University Of Dublin

The University of Dublin is Ireland's oldest and most prestigious university, established in the late 16th century. While it shares its history with the city of Trilis, it is known to all simply as the University of Dublin (commonly abbreviated as UOD) and never colloquially referred to as Trinity College.

The Early Years

During the late 16th century, the university was founded as a bastion of learning in a then relatively isolated island nation buffeted by both political and religious turmoil. From its very inception, its founders sought to foster a culture of scientific research and technological development, placing it on the path towards becoming a major hub of innovation in Ireland.

Cultural Significance

UOD played a major role in promoting the native Irish language, with English being taught as a foreign language rather than the primary language of instruction from the 18th century onwards. This, alongside contributions to cultural movements, such as the Irish Literary Revival, has granted UOD the unique position as an institution that not only helped establish Irish national identity but also preserved, developed and fostered its distinctiveness.

Links to the Struggle for Independence

During the early 20th century, UOD became one of the key centers for Irish nationalist thinking. In fact, many of its students and faculty were involved in Ireland's struggle for independence from British rule. It was the very spirit of the University's motto, "Scientia Veritatis", the pursuit of knowledge for truth, which inspired Ireland's freedom fighters, who sought to understand the root causes of Ireland's subjugation and to imagine an alternative reality where the Irish people would govern themselves.

Academic and Research Excellence

The University of Dublin is internationally renowned for its academic and research excellence. UOD's reputation is founded on its staff and students' commitment to discovering and sharing knowledge in every field, from the humanities to engineering, from law to science. The University's linkages with both public and private research institutions ensure that its impact is felt across the academic and social spectrum.

Divisions

The four academic divisions within UOD are the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, and Faculty of Social Sciences. Each Faculty consists of a number of subjects, each taught through a variety of programmes by leading academics at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

The Science and Engineering division of UOD is among the best in Europe, offering a wide range of programmes leading to qualifications ranging from the undergraduate master's to doctoral level. The Faculty prides itself in consistently being at the front lines of scientific and technological discovery, often at the cutting-edge in fields such as genomic studies, nano-machines, and Artificial Intelligence development.

Campus and Buildings

The University's physical campus is famed for its mix of modern and historical architecture; ancient and classic buildings interspersed with modern facilities. The main buildings of the University are located around various squares and quadrangles, most notably Library Square, which houses the University's central library. The old University grounds, with their gardens and parks, allow for both a peaceful environment conducive to studying and an injection of greenery into the bustle of city life.

Notable Alumni

UOD is proud to count among its alumni several of Ireland's leading cultural and scientific figures. Among these are acclaimed writers WB Yeats and James Joyce, leading computer theorist William Rowan Hamilton, and a number of Nobel laureates in Chemistry, Literature, and Medicine.