A student in a science laboratory.

Engineering & Sciences

Who is this programme for?

This engineering and sciences foundation year programme is perfect for students wanting to study an innovative undergraduate degree at an Irish university. You will have good subject knowledge, and want to develop it further, while also improving your English language skills.

Intakes: January and September

Course length: Three terms

Study mode: On campus

Entry requirements: Check our academic and English language entry requirements

Fees and funding: Visit our fees page for full information.

Why study the International Foundation Year in Engineering and Sciences?

  • When you progress to UCD, you'll benefit from world-class facilities in both the UCD College of Science and College of Engineering & Architecture.
  • Each school within the College of Engineering & Architecture is individually accredited by prominent organisations so you can be confident in the quality of your degree.
  • UCD offers a range of internship opportunities, as well as professional placements in industry for specific disciplines.
  • UCD is ranked No.1 in Ireland for Chemical Engineering, Civil & Structural Engineering, Architecture and Built Environment, Veterinary Science and other Engineering and Sciences subjects. (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

Modules

On this pathway, you will study a mix of core academic modules, alongside English language, and study skills. Your modules will be tailored depending on which subject route you have chosen.

  • Academic English Skills
  • Maths 1
  • Physics 1

Science pathway

  • Biological Systems
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry I
  • Chemistry II
  • Fundamentals of Scientific Inquiry
  • Introduction to Research
  • Electives – Physics II, Introduction to Health and Health Science, Maths II

Health Sciences pathway

  • Biological Systems
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry I
  • Chemistry II
  • Fundamentals of Scientific Inquiry
  • Introduction to Research
  • Introduction to Health and Health Science

Engineering pathway

  • Creative Design
  • Fundamentals of Scientific Enquiry
  • Maths I
  • Maths II
  • Physics II
  • Physics III
  • Electives – Chemistry I, Biological Systems, Chemistry II, Cell Biology, Introduction to Statistics

Computing pathway

  • Algorithms
  • Computer Programming I
  • Computer Programming II
  • Creative Design
  • Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis
  • Maths II

Term dates

3 Term

January 2025

StartFinish
Term 17/1/202520/3/2025
Term 230/3/20255/6/2025
Term 38/6/202521/8/2025

September 2025

StartFinish
Term 121/9/20258/1/2026
Term 211/1/202619/3/2026
Term 329/3/202625/6/2026

January 2026

StartFinish
Term 16/1/202619/3/2026
Term 229/3/20264/6/2026
Term 37/6/202620/8/2026
Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
No Results

Students are required to undergo interview with University College Dublin and pre-approval prior to admission to Dublin ISC.

  • Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences BSc
  • Radiography BSc
Hongbo from China standing on UCD's campus

"Studying and living in a completely different cultural environment could be an anxious, lonely and challenging experience. The International Study Centre provides a perfect launchpad to get you started and to help immerse you into university life. You will be equipped with every possible skill, knowledge and friendship to begin your university studies when you graduate from the centre."

Hongbo from China
Studied the International Foundation Year
Graduate from BSc Computer Science

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have about your application. We can’t wait to meet you.