University College Dublin: Graduate Degree Programs

Do NOT waste your money. The only thing that made this program worthwhile was the ability to travel. A proper gap year would have been better/cheaper. The graduate business school at UCD is an absolute joke, especially compared to the rigor you get in the US. Not to mention, the school treats you horribly and gives ZERO support to international students. On a scale of 1-10 their accessibility rating would be 0. You're forced to endure some professors that do not know how to teach at all. The school makes it extra difficult for students to get any kind of job, part-time or full-time, as they do not support any kind of employment. Yes, this is a BUSINESS school that will shame you for any kind of employment. And it is not even close to a good enough school to act the way they do. It is the most disorganized, chaotic organization I have ever seen. Their communication is horrible and it is clear that the program is the bottom-tier priority of all who work there, yet master's students aren't even permitted an ounce of job flexibility. It was like going back to kindergarten. Save your money, just travel for a year or go somewhere else. To be fair, none of the schools in Ireland are worth it based on what I've heard from many peers, including Trinity College.

The MSc in Finance offered at UCD Smurfit School of Business was a life-changing experience for me. The Program allowed me to acquire a knowledge base in the area of finance and investments that I use every day in the investment industry. Complementing this enriching academic experience is a diverse student body, with students enrolling from all over the world. This diversity allowed me to learn about different perspectives than my own and build a global network. Additionally, the Professors at Smurfit are leaders in their respective field, and were consistently approachable and supportive of my studies. The UCD Smurfit Campus offers an oasis from the busy city-scape that allowed me to focus on my studies while building a strong community with my classmates. That being said, the Campus is a quick metro ride into the notorious city center of Dublin, where I escaped the workload from time to time to enjoy the best of Irish culture.

I spent 9 months in one of the most beautiful countries. The people are the nicest of anywhere I’ve ever been. I got a MA in cultural policy and arts management and was able to learn alongside those from several different countries. We took two class trips during this program and throughout the course of the program, my classmates became my family. UCD was a wonderful place to study and live. There were many food options and tons of places to study, a beautiful state of the art gym and amazing societies to join.

I joined the dance society and my time at UCD with some of the most enthusiastic dancers I’ve ever gotten to work with. I choreographed our jazz routine that year and was a soloist in the contemporary and mixed pieces. Jazz won 2nd and contemporary won 1st at the all Ireland Inters competition in Galway. It was an amazing experience.

Overall, living in Dublin was amazing. The people, the food, the experiences all exceeded my expectations. There is so much to do and see and I cannot wait to get back this summer to visit my friends.

While I was enrolled in this program, I was able to travel to several other countries. I spent time in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Spain, and Sweden. Through these experiences I was able to learn and grow so much. These trips were as much a part of my education as my time at UCD. My love for travel and culture only increased while I was abroad and I cannot wait to experience more. It’s my goals to see and experience as many cultures as possible during my lifetime.

This program and it’s studies, as well as the travel I was able to do started a fire in me. I want to grow and understand. I truly believe the key to being a good human being is understanding the human race. The best way I’ve found to do that is to travel and immerse yourself into the culture of whatever amazing country you’re in. The world is an amazing place and diversity should be celebrated. I want to know and experience as much as I can to help bridge the gaps we so often find in our cultural differences.

Study abroad at UCD is was amazing and I am so thankful and grateful I had that opportunity. I truly believe study abroad in any capacity is important. The more you see and experience, the better off you and those around you will be.