Higher education in Ireland is provided by seven universities, fourteen Institutes of Technology, and a number of private colleges and specialist colleges. Universities in Ireland offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across a variety of disciplines.
Most undergraduate programs take three to four years to complete, depending on the course and the institution.The academic year usually runs from September to May, with exams in January and May.
The Irish higher education system offers a range of undergraduate qualifications, including Higher Certificates, Ordinary Bachelor Degrees, Honours Bachelor Degrees, and Integrated Master's Degrees
Assessment is based on a combination of coursework, exams, and continuous assessment.
Postgraduate study in Ireland is divided into two main categories: Taught Masters and Research Masters. Taught Masters usually last one year and involve a combination of coursework and research.
Research Masters can take up to two years to complete and are usually focused on a specific research project. PhD programs typically take three to four years to complete and involve original research in a chosen field. Assessment is based on coursework, exams, and the submission of a thesis or dissertation.
The Irish education system uses a grading system based on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The grading system is as follows:
First Class Honours: 70-100%
Second Class Honours, Grade 1: 60-69%
Second Class Honours, Grade 2: 50-59%
Third Class Honours: 40-49%
Pass: 35-39%