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 and 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 hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge: dedicated to pioneering third-level education through the medium of Irish.

Student data (2007/08) Full-time Part-time Undergraduate Degree 8, Distance Education Degree 75 Postgraduate Degree (Taught) Postgraduate Degree (Research) Postgraduate Diploma Erasmus 319 Non-graduate Diploma 46 1,420 Non-graduate Certificate50 Visiting Access (200) Examination only (480) Total student number 15,775

Staff numbers (March 2008) Full-time Part-time Total Academic Academic support* Contract Research Total staff 1, ,205 * Includes administrative, technical, library and buildings staff

Research at NUI Galway 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) Child and Family Research Centre 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 2,000 international students from over 90 countries. Socrates/Erasmus Programme: student exchange agreements with 115 European countries; over 600 North American students participate in the Junior Year/Semester Abroad Programme. At postgraduate level, over 800 international students registered in 2007/08 and the International Summer School has been running for over 20 years. NUI Galway provides a variety of services to international students: International Student Officer and the Host Family Programme. The International Affairs Office has responsibility for identifying opportunities and pursuing alliances with leading international universities.

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 68,000 graduates worldwide. The Alumni Office is responsible for a range of alumni events: Alumni Awards, Gala Banquet, alumni reunions, and a number of 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. It focuses on harnessing the goodwill and networks that exist among graduates, staff, friends and institutions associated with the University, in order to realise the funds necessary to ensure the sustained development of the campus and its facilities.