Cork, Ireland

University College Cork Partnership

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Program Overview

JOIN A STRONG STUDENT COMMUNITY AT A PRESTIGOUS IRISH UNIVERSITY

Known for an ethos of independent thinking that reflects the local culture, UCC is a place to embrace lively classroom debates, explore an eclectic music scene, and shop for fresh fare at the English Market. The River Lee runs through the wooded campus, voted best in Ireland by students on multiple occasions. New facilities include a well-equipped gym that enhance the impressive Tudor Gothic quad.

Beyond campus, Cork has big-city perks but feels small and welcoming. One of Ireland’s oldest cities, it’s a place where traditional and hip blend easily.

Your program includes IFSA excursions (included, no extra cost) that help you get to know more of Ireland. These often include exploring the stunning West Coast and Kilkenny, a medieval city where you can get your fill of artisan foods and try your hand at the Gaelic sport, hurling.

Details at a Glance

Application deadline

Fall: April 15
Academic Year: April 15
Spring: Oct. 1

Minimum GPA

2.80

Credit load

12.5–15

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Instruction language

English

Language prerequisites

None

Visa required?

Not in most cases. Learn more.

Apply Now

Academics

Explore available classes on the University College Cork’s class catalog. Filter by semester: Semester 1 (fall), Semester 2 (spring), and Year (academic year).

Credit Conversions
The typical class load at University College Cork is 25-30 ECTS credits, which is equivalent to 12.5-15 U.S. semester credit hours. Most classes are 5 ECTS credits.

1 ECTS credit = 0.5 U.S. semester credit hours

It is your responsibility to confirm your home institution’s requirements regarding course load during your study abroad experience.

CHART Your Course
Find the classes you need fast with CHART. Our easy-to-use tool shows you classes recently taken by IFSA students.

Early Start
An Early Start option is available for fall and year students. Early Start students choose one course from among six options:

The Early Start option is worth 10 ECTS credits.

Lab & Field Trip Fees
Please review syllabi and course materials when registering for direct-enroll classes. Certain classes may have a one-off lab or field trip fee disclosed in the syllabus or during the first meeting of the class. These fees are not included in your IFSA program fee. You will be responsible for these fees, whether they are billed and paid by IFSA or billed to you.

Biology
Department preapproval is required to take biology modules. Please contract your IFSA Enrollment Counselor with any questions.

Chemistry
Department preapproval is required to take chemistry modules. Please contract your IFSA Enrollment Counselor with any questions.

Computer Science
Some modules require department approval from UCC faculty. Please refer to the UCC class catalog.

Ecology
Department preapproval is required to take ecology modules. Please contract your IFSA Enrollment Counselor with any questions.

Engineering
Department preapproval is required to take engineering modules. If all of your classes are within this department, you will incur a supplemental fee that will be billed after your enrollment is confirmed. Please contract your IFSA Enrollment Counselor with any questions.

English
There is a quota on the number of modules visiting students can follow in this department. Students will be allowed to take 15 ECTS modular credits for a semester and/or 25 ECTS modular credits for a full year.

Film Studies
These modules are unavailable to study abroad students with the exception of FX3007 Seminar on Film Studies.

Food Science
If all of your classes fall into this department, you will incur a supplemental fee that will be billed after your enrollment is confirmed.

Music
Students who wish to enroll in music classes must preregister for these courses online before arriving in Ireland. Please contact your IFSA Enrollment Counselor if you are interested in taking any music class at Cork. If you plan to take all your classes in the music department, please note that you will incur a supplemental fee that will be billed after your enrollment is confirmed.

Psychology
Listed under applied psychology in the book of modules. Please read the notes at the beginning of the applied psychology section for information about class restrictions.

Science
If all of your classes fall into this department, you will incur a supplemental fee that will be billed after your enrollment is confirmed.

New country, new way of learning!

Here’s what to expect at University College Cork:

  • More emphasis on independent learning. The university recommends completing ten hours of independent study for each academic credit you seek.
  • Less personal access to professors. Instead, it’s common to connect with more junior faculty members. Other resources include course designers (who line up lectures) and module coordinators.
  • Grades are often based only on a single final paper or on a midterm exam and final paper.
  • Academics reflect a similar level of difficulty as in the U.S., but follow a different grading scale. In Ireland, scores of 70% and above are considered “As.” (We’ll review this and give you a chart to refer to during IFSA orientation.)
  • Full access to the university’s robust academic support system and resources, including assignment to an advisor. IFSA local staff are also available for individual help.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years of age. Students under 18 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • You must be currently attending or recently graduated from a U.S. or Canadian community college, technical college, two-year college, four-year college, or four-year university.
  • You must have completed at least one (1) full-time semester of study at your home institution before the beginning of the term. Students applying to study during their first or second year will likely be limited to 1000 and 2000 level modules.
  • Eligibility requirements can vary among host institutions. Please ask your IFSA Enrollment Counselor for specific information.

Recommendation Letter
Not required.

 

TRANSCRIPT
Upon completion of your program, IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. semester credit hour system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects classes taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost. See our Transcripts page for more information.

Excursions

Activities and excursions are designed to pull you into the communities you visit and encourage cultural connections of every kind. There’s no extra fee to participate in these optional outings—everything is included in your program fee.

Below are a selection of activities and excursions from previous terms; options may vary for your program. Due to the seasonal nature of many of program activities, we cannot guarantee a specific activity or excursion will be available in a given term or program.

  • English Market: In the heart of Cork City, this iconic indoor market is one of the oldest in Europe, operating since 1788. Explore the city’s food culture and grab lunch or sip coffee with friends where local food producers have worked for generations.
  • Crawford Art Gallery: The historic building in the city center welcomes you to discover Irish and European art from the 1700s through contemporary times.
  • Cork City Gaol: A short walk from UCC campus, step back in time to explore this magnificent castle-like structure and heritage center. See the historic Sunday’s Well and get a picture of what life was like for local prisoners for 200 years.
  • Clonakilty Day Trip: Famous for its savory pudding, this picturesque seaside town is a place to explore quaint shops, tour the home of political revolutionary hero, Michael Collins, and visit the West Cork Railway Village. Diminutive Clonakilty is packed with heritage and historical significance.
  • Stand-up Comedy: Visiting a local comedy club is a not only sure to make you laugh out loud, it’s also a great way to catch local perspective and the humor that’s such a huge part of Irish culture. Popular in Cork City, shows range from amateur night to professionals who showcase their unique local take on world events and Irish culture.
  • Kilkenny Weekend: Don’t miss this two-night trip to Kilkenny, a charming medieval city dating back to 1195. Stay in a hostel with IFSA students who are studying all over Ireland and explore this small central Ireland standout, known for its history, artisan food, sporting culture—and Ireland’s most notorious witch. Visit a local farm, try hurling with a local coach, test yourself with a pub quiz, explore Kilkenny Castle, and more.

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment/Flat, Single Room Option

Meals

Self-Catering

Details

Students live at University Hall, a complex of student apartments managed by the university. On the River Lee and close to campus, they’re also within easy reach of Cork city center. 

  • Location: .6 miles from campus, about a 10-minute walk.  
  • Living space: Students live in apartments in groups of three, four, or five. Students have single bedrooms, each with one double bed, desk, lamp, chair, mirror, and storage, and share a bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, and living space. Students provide bedding.  
  • Meals: No meal plan. Students prepare and eat their own meals, and often say cooking and sharing meals is a fun, social part of their day. 
  • Additional details: 24/7 security. Residential advisor. Laundry and convenience store on-site. Common rooms. 
  • Nearby: Walking and running paths along the River Lee, Cork city center, English Market, Fitzgerald Park, Crawford Art Gallery. 

Dates and Fees

Term
Term begins
Term ends
Program costs
Application deadline
Fall 2024
Aug. 29, 2024
Dec. 21, 2024
$21,225
Passed
Fall (Early Start) 2024
Aug. 14, 2024
Dec. 21, 2024
$23,725
Passed
Academic Year 2024-2025
Aug. 29, 2024
May 10, 2025
$39,150
Passed
Academic Year (Early Start) 2024-2025
Aug. 14, 2024
May 10, 2025
$41,350
Passed
Spring 2025
Jan. 6, 2025
May 10, 2025
$22,295
Oct. 1, 2024
Fall 2025
Late Aug. 2025
Mid-Dec. 2025
$21,225 (estimated)
April 15, 2025
Fall (Early Start) 2025
Mid-Aug. 2025
Mid-Dec. 2025
$23,725 (estimated)
April 15, 2025
Academic Year 2025-2026
Late Aug. 2025
Mid-May 2026
$39,150 (estimated)
April 15, 2025
Academic Year (Early Start) 2025-2026
Mid-Aug. 2025
Mid-May 2026
$41,350 (estimated)
April 15, 2025

Get Started

Kristen Clark

Enrollment Counselor