TU Dublin, one of the largest universities in the country, is finalising plans and adjustments for September return to campus.
Prof David Fitzpatrick, President, TU Dublin
TU Dublin has over 28,000 full-time and part-time students – including apprentices, undergraduates, and postgraduates – on campuses in Blanchardstown and Tallaght, and in the city centre in Grangegorman, Aungier Street, and Bolton Street.
Preparing for the challenges and choices facing the University, President David FitzPatrick said that, for the majority of TU Dublin students, up to 40% of their learning takes place in a practice-based environment.
“We are lucky that, for the most part, our students spend a significant amount of time on campus in smaller group settings rather than in large lecture theatres. These settings include laboratories, studios, kitchens, music rooms, and workshops. We are working through the full inventory of these physical settings and activities to confirm the adjustments that need to be made so that students can continue to benefit fully from that experience.
“While detailed information and course timetables will be provided when students register for the new academic year, the objective is for students to be able to return to campus and to interact safely with their lecturers and classmates.
“There is no doubt that Semester 1 entails a blended approach to learning with a focus on student engagement between on and off-campus delivery. We are working with our staff, students, and social partners to put in place appropriate safety measures to ensure that our traditional laboratory and studio work can go ahead as close to normal as possible.”
Making first-year students a key priority
“We are very aware that the majority of CAO applicants in 2020 have had a tough year so far. We want to ensure that we do everything we can to help them embrace the excitement of coming to University – experiencing new things, making new friends and expanding their horizons. What we all need to remember is that this difficult situation has also opened up new opportunities for us as a university and for our students so we are looking at it positively. Our motto is ‘Infinite Possibilities’, and we are exploring many of those possibilities now.”
University’s new campus at Grangegorman
“Due to COVID19, construction on campus had to pause for a period, so there have been some unavoidable delays. However, I’m glad to say that construction has now resumed and contractors are working hard to complete as soon as possible so that our exciting move to a new campus will take place in 2020 after all!
“Students of Media and Creative Arts will begin the new academic year in the East Quad from 21 September as planned, with students of music and drama joining them some eight weeks later.
“Meanwhile, the Central Quad will be completed by December. Students of sciences and health, electronic and electrical engineering, culinary arts and hospitality management will begin the academic year in their previous locations (Kevin Street and Cathal Brugha Street), but will migrate to the new campus ahead of Semester 2.”
Get in touch
TU Dublin can be contacted during the summer months by students returning to continue their studies in TU Dublin in September, or first-year students preparing to start their studies. Visit TU Dublin website for information, or contact Social Media channels to clarify queries.
A virtual welcome pack for new and returning students will be available soon and will include information to assist students in enjoying their university experience in 2020/2021 while keeping safe on-campus.