Prospective Masters and Grad Dip Frequently Asked Questions

The structure of full time and part-time programmes is the same, the timetable also. Both FT and PT programmes are 90 credits. Modules normally run from Monday to Friday between 09:00 – 18:00.

Your timetable will depend on your module choices.

Full-time programmes:

• Autumn Trimester – 30 credits of modules = roughly 6 hours per week for a duration of 12 weeks.
• Spring Trimester – 30 credits of modules = roughly 6 hours per week for a duration of 12 weeks.
• Summer Trimester – Thesis/Internship or Capstone Project 30 credit module, depending on your programme

Not all Majors have an Internship option, please check your chosen programme structure

Graduate Diploma Programmes:

Graduate Diploma students take a total of 60 credits. 

• Autumn Trimester – 30 credits of modules = roughly 6 hours per week for a duration of 12 weeks.
• Spring Trimester – 30 credits of modules = roughly 6 hours per week for a duration of 12 weeks.

Our modules are generally delivered in two-hour lecture sessions every week for 12 weeks. The lectures take place between 09:00 and 18:00, Monday-Friday.

Part-time students take a total of 90 credits (60 for Grad Dip) but over two years instead of one. Most students take one or two modules in the Autumn and Spring semesters, so 2-4 hours of lectures per week. It is advisable for part-time students to take core modules in their first year.

Part-time students take the Thesis/Internship or Capstone Project 30 credit module in their 2nd year of study

Please note: As mentioned before, all modules are scheduled between the hours of 09:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday and therefore the part-time programmes are usually not compatible with a full-time 9-5 job.

We do not offer any weekend or evening modules. All modules are timetabled Monday to Friday between the hours of 09:00 and 18:00

Currently, you cannot study any of our Master’s degrees online and must be present, in-person in Dublin, to attend class. The exception to this is the (opens in a new window)MSc/Grad Dip in Digital Policy which offers a hybrid learning environment. This means that students have the choice to complete this programme in person or online (fully remotely) in real time.

We currently only offer a September intake for all our postgraduate programmes.

Applications for September 2025 will open at the beginning of October 2024.

There are a number of scholarships available for International Students please visit the UCD Global Scholarship page for further information.

There is a lot of information available for international students on the UCD Global site: https://www.ucd.ie/global/

Information on Visas and Immigration and Accommodation can be found here

If you are an international student and are seeking further information, you should get in touch with your Global Centre.  The Global Centre is determined by the origin of the student.

If you have already applied, please quote your Application Number when you do. Here is a list of our UCD Global Centres and their contact information:

• Asia Pacific: (opens in a new window)southeastasia@ucd.ie   
• Middle East & North Africa: (opens in a new window)dubai@ucd.ie  
• China: (opens in a new window)chinaoffice@ucd.ie    
• Latin America: (opens in a new window)latinamerica@ucd.ie   
• North America: (opens in a new window)northamerica@ucd.ie   
• South Asia: (opens in a new window)india@ucd.ie  
• Africa & ROW: (opens in a new window)internationaladmissions@ucd.ie  

For more general queries related to registration, accommodation etc. please contact: (opens in a new window)internationalenquiries@ucd.ie 

For all applications to ICS programmes, the following is required:

• Undergraduate transcripts
• English proficiency certificate (if relevant). See here for UCD English language requirements
• The application fee - €60

Please see individual programme descriptions for specific application requirements

You are also encouraged to submit a CV or any other documentation that may help your application e.g. volunteer or work experience in a relevant field.

An application FAQ can be found here

Yes, you can. As part of the admission process, most emphasis is placed on applicants’ academic transcripts. However, relevant work/life experiences will also be taken into account.

It is encouraged to submit any document that supports your application.

Completing the online application form- FAQ's

Although application deadlines are on a rolling basis, we would recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to ensure there are places available. Applications for international students usually close in mid-July. For Irish/EU students they close at the beginning of August.

Please note, only applications that are submitted along with the application fee will be reviewed. Please ensure that you submit your completed application in time.

Please see this page for information on how to accept your offer.