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Dublin Direct Enrollment - Dublin City University
$5 Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
IES Abroad’s mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with Dublin City University.
Courses
DCU courses are generally worth 5 ECTS credits each (2.5 IES Abroad credits); the conversion is 1 IES Abroad credit for every 2 ECTS credits. You register for 15-19 IES Abroad credits.
You can view a sample list of available modules here:
DCU Module List: 2018-2019
Most modules are linked to more complete course information online. Lab courses are not available to visiting students, including IES Abroad students. Course codes are as follows:
- Humanities (HMSAO)
- Business (BSSAO)
- Engineering and Computing (ECSAO)
- Science and Health (SHSAO)
Courses are available within the following departments:
- DCU Business School
- Faculty of Engineering and Computing
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Science and Health
Unfortunately, lab courses are not available to visiting students, including IES Abroad students.
Location
Located in north Dublin, DCU occupies an expansive 85-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities. Because it is served by several bus routes between north Dublin and south Dublin, the campus is very accessible.
Partner Institution(s)
Dublin City University (DCU)
www.dcu.ie
Founded in 1980, Dublin City University (DCU) has made its mark as a leader in Ireland’s educational system. Ireland’s Sunday Times named DCU University of the Year for 2010. It hosts approximately 10,000 students and boasts a number of research centers which collaborate with domestic and international universities. The Helix, Ireland’s largest art center, is based on campus.
DCU’s main objective is to provide a lively educational and social environment, while encouraging a holistic approach to student development.
Advising & Support
In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a full-time student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you’ll take your classes, we’re still here to fully support you.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming. This is why we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at local Irish universities, you have access to the IES Abroad Dublin Center and staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.
Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to — that’s why our staff is there for you.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Dublin, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. You share a portion of the cost with IES Abroad. Here are a few possible destinations.
Northern Ireland
3 days | Fall and Spring
Take a guided tour of Belfast, visit the Giant's Causeway (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and explore the countryside on a Game of Thrones experience tour.
Causey Farm
1 Day | Fall and Spring
Visit an open farm where you will have the chance to try Irish dancing, bake traditional Irish bread, learn to play an Irish drum called the bodhrán, and jump in a bog.
Celtic Origins of Halloween
1 Day | Fall only
Join a guided tour of historic sites around County Meath where the festival of Samhain (more commonly known today as Halloween) originated more than 2,000 years ago.
Following in the Footsteps of St. Brigid
1 Day | Spring only
Go off the beaten track to the ruins of Faughart and the town of Kildare to explore St. Brigid’s birthplace and learn the legends surrounding her as a Celtic Goddess and Christian saint.
IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
Part of making you feel at home in Dublin is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
Orientation
The program begins with an orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Dublin staff, your fellow students, and the city of Dublin.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
You also take guided tours around the Center and areas of interest in Dublin as part of your orientation.
You will also participate in DCU's orientation program for international students.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Dublin, it will feel like home.
Student Apartments - You live in student apartments in a residence hall near campus with local and international students. The apartment suites are fully furnished and have fully-equipped kitchens. Each unit offers an internet connection in all bedroom and common areas. You will have your own private bedroom and share the unit with up to three roommates which may be of mixed gender. However, you will be able to indicate on your IES Abroad Housing Form if you have any accommodation requirements in relation to this. Meal plans are not included.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
University Clubs & Events
While you’re in Dublin, joining a social or sports club is a great way to meet local students. DCU offers many clubs and societies to help you integrate into the local campus culture, including everything from Astronomy Club to Ultimate Frisbee.
Get to Know Your New City
Take a Day Trip
Just a short train ride away are the towns of Howth, Dun Laoghaire and more. Let the explorer in you roam, and hike along the coast.
Catch a Live Performance
From traditional folk music to cutting-edge theatre, Dublin has it all. Venture to the theatre, or enjoy live music at your local pub.
Taste the Local Food
Irish stew, shepherd’s pie, boxty, and more—sink your teeth into the various fresh and delicious foods of Dublin.
Visit the Book of Kells
See this lavishly illustrated manuscript, located in the beautiful Trinity College Library.
Explore the Neighborhoods
Walk along the River Liffey, and meander through the city. Be sure to stop at Fitzwilliam Square and Merrion Square for the famous colorful painted doors.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship
John Gearen, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for many years and past chair of the Board for six years, is a leading real estate attorney and Rhodes Scholar who is involved in numerous philanthropic causes. Mr. Gearen has generously established this scholarship to support students who have an interest in studying on an IES Abroad Center in a developing region of the world (Argentina, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, or South Africa).
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers
The Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers was established by an anonymous donor to encourage more engineering students to have the enriching, life changing experience of study abroad.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
The IES Abroad Dublin Center occupies a red-brick Victorian building that was originally a post office and has been completely renovated. The Center is walking distance from St. Stephen’s Green and Trinity College.
Features include:
- High-speed Internet, printer, photocopier and scanner access
- A student lounge with study desks
- 4 laptops and 2 desktops
- Classrooms
- A small library and travel planning area
Take a virtual tour of what it’s like to be in Dublin and what the IES Abroad Dublin Center is like!
Our Staff
Megan Markey
Center Director
Megan Markey earned an MBA in Education Management from the Institute of Education, University of London and a Masters in Sociology from University College Dublin. Employed by IES Abroad since 2004, Megan teaches our service learning seminar, Service Learning: Youth Engagement and Education in Ireland. She has also taught qualitative research for the Sociology Department at University College Dublin. Megan was the Assistant Director of the Dublin Center from 2010-2014 and became the Center Director in 2015.
IES Abroad Staff
IES Abroad Dublin Staff
Regina Fitzpatrick
Assistant Director
Shane Fitzgerald
Internship Coordinator
Andrew Diviney
Student Affairs Coordinator
Stephen McMahon
Senior Faculty and Writers Program Coordinator
Cristin O'Gorman
Internship Coordinator
Mairéad White
Accountant Assistant
Latest from Dublin
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From budgeting tips to housing insight, 500+ IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad experiences and advice.
