UCD continues as Number 1 in Ireland in QS World University Graduate Employability Rankings
Posted 23 September, 2021
University College Dublin has maintained its position at number 1 in Ireland in the (opens in a new window)QS World University Graduate Employability Rankings.
The rankings, which were introduced five years ago, were not published last year due to COVID-19 and UCD has been ranked number 1 in Ireland since 2018.
QS uses five indicators: Employer Reputation, Alumni Outcomes, Partnerships with Employers, Employer-Student Connections and Graduate Employment Rate.
For 2022, 550 institutions are ranked – up from 501 for 2020.
UCD’s strongest indicator is under Partnerships with Employers and according to QS, this reflects that the “University College Dublin is doing most to cultivate relationships with employers.”
Commenting on the Graduate Employability Rankings, (opens in a new window)Professor Andrew Deeks, President of UCD said: “The HEA Report An Analysis of Graduate Earnings across Higher Education Institutions published today shows that after eight years, average earnings for those with UCD undergraduate and graduate qualifications are the highest across all universities in Ireland.
"In addition to the QS Graduate Employability Rankings this is another endorsement of the success of our graduates and the quality of education we provide.”
In relation to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic Professor Deeks added: “The COVID-19 restrictions on public movement affected both employers and students.
"However, one of the outcomes of the pandemic is that we catapulted effective teaching, learning and working onto another level that maximises communications technology. The outcome is a scaled-up flexibility that we can now incorporate into our campus experience.
"Our students have demonstrated great capacity to study and work successfully under COVID-19 restrictions and these skills will stand to them as they enter their careers and will be sought after by the top employers.”
By Eilis O'Brien, UCD University Relations