The National College of Ireland (NCI) will be hosting open days on 23rd November and 25th January. Those interested can register through the NCI’s website events page or by visiting the NCI Mayor Square campus on the day. NCI is distinctively a smaller not-for-profit higher academic institute that offers programmes in areas such as business, psychology, computing, and education. It does not own any student accommodation but the college is reachable by bus, train, Dart, and Luas from various private accommodations around town. Potential students should not miss the opportunity to meet lecturers one-on-one and visit some classes. More information is available at ncirl.ie.
St Patrick’s Pontifical University of Maynooth will be having open days on 22nd and 23rd November, 12th April, and 28th June. Registration can be made via maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/undergraduate-studies/open-days. The university, the only Pontifical establishment in Ireland, is housed in a historic 230-year-old campus and is the only university town where both the township and campus are extensions of each other. It specialises in teaching theology and philosophy on an undergraduate and postgraduate level. The university offers on-campus lodging priced between €5,318 to €6,879 annually. An early booking is crucial due to high demand, more details can be found at sppu.ie/accommodation. Prospective students shouldn’t miss open day talks by student recruitment staff who share personal experiences of the education system and university life. Visit maynoothuniversity.ie for additional information.
The Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) has scheduled an open day on 23rd November from 10am to 3pm. To register, visit iadt.ie/openday/.
IADT stands as Ireland’s sole institution dedicated to art, design and technology, with a particular emphasis on creative, cultural, and technological fields. It also hosts the National Film School, equipped with cutting-edge facilities for learning and training in areas such as film, television and radio production, stage and screen design and model-making. Regrettably, IADT does not offer campus accommodation. However, nearby private rentals are available. Visit their website at iadt.ie for more information.
In contrast, NCAD is the single Irish art and design college recognised in the 2024 QS World University Rankings by Subject, bagging the 60th spot globally. It’s historically rich, with significant Irish designers, artists and art educators having studied or worked there since 1746. The college aims to alter the world through bold, inventive thinking and creation. Unfortunately, there’s no on-campus accommodation, but private student accommodation is available in the Thomas Street area starting from €250 a week at locations such as Highlight, Liv and Aparto. Potential applicants should not overlook their portfolio talks and display, and those interested in art, design, fashion, cinema, architecture and digital culture history should attend the lunchtime presentation on BA Visual Culture. The final hour (2-3 pm) is reserved as a “calm hour” for visitors sensitive to noise and crowds. Visit ncad.ie for further details.
Moreover, Munster Technological University hosts multiple open days across its campuses. MTU Kerry Campus welcomes visitors on October 11th and March 29th, NCMI on November 7th, MTU Bishopstown Campus and MTU Crawford College of Art and Design on November 15th, with the latter also open on the 16th. MTU Cork School of Music is open on November 16th. Detailed information is available at mtu.ie/opendays/.
Are you wondering what distinguishes us? MTU, a prominent technological university in Ireland, spreads over six locations in the country’s southwest. With over 140 educational programmes to pick from and global ties with 120 plus educational establishments, MTU is a leading presence. Hosting six esteemed research centres and backing over 100 clubs and societies, it has the versatility students are looking for. Visit the website mtu.ie for additional information.
Regarding Atlantic Technological University, the institution prides itself in being a technological academic powerhouse in Ireland’s west and northwest with multiple campuses. Being renowned for practical education, manageable student batches, and a nurturing atmosphere, it ensures an exceptional educational journey furnishing students with vital work readiness. Open days are from October 2nd until November 30th, taking place at all campuses.
There’s a selection of student accommodations, including purpose-built student villages, private lodging and digs. Although ATU area is considered one of the most economical for student housing, the demand is escalating. All the lodgings are under the purview given their ownership by private operators, however, the student union team is available to assist. More details can be found on the atu.ie/accommodation website.
In terms of innovation, ATU’s recent launch of degree programmes in fields such as clinical measurement physiology, psychology, athletic therapy and outdoor and environmental education signify its breadth. Specifically, in outdoor education, up to three awards can be earned including geography and education with therapeutic benefits.
The chance to tour the campus should not be missed out on. Prospective students can attend various talks held during ATU open days. They offer insights into the courses and the lifestyle that ATU offers.
Further details can be found on atu.ie. Concerning Technological University Dublin, it holds open days at multiple locations, including Tallaght on November 14th, Blanchardstown on November 21st, and its remaining campuses between January and April 2025. Comprehensive data can be accessed on tudublin.ie/study/undergraduate/cao/open-days-events/.
What sets TU Dublin apart? As Ireland’s second biggest university, TU Dublin champions a technology-centred education model. However, it also places emphasis on the socio-environmental influences of emerging technologies, from self-piloted freight trucks to the natural resources needed for contemporary consumer goods production.
The Grangegorman campus, barely a few years old, has a lot to offer. State-of-the-art amenities range from superior labs to elite concert halls.
In terms of lodging, TU Dublin boasts a dedicated team tasked with helping students locate appropriate housing within their budget. Every year, 600 students secure bookings in varying accommodation styles. Visit: tudublin.ie
South East Technological University
Open day details: SETU campuses located in Waterford, Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny hold several open days throughout November and beyond. You can find further details on their website.
Register at: setu.ie/study/undergraduate-study/undergraduate-open-events
How does SETU stand out? Prospective undergraduates have the liberty to choose from over 140 courses spanning a wide array of disciplines such as technology, business, arts, humanities, sciences and engineering.
SETU offers university-managed housing on its Waterford campus. Visit: setu.ie
Technological University of the Shannon
Dates for forthcoming open days at TUS: Limerick city campus: October 17th; Athlone campus: October 18th; Thurles campus: November 9th; Ennis campus: November 20th; and Clonmel campus: November 23rd.
Head to tus.ie/undergrad/open-days/ to register.
What distinguishes TUS? In an effort to support autistic students with stress management and sensory overload, the university has inaugurated three sensory lounges.
Although TUS has no on-campus student accommodation, several tailor-made housing options for students exist nearby. Visit: tus.ie
Mary Immaculate College
Open days are forthcoming on October 17th and 18th.
To register, head to mic.ul.ie/study-at-mic/cao-hub/open-days
MIC’s Courtbrack accommodation for students is a mere five-minute walk away from the Limerick campus, whereas the MIC Thurles site hosts 36 single en suite bedrooms for first-year undergraduates.
Don’t miss out on the overview of the undergraduate courses offered by the college in the programme talks during open days. Here, lecturers will provide insights into the subject matter, internship opportunities, study abroad programmes and career options. View more information at mic.ul.ie
The Dundalk Institute of Technology will be hosting its upcoming open days on the 20th and 21st of November. The distinguishing feature of the institute is its unique location halfway between Dublin and Belfast. While the college does not extend accommodation, the students’ union can help in finding housing options. Remember not to pass up the chance of taking campus tours and discussing with academic staff about the college. Check out more at dkit.ie/study/visit-us/opendays/
St Patrick’s College Carlow’s forthcoming open day will take place on the 6th of March, 2025. The college’s Uniqueness lies in the fact that it is the second oldest third-level institution in Ireland. Potential students are urged to participate in taster sessions to get a genuine feel of the curriculum. More details can be found at carlowcollege.ie/cao/open-day/
The Royal Irish Academy of Music will conduct its open day on the 10th of November. The academy prides itself on being the oldest music conservatoire in Ireland. Last year, the academy expanded with a new six-floor campus extension which doubles the teaching and rehearsal facilities, offering unparalleled performance spaces for students. During the open day, visitors can catch performances by students and hear about success stories from former students. Visit riam.ie/degrees-programmes/open-days-degrees-and-programmes for more information.