Dublin City University

Describing itself as a "future-ready university," Dublin City University (DCU) has been broadening the horizons of students on its lively campus since it opened in 1980. The university is based on three academic campuses in the Glasnevin-Drumcondra region of north Dublin, with more than 19,000 students from 124 countries enrolled across five faculties – science and health, DCU Business School, computing and engineering, humanities and social sciences, and DCU Institute of Education. It was the first university in Ireland to integrate workplace internships (INTRA) into its undergraduate courses, with more than 80 per cent of programmes offering work-based learning opportunities. DCU boasts numerous research and enterprise hubs facilitating partnerships between academics and external organizations, covering areas such as educational assessment and evaluation, human rights, biotechnology, sensors, cloud computing, and data analytics. The John and Aileen O'Reilly library, with 400 workstations, 1,200 seats, and 18 collaborative rooms, stands as a testament to the university's commitment to innovation, being the first to equate digital records with traditional resources. Additionally, the campus features restaurants, a theatre and conference center, a crèche, and a university sports complex. Home to the National Institute for Digital Learning (NIDL), DCU focuses on learning innovation. The university also hosts a series of summer schools as part of its 'DCU in the Community' program, including public talks in nearby areas such as Ballymun, covering topics like social psychology and mental health. Notably, DCU has been a pioneer in various social initiatives, being the first globally to adopt Age Friendly University principles in 2012, designated as a University of Sanctuary in 2017, and recognized as the first Autism Friendly University globally in 2018.