In an era of change, we need transformative thinking on education. Our world is developing so quickly that many of us who start university this year may graduate and be hired in jobs that look incredibly different to how they do now.
Opportunity is everywhere. While there’s rapid growth in the power of technology, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, we also face pressing global challenges like climate change, inequality, and the threat of further pandemics. More than ever, we need to understand how humans behave, respond and grow at the forefront of change.
Work has also become more complex and fast-moving, and organisations need career-ready graduates who are ‘human Swiss army knives’, innovative, adaptable thinkers with a well-stocked toolkit of hard and soft skills.
10 future-proofed courses and specialisms
That’s why DCU is introducing 10 new undergraduate courses and specialisms starting in September 2021. Each has been created to equip you with the agility, expertise and skills needed to thrive in the dynamic world of work in an ever changing world.
We are transforming how our students learn
Graduates will work at the cutting edge of business and technology, in areas such as sustainable energy, drug discovery and data analytics.
“We are transforming how our students learn, creating authentic, engaging and relevant learning spaces for our students to explore, develop and deepen their knowledge of the subjects they are studying,” says Associate Professor Blánaid White, Dean of Strategic Learning Innovation at DCU.
Hardwiring transferable skills
Key to future-proofing students is the development of specific transversal skills which have been identified as central to success in the 21st century. Given that graduates will be more career-mobile than ever before, and that interdisciplinarity will be increasingly valued and required in the workplace, transversal skills such as data analytics, digital literacy, creativity, future-led design, entrepreneurship, multilingualism, compelling communication, and intercultural competence, as well as ethical and critical thinking, will empower graduates to identify, harness and maximise the opportunities of an unscripted world.
“Ultimately, our aim is to actively foster students’ personal agency, so that each one has the capability to envision and pursue their own career path with confidence, competence and conviction” explains Dr Ciarán Dunne, Transversal Skills Programme Director at DCU.
Practical learning opportunities
All 10 new offerings will include expansive opportunities for learning in exciting and innovative ways, in a very practical sense, where you will be working on real relevant problems, team based challenges, industry-led hackathons and design sprints, final year capstone projects and internships.
Deep industry partnerships
In keeping with its enterprising culture, DCU is working with industry leaders to design, develop and deliver the new course offerings.
These new courses completely rethink how we inspire and educate
Together, they’re ensuring graduates will be primed to innovate and collaborate across disciplines, so that as a society, we can meet local, national and global challenges and make the best use of emerging technologies.
“These new courses completely rethink how we inspire and educate - meeting Ireland’s future skills needs, while realising the potential of each future graduate and positioning them to lead,” says Professor Lisa Looney, Vice President for Academic Affairs at DCU.
Build a better world: BSc in Global Challenges (DC189)
We face complex global challenges such as climate change, inequality and fake news. You will build multidisciplinary knowledge and skills across engineering, law, public policy and more, and learn how to develop technology-based solutions to help communities, protect the environment and improve our world.
Save the planet: BEng in Sustainable Systems and Energy (DC194)
Transitioning to zero carbon is one of the biggest challenges faced by humanity. On this course rooted in mechanical engineering, you will discover how to develop and deploy the materials, energy systems and technology of the future in a genuinely sustainable way. You can also choose to complete a fifth year and graduate with a Masters in Engineering.
Disrupt everything: BSc in Psychology and Disruptive Technologies (DC210)
Disruptive technologies completely change how we engage with entertainment, transport, healthcare, business and more. Having explored how disruption is reshaping human behaviour and society, graduates will be sought after wherever digital innovation and transformative problem-solving are prized. They can also go on to further study or apply to train professionally as a psychologist (pending Psychological Society of Ireland accreditation).
Become a smart analyst: BSc in Psychology and Mathematics (DC207)
Unique in Ireland, this course has been designed to meet the demands of industry and digital workplaces. Graduates will be able to apply numeracy, analytical, problem-solving and data visualisation skills to interpret how humans think, act and interact. They can also go on to further study or apply to train professionally as a psychologist (pending Psychological Society of Ireland accreditation).
Create new bioproducts: BSc in Bioprocessing (DC180)
Bioprocessing applies bioscientific principles to developing new food, drug, fuel and other products. By choosing this Biological Sciences specialism you will master the theory and practice of bioprocess design and operation, making intensive use of DCU’s new microbial production facility. This course demands critical thinking and will incentivise creativity.
Solve real-world problems: BSc in Physics with Data Analytics (DC175)
Graduates of this ground-breaking new specialism will be sought after for data science and analytics roles in sectors such as finance and technology. Along with core physics skills and knowledge, the course covers machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, emerging quantum technologies, coding, databases, data visualisation and more.
Revolutionise drug design: BSc in Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence (DC163)
One of the first courses of its kind in Europe, this new specialism will show you how to harness the enormous potential of applying AI to chemistry. Cutting-edge technologies are revolutionising how products such as new sustainable materials or drugs like the Covid-19 vaccines are discovered, developed and produced, meaning graduates will be much in demand.
Thrive in transformation: BSc in Digital Business and Innovation (DC241)
Companies and organisations need skilled graduates with a deep understanding of emerging technologies. In this course you will not only develop an innovation mindset, but will also gain industry-relevant knowledge and skills in cloud computing, social media, big data, mobile technologies, the Internet of Things, blockchain, and both augmented and virtual reality.
Power business with insight: Business with Analytics specialism within the Bachelor of Business Studies (DC111)
Businesses in every sector need to turn torrents of raw data into valuable insights. Choosing this Business Studies specialism will allow you to discover how to analyse data with statistical techniques and software in order to fuel strategic and real-time decision-making. Graduates will find roles as business analysts, management consultants and project managers.
Combat climate change: BA in Climate and Environmental Sustainability (DC294)
Passionate about climate change and the environment? This course will prepare you for careers in this area by developing a deep understanding of the challenges faced by industry and policy makers. Topics include geography, environmental policy, biodiversity and more. The course includes a residential field module during which you will tackle real-life challenges.
For further information on the above programmes, visit dcu.ie/new-courses2021.