- Equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to commence your DCU undergraduate studies.
- You can progress to the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences which offers contemporary student-centred degree programmes in the areas of journalism, communications, film and TV studies, international relations and the arts.
- Progression into highly ranked degrees. DCU is now ranked in the top 200 universities in the world for ‘arts and humanities’ and in the top 250 universities for ‘social sciences’.
- Join the proud community of successful DCU students.
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Programme Code
DC555
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Application Deadline
1st July 2025
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Duration
1 Academic Year
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Location
Dublin Ireland (in-person)
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Workload
30 weeks total
(28 weeks + 2 exam weeks) -
Intake
September 2025
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Fees
€13,650 + Registration & Examination Fee of €1,500
Get the skills to succeed in an Undergraduate Bachelor degree
The programme is delivered by Dublin City University. You will be taught by expert teachers who understand the challenges international students might face and who will be there to support you on your path to university.
- Those who need to improve their English language skills or build up their academic level before studying at DCU.
- Anyone who is looking to progress to a degree in the exciting fields of humanities.
| Faculty | CAO Code | DCU Programme Title |
|---|---|---|
| FHSS | DC009 | Joint Honours- Humanities |
| FHSS | DC131 | Communication Studies |
| FHSS | DC132 | Journalism |
| FHSS | DC133 | Multimedia |
| FHSS | DC155 | Applied Language and Translation Studies |
| FHSS | DC189 | Global Challenges |
| FHSS | DC230 | Economics, Politics and Law |
| FHSS | DC231 | International Relations |
| FHSS | DC232 | Law and Society (BCL) |
| FHSS | DC238 | Social Sciences and Cultural Innovation |
| FHSS | DC291 | Joint Honours (Media Studies) |
| FHSS | DC292 | Joint Honours (Law) |
| FHSS | DC293 | Joint Honours (International Languages) |
| FHSS | DC294 | Climate and Environmental Sustainability (* DCU Futures – Limited Spaces) |
| FHSS | DC295 | Joint Honours (Politics) |
| IoE | DC001 | Education- Early Childhood Education |
| IoE | DC235 | Education and Training – Daytime Delivery Mode (full-time) and Flexible Delivery Mode (full-time) |
What our students say
In my career, this experience will be a great advantage: I can say that I've studied in a university like DCU. In the future, this is going to help so much in getting a good position in a good company.”
José Guilherme,
BrazilEntry Requirements
The following are the academic requirements for entry to the DCU International Foundation Year programme.
- Prospective students will need to provide a high school certificate from the student’s country of residence.
- Good overall results from a high-school qualification equivalent of 5 GCSE’s in A to C grade range including Mathematics and English.
Direct entry into the DCU International Foundation Year Programme requires the following English level:
| Qualification | Password | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | OTE (Oxford Test of English | Duolingo | DCU EAP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Foundation Year |
5 | 5 | 35 | 36 | 100 | 75 | B (no skill less than a C) |
Students who have not yet achieved this direct entry standard can take a Pre-Foundation Programme.
Are you still unsure about our academic & English language entry requirements?
We will be glad to assist you.
We will be glad to assist you.
Study Programme - Modules
On this subject route, you will study a mix of core academic modules, alongside English language preparation.
These subjects are compulsory and are delivered as co-requisites:
Student Life & Activities
At DCU, we know that students participating in extracurricular activities experience a more fulfilling university life.
We encourage you to join events, clubs and societies to get involved in the vibrant student life.
Are you ready to start your Pathway?
Step 01
Identify the DCU Bachelor degree programme that you wish to study. See DCU Prospectus 2025
Step 03
Submit your application to Intl.Pathways@dcu.ie and receive advice on the appropriate foundation programme for you.
Step 04
Your application will be assessed and if approved you will receive an offer to study on both the Foundation programme and Bachelor degree programme at DCU.
Step 05
Successful completion of your foundation programme guarantees progression to your DCU Bachelor programme.
Are you still unsure about which course or pathway is more suitable for you?
We will be glad to help you find the right pathway programme!
Accommodation Options
Make the most of your experience while staying in Ireland. See our range of accommodation options for international students and begin your experience of studying in Dublin at these ideal locations.
Additional information
The DCU International Foundation Year, quality assured by NCUK, is an undergraduate entry-level qualification designed for students to progress into first year of a bachelor’s degree at DCU.
The qualification is taught by highly experienced DCU teaching staff and awarded by NCUK. NCUK is a leading international higher education qualification and service provider with over 30 years’ experience and has helped more than 35,000 students progress into university.
NCUK Registration and Examination Fees for the International Foundation Year are additional to DCU Tuition Fees.