Maynooth University

Maynooth University is located 25 kilometres from Dublin, in Ireland. The institution is an internationally esteemed ‘young' university, with a rich heritage, which offers an excellent learning experience. It was ranked 86^th in the world in the Times Higher Education Young Universities Rankings 2024. Maynooth University is one of four constituent universities of the National University of Ireland. More than 15,000 students, representing over 120 countries, call Maynooth home.

Maynooth University has 37 academic departments within three faculties, covering Science, Engineering and Social Science, the Arts, Languages and Philosophy. The departments all offer degrees at undergraduate, master's and PhD levels. Undergraduates benefit from the flexible learning system, where they have the power to choose subject combinations across different departments. There are also many one-year taught master's degree programmes on offer, several of which include internships. Maynooth is also close to industry giants and has formed strong links with global businesses.

Interdisciplinary research is integral to the university's academic endeavours, and Maynooth University prides itself on applying equal emphasis to teaching and research. The campus features twelve research institutes and two university centres that conduct pioneering work. Two Nobel Peace Prize winners have been among Maynooth University's alumni and staff.

Based in the centre of the only university town in Ireland, Maynooth University provides all the resources needed to study, while giving students the chance to explore the fascinating country of Ireland, with its stunning coastlines, castles and countryside.

Maynooth University is known as one of the top new global universities, it was ranked in the top 90 global young universities (THE Young University Rankings2024),and 501^st-600^th in the Times Higher Education Rankings 2025.

It is also ranked in the top 176-200 universities in psychology, top 250 universities in education and the social sciences, top 201-250 universities in the physical sciences, and top 301-400^th universities in arts & humanities (Times Higher Education Rankings 2024).

Teaching at Maynooth is centred around helping students become special graduates who are highly employable and educated to question, analyse, reflect, think critically, act creatively and contribute positively to society. Students receive a thorough education in their chosen subjects that is informed by leading global researchers.

Programmes are enhanced by curricular and co-curricular activities that help them develop working skills so they can make a positive difference in the professional workforce. The approach taken by Maynooth is student-centred and innovative meaning students gain maximum benefit from their education.

Maynooth University has three main faculties with 37 academic departments.

• Faculty of Arts, Celtic Studies and Philosophy name is changing to Faculty of Arts and Humanities – teaches areas including English, history, media studies and philosophy. The faculty also home to the School of Celtic Studies and the School of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
• Faculty of Social Sciences – teaches areas such as education, economics, geography, law, business and sociology.
• Faculty of Science and Engineering – teaching in areas including chemistry, computer science, experimental physics, psychology and electronic engineering.

The university also consists of research institutes and centres, such as the EDEN Centre for Entrepreneurship, Design and Innovation and the ICARUS Climate Research Centre. There is also the Centre for Teaching and Learning, which helps all academic staff to further their own teaching skills for the benefit of all students.

The entry requirements for study at Maynooth University will vary depending on students' chosen course and their home country. While undergraduate courses will typically require the completion of a high school equivalent education, and postgraduate study usually requires an undergraduate degree or equivalent, there are several routes of admission possible for some programs.

Full details can be viewed on the university's website, including specific information by country of the academic requirements expected.

English language criteria

All courses at Maynooth University are taught in English, and students from a country where English is not the primary language will be required to submit approved test scores as proof of literacy.

Some of the test score example requirements are:

• IELTS – 6.5 with no individual score less than 6.0
• Duolingo – 120 with no less than 110 in literacy, conversation and comprehension, and no less than 95 in production for non-EU students
• International Baccalaureate – English A1 or A2, or B5 at Higher Level
• TOEFL – iBT 90 with no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in all other sections

Other tests are accepted – full details can be found on the website.

Maynooth University offers a range of scholarships. This is to encourage and reward achievement for both current and incoming students. Students are encouraged to look at what is available as well as any deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Awards to postgraduates include:

• A range of taught master's scholarships, available to all students
• International taught postgraduate scholarships specific to overseas students
• Postgraduate research scholarships

Various scholarships are available from MU departments, including:

Anthropology: Susan Hunter Postgraduate Scholarship

Economics: Edgeworth Graduate Student Scholarship

International Development: Dr Sinead McGrath Memorial Scholarship

Nua-Ghaeilge: Oireachtais na Gaeilge

Maynooth University International Office Scholarships

Opportunities available for postgraduate students can be found on the fees, funding and scholarships section of the university website and the international office university webpages.

Awards to undergraduates include:

• Sport scholarships
• Music scholarships

Students can also learn more about the fees to study at Maynooth University by visiting the website. Fees can vary depending on the chosen course.

Maynooth University continues to develop as a modern institution, ensuring that there is continued investment in the facilities and that its faculties continue to innovate through projects and the ways of teaching.

The university is currently developing 116 bed purpose-built student accommodation adjacent to the campus, which is expected to be ready for the 2025/26 academic year. Furthermore, the Irish government has agreed a long-term policy on student accommodation and has plans for further improved public transport to be explored for students.

In September 2022, the university opened a new Technology, Society and Innovation building, the latest new facility for the university, housing living labs and break-out research rooms, along with theatre and research spaces for the use of students, staff and industry partners. The high-tech building cost EUR 48 million and is a continued sign of the determination Maynooth University has to provide the very best for all who study there. All of the faculties and departments at Maynooth University are highly regarded, which often sees outside recognition for specific teams. As just one example, the School of Law and Criminology earned the Bronze Award in 2020 and successfully renewed it in 2024, becoming one of the first two law and criminology schools in Ireland to do so.

MU has a new School of Nursing coming on board and has a new Department of Sport Science and Nutrition. A new EUR 10 million Sport Science building is planned, which will include a new gym. Sports hall, teaching and research labs.

Students who opt to study at Maynooth University are setting themselves up for future success. The university offers a quality education to all students across all three faculties, helping to prepare students not only with the academic knowledge they need but also the practical skills for their chosen subject and for the workforce in general.

Maynooth has an excellent record for graduates moving from their education straight into employment, and the university prides itself on offering flexible programs of study to the benefit of the student.

93 percent of graduates are Employed or in Further Study or Training. (Graduate Outcomes Survey Summer 2023)

Many Maynooth University degrees contain an accredited work placement/ internship module. The University Placement Office liaises with external stakeholders, high profile multinational organisations in Ireland and globally along with local enterprises, SMEs and Start-ups. All students who are registered with the University and have chosen to study a degree programme that is offering an accredited work placement will be supported by the Placement Office in sourcing and securing their accredited work placement.