Gap Direct Enrollment Program

Ireland Dublin Trinity College Tower 3
What's Included

Students who choose to study abroad in Dublin at the University College Dublin (UCD) choose from a range of undergraduate courses offered in the Faculties of American Studies, Arts and Celtic Studies, Business, Engineering, Human Sciences, Law, Life Sciences, and Mathematical & Physical Sciences. Courses are arranged in the seminar and lecture style, and grades are based predominantly on work submitted during the semester and by final exam.

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

@api Online System

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

Housing

Excursions (overnight, day, international)

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Resident Directors

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Housing

Housing

Housing

Housing

Housing

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and Global Leadership Academy

Reflection Sessions
View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum G.P.A. 3.0
  • Open to high school graduates over the age of 18
  • Completed API application
  • One letter of recommendation
  • Official transcript, most recent grade report, or high school diploma
  • Copy of passport/birth certificate
  • Entry Requirements: Valid passport with supporting documentation
Excursions

API students participate in several excursions per session designed to help familiarize them with areas of their host city, country, and surrounding region. The following is a listing of all excursions for API Dublin programs. All excursions are subject to change.

  • Dingle

    Dingle, a small fishing village, is renowned for its landscape and also for the warmth of its people. Beautiful mountainous and coastal countryside with castle ruins, ancient monuments, and archaeological sites are waiting to be discovered.

  • The Wild Atlantic Way

    The Wild Atlantic Way is a world-famous coastal route that spans seven of Ireland’s counties, taking in some breathtaking scenery along the way. Stops may include the Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Spanish Point, Doolin, the Ailwee Caves, the Burren, and more!

  • Edinburgh

    Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, with a skyline that is dominated by the impressive 12th century Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano and occupied since the 9th-century BC (!). Edinburgh’s streets, whether in the medieval Old Town or the Georgian New Town, are steeped in history and are home also to the Scottish Parliament, The Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh has a thriving cultural scene and you can also visit The Elephant House coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the early Harry Potter books! Just outside Edinburgh is the enigmatic 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, of Da Vinci Code fame, where practically every surface of the chapel is covered with stone carvings of figures and scenes and the atmosphere is one of deep mystery.

  • Ring of Kerry

    The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail and part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits that include golf, water sports, cycling, walking, running, riding and the very best fishing in freshwater rivers. Above all, the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland and takes in some of the most spectacular landscapes of Ireland’s Southwest.

    There is a huge variety in the excursion including incredible scenery, historical and archaeological sites of national importance, Ceilí dancing, traditional music, Gaelic football, meeting local people, visiting a Gaelic speaking area and learning about local traditions & the way of life. Students get to experience life in Kerry and visit places most tourists never see. It’s always great fun or ‘great craic’ – an experience not to be missed!

  • Barcelona

    Barcelona is home to a remarkable cultural energy, unique cuisine and fiercely individual spirit. The glorious modernist architecture (Art Nouveau) studs the city streets and avenues, and is mainly represented by the various works by Antoni Gaudí including the Sagrada Familia Church. The city also boasts an artistic legacy, from important Romanesque and Gothic works to major galleries.

  • Glendalough and Kilkenny

    Glendalough is nestled in County Wicklow, known to the natives as “The Garden County” thanks to its unrivaled beauty and abundant wildlife. The name means “valley of two lakes” and this glacial valley is home to an early medieval monastic settlement with the beautiful mystic structures towering into the sky.

    On to Kilkenny, a medieval city that has maintained its historical allure and architectural grandeur for tourists from all over the world. Nestled on the river Nore, Kilkenny is a medley of cathedrals, monasteries, defensive Norman walls, castle turrets and bridges all strung together with winding medieval alleyways. Nicknamed the “Marble City” after their well-polished, limestone pavements that glisten on a wet day, the city is renowned for its beauty.

    Winning the title of a city over 400 years ago, Kilkenny still retains the charm of a provincial town, but has strong ecclesiastical roots and is home to the Butler Family’s Castle. A trip to Kilkenny requires a visit to this prominent and noble city structure. The castle was built in 1195 as a Norman settlement and symbol of occupation and was originally a wooden structure, but now the stronghold is a stone fortress of four large circular towers and a massive ditch, whose ownership was transferred to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 for 50 pounds.

    These tenacious people have gained the nickname “the Cats” across the land of Ireland due to their fighting spirit in the traditional Irish sport of Hurling, which has won them the most all Ireland finals out of any county.

    Kilkenny has a lot to offer visitors and tourists alike with fantastic restaurants, hotels, and pubs scattered all over the town and superbly preserved and valued history. It is no wonder that Kilkenny remains one of the top day trips from Dublin.

  • Northern Ireland

    Belfast offers the buzz and vibrancy of a capital city whilst being a gateway to the rural retreat of Northern Ireland. The students will spend the weekend enjoying many facets of the area's attractions while learning about the significance of the city throughout Irish and world history. Students can marvel at the beauty of Giant’s Causeway and test their mettle crossing the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. The birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast’s industrial heritage has shaped a city steeped in culture. Students will spend an afternoon exploring the interactive, award-winning Titanic Experience museum, with many hidden surprises and memorabilia from the ill-fated vessel. No visit to Belfast would be complete without a tour of West Belfast. Students will take a walking tour with local guides who will explain the complicated history of the North Irish conflict from both sides of the divide. Students will have to chance to question the issues and discuss the Peace Process with those who have helped to shape and develop it.accessible.

  • Barcelona

    Barcelona is home to a remarkable cultural energy, unique cuisine and fiercely individual spirit. The glorious modernist architecture (Art Nouveau) studs the city streets and avenues, and is mainly represented by the various works by Antoni Gaudí including the Sagrada Familia Church. The city also boasts an artistic legacy, from important Romanesque and Gothic works to major galleries.

  • Dingle

    Dingle, a small fishing village, is renowned for its landscape and also for the warmth of its people. Beautiful mountainous and coastal countryside with castle ruins, ancient monuments, and archaeological sites are waiting to be discovered.

  • Glendalough and Kilkenny

    Glendalough is nestled in County Wicklow, known to the natives as “The Garden County” thanks to its unrivaled beauty and abundant wildlife. The name means “valley of two lakes” and this glacial valley is home to an early medieval monastic settlement with the beautiful mystic structures towering into the sky.

    On to Kilkenny, a medieval city that has maintained its historical allure and architectural grandeur for tourists from all over the world. Nestled on the river Nore, Kilkenny is a medley of cathedrals, monasteries, defensive Norman walls, castle turrets and bridges all strung together with winding medieval alleyways. Nicknamed the “Marble City” after their well-polished, limestone pavements that glisten on a wet day, the city is renowned for its beauty.

    Winning the title of a city over 400 years ago, Kilkenny still retains the charm of a provincial town, but has strong ecclesiastical roots and is home to the Butler Family’s Castle. A trip to Kilkenny requires a visit to this prominent and noble city structure. The castle was built in 1195 as a Norman settlement and symbol of occupation and was originally a wooden structure, but now the stronghold is a stone fortress of four large circular towers and a massive ditch, whose ownership was transferred to the people of Kilkenny in 1967 for 50 pounds.

    These tenacious people have gained the nickname “the Cats” across the land of Ireland due to their fighting spirit in the traditional Irish sport of Hurling, which has won them the most all Ireland finals out of any county.

    Kilkenny has a lot to offer visitors and tourists alike with fantastic restaurants, hotels, and pubs scattered all over the town and superbly preserved and valued history. It is no wonder that Kilkenny remains one of the top day trips from Dublin.

  • Northern Ireland

    Belfast offers the buzz and vibrancy of a capital city whilst being a gateway to the rural retreat of Northern Ireland. The students will spend the weekend enjoying many facets of the area's attractions while learning about the significance of the city throughout Irish and world history. Students can marvel at the beauty of Giant’s Causeway and test their mettle crossing the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge. The birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast’s industrial heritage has shaped a city steeped in culture. Students will spend an afternoon exploring the interactive, award-winning Titanic Experience museum, with many hidden surprises and memorabilia from the ill-fated vessel. No visit to Belfast would be complete without a tour of West Belfast. Students will take a walking tour with local guides who will explain the complicated history of the North Irish conflict from both sides of the divide. Students will have to chance to question the issues and discuss the Peace Process with those who have helped to shape and develop it.accessible.

  • The Wild Atlantic Way

    The Wild Atlantic Way is a world-famous coastal route that spans seven of Ireland’s counties, taking in some breathtaking scenery along the way. Stops may include the Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Spanish Point, Doolin, the Ailwee Caves, the Burren, and more!

  • Edinburgh

    Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city, with a skyline that is dominated by the impressive 12th century Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano and occupied since the 9th-century BC (!). Edinburgh’s streets, whether in the medieval Old Town or the Georgian New Town, are steeped in history and are home also to the Scottish Parliament, The Palace of Holyrood House, the Royal Mile, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh has a thriving cultural scene and you can also visit The Elephant House coffee shop where J.K. Rowling wrote the early Harry Potter books! Just outside Edinburgh is the enigmatic 15th-century Rosslyn Chapel, of Da Vinci Code fame, where practically every surface of the chapel is covered with stone carvings of figures and scenes and the atmosphere is one of deep mystery.

  • Ring of Kerry

    The Ring of Kerry is a tourist trail and part of the mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Its spectacular beauty is beyond question and it is a natural centre for outdoor pursuits that include golf, water sports, cycling, walking, running, riding and the very best fishing in freshwater rivers. Above all, the Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland and takes in some of the most spectacular landscapes of Ireland’s Southwest.

    There is a huge variety in the excursion including incredible scenery, historical and archaeological sites of national importance, Ceilí dancing, traditional music, Gaelic football, meeting local people, visiting a Gaelic speaking area and learning about local traditions & the way of life. Students get to experience life in Kerry and visit places most tourists never see. It’s always great fun or ‘great craic’ – an experience not to be missed!

  • Bray to Greystones Coastal Hike

    The beautiful coastal walk to Greystones, begins from the pretty seaside town of Bray, taking about 2-3 hours, we navigate one of the most picturesque coastal hikes to the quaint village of Greystones, packed with yummy eateries to suit all tastes!

Program Details

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 15 credits per semester

Students who choose to study abroad in Dublin at the University College Dublin (UCD) choose from a range of undergraduate courses offered in the Faculties of American Studies, Arts and Celtic Studies, Business, Engineering, Human Sciences, Law, Life Sciences, and Mathematical & Physical Sciences. Courses are arranged in the seminar and lecture style, and grades are based predominantly on work submitted during the semester and by a final exam.

TRANSCRIPTS

API students receive their transcript from University College Dublin upon successful completion of their program.

Staff & Coordinators

  • Mariana

    Mariana Delmonte-Gladstone

    Mariana Delmonte-Gladstone will be your Program Coordinator and prepare you to go abroad!

    Email - mariana.delmonte-gladstone@apiabroad.com

  • Madden Nikki

    Nikki Madden

    Nikki Madden will be your Resident Director and a resource for you while you are in Ireland!

Courses

COURSE OFFERINGS

UCD offers a number of unique and in-demand majors for students at all levels, including architecture, business, nursing, international studies, engineering, natural sciences, pre-medicine, and sports management!

Courses are arranged in the seminar and lecture style. Most courses at UCD are equivalent to 2.5 U.S. semester credits. Students take 6 courses and receive 15 credit hours per semester. Students in the business school take 5 courses, 4 of which must be Business courses + a required course in Irish History (run by the Business School). Students in the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Human Sciences may take up to five Arts courses + an optional elective from any other School or College (Business, Science etc ). All the other programs – Engineering, Science, Agriculture, Sports Management, Nursing, Pre-Architecture, Pre-Law, and Pre-Medicine – permit students to take 4 courses from their chosen faculty and 2 from any other School at UCD. The tuition portion of the API program price varies based on the combination of courses chosen. Please check the ‘Dates and Fees’ link or contact the API office for further details.

Not all courses are offered every semester or every year. The course selection may vary, and no course is guaranteed. Some courses may have prerequisites. Students will pre-register for courses prior to arrival. API recommends that after consulting the API website for course listings, students have 10 courses approved by their home university prior to departure, in order to allow for scheduling conflicts and the possible unavailability of certain classes. There is a 1-week add/drop period at the beginning of the semester at UCD.

COURSE LISTINGS

Please pay attention to prerequisites and restrictions.

Students who are interested in taking courses in the schools of Agriculture, Architecture, Nursing, Science, Pre-Med, or the College of Engineering, will be subject to additional fees.

Contact the API office if you have any questions on available courses.

ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD SCHOOL

Offered for fall and academic year students, this unique program allows participants to participate in an ongoing dig in Glendalough, Ireland prior to beginning their studies at UCD . Students can earn 5 U.S. credits for participating in this module. For more information about this option, contact the API office.

Please be aware that this option will have different dates and require additional fees in order to participate.

ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP OPTION (SPRING ONLY)

The UCD College of Engineering & Architecture is offering Study Abroad Engineering Students the opportunity to extend an academic semester of study to include a research or industry placement during the summer. Spring students can be accommodated in a 4-16 week unpaid placement on the basis that they will or have spent an academic semester of study at the UCD College of Engineering & Architecture. While placements cannot be guaranteed, a dedicated Study Abroad Officer will work with the student from the outset to secure their summer placement as early as possible. There is no additional fee for this placement opportunity, though there may be additional fees to extend housing and insurance. Students will be responsible for arranging and financing their own housing to cover the additional time spent in Dublin for the internship. Contact the API Dublin Program Manager for more information on this opportunity.

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM OPTIONS

UCD has developed a series of programs for study abroad students focused on specific professional disciplines.

These include the following:

  • Pre-Law
  • Pre-Medical
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Pre-Veterinary

For more information about these professional program options, contact the API office.

CREDIT INFORMATION

UCD awards credit based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Semester courses at the university are usually awarded 5 or 10 ECTS credits. Universities in the U.S. typically award .5 credit hour for every 1 ECTS credit. For example, a course worth 5 ECTS would transfer to the U.S. as 2.5 semester credit hours. It is very important that students planning on studying at UCD discuss the transfer of credits with an advisor at their home university – some universities have different standards for transferring ECTS credits. Based on the ECTS credits awarded per course, students usually take 5-6 classes in order to receive 12-15 credit hours per semester. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are enrolled in the required amount of semester credits to meet the requirements of the home university. In all faculties, entrance to specific courses is subject to the approval of UCD and the completion of certain prerequisites. Courses offered on a year-long basis can only be taken by students visiting for the full academic year.

UCD Semester Courses

UCD Semester Course Link

UCD Semester Courses

UCD Semester Course Link

UCD Semester Courses

UCD Semester Course Link

Highlights
  • Courses in English with Irish, international, and American students
  • Unique course offerings
  • AACSB and EQUIS accredited business school
  • ABET accredited engineering school
  • Engineering internship placements (spring semester only)
  • International excursion
Housing

UCD single-semester students stay on the UCD campus, ideally located and a five-minute walk to class. The three-story apartment buildings are formed into a number of blocks over-looking large grassed areas. Students can enjoy the privacy of their own room with shared bathroom and communal area for cooking and socializing. All utilities are included, with wifi available across the entire campus. There is 24/7 security and support for any issues you may experience. The accommodation also offers a social space for the entire complex, equipped with vending machines, pool table, Xbox and Netflix, and students can also make full use of the campus fitness center, swimming pool, cinema, restaurants, cafes, and health center.

UCD Housing - 1
UCD Housing - 4
UCD Housing - 3
UCD Housing - 2
Dates & Fees

The prices indicated per session are the standard price. If students wish to take any science classes, they will incur an additional fee of $1,150 per semester.

Please contact the API office if you have any questions about the course fee structure at UCD.

Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Fall Aug 31, 2019 - Dec 21, 2019 $20,830 Apr 30, 2019 May 30, 2019
Academic Year Aug 31, 2019 - May 17, 2020 $40,130 Apr 30, 2019 May 30, 2019
Spring Jan 13, 2020 - May 17, 2020 $20,830 Oct 15, 2019 Nov 10, 2019
Spring Jan 13, 2019 - May 23, 0019 $20,830 Oct 15, 2018 Nov 10, 2018