University College Cork, IRELAND

Founded in 1845, University College Cork (UCC) is one of the oldest universities in Ireland. It combines a rich tradition of teaching, research and scholarship with a view to responding effectively to the needs of a global society. Occupying its historic site near the centre of Cork city, its wooded grounds form a splendid setting for its nineteenth century main gothic building around which a modern campus has emerged.

Today University College Cork has grown to almost 16,000 students including some 13,000 undergraduate students and some 3,000 students pursuing postgraduate programmes up to PhD level. The university's teaching and research programmes are offered across eight faculties namely: Arts, Celtic Studies, Commerce, Law, Science, Food Science & Technology, Engineering and Medicine & Health including Dentistry.

UCC has a strong commitment to research which it regards as its defining characteristic as a university. The university's capabilities in Biotechnology and Information Computer Technology are key factors in growing spin-off companies. Major areas of research include Biosciences, Food & Health, Integrated Reproductive Biology, Cancer and Cell Signalling, Environmental Research, Microelectronics and Nanotechnology.

University College Cork has a distinctive international profile reflected in almost 2,000 international students from all five continents coming to UCC to pursue degrees or as visiting students. Our international students come from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures and do much to enhance and enrich life at the University. We have students from the Middle East, the Far East, from many parts of North America, from Africa, Australia and from Continental Europe. Students from 75 countries are represented on the campus.

The International Education Office has responsibility for the promotion and administration of all international programmes. Orientation Programmes are organised at the beginning of the academic year for international students. Throughout the year various social and cultural events are organised. The Office is a "one-stop-shop" structure which caters for the varying needs of the international student body.

The metropolitan area of Cork has a population of almost 300,000 people and is home to a number of third level institutions and boasts a student population of over 25,000 students making it a lively and student friendly city. The city is the principal commercial and banking centre in the south of Ireland. In the city centre there are large department stores, modern shopping malls and many excellent and affordable restaurants. Beautiful sandy beaches dot the coastline and are readily accessible from the city.

Cork has an International Airport which is located 6 kilometres from the University. There are numerous flights daily to London, which is 55 minutes flying time from Cork, as well as flights to other European destinations including Amsterdam and Paris. Cork is delighted to be European Capital of Culture 2005. The year promises to be both culturally and artistically exciting.