History
University College Cork (UCC) is an award-winning institution with a history of independent thinking dating back to 1845.
Education
UCC is an internationally competitive, research-led University that plays a key role in the development of Ireland’s and Europe’s knowledge-based economy. Our mission is to collectively build and sustain a university where effective, innovative and best-in-class learning and teaching practices are fostered, enhanced and supported, and where a student-centred approach to research-led teaching is deeply embedded into our DNA and into our culture. Our international reputation as a research intensive institution attracts leading academic talent from all over the world, many of whom are globally renowned and respected specialists in their fields.
Research
UCC is a vibrant community of diverse and independent thought leaders with a shared ambition to be a connected university with excellent research at its heart. Enabling the development of novel interdisciplinary research is a core objective of our Strategic Plan 2023 - 2028 - Securing our Future. At UCC, we commit to leave No-One Behind. UCC Futures exemplifies this objective as we seek transformative, disruptive research leaders to connect research across disciplinary boundaries, create knowledge and translate research into sustainable benefits and value for society.
Career
In UCC’s Career Service our focus is on you and on supporting you to become world and workready. When it comes to your career, we are the difference. We will help you stand out from the crowd and our multidisciplinary team of professionals will guide you through every transition on your employability journey, from understanding your career interests, to helping you evaluate and assess your career opportunities, right through to realising your career ambitions. We will help you develop the graduate attributes, skills and values you need to reach your career goals.
Our professional services can be grouped into three distinct areas:
- Employability
- Work Placement
- Advice
Student services
As a UCC student, you will have access to a variety of support services to help you feel at home and to settle into life at university. The services available to our students are extensive and our personal touch is what makes all the difference – whether you're missing home, unsure of your course, worried about money matters, feeling overwhelmed, or have a disability or ongoing mental health issues, we get you and we've got your back.
Housing services
We know how important it is for you to find the right accommodation, a place where you can feel safe and at home. There are plenty of options to choose from, most of which are located within walking distance of campus or on a public bus route. Your options include:
- UCC Campus Accommodation
- Privately Owned Student Apartment Complexes
- House Shares
- Digs (Owner-Occupied Rentals)
UCC’s Accommodation and Community Life office provides an expert advice and advocacy service for all prospective and current UCC students throughout their search for safe and affordable accommodation.
Library services
UCC has two libraries: the main Boole Library and the Boston Scientific Health Sciences Library in the Brookfield Health Sciences Complex. The main library is known as the Boole Library which is named after Professor George Boole. Boole was the first professor of Mathematics in UCC and the inventor of Boolean algebra.
ICT services
As a registered student you will be able to use a number of open access IT Centres on and off campus. Our Student IT Services provide a wide range of IT and communication facilities and supports to students, including: Umail (student email provided by Google) Canvas (Virtual Learning Environment) MyStudentAdmin (Student Record) Microsoft Office 365
Medical services
At the Student Health department in UCC, our multidisciplinary team is committed to supporting your health and wellbeing journey. Student Health provide a blended mix of consultation options, including telephone consultations, consultations over video using Microsoft Teams, as well as face-to-face on site attendance.
Campus life
Originally established as Queen’s College Cork in 1845, UCC has a stunning campus with the iconic River Lee flowing through it. Here, old limestone buildings blend seamlessly with amazing new modern, award-winning architecture. Our main campus is set on 42 acres of wooded grounds and yet you can still walk to Cork’s vibrant city centre in just 15 minutes! In total, our campus covers over 210 acres, including our sports pitches. It’s very easy to get around on foot and on wheels (bike, scooter or skateboard) and we even have a number of short, looped campus walks that you can do in between lectures to help you keep well and get those all-important steps in!
Sports facilities
UCC has a deep and proud history of sporting achievement, and we have ambitious plans for the future. Our ambitious Sports Strategy is dedicated to unlocking the power of sport and physical activity across all areas of participation, representation and achievement. Regardless of your ability or experience, we have something to suit you. At UCC we aim to promote participation in sport by all our students and staff, and to support competitive and high-performance athletes. The UCC community of sport wears its red and black shirts and jerseys with passion and pride. With heads held high, its tribe of warriors stands just that little bit taller for the badge of honour it has worn on its chests since 1872
Student clubs
University life is so much more than your academic development and achievements. It’s every bit as much about your personal and social development, and student societies are the bedrock of this part of your college experience. As a member of a student society, you will gain lots of transferable skills including the ability to create, evaluate and communicate knowledge. With over 100 UCC societies to get involved in outside of your studies, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Societies are student-run groups that offer opportunities to co-create, to refine your skills, spark new interests and make lifelong friends.
