation

DCU’s Climate Action Plan sets out a clear framework for reducing water consumption and preventing pollution through sustainable design, infrastructure upgrades, and behavioural change initiatives. The university continually monitors water usage, identifies leaks and inefficiencies through smart metering, and integrates water-saving technologies across facilities. Recent landscaping improvements, including the introduction of drought-tolerant planting schemes and pollinator-friendly spaces, further reduce reliance on mains water and support biodiversity on campus.

Water Reuse and Sustainable Infrastructure

The university invests in efficient water systems to minimise waste and maximise reuse opportunities.. These measures are embedded in DCU’s Sustainable Campus Guidelines, ensuring that every new development considers long-term water resilience and environmental impact.

Sanitation and Public Health

DCU maintains high standards of sanitation and hygiene across all facilities, guided by robust health and safety protocols. Campus services ensure the regular testing of water quality, adherence to EPA standards, and proactive maintenance of sanitation infrastructure. The DCU Healthy Campus Initiative also promotes good hygiene practices and access to safe facilities for all staff, students, and visitors, reinforcing the link between wellbeing and environmental stewardship.

Research and Education for Sustainable Water Management

Research at DCU plays a vital role in advancing water sustainability. Projects in the School of Biotechnology, the Water Institute, and DCU’s Institute for Climate and Society explore water quality monitoring and community resilience to water stress. Students engage with water-related themes through sustainability modules, volunteering initiatives, and interdisciplinary projects that connect environmental science, policy, and innovation.

Community and Policy Engagement

Through partnerships with local authorities and national networks such as the Green Campus Programme, DCU contributes to broader conversations on water policy, sanitation equity, and sustainable living. Educational outreach and events foster public awareness of water conservation and the shared responsibility to protect this vital resource.

SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

Dublin City University is committed to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Through fair employment practices, equality-driven policies, and transparent governance, DCU ensures that all staff and contractors operate within a framework that upholds dignity, respect, and equity in the workplace.

Fair Pay and Living Wage

All staff employed by DCU are paid above the national living wage, reflecting the University’s commitment to fairness and economic wellbeing. Salary scales for both academic and professional staff are published transparently and exceed minimum wage thresholds, ensuring that DCU remains a leading employer in higher education.

 

Union Recognition and Labour Representation

DCU recognises trade unions representing both academic and professional staff, including women and international colleagues. The University values collective representation as part of its broader approach to positive employee relations and social dialogue.
 

Equality, Diversity and Non-Discrimination

Equality of opportunity underpins every aspect of employment and study at DCU. The Dignity and Respect at Work and Study Policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender, sexuality, religion, disability, age, or other protected characteristics, and promotes an inclusive working and learning culture.
 

Outsourcing and Workers’ Rights

When engaging third-party contractors, DCU applies a rigorous Procurement Policy that incorporates ethical sourcing and supplier responsibility clauses. This ensures that external workers enjoy equivalent rights and protections aligned with those of DCU staff.
 

Pay Equity and Gender Pay Gap Monitoring

DCU maintains a clear Pay Determination Statement and publishes an annual Gender Pay Gap Report, demonstrating a strong institutional commitment to pay equity and transparency. The University actively monitors and reports gender representation across all employment grades to identify and address any disparities.
 

Employee Appeals and Rights

All employees have the right to appeal decisions relating to pay or employment conditions through established internal mechanisms. The University’s Statutes and HR frameworks guarantee due process, fairness, and transparency in all employment matters.
 

Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining

DCU fully recognises the rights of all employees to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Through initiatives such as GROW – Employee Relations, the University fosters open communication, respect, and partnership between staff and management.

 

By embedding fairness, equity, and respect into every level of operation, DCU’s employment policies, transparent pay structures, and commitment to staff welfare collectively demonstrate the University’s dedication to fostering decent work and inclusive growth.

DCU continues to model the values of SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, ensuring that the University’s progress benefits both its people and the wider community.

The University has various initiatives and policies that contribute to reducing inequalities within the university community and beyond.

1. Admissions Principles and Widening Participation

DCU’s Admissions Principles and Widening Participation initiatives aim to increase access to higher education for underrepresented groups. These programmes ensure that students from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue higher education, thereby reducing educational inequalities.

2. Access Programme

The Access Programme provides financial, academic, and personal support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This programme is crucial in levelling the playing field and ensuring that all students have the resources they need to succeed.

3. Dignity and Respect Policy

DCU’s Dignity and Respect at Work and Study Policy outlines the university’s commitment to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for all members of the university community. This comprehensive anti-discrimination policy covers all aspects of the institution’s operations, promoting equality and respect.

4. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee

The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee plays a vital role in promoting and monitoring equality and diversity within the university. The committee’s terms of reference include developing policies and initiatives to support an inclusive environment.

5. Civic Engagement and Student Involvement

DCU encourages civic engagement and student involvement through various programmes and initiatives. These efforts help students develop a sense of social responsibility and contribute to reducing inequalities in the broader community.

6. Support for Students with Disabilities

DCU is committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for students with disabilities. The university has several measures in place, including policies and procedures, to support students with disabilities and ensure they have access to the necessary resources and accommodations.

7. Disability Learning Support Service

The Disability Learning Support Service provides tailored support to students with disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in their academic programmes. This service is part of the university’s broader commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity.

8. Anti-Bullying and Anti-Discrimination Policies

DCU has implemented robust policies to prevent bullying, harassment, and discrimination. These policies are designed to create a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff, furthering the university’s commitment to reducing inequalities.

SDG 13  Climate Action

Dublin City University is committed to taking bold, evidence-based action to address the global climate crisis. Through its Climate Action Roadmaps, research centres, and partnerships across sectors, DCU integrates sustainability, climate education, and resilience planning across teaching, operations, and community engagement. The university’s work aligns closely with Ireland’s Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Acts and supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action.

Local Education and Campaigns on Climate Change 

DCU delivers a range of education programmes and public campaigns to raise awareness of climate change risks, impacts, and adaptation. The Institute for Climate and Society leads public lectures, workshops, and short courses for students, journalists, policymakers, and citizens. Initiatives such as DCU in the Community extend these efforts locally through workshops on sustainability, climate literacy, and community resilience. DCU Sustainability further promotes student- and staff-led actions for climate awareness and mitigation.

Climate Action Plan and Cooperative Planning 

The DCU Climate Action Roadmaps outline clear actions to meeting national targets including community partnership. The university collaborates with national and local government bodies, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and civil protection agencies on research and planning for climate resilience and disaster preparedness, including displacement and community adaptation. 

Collaboration with NGOs on Climate Adaptation 

DCU collaborates extensively with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to advance climate adaptation, resilience, and sustainability. Partnerships with Friends of the Earth, Concern Worldwide, and Trócaire connect academic expertise with grassroots advocacy and education. Joint initiatives with the EPA and the Climate Change Advisory Network combine academic and community knowledge to inform Ireland’s climate adaptation policy. Locally, DCU in the Community and DCU Sustainability work alongside environmental NGOs to promote biodiversity, energy efficiency, and adaptation awareness.

Commitment to Carbon Neutrality 

DCU has set a target to achieve full carbon neutrality by 2050, aligned with national and European frameworks under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The university measures energy use across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and implements strategies to reduce consumption through renewable energy, sustainable transport, and green infrastructure initiatives.

Through these initiatives, Dublin City University reinforces its role as a leader in climate action and sustainability, translating research into real-world impact and empowering communities to adapt, mitigate, and thrive in the face of global environmental challenges.

DCU’s comprehensive approach to promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions demonstrates its dedication to SDG16. Through robust governance, student engagement, support services, academic integrity, and community involvement, DCU is working towards creating a just and inclusive environment for all.

1. Governance and Institutional Framework

DCU has a robust governance structure to ensure transparency and accountability. The university’s governance framework includes the Governing Authority, which oversees the strategic direction and management of the university. This structure ensures that decision-making processes are inclusive and representative of the university community.

2. Student Union and Civic Engagement

The DCU Students’ Union plays a crucial role in representing the interests of students and promoting their involvement in university governance. The union provides a platform for students to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes. Additionally, DCU’s civic engagement initiatives encourage students to engage with local communities and contribute to social justice efforts.

3. The Pantry and Student Support Services

The Pantry is a student-led initiative that provides free food and essential items to students in need. This service helps alleviate food insecurity and supports the well-being of the student community. DCU also offers various support services, including clubs and societies, to foster a sense of community and inclusion among students.

4. Academic Freedom and Research Integrity

DCU upholds the principles of academic freedom and research integrity through its policies and practices. The university’s Code of Good Research Practice and the Academic Freedom Policy ensure that research is conducted ethically and that academic staff have the freedom to pursue their scholarly interests without undue interference.

5. Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

DCU is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within its community. The Dignity and Respect at Work and Study Policy outlines the university’s commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive environment for all members. The Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee develops and monitors policies to support these values.

6. Financial Transparency

DCU maintains financial transparency through the publication of its consolidated financial statements. These statements provide a clear overview of the university’s financial health and ensure accountability in the management of resources.

7. Community and Public Engagement

DCU actively engages with the broader community through various initiatives. The university’s involvement in the Just Transition Planning Process and the launch of the Health Literacy Report are examples of its commitment to addressing societal challenges and promoting public well-being.