Choosing your Programme

Undergraduate study at NUI Galway is based on research-led teaching. With over 50 individual programmes across sixteen schools, we offer an extensive choice of both broad-based programmes, that allow you the opportunity to study a range of subjects, as well as more specialised programmes, aligned to professional qualifications or the University’s particular areas of research expertise.

Open or Specialised

Most undergraduate degree programmes at NUI Galway and other Irish universities are generally quite specialised from the first year of study. Unlike for example in the United States and other countries that follow the US model of higher education, students in Ireland generally focus on one main area of study from their very first year of university e.g. Arts and Humanities, Business, Engineering or Science, etc.

NUI Galway offers a number of ‘open’ degree programmes within each area of study that allow students to explore different subjects and gain a solid grounding in their chosen area before specialising further in their second and third year.

For example, a student interested in the Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, or Modern Languages etc., might consider the Bachelor of Arts (Omnibus) whereas students interested in Business, Science or Engineering might consider the Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science (Undenominated) or Bachelor of Engineering (Undenominated) respectively.

In addition, we also offer a range of more specialised programmes, which are ideally suited to students who know exactly what subject they wish to concentrate on from their first year of study, including for example programmes such as Public and Social Policy, Journalism, Psychology, Law, Medicine, Marine Science and IT

Search for Undergraduate Programmes*

Teaching and Assessment

Bachelor degree programmes are delivered through a combination of large lectures and smaller tutorials and/or laboratory classes (where relevant). The academic culture at NUI Galway involves a good deal of independent learning and students are required to undertake self-directed study outside of regular teaching hours.

While Continuous Assessment is increasingly used, you may find that the academic culture at NUI Galway is more heavily geared towards formal end of term examinations compared to your home country. Depending on the discipline, you can expect that most classes will require an end of semester exam (usually 2 hours) which will count for approximately 70-80% of your grade. In the absence of regular testing, students are required to undertake a good deal of self directed study throughout the semester in order keep up with their workload.

We recognise however that this style of learning may be a big change from the teaching you have been used to at Secondary School (High School) in your home country and so our lecturers and support staff offer you plenty of support to help you make that transition.

Programme Structure

Bachelor degree programmes are based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Most classes (modules) consists of 5 ECTS credits, while a typical degree programme consists of 60 ECTS credits per year.

Some Honours degree programmes in disciplines such as Arts/Humanities, Business and Law can be completed in three years of full time study, however students undertaking a period studying abroad or a placement off campus as part of their degree are usually required may to study for four years before graduating. All honours degree programmes in Science and Engineering are four years in length, while programmes such as Medicine are a minimum of 5 years.

International Transfers

While we very much welcome applications from international students, opportunities to be granted advanced standing on a degree programme, based on credits earned at a university overseas, are generally limited.

This is largely due to the differences in the curriculum between universities in different countries but also because degree programmes in Ireland are generally based on a highly structured, sequential set of specific classes (modules) that is set by the University, based on a student's particular degree programme.

Students currently enrolled at an overseas university can however apply to attend NUI Galway as a visiting student.

Notes:
1. Please note that all international applications for Medicine must be made through our international representatives:  Atlantic Bridge (North American applicants) or IUMC (Southeast Asia/Australasia).
2. Please note that NUI Galway does not currently offer international places on undergraduate programmes in Nursing, Midwifery and Occupational Therapy.

Entry Requirements - Undergraduate (Full Degree)

International students are assessed based on their school grades and their performance in relevant standardised examinations in their home country.

Entry requirements for research programmes vary. Please refer to the country specific information section of the websiteor contact the International Office for further details for your country.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also meet the University’s English language requirements.

 

Non-EU Undergraduate Applicants

Students applying from outside the European Union (EU) for full undergraduate degree programmes (other than Medicine*) should apply by post directly to the International Affairs Office, NUI Galway, using the Non-EU Undergraduate Application Form.

Decisions on applications are made on a rolling basis throughout the year, so you should apply as early as possible during your final year of Secondary (High) School.

Applicants can expect a decision usually within 4-6 weeks of submitting a complete application.

Note - Entry to Medicine: NUI Galway no longer accepts direct applications to Medicine from non EU students. Non-EU students interested in applying for Medicine should email admissions@nuigalway.ie for further details.

EU Undergraduate Applicants

Students applying from other European countries or who are qualify for EU fees should apply via the Centre Applications Office (CAO). Please refer to www.cao.ie for further details on closing dates etc.

Cost of Living

For further information about NUI Galway, please contact the International Affairs Office.