Learning

About this World Café

UCD is a comprehensive research-intensive university with distinctive achievements and ambitions for the education of students. We envision a holistic educational experience that embraces diversity, fosters research skills, and cultivates critical thinking. Our commitment to inclusion ensures that every student, regardless of background or mode of study, has access to transformative learning opportunities. UCD education supports both the intrinsic value of learning, research and critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary knowledge, whilst also promoting both access to education and supporting the development and acquisition of professional and employment-related skills and knowledge.

UCD has a justified strong reputation for supporting student learning through educational programmes, teaching and wider student experience. Survey data indicates a high degree of student satisfaction with learning experiences, outcomes, etc. The educational reforms of 2005 which included the introduction of UCD Horizons, modularization and semesterisation have strongly supported educational outcomes for our students, including greater variety in assessment, more choices in learning beyond core curriculum, the flexibility necessary to support internships, exchanges, study abroad, etc. The students of 2025 will have different experiences and different expectations from those of 2005.

Questions:

1. What aspects of the current educational structures should the University consider in a 20-year review, to assure UCD can meet its ambitions for quality and flexibility and responsiveness to needs of students and society?
2. How can the University best act on the need to prepare students effectively for life with knowledge about sustainability and well-being, wide-ranging transversal skills, including critical thinking communication, team-working, leadership, digital literacy (including linkage of AI to other skills), intercultural competence, and languages together with preparation for future unknowns about careers and life more generally?
3. How can the University best support an inclusive and consistent experience for a student body which is more diverse both by reference to equality grounds, geographically,  and the wider range of flexible learning modes?
4. What is the appropriate mix of educational offerings, with respect to full-time and part-time, undergraduate, graduate taught and research degrees, minor awards such as certificates and diplomas and non-accredited learning?
5. How should the University best prioritise research and interdisciplinarity in educational programmes?
6. What commitments should the University make to further enhancing educational outcomes, growing experiential learning opportunities and better supporting the demands on teaching and professional staff to support enhanced outcomes? 
7. What is the potential to further integrate technology enhanced learning?
8. What scale and mix of students should UCD plan for?