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The complete guide to Cork’s colleges and universities
Thinking of moving to Cork for your studies but can’t decide on a college? For a relatively small city, there’s a wealth of colleges in Cork ranging from internationally renowned universities to specialist technical institutions.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different options available, highlighting the merits of each and giving you a taste of what to expect in terms of courses, reputation and campus life...
Map of Cork's colleges
University College Cork
University College Cork (UCC) has an excellent reputation not only as the top college in Cork but also one of the best places to study in Ireland. It’s one of the oldest universities in the country, too, with the compact campus brimming with historic charm.
UCC has four main colleges, each with multiple schools and departments. Collectively, the colleges offer over 100 undergraduate programmes as well as more than 200 postgraduate courses.
The four colleges are:
College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences
College of Business and Law
College of Medicine and Health
College of Science, Engineering and Food Science
Along with academic excellence, UCC is known for its strong sustainability credentials. In fact, it became the first university in the world to receive a Green Flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education for environmental friendliness. So just by studying at UCC, you’re doing your bit to keep the Emerald Isle green.
There’s also a big focus on work experience with the university offering over 30 placement programmes with local employers. Many of these are paid, so you not only get to build key career skills but also earn some money in the process.
Another major draw is the college’s vibrant campus life. There are roughly 20,000 students at UCC, including 4,000 international students from over 100 countries, so you’re bound to discover other cultures and make friends with people from other countries too.
If you’re an international student, you can take advantage of the International Office, which provides information on every aspect of the UCC experience, including courses, application process, immigration procedures and orientation.
National ranking: #3
International ranking: #273
Source: QS World University Rankings
Munster Technological University
Established in 2021 following a merger between Cork Institute of Technology and the Institute of Technology Tralee, Munster Technological University (MTU) is a relatively new institution that has already built a sterling reputation throughout Ireland.
MTU is a multi-campus university with four of its six principal campuses based in and around Cork. The other two are in County Kerry, some 75 miles from Cork, so you’ll need to check where you’re going to be spending your time before booking accommodation.
Across its campuses, MTU offers over 140 different programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level, along with various short courses. You’ll likely be based in Cork if you're studying a subject in one of the following fields:
Business
Science
Computing
Engineering
Media communications
Humanities
Art & design
Music
MTU is known for its innovative approach to teaching with a ‘ladder’ structure in place to help students progress through the different stages of further education, from a bachelor’s degree all the way up to a master’s or PhD.
Like UCC, there’s a big push on practical experience with all undergraduate programmes involving some kind of work placement in the third year. These last anywhere from 15 weeks to 9 months, so you’re sure to build some vital skills during your degree.
Of MTU’s 18,000-strong student body, around 15,000 students are based in Cork, making it the main hub for the university. There’s also around 40 sports clubs and various academic societies on offer, which add to the student experience.
Founded in 2005, Griffith College Cork forms part of the Griffith College network – Ireland's largest independent third-level institution – which traces its roots back to 1974 and has two other locations in Dublin and Limerick.
The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, along with a mix of short-term and professional training modules. Courses available at the Cork campus include:
Law
Business
Accounting
Computer science
Pharmaceutical management
English language
Based just outside the city centre, north of the River Lea, the five-acre campus at Griffith College Cork is well-placed if you’re looking to explore the city. It has all the facilities you need to crack on with your studies, including a library, cafe and lots of lecture rooms.
It is a relatively small institution, though, so there’s less on offer when it comes to clubs and societies compared to UCC and MTU. On the other hand, this does make for a more close-knit feel where you can really get to know your fellow students.
National ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
Cork College of FET
If you’re still searching for the right college in Cork, the extensive network of further education institutions that make up the Cork College of FET is well worth considering.
Managed by the Cork Education and Training Board, Cork College of FET consists of over 20 locations across County Cork. Eight of these are in Cork City, where you can pick courses from a range of fields such as:
Art & design
Business & administration
Computer science
Engineering & construction
Environment & horticulture
Health & social studies
Performing arts
The former St. John's Central College and Cork Chamber College fall within Cork College of FET’s remit and are now based at the Douglas Street and Morrison’s Island campuses respectively. Other campuses in the city include Tranmore Road and Bishopstown.
Courses are offered at a range of levels, equipping students with the tools needed to build success careers or continue onto higher education. There’s also a good range of part-time courses primarily aimed at adult learners.
National ranking: N/A
International ranking: N/A
Cork: a university city
With a range of colleges catering to both traditional academic programmes and career-oriented pathways, Cork is an excellent choice for your studies. Not only that, but there’s also a great variety of things to do in Cork, so you’ll never grow tired of the city.
Whatever course, university or college you end up choosing, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life when you stay at our Yugo student accommodation in Cork. Take a look at our spaces and get in touch if you'd like to find out more!
Frequently asked questions
Is Cork a good place to study?
With friendly locals, some great colleges and a vibrant cultural scene, Cork is indeed an excellent place to study. Students can pick from a range academic and vocational pathways and are sure to learn a lot about the history and culture of Cork along the way.
How many colleges are there in Cork?
Cork is home to four colleges offering third-level education. These are the prestigious University College Cork and specialist Munster Technological University, along with Griffith College Cork and Cork College of Further Education and Training. The range of options available makes Cork one of Ireland’s main educational hubs.
What is the highest-ranked college in Cork?
University College Cork is the highest-ranked college in Cork and places among the best universities in Ireland. Here you can study pretty much anything with world-class teaching guaranteed. Another great option is Munster Technological University, which also ranks among the country's top universities.
More on student life in Cork...
A student’s guide
Things to do in Cork
Festivals, medieval monuments and a vibrant foodie scene – there's so much to do and see in Cork. Get to know the city with our complete student’s guide.
Student life is known for being a bit of a financial challenge. Not only do you have to pay for food and essentials like toilet roll, but you also have to have enough money to go out and socialise with friends.
Cork’s world-class college has some of the best facilities available to students. But with a student population of more than 25,000, it can be a bit tricky getting a seat in the library when it comes time to hit the books
Cork is a popular choice for students who are looking for somewhere new to call home throughout their studies. You might wonder why people who want to experience city life head here instead of the country’s capital, Dublin.
