What to look for in a university
From the location to the diversity of the course options, there are many things to consider when choosing your university. It’s important to pick wisely, as your decision will impact the next few years of your life.
University of Galway has grown hugely in size and reputation over the past 175+ years, with a student population today of over 18,000. According to QS World University Rankings, University of Galway is ranked 259 in the world. University of Galway has a growing international reputation based on the quality of our teaching and the global impact of our research.
Here are the top five factors to consider when choosing a university:
A world-renowned university
When choosing a university, it’s vital that you know the institution has a good reputation and can provide you with a top-class education.
Why an SSE Airtricity energy audit was a game changer for Aran Woollen Mills on its net-zero journey
Getting solid legal advice early in your company’s journey is invaluable
Water pollution has no one cause but many small steps and working together can bring great change
Empowering women in pharma: MSD Ireland’s commitment to supporting diverse leadership
University of Galway is among the top 2% of universities in the world based on data from QS World University Rankings. It is listed in the QS Graduate Employability Rankings as one of the best Irish universities for graduate employability.
Top courses on offer
One of the biggest factors to consider is the course you want to study. Make sure the college you’re interested in has a wide variety of academic fields to choose from, along with work placement opportunities and connections with industry. This will give you a step up when you start on your career path.
University of Galway offers undenominated degrees in Arts, Business, Science and Engineering. These degrees allow students to study the subjects broadly in the first year and then specialise in later years.
So, even if you’re not sure which career you want or what area you’re more interested in, you have the time you need to figure it out for yourself. Also, 80 per cent of the courses at University of Galway offer work placement or study abroad options, further broadening the student’s experience.
We support our students
One of the biggest parts of university life is being part of a thriving student community and being encouraged to fulfil your potential alongside some of the best friends you’ll ever make.
Fiona Murtagh, the Olympic silver medal-winning rower, chose University of Galway to study an Executive MBA. She describes how the incredible ongoing support of both lecturers and fellow students helped her to take on the demands of her course on top of her current workload.
“We always leave the classroom energised and inspired, having given or received some nugget of information to take home with us,” says Fiona.
“The genuine compassion of those around me, and their willingness to help out, have made sure that I am continuously progressing.”
Fiona adds that University of Galway puts the students, and their education, at the heart of everything that they do.
“Choosing to study at University of Galway has allowed me to start thinking about the future, without jeopardising the present. I am able to make both my studies and my training of equal priority, which gives me confidence that I have chosen the right place to progress my career and prepare me for life after sport.”
An ideal location
The size of the city, and the personality of the local community, all impact your years at university.
With its unique landscape and culture, Galway is a bustling university city, with plenty of entertainment and student-centric locations to enjoy.
Eight of the world’s top 10 medtech companies are also based there, so if you’re interested in courses including Biotechnology, Biomedical Science and Biomedical Engineering, you will be right at the centre of the medtech industry if you study in University of Galway.
This incredible location means there can be amazing job opportunities upon graduation. Also, the number of world-renowned research centres and institutes in Galway means courses linked to these research areas are well-regarded internationally, and graduates are in high demand in the jobs market.
Promoting sustainability and diversity
Whether it’s diversity of thought, diversity of language, or biodiversity, choosing a university that champions a diverse community is so important for the future.
For example, University of Galway is self-reports under the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS) which measures sustainability performance. University of Galway earned the Gold STARS rating in 2021 – only one of 133 universities in the world to do so.
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda has also led University of Galway to be one of only five universities to be awarded funding from the Government’s Performance Fund for higher education institutions. Equality and inclusion are at the heart of everything the university does.
Going to college can be one of the best experiences of your life, so make sure you choose a university with everything you need to not only help you find your identity and a career path you love, but also to prepare you to flourish in life.
University of Galway is the place to connect with free thinkers in a vibrant, creative and exciting campus in the heart of Galway. With flexible degree programmes driven by industry needs, and excellent placement and study abroad opportunities. Galway’s The Place.
For more information see universityofgalway.ie/cao
#GalwaysThePlace