An introduction to National University of Ireland Galway

An introduction to National University of Ireland, Galway (NUI Galway)

NUI Galway at a glance • Established in 1845 as Queen’s College, Galway; in 1908 became a constituent college of the National University of Ireland the name was changed to University College Galway; in 1997, was reconstituted as a University under the name of National University of Ireland, Galway. • Academically-challenging programmes in its seven faculties—Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, Celtic Studies, Law, Medicine & Health Sciences. • The University’s policy of innovative programme development ensures that the teaching programmes respond to the ever-changing needs of employers and of the economy. • Has a long-established reputation of teaching and research excellence. • Acadamh na h. Ollscolaíochta Gaeilge: dedicated to pioneering third-level education through the medium of Irish.

Student data (2006/07) Full-time Undergraduate Degree Distance Education Degree Postgraduate Degree (Taught) Postgraduate Degree (Research) Postgraduate Diploma Erasmus Non-graduate Diploma Non-graduate Certificate Visiting Examination only Total student number Part-time 8, 585 705 86 531 59 104 1, 077 722 804 339 33 1, 207 46 18 657 (369) 15, 342

Staff numbers (June 2006) Full-time Part-time Total Academic 575 Academic support* 715 Contract Research 347 163 158 50 738 873 397 Total staff 371 2, 008 1, 637

Research at NUI Galway has been extremely successful in developing high-quality research initiatives and securing record levels of funding.

Research at NUI Galway In its research policy, the University prioritises an interdisciplinary focus on specific areas of excellence towards the development of world-class research institutes and centres. These include: • • • National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science (NCBES) Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute (MRI) Environmental Change Institute (ECI) Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) Moore Institute for Research in Humanities and Social Sciences Centre for Irish Studies Irish Centre for Human Rights Centre for Innovation and Structural Change (CISC) Irish Centre for Social Gerontology (ICSG) Centre for Family and Child Research The Technology Transfer Office at NUI Galway supports national and regional economic development by creating an environment that values intellectual property, promotes technology transfer and commercialisation activity among University researchers. It also manages start-up activity.

NUI Galway’s international network • Over 1, 700 international students from 50 countries. • New agreements with leading universities in China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. • Socrates/Erasmus Programme: student exchange agreements with 115 European countries; a similar number of North American students participate in the Junior Year/Semester Abroad Programme. The International Summer School has been running for 20 years. • International Scholarships Programme: aims to develop the capacity of outstanding individuals from developing countries who can assume leadership roles in their fields of study and whose work will enhance the development of their own society (students from South Africa, Sri Lanka and Ethiopia currently studying at NUI Galway under this scholarship programme).

The NUI Galway Access Programme • Promotes initiatives that encourage greater participation in university education among under-represented groups. • Creates a supportive learning environment for students who have experienced socio-economic and educational disadvantage to enable their access to, and participation in, 3 rd level education. • Includes pre-university preparatory courses, a support system for students, special links with primary and secondary schools, as well as with other educational and developmental bodies. • The Mature Students Programme promotes participation by adults in third-level education. • Access education programmes now being delivered in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Kosovo, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.

Volunteerism at NUI Galway • Through a strategic programme entitled the Community Knowledge Initiative, NUI Galway academics and staff actively engaged in developing lasting relationships with community organisations through student volunteering, service learning, research and knowledge sharing. • The ALIVE programme offers NUI Galway students the opportunity to receive a certificate for the contribution they make by volunteering. • They also receive training in transferable skills and develop work-related, practical skills through their volunteering experiences.

The arts at NUI Galway • NUI Galway has a tradition of facilitating a strong and vibrant artistic environment (e. g. Druid, Macnas, etc. ). • Annual programme of on-campus exhibitions, concerts, art lectures and theatre productions. • Múscailt (the University’s Spring Arts Festival) celebrates the artistic achievements of the University community. • Impressive art collection representing 20 th century Irish painting and sculpture. • Writers-in-residence engage with students, staff, and the wider community through a series of talks, seminars, and writing workshops.

NUI Galway Alumni Association • Nurtures active and mutually beneficial relationship between NUI Galway and its graduates throughout the world, by promoting the continued involvement of graduates with the University community. • Over 63, 000 graduates worldwide. • The Alumni Office is responsible for a range of alumni events: Alumni Awards, Gala Banquet, alumni reunions, and alumni publications (e. g. Cois Coiribe).

Galway University Foundation • Generates financial support for the University from private individuals and institutions. • Currently engaged in a major fundraising initiative to secure private support towards the University’s investment of € 400 million, over 5 years, in a major infrastructural development programme. • Interacts with friends, alumni and staff of the University and works closely with a number of donors, many of whom have provided significant funding for building projects, as well as initiatives in the areas of access, library acquisitions and international scholarships.