Program Overview

The International Foundation Year at Dublin International Study Centre is a three-term undergraduate foundation programme. It’s designed for ambitious international students, who have good academic qualifications from their home country.

You will be based on UCD's main campus and prepare to make a confident start to your degree in Ireland.

We offer three subject routes for progression to UCD. Across each route, you will study a mix of modules designed to improve your English language and academic skills so you're ready to progress to university. You will also benefit from our dedicated support staff in-centre, who will work with you to ensure you're on the path to success.

Once you successfully complete your International Foundation Year and achieve the required grades, you will be able to progress to your chosen undergraduate degree.

Engineering & Sciences
This engineering and sciences foundation year programme is perfect for students wanting to study an innovative undergraduate degree at an Irish university. You will have good subject knowledge, and want to develop it further, while also improving your English language skills.

Why study the International Foundation Year in Engineering and Sciences?

• When you progress to UCD, you'll benefit from world-class facilities in both the UCD College of Science and College of Engineering & Architecture.
• Each school within the College of Engineering & Architecture is individually accredited by prominent organisations so you can be confident in the quality of your degree.
• UCD offers a range of internship opportunities, as well as professional placements in industry for specific disciplines.
• UCD is ranked No.1 in Ireland for Chemical Engineering, Civil & Structural Engineering, Architecture and Built Environment, Veterinary Science and other Engineering and Sciences subjects. (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

Progression to Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment.

It includes the design of bridges, buildings, roads and dams, and works relating to management of our water resources. The work of civil engineers is evident all around us and their contribution to society is impactful. This work incorporates environmental protection, structural design, large-scale construction projects, ensuring the provision of safe drinking water, designing and implementing strategies for treating wastewater and pollutants, development of transport infrastructure, flood prevention, sustainability and the design of foundations for different ground conditions.

Skills for meeting these requirements are developed in UCD Civil Engineering, in core areas of structural design, water and environmental engineering, transport engineering and geotechnical (soil and foundation) engineering.