Which is the best University in Ireland?

respectyourbus

I know its a Pretty subjective question depending on which course you do and individuals experience of the Social life. But for those of us trying to pick a university its an important question. I want to do History and English so I guess its Trinity, UCD or NUIG. What do ye think about yer colleges?

mojesius

respectyourbus wrote: »

I know its a Pretty subjective question depending on which course you do and individuals experience of the Social life. But for those of us trying to pick a university its an important question. I want to do History and English so I guess its Trinity, UCD or NUIG. What do ye think about yer colleges?

DCU rocks - great lecturers, amenities, social life. They don't do general arts though. I can't speak for the others personally, but a few friends were in TCD and loved it.

respectyourbus

Damn, I forgot DCU in the poll, Sorry. Yeah its more of a business orientated college I gather. I went to the Trinity open day this year, along with the rest of the country, its a really impressive college but the points are high and I hear its not all its cracked up to be, that UCD's degrees are just as good. Stayed in Trinity Hall though and it was great craic! Thanks for the post

alexthomas163

NO NO NO....Its not subjective! TRINITY College is the best in Ireland FACT!

respectyourbus

Well every college has its particular good and bad points, and thats what I hoped to hear rather then a load of sweeping statements about this or that college being the best. Trinity is possibly the best college as far as grades go, but in the ranking UCD is barely behind Trinity, theres practically no difference. Trinity is also awash with the infamous Trinerz. I know theyre a sterotype and a minority in TCD, but they do exist, ive met some of them and theyre awful. So arrogant, I dont know how id handle a year in accomdation with 5 or 6 of them. In that regards, other college's students are probably more friendly, I dunno though, I really want to hear from ye who are actually at these colleges.

respectyourbus

Also, Ive realised ive left out a lot of colleges in the poll, if you want to vote for one that isnt there please leave the name in a comment, and hopefully state some sort of case for the college.

alexthomas163

Firstly.

In terms of international rankings Trinity is in the top 30 universities on the planet. UCD DCU, NUIM etc etc. Dont even make it into the top 100, let alone the top 30.

In terms of English and History. There is no better university to study in than TCD. they have one of the best English and history depts in the country.
I know you may find that hard to believe but that is a fact.

Finally; I would like the address this "Trinners" type of student.
I have attended TCD for 4 years... and have never ever encountered such a student. I study science so prehaps our coarse does not attract them.

But if your going to choose a college because u think the people will be too snobby, then I have to admit that would be a mistake, not just for your education but also for your future career.

The level of education at TCD is much higher than any other college in ireland, Many ppl find it tough.. however when it comes to employment TCD students are seen as a higher standard than any other college in Ireland!

Most ppl can only dream of going to TCD. So if you get a chance, take it! You will not regret it!

respectyourbus

Yeah, im not attacking TCD, Im in love with the campus and I think its going down as first choice on my CAO. I just dont know much about the colleges and want to get some perspective. Im torn between the probably sensible option that is TCD or UCD, and the amazing social life that I hear about Galway.

Also alexthomas163, whats it like living in Dublin, Im a bit wary of the living cost, especially accomodation. I'm from Limerick and its not exactly cheap but I hear going to college in Dublin adds a lot the expense. Any opinioln on this?

ozt9vdujny3srf

alexthomas163 wrote: »

Firstly.

In terms of international rankings Trinity is in the top 30 universities on the planet. UCD DCU, NUIM etc etc. Dont even make it into the top 100, let alone the top 30.

In terms of English and History. There is no better university to study in than TCD. they have one of the best English and history depts in the country.
I know you may find that hard to believe but that is a fact.

Finally; I would like the address this "Trinners" type of student.
I have attended TCD for 4 years... and have never ever encountered such a student. I study science so prehaps our coarse does not attract them.

But if your going to choose a college because u think the people will be too snobby, then I have to admit that would be a mistake, not just for your education but also for your future career.

The level of education at TCD is much higher than any other college in ireland, Many ppl find it tough.. however when it comes to employment TCD students are seen as a higher standard than any other college in Ireland!

Most ppl can only dream of going to TCD. So if you get a chance, take it! You will not regret it!

I'm intrigued to know by what means you came to these conclusions. First of all, regarding the college ranks, your figures are way off. Such metrics have very little meaning without context anyway.

I'm not sure what you mea about most people only being able to "dream of going to TCD". It's not like the points to get into trinity are massively higher then the points to get into say UCD. (I just checked the points for my own course, computer science to compare between UCD and trinity. UCD is 20 points more.

Regarding you point about the level of education in TCD being much higher then other colleges in Ireland, I think you'll find that the quality of teaching you get within any university varies from course to course, and even from subject to subject.

alexthomas163

Benjamin Elegant Trowel wrote: »

I'm intrigued to know by what means you came to these conclusions. First of all, regarding the college ranks, your figures areway off. Such metrics have very little meaning without context.

I'm not sure what you mea about most people only being able to "dream of going to TCD". It's not like the points to get into trinity are massively higher then the points to get into say UCD. (I just checked the points for my own course, computer science to compare between UCD and trinity. UCD is 20 points more.

Regarding you point about the level of education in TCD being much higher then other colleges in Ireland, I think you'll find that the quality of teaching you get within any university varies from course to course, and even from subject to subject.

Sure. I agree 100%.... the type of education one gets can differ from dept to dept. However, I am basing all this on the internationally recognised "Times University rankings". If you want to see the exact information please see this link http://www.tcd.ie/Communications/news/pressreleases/pressRelease.php?headerID=1295&pressReleaseArchive=2010

I have 2 degrees..... one from UCD and one from Trinity. In some what similar fields and I can assure you TCD has a higher standard for making etc. Its a lot more difficult to get a 1:1 in TCD than UCD. Ive been to both institutions and trust me its true! When i worked in the USA... Everyone i talked too knew of TCD & no one had heard of UCD. TCD is internationally recognised and respected.

Plus its a lot more difficult to get into TCD than UCD. True computer science is less than UCD but not much else. All the arts subjects have the highest entry points in the country and so do their science coarse. All in all... they dont make it easy to get in.


!

RichTea

alexthomas163 wrote: »

Firstly.

In terms of international rankings Trinity is in the top 30 universities on the planet. UCD DCU, NUIM etc etc. Dont even make it into the top 100, let alone the top 30.

Wrong.

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/Rankings2009-Top200.html

Trinity at 43
UCD at 89

alexthomas163

respectyourbus wrote: »

Yeah, im not attacking TCD, Im in love with the campus and I think its going down as first choice on my CAO. I just dont know much about the colleges and want to get some perspective. Im torn between the probably sensible option that is TCD or UCD, and the amazing social life that I hear about Galway.

Also alexthomas163, whats it like living in Dublin, Im a bit wary of the living cost, especially accomodation. I'm from Limerick and its not exactly cheap but I hear going to college in Dublin adds a lot the expense. Any opinioln on this?

Yeah Sure. I have heard the social life is good in galway. But your in dublin city centre..... you cannot get much better than that! I hear NUIM has a good social life too but that would not sway my decision about my future college.

Dublin is pretty expensive.. but if your looking to live on campus it will cost around 5,000 a year... for a single room. Which is pretty good i think. I should point out that accom for 1st and 2nd years is out side the campus and you need to get the LUAS to and from each day... or you could cycle. Its really nice though.

For history I really think TCD is the best option,I know a girl doing history and she loves it. Plus my best friend does english and she really likes it too. However i think u might get a few "Trinnerz" ppl as you call them in english. The english degree seems to attract them. haha

Good luck with your CAO.

And to be honest, It really does not matter where you choose, as long as you do well in your college exams you will do fantastically.

Naikon

Subjectivity? There is no absolute "best" college.

alexthomas163

RichTea wrote: »

Wrong.

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/Rankings2009-Top200.html

Trinity at 43
UCD at 89

Ok... My bad.

alexthomas163

Originally Posted by RichTea
Wrong.

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.u...09-Top200.html

Trinity at 43
UCD at 89

My Bad!!

respectyourbus

Thanks for the comments by the way, Yeah I imagine 5000 is reasonalble for college, but I take it that is just for 1st and maybe 2nd year, and then you would need to get accomadation in the city or commute, I suppose I wouldnt be opposed to commuting.

About your last point of the college being irrelevant as long as you do the work wherever you are. I'm wondering if a BA is that impotant in itself, particularily for something like an Arts degree.

A case in point, my sister is finishing a BA in English and new media in UL. She hated the college and found that it pretty well ignores Arts students in favour of business and Engineering students. She loved the subject though, shes getting a 1st class degree and is going to do an MA in Trinity. So, im wondering if any future employer will care where I did my BA if I have a good MA, so maybe I should base my college choice on where I think ill have the most enjoyable lifestyle.

respectyourbus

Naikon wrote: »

Subjectivity? There is no absolute "best" college.

I agree that nobody can say any college is the best for everyone, but I think there is a best college for every individual, weather you are concerned with sport, cost, social life, academics or whatever else you care to mention there is one college that will suit you best.

This is why Id Love feedback on each college's specific strengths and weakness'. I also think a lot of peolpe come onto this forum looking for a folder of college reviews and feedback on these reviews, which doesnt exist as far as I know.

Thanks to all who have contributed so far.

RichTea

alexthomas163 wrote: »

Originally Posted by RichTea
Wrong.

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.u...09-Top200.html

Trinity at 43
UCD at 89

My Bad!!

Just getting the facts straight.

8-10

Um...there are only 7 universities in Ireland:

DCU
UCD
UCC
UL
NUI Galway
Trinity (University of Dublin)
Maynooth

I have no idea why you've incuded 4 random colleges as well as excluding DCU as a university. Either put in all 7 as the poll or put in every college. (You've left out a load if that's what you intended)

XxMCRxBabyxX

NUIM has got a good reputation for History itself. I know of people who have done various masters and doctorates in NUIM and others and have said NUIM has one of the best History depts.

Arts in NUIM in general is a good degree with a really good choice of subjects including Law and Business which no other University offers. And Arts students aren't as ignored as they can be in other unis

ozt9vdujny3srf

alexthomas163 wrote: »

Sure. I agree 100%.... the type of education one gets can differ from dept to dept. However, I am basing all this on the internationally recognised "Times University rankings". If you want to see the exact information please see this link http://www.tcd.ie/Communications/news/pressreleases/pressRelease.php?headerID=1295&pressReleaseArchive=2010



!

I'll note you didnt bother to follow my link, which quotes exactly the same source :P

red herring

UCD arts is around 375 points. Most TSM courses in Trinity, and most courses in general, are well above 375 points.
Of course it is down to the opinion of the individual concerned, but it is a fact that
a) TCD on average has higher points for its courses.
b) TCD is the highest ranked university in Ireland.

Facts, totally objective.

respectyourbus

8-10 wrote: »

Um...there are only 7 universities in Ireland:

DCU
UCD
UCC
UL
NUI Galway
Trinity (University of Dublin)
Maynooth

I have no idea why you've incuded 4 random colleges as well as excluding DCU as a university. Either put in all 7 as the poll or put in every college. (You've left out a load if that's what you intended)

Yeah I realise that now, I added a couple of Colleges that came to mind as I thought people would want them included. I figured people could State any excluded Colleges in a comment. The poll is just an interesting show of statistics, im more concerned with getting peoples opinions about the places they've been.

Sid_Justice

These things are retarded. Firstly, because the original poster obviously doesn't not know what a university is and isn't. Secondly, there aren't a whole lot of people that have personal experience of multiple colleges. Someone that does a 4 year undergraduate degree in UCD and a 4 year PHD in TCD could have a totally different experience to someone that does it vice-versa. That's not even allowing for the fact individuals have totally different experiences of the same events.

I think there are particular colleges that suit individuals better than others. I think if it wasn't for the location, I would have preferred doing my undergrad in UCD rather than TCD.

Generally speaking, TCD has a 'biggest'/'best' reputation abroad (UK, America really) for undergraduate and research. QUB can be argued to be better in this regard in certain ways.

I don't think employers have a preference for any particular university but do have preferences for particular courses. I would argue that the Computer Systems course in UL is 'better' than then the Computer Science course in UCD from a lot of prospective employers perspectives.

Generally speaking, the kids with the best points have TCD as their first preference but obviously a lot of people who get 550+ have other unis as their preference (usually for location reasons I'd suspect or particular courses e.g vet).

respectyourbus

XxMCRxBabyxX wrote: »

NUIM has got a good reputation for History itself. I know of people who have done various masters and doctorates in NUIM and others and have said NUIM has one of the best History depts.

Arts in NUIM in general is a good degree with a really good choice of subjects including Law and Business which no other University offers. And Arts students aren't as ignored as they can be in other unis

Tried to have a look at the NUIM website, having trouble getting onto it. Cant say Ive ever heard of it as having a strong History, but I guess im pretty ignorant about NUIM. Worth looking into though.

Im havent really considered Maynooth before, Id be a bit wary about the fact that its a relativly unknown University, I dont think it would have the reputation of the bigger universities, particularily overseas.

XxMCRxBabyxX

respectyourbus wrote: »

Tried to have a look at the NUIM website, having trouble getting onto it. Cant say Ive ever heard of it as having a strong History, but I guess im pretty ignorant about NUIM. Worth looking into though.

Im havent really considered Maynooth before, Id be a bit wary about the fact that its a relativly unknown University, I dont think it would have the reputation of the bigger universities, particularily overseas.

It's not as unknown as you think! It's a good university with a good reputation! I've never come accross anyone having an issue with me or anyone I know being an NUIM student other than the fact that the law degree I'm doing is only 2 years old.

I'm doing History myself and loving it. The study options are wide and interesting and the staff are always available to help students.

Website is just nuim.ie It should work!

There's too much elitism amongst the Universities which gives people the impression that one is better than the other which is ridiculous. If a TCD student with an average of a 2:2 and a NUIM student with an average of a 1:1 were up against each other a prospective employer would hardly pick the TCD student just because his university is more 'well-known.'

As one poster said, different people suit different places. I have friends in UCD who absolutely hate it yet other friends in DIT doing the same course and loving it. Personbally i don't think I would've likes UCD which was my first choice. it's too big and you can be far to anonymous whereas in Maynooth this just isn't possible. NUIM is like a small village in itself, you know everyone and eveyone is so friendly and nice. There's no cliquing like that seen in most of the Dublin colleges and Universities

Tristram

respectyourbus wrote: »

Tried to have a look at the NUIM website, having trouble getting onto it. Cant say Ive ever heard of it as having a strong History, but I guess im pretty ignorant about NUIM. Worth looking into though.

Im havent really considered Maynooth before, Id be a bit wary about the fact that its a relativly unknown University, I dont think it would have the reputation of the bigger universities, particularily overseas.

NUIM's history department is very well regarded. I don't mean this as a slight but I would wonder how much research you have done if you were not aware of this.

8-10

respectyourbus wrote: »

Yeah I realise that now, I added a couple of Colleges that came to mind as I thought people would want them included. I figured people could State any excluded Colleges in a comment. The poll is just an interesting show of statistics, im more concerned with getting peoples opinions about the places they've been.

I guess when I've only been to DCU I gotta bring it up....

respectyourbus

Sid_Justice wrote: »

These things are retarded. Firstly, because the original poster obviously doesn't not know what a university is and isn't. Secondly, there aren't a whole lot of people that have personal experience of multiple colleges. Someone that does a 4 year undergraduate degree in UCD and a 4 year PHD in TCD could have a totally different experience to someone that does it vice-versa. That's not even allowing for the fact individuals have totally different experiences of the same events.

I think there are particular colleges that suit individuals better than others. I think if it wasn't for the location, I would have preferred doing my undergrad in UCD rather than TCD.

Generally speaking, TCD has a 'biggest'/'best' reputation abroad (UK, America really) for undergraduate and research. QUB can be argued to be better in this regard in certain ways.

I don't think employers have a preference for any particular university but do have preferences for particular courses. I would argue that the Computer Systems course in UL is 'better' than then the Computer Science course in UCD from a lot of prospective employers perspectives.

Generally speaking, the kids with the best points have TCD as their first preference but obviously a lot of people who get 550+ have other unis as their preference (usually for location reasons I'd suspect or particular courses e.g vet).

I know what University is, I added the colleges as thought people would want them recognised as alternatives to the Universities. Ive explained above that I chose some off the top of my head, I hereby apologise for the mistake in catagorisation.

I dont expect to hear solely from people who have experience of different universities/colleges. I want to hear what each place is like to attend, I dont believe people need to experience several Universities/colleges to realise where theirs falls below acceptable standards, and where it excels.

I agree nobody can tell anyone how a particular university/college will be for them, but those of us who have to decide on a place to go need some criteria to judge by. Some details can be drawn from people who attend the Universities/colleges such as what its facilities are like, what the lecturers are like and what the institution's commitment to particular subjects are.

As far as the Trinity v.Queens reputation goes, I havent heard much about Queens as being a great University, I did however meet an American student in TCD who turned down a place at Harvard to go There. He wanted to go to Europe, Ireland particularily, and was under the impression that TCD was up there with Harvard, Oxford and Cambridge. So certainly in some instanses, Trinity has a 1st class reputation. There I think, it wins itself a point.

respectyourbus

Yeah, sorry 8-10, thats was an particularily big oversight.

No problem with DCU, know absolutly nothing of it though. Perhaps you could enlighten me?

XxMCRxBabyxX

I'm really starting to feel like this is just turning into a pro-TCD debate which the poster is encouraging.....

respectyourbus

XxMCRxBabyxX wrote: »

It's not as unknown as you think! It's a good university with a good reputation! I've never come accross anyone having an issue with me or anyone I know being an NUIM student other than the fact that the law degree I'm doing is only 2 years old.

I'm doing History myself and loving it. The study options are wide and interesting and the staff are always available to help students.

Website is just nuim.ie It should work!

There's too much elitism amongst the Universities which gives people the impression that one is better than the other which is ridiculous. If a TCD student with an average of a 2:2 and a NUIM student with an average of a 1:1 were up against each other a prospective employer would hardly pick the TCD student just because his university is more 'well-known.'

As one poster said, different people suit different places. I have friends in UCD who absolutely hate it yet other friends in DIT doing the same course and loving it. Personbally i don't think I would've likes UCD which was my first choice. it's too big and you can be far to anonymous whereas in Maynooth this just isn't possible. NUIM is like a small village in itself, you know everyone and eveyone is so friendly and nice. There's no cliquing like that seen in most of the Dublin colleges and Universities

Tried the website with your link there but it just isnt working, everything else is, dunno...

I certainly agree with you that an employer is going to take the hypothetical TCD student with worse grades over the higher achiever from another college. Not as a slant on NUIM or any other college, but I just wonder what would happen between these two hypothetical students if they both had 1:1. Dont want to offend saying these things, but when I have my degree this could be very important.

I think the issue of what institution (YAY, an alternative to universities/colleges) to choose can be split into two categories. How well any particular institution will help you to get a good degree (assuming your already well motivated yourself), aand secondly, how good a time you'll have at the institution while obtaining your degree.

I do like the idea of the close-knit, smaller college as opposed to being thrown into lecture theatres where your unlikly to sit next to the same person twice.

Also, can I ask about the facilities (on and near campus) and the lecturers. You say they're good, but could I end up with one especially useless lecturer? Thanks for a good general evaluation by the way.

respectyourbus

Tristram wrote: »

NUIM's history department is very well regarded. I don't mean this as a slight but I would wonder how much research you have done if you were not aware of this.

Not offended, thanks for commenting.

Its good to get this info. I think im about as well researched as any prospective student. Ive read the prospectus' and heard the presentations but these are all going to say the same thing. The colleges tell me that all their History departments are well respected. This may be true, but some must be better than others. I may seem ignorant, but this sort of info is only available, direct from students. Which is who im trying to hear from.

respectyourbus

Im not especially pro-TCD. Its as good as anywhere to begin discussing. If anyone wants to stir this it towards other colleges id love to hear about them. I hope to get info on everywhere.

Tristram

respectyourbus wrote: »

Not offended, thanks for commenting.

Its good to get this info. I think im about as well researched as any prospective student. Ive read the prospectus' and heard the presentations but these are all going to say the same thing. The colleges tell me that all their History departments are well respected. This may be true, but some must be better than others. I may seem ignorant, but this sort of info is only available, direct from students. Which is who im trying to hear from.

This may not be as applicable for you as a prospective undergraduate but might prove a useful exercise anyway. Research faculty publication record. Research departments track record attracting funding. Don't rely on a prospectus. It is nothing more than an shiny printed advertisement.

XxMCRxBabyxX

respectyourbus wrote: »

Tried the website with your link there but it just isnt working, everything else is, dunno...

I certainly agree with you that an employer is going to take the hypothetical TCD student with worse grades over the higher achiever from another college. Not as a slant on NUIM or any other college, but I just wonder what would happen between these two hypothetical students if they both had 1:1. Dont want to offend saying these things, but when I have my degree this could be very important.

I think the issue of what institution (YAY, an alternative to universities/colleges) to choose can be split into two categories. How well any particular institution will help you to get a good degree (assuming your already well motivated yourself), aand secondly, how good a time you'll have at the institution while obtaining your degree.

I do like the idea of the close-knit, smaller college as opposed to being thrown into lecture theatres where your unlikly to sit next to the same person twice.

Also, can I ask about the facilities (on and near campus) and the lecturers. You say they're good, but could I end up with one especially useless lecturer? Thanks for a good general evaluation by the way.

Link is working for me fine. Any better?

Look I've had that worry. I'm doing Law at NUIM, Most people didn't even know they had a law degree but I really don't think that where you studied undergrad is the most important thing for an employer, they would be more concerned with your abilities and approach to work.

the facilities in Maynooth are brilliant. Only thing we don't have is a canteen since in burned down last year but they are already in the process of getting started on building a new one - there is also still Pugin hall which serves food and has seating, and the common room for seating. Maynooth had
s a 24 hour Tesco which is the biggest in Ireland, Dunnes is two mins away form campus, There is a shop on campus, SU bar, book shop. The accommodation is really handy. Literally at the lecture halls door unlike those in Dublin where student accommodation can be a bit away.

There is also a free doctors service which is really handy. The gym is also free. The Nightlife is brilliant with Mantra the nightclub and all the pubs - O'Neills, Roost, Caulfields, Bradys, the SU. there are plenty of places to go with the only place charging in being mantra after 10.30. Getting into Dublin is easy with the train only taking 40mins for €3.30 and there is also Liffey Valley down the road €2.20 on the 66.

Every college poses the risk of having a crap lecturer and each person finds different lecturers a problem. Personally I haven't had any issues with any of my lecturers so far and i don't believe any of my classmates have either.

It's 10 to 4am now so ! need to get some sleep but if you want to know anything else fire ahead. I will repeat that the History dept is well renowned and gives a wide range of study options and i have friends studying English who love it. My only warning would be don't expect the same kind of stuff as you did in Leaving Cert, and that counts for all colleges. Same with History. I got a D1 in the Leaving and haven't gotten less than 2:1 in NUIM (average was about 67%) and that's not a bad thing! It's a different approach that suits me anyway!

For the record I am studying Law, History and Sociology through with the aim of getting 60% in Law to be able to move into Law and Arts (BCL) next year with history/

questionmark?

alexthomas163 wrote: »

Most ppl can only dream of going to TCD. So if you get a chance, take it! You will not regret it!

I'm sorry but i just LMFAO at the above statement

What makes you believe that this is true?

respectyourbus

XxMCRxBabyxX wrote: »

Link is working for me fine. Any better?

Look I've had that worry. I'm doing Law at NUIM, Most people didn't even know they had a law degree but I really don't think that where you studied undergrad is the most important thing for an employer, they would be more concerned with your abilities and approach to work.

the facilities in Maynooth are brilliant. Only thing we don't have is a canteen since in burned down last year but they are already in the process of getting started on building a new one - there is also still Pugin hall which serves food and has seating, and the common room for seating. Maynooth had
s a 24 hour Tesco which is the biggest in Ireland, Dunnes is two mins away form campus, There is a shop on campus, SU bar, book shop. The accommodation is really handy. Literally at the lecture halls door unlike those in Dublin where student accommodation can be a bit away.

There is also a free doctors service which is really handy. The gym is also free. The Nightlife is brilliant with Mantra the nightclub and all the pubs - O'Neills, Roost, Caulfields, Bradys, the SU. there are plenty of places to go with the only place charging in being mantra after 10.30. Getting into Dublin is easy with the train only taking 40mins for €3.30 and there is also Liffey Valley down the road €2.20 on the 66.

Every college poses the risk of having a crap lecturer and each person finds different lecturers a problem. Personally I haven't had any issues with any of my lecturers so far and i don't believe any of my classmates have either.

It's 10 to 4am now so ! need to get some sleep but if you want to know anything else fire ahead. I will repeat that the History dept is well renowned and gives a wide range of study options and i have friends studying English who love it. My only warning would be don't expect the same kind of stuff as you did in Leaving Cert, and that counts for all colleges. Same with History. I got a D1 in the Leaving and haven't gotten less than 2:1 in NUIM (average was about 67%) and that's not a bad thing! It's a different approach that suits me anyway!

For the record I am studying Law, History and Sociology through with the aim of getting 60% in Law to be able to move into Law and Arts (BCL) next year with history/

Link still not working, every other site is, I dunno whats wrong with it. tried getting onto it through goolge, thats not working either.

I think your right that where I do my BA isnt going to be very important, Maynooth sounds all good, no reason to reject it, I suppose it really is a question of ones own preference, and the size is a big advantage over say UCD (which is where I thought I was going).

cafe burnt down..... Im just thinking, if its anything like the cafes I know in UL, which are inside the main buildings of the university. How did that work out???

Regarding history, You said to expect something different to the Leaving cert course. I a guy who did history in UL, he went in intending to make a career out of it but gave it up two months later. He told me that rather than the relativly fast-paced and interesting course you do for LC history, third level was really boring. He cracked when he had to research Portugese Wheat exportation. However, im still not dissuaded, whats the NUIM history course like?

One other thing and this question is open to anybody really, you said that theres always a danger of being stuck with a Lecturer you dont like, im just wondering how bad this can be. At leaving cert anyway there are some catastrophically bad teachers who dont even trry to teach the students. Can they ever be that bad at third level, im expecting that theyre all dedicated people who will have had to fight to hold onto their positions, but then again I dont know what can happen. Any thoughts?

respectyourbus

Maybe the person who said this was turning into a debate on TCD was kinda right. If you have something relevant to say about it or why you think your college is more desirable could you say so, these sweeping 'TCD is crap' or 'TCD is great' statements are unhelpful.

somethingwitty

Im studying in NUIM at the moment and the college had a great reputation for Arts. Unlike a lot of others, the arts faculties are made a priority and it is fast becoming the place for things like English and History.

I find that there is a really peaceful atmosphere in Maynooth and there is more of a studious atmosphere about the place than other unis I've been to like UCD and Galway. Im glad I came here cause this rubbed off on me, I would have been spending my days in the pub if I went anywhere else!

I do English, Sociology, and Anthropology: the lecturers are brilliant and the courses are very well put together. My brother and a few others I know are doing English in UCD and they don't think they are enjoying it quite as much as me. They didn't even know the names of their lecturers, and I think this highlights an impersonal atmosphere that you don't find in Maynooth.

Maynooth is a friendly college but I think the social life is its downfall. For RAG week I ended up spending my time in DKIT and UCD because it can be very quite in NUIM...:o

XxMCRxBabyxX

respectyourbus wrote: »

cafe burnt down..... Im just thinking, if its anything like the cafes I know in UL, which are inside the main buildings of the university. How did that work out???

Regarding history, You said to expect something different to the Leaving cert course. I a guy who did history in UL, he went in intending to make a career out of it but gave it up two months later. He told me that rather than the relativly fast-paced and interesting course you do for LC history, third level was really boring. He cracked when he had to research Portugese Wheat exportation. However, im still not dissuaded, whats the NUIM history course like?

One other thing and this question is open to anybody really, you said that theres always a danger of being stuck with a Lecturer you dont like, im just wondering how bad this can be. At leaving cert anyway there are some catastrophically bad teachers who dont even trry to teach the students. Can they ever be that bad at third level, im expecting that theyre all dedicated people who will have had to fight to hold onto their positions, but then again I dont know what can happen. Any thoughts?

The canteen was it's own building and it was just that that burned down. there's still plenty of other places on campus and in the town to get food and eat.

History is absolutely fascinating in NUIM as far as I'm concerned. No Portugese wheat exportation with me. Last semester was 16th Century Ireland which was a lot more interesting than I was expecting along with Practicing History 1 which was really an introduction to studying History and writing essays well. This semester is even better with a module on the theory of revolutions including a study on the French and Russian Revolutions and Practicing history 2 which involves using sources via the internet and visual sources. Different to leaving in that it's all one subject and not 4 different times to deal with but just as interesting, if not better.

The standard of a lecturer is different to the standard of a teacher. In University the readings you do hold as much importance as your lectures. In secondary your teacher is there to tell you what you need to know, in Uni your lecturer is backing up and embellishing on what you've already read so the standard isn't as important as is is for a teacher. and also these lecturers have put a lot of work to get to the position they have, they have to love what they are talking about and have a genuine interest in it.

somethingwitty wrote: »

Maynooth is a friendly college but I think the social life is its downfall. For RAG week I ended up spending my time in DKIT and UCD because it can be very quite in NUIM...:o

Quiet?! Really? SU and O'Neills Monday, Brady's Wednesday, Roost Thursday?! Maynooth is always packed. My social life is better than ever, I have friends who come down to Maynooth for the social life! Everyone I know is crazy! I prefer Maynooth to Dublin tbh

RichTea

respectyourbus wrote: »

I certainly agree with you that an employer is going to take the hypothetical TCD student with worse grades over the higher achiever from another college. Not as a slant on NUIM or any other college, but I just wonder what would happen between these two hypothetical students if they both had 1:1. Dont want to offend saying these things, but when I have my degree this could be very important.

Do you know how ludicrous and false that is? You've clearly made your decision already.

Miss Lockhart

I really think it is very subject specific. TCD is obviously a very well respected university, but it is definitely not the most respected for every subject. The same, I'm sure, can be said about most of the universities, in relation to different courses.

For example, NUIM might be a "proper" university but, as was disucssed on the NUIM forum recently, Ballyfermot might have a better reputation for its media course than the one in NUIM.

This time last year I had an offer from TCD and an offer from NUIM for the PGDE. At the time I was subbing in a few different schools and I asked the principals in these schools for advice on which to choose. All three said to choose Maynooth, no contest and said in a "between me and you" sort of way that they didn't rate the TCD PGDE at all. Now, I'm sure the TCD PGDE is of a very good standard and TCD is a well respected university, but the perception was that Trinity was not the best option in this case.

paved_paradise

This poll has pretty much stuck to the eastern side of things. I'd like to start off by saying I am an NUIG student in Arts (History & English). NUIG is a perfect sized college for students who may be bogged down in having to meet thousands of new faces. It's very orientated around learning through experience and your opinions are valued which ( and I have asked around on this) is hard to come by in the 'bigger' colleges/universities. As far as social life, Galway is hard to beat but then again that is my opinion. This whole Trinners opinion is quite absurd as you can find those Abercromibe D4 wannabes in Galway too (G4's now I do believe!) Educational and making friends is the most important factior in your decision, not some rant about how one person got on and their results because I doubt you are a carbon copy able to achieve and attain all his/her successes simply because of the lecturers. At the end of the day your grade reflects YOUR work! You know which college will be best suited for you ; for me NUIG was the best decision I made. The friends I've made here will be my friends for life simple as. x Good luck!:D

LutherBlissett

Oh when will you all grow up?

Firstly. It is, regardless of the surveys you cite (tactically excluding I note conflicting surveys/methodology used to gather info), impossible to make a simple determination of which university is best. The issue is so much more nuanced than many of you seem to realise. A college might be a leader in one area (Engineering/ History etc.), and well down the pecking order in another.

Secondly. Guys. I'm reasonably sure most who have posted in this thread have experienced the CAO system. Doing Eng/Hist in TCD only demonstrates one thing - that you could get the points. And to be honest? Even people of moderate intelligence can surpass the 500 mark with a bit of elbow grease. If TCD had an elite choice system like Oxbridge or an American College, whereby an interview is conducted, aptitude tests must be completed, entrance essays composed etc., then we might say it is an exclusive atmosphere. But because of the points system, it's really not. In any case, college attendance in Ireland is generally not predicated on people with the highest points flocking to the one university - it is for the majority based on living costs. Why on earth would you travel to Dublin when a local univ can confer upon you exactly the same degree?

Thirdly. To clarify: employers don't actually hire people blind. Nowadays, I believe the phenomenon of the "interview" is quite in vogue. This means your employment will never be a question solely of the college you attended. Other factors, such as social skills and the like may just be relevant.

Fourthly. Very few if any worthwile careers can begin immediately after an undergraduate degree. There are generally postgraduate/professional qualifications to undertake. Take the Bar in Law for example. You could have gone to Carlow IT, and obtained a BCL from there, or have a 1:1 from UCC, TCD or UCD. But you know what? When you both do the Inns; if the Carlow ITer passes, and you fail, you ain't going to be a barrister, regardless of what has come before.

Bit of maturity pleasethankyou.

melekalikimaka

RichTea wrote: »

Do you know how ludicrous and false that is? You've clearly made your decision already.

I dont think he is to far off IMO, this has been debated many times before, look over the threads, its a fact in many fields that this is practiced

fearanpost

Theres a serious BA course in St.Pat's, one of the most sought after in the country I believe, its mainly people that dont have enough points for teaching that are in it with the hope of gettin preference into the postgrad because they went to pats, but not all.. its a great course it would be worth looking into also.. St.Pat's is a great spot, I have a mature in my class, im doing the B.Ed by the way, who used to go to trinity and he says he far rathers Pat's because its more of a tight knit college and its so easy to make friends! just thought id throw in my 2 cents, but really have a look at Pats' BA course!!

Chewbacca.

fearanpost wrote: »

I have a mature in my class, im doing the B.Ed by the way, who used to go to trinity and he says he far rathers Pat's because its more of a tight knit college and its so easy to make friends!!

Pat's is an excellent college, especially for the B.Ed , But Trinity is the best in Ireland full stop .That mature guy would rather be there than trinity because he didn't fit in.

But the majority of people knowTrinners is for winners ,its the most prestigious and has beautiful girls attending, actually the largest % of students in TCD are girls . Only UCD is 2nd on the league of good looking girls.

laoishibee

Throw IT Carlow, carlows one of the best places for student life. Can't stand dublin colleges but thats my opinion!

Your missing a good few colleges in there man!

Chewbacca.

laoishibee wrote: »

Throw IT Carlow, carlows one of the best places for student life. Can't stand dublin colleges but thats my opinion!

Your missing a good few colleges in there man!

Hahaha Carlow IT is full of barn dancers, they all dance around to cotton eye joe the mad culchies

Byron85

Well it's pretty obvious that the best four are NUIG, UCC, UCD and Trinity. I don't think that any of them are better than the other but they each have strengths in certain departments that the others don't.

For example, UCC has an extremely well renowned History department and the Religious Studies department is the only one of it's kind in the country. It's also a hub for research and it got a research contract over MIT. Nuff said.

UCD would be well known for Economics and Law.

Trinity for Economics and Law too but also Classical Studies etc.