Irish Universities Produce Top Quality Graduates
According to estimates, at least two out of three Irish university graduates have secured top grades in 2018, resulting in an increase in the number and quality of graduates completing their degrees with first class or upper second class grades. These numbers have significantly improved over the last decade, with Irish universities securing better ranks across global university league tables and producing superior quality research output.
Graduates with honours degrees from Irish universities are highly employable and estimates show that 62% of all honours degree graduates from Ireland were in employment within 9 months of completion, whereas almost 81% of those with masters and doctoral degrees were in employment. As employers are more likely to recruit graduates with at least a 2.1 degree or higher, it is important for students to know where to study to get a first class honours degree.
Evidence suggests that Irish University education is top quality, with sustained growth displayed in the number of first class graduate degrees awarded in Ireland. This is because of:
- Changed assessment methods
- Clarity of learning outcomes
- Better learning environment and student support system
- Greater competition
- Access to quality tuition at third level
- Latest infrastructure with upgraded technological support
If you want to learn more about Irish universities and courses and get expert advice on how to study in Ireland, book a free consultation with SI-Ireland.
Universities in Ireland with Most First Class Graduates
According to the Higher Education Authority (HEA), as many as 64% graduates from all seven universities in Ireland received first class or upper second class grades (2.1 or higher) from 2015-2017. Based on the latest available data, universities in Ireland where students are most likely to secure first class grades include:
1. Trinity College Dublin
- 20% students at TCD are likely to get a first class honours degree, more than any other university in Ireland
TCD’s grading system is slightly different from other Irish universities with regards to the categorisation of second class degree.
2. Dublin City University
- 72% students at DCU are most likely to get first class or upper second class honours degree overall
In the education sector where top grades are harder to attain, 5.5% DCU students were awarded first class honours.
3. University College Dublin (UCD)
- 71% of UCD students have been awarded top degrees between 2015-2017
Grading across programmes show that 17% of business graduates at UCD secured a first class honours degree while 72% received a 2.1.
4. University College Cork
- The percentage of students who secured first class and upper second class honours degree at UCC is 69% overall
5. Maynooth University
- 63% students at Maynooth University are most likely to get 2.1 or above
6. NUI Galway
- At the National University of Ireland, 59% students get first class and upper second class degrees
7. University of Limerick
- The percentage of students most likely to get first class degrees from UL is 53%
Study in Ireland
If you want to learn more about studying at the globally ranked Irish universities and get great career opportunities, book a free consultation with SI-Ireland for expert guidance and advice.
