Course

Accounting & Finance

Offered by Cork University Business School

QS Accounting & Finance

QS Accounting & Finance Rank: Top 300 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s Cork University Business School offers finance and accounting master’s programmes at a lower cost than Dublin, in a city with a large financial services and pharmaceutical presence.

Key advantages

Lower cost than Dublin
Internationally accredited business school
Cork’s financial services and pharma sector
Professional accounting pathways
Friendly campus
One-year master’s format

Programme & duration: MSc Finance / MSc Accounting options: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €22,000 – €28,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent) in business, economics or a related field. CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in banking, fund services, accounting and corporate finance roles in Cork, Dublin and across Europe.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in financial markets, banking and accounting.

Course

Business & Management

Offered by Cork University Business School

QS Business & Management

QS Business & Management Rank: Top 300 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s Cork University Business School offers practice-oriented master’s programmes in management and international business at a lower cost than Dublin.

Key advantages

Lower cost than Dublin
Internationally accredited business school
Practice-oriented teaching
Multinational presence in Cork
Friendly campus
One-year master’s format

Programme & duration: MSc International Business / MSc Management options: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €22,000 – €28,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in management, international business and consulting roles across Ireland.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in international business, innovation and management.

Course

MBA

Offered by Cork University Business School

QS Global MBA Ranking

Recognised MBA with international accreditationQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s MBA offers a one-year programme in Cork, a major hub for multinational pharmaceutical and technology companies, at a lower cost than Dublin.

Key advantages

One-year format
Lower cost than Dublin
Internationally accredited business school
Multinational presence in Cork
Friendly campus
International cohort

Programme & duration: MBA: about 12–15 months
Tuition (international): Approx. €22,000 – €30,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree, GMAT/GRE (or equivalent), 3+ years’ work experience, essays, references and interview.
Average Work Experience: Average about 5 years of work experience; typical class age 28–32
GMAT / GRE Requirement: GMAT/GRE: competitive score expected (waivers considered)

Employability & placement

Graduates move into management, consulting and operations roles across Ireland.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Applied research in leadership and operations.

Course

Marketing

Offered by Cork University Business School

QS Marketing

Specialist marketing master’s at a triple-accredited business schoolQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s MSc in Marketing offers practice-oriented training in Cork, a city with a strong consumer-goods, pharma and technology presence.

Key advantages

Lower cost than Dublin
Internationally accredited business school
Practice-oriented teaching
Cork’s multinational presence
Friendly campus
One-year master’s format

Programme & duration: MSc Marketing: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €20,000 – €26,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in brand management, marketing analytics and digital marketing roles across Ireland.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Applied research in consumer behaviour and marketing strategy.

Course

Economics

Offered by Department of Economics

QS Economics

QS Economics Rank: Top 300 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s MSc in Economics is a one-year programme with strong quantitative training at a lower cost than Dublin, in a city with a thriving international business sector.

Key advantages

Lower cost than Dublin
Quantitative training
Strong research tradition
Friendly campus
Cork’s multinational sector
One-year master’s format

Programme & duration: MSc Economics: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €20,000 – €26,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent) in economics or a related field with mathematics. CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in government, financial services and consulting roles, or progress to PhD study.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in macroeconomics, applied econometrics and public economics.

Course

Chemical Engineering

Offered by School of Engineering – Process and Chemical Engineering

QS Chemical Engineering

QS Chemical Engineering Rank: Top 300 in the World (2026)QS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s process and chemical engineering programmes are located in Cork, home to a large pharmaceutical and chemical industry cluster, with strong research in sustainable processes.

Key advantages

Pharmaceutical and chemical cluster in Cork
Strong industry links
Lower cost than Dublin
Sustainable process research
Friendly campus
One-year taught master’s

Programme & duration: MEngSc Process and Chemical Engineering: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €22,000 – €28,000 per year (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in chemical or process engineering (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in pharmaceutical manufacturing, process engineering and environmental engineering around Cork and across Ireland.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in sustainable processes, bioprocess engineering and pharmaceutical technology.

Course

Civil Engineering

Offered by School of Engineering and Architecture – Civil and Environmental

QS Civil & Structural Engineering

Well-regarded civil and environmental engineering programme in CorkQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s civil and environmental engineering programme includes strong marine-renewable and coastal-engineering research, and offers lower costs than Dublin.

Key advantages

Marine and coastal engineering strength
Lower cost than Dublin
Strong research facilities
Industry links in Cork
Friendly campus
One-year taught master’s

Programme & duration: MEngSc Civil and Environmental Engineering: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €22,000 – €28,000 per year (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in civil, coastal and environmental engineering roles across Ireland.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in coastal engineering, marine renewable energy and environmental engineering.

Course

Electrical Engineering

Offered by School of Engineering and Architecture – Electrical and Electronic Engineering

QS Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Well-regarded electrical and electronic engineering programme with strong research linksQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s electrical and electronic engineering programme benefits from the Tyndall National Institute in Cork, one of Europe’s leading photonics and microelectronics research centres.

Key advantages

Tyndall National Institute links
Photonics and microelectronics research
Lower cost than Dublin
Industry links in Cork
Friendly campus
One-year taught master’s

Programme & duration: MEngSc Electrical and Electronic Engineering: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €22,000 – €28,000 per year (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronic or computer engineering (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in semiconductors, photonics, communications and embedded systems.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in photonics, microelectronics, power systems and communications.

Course

Mechanical Engineering

Offered by School of Engineering and Architecture – Mechanical Engineering

QS Mechanical Engineering

Well-regarded mechanical engineering programme with strong industry linksQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s mechanical engineering programme benefits from strong industry links in Cork’s pharmaceutical, energy and manufacturing sectors, at lower cost than Dublin.

Key advantages

Pharma and manufacturing industry links
Lower cost than Dublin
Strong research facilities
Friendly campus
Industry placement opportunities
One-year taught master’s

Programme & duration: MEngSc Mechanical Engineering: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €22,000 – €28,000 per year (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in manufacturing, energy and design roles across Ireland.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in energy systems, manufacturing and mechanics.

Course

Biomedical Science

Offered by School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology / School of Medicine

QS Biological Sciences

Well-regarded biomedical research environment with APC Microbiome Ireland linksQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s biomedical programmes benefit from strong research centres, including APC Microbiome Ireland, and a large pharmaceutical industry presence in Cork.

Key advantages

APC Microbiome Ireland links
Pharmaceutical industry in Cork
Lower cost than Dublin
Research-intensive environment
Friendly campus
One-year taught master’s

Programme & duration: MSc Biomedical / Biochemistry options: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €20,000 – €28,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in biology, biochemistry or a related field (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates continue to PhD study or work in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research and clinical research.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in microbiome science, cancer biology and biochemistry.

Course

Nursing

Offered by School of Nursing and Midwifery

QS Nursing

Well-regarded school of nursing and midwiferyQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s School of Nursing and Midwifery offers advanced practice and research master’s options at lower cost than Dublin, with strong hospital partnerships in Cork.

Key advantages

Hospital partnerships in Cork
Advanced practice options
Lower cost than Dublin
Research-led teaching
Friendly campus
Strong student support

Programme & duration: MSc Nursing / Advanced Practice options: 1–2 years
Tuition (international): Approx. €18,000 – €26,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 7.0 overall (min 7.0 in speaking, listening, reading and writing for registration routes; programme-specific)TOEFL iBT: 94+PTE: 65+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in nursing with registered nurse qualification (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). Registration or equivalent proof; CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in advanced practice, leadership and education; NMBI registration rules apply for clinical practice in Ireland.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in ageing, mental health and nursing education.

Course

Pharmacy

Offered by School of Pharmacy

QS Pharmacy & Pharmacology

Well-regarded pharmacy school with strong pharmaceutical industry links in CorkQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s School of Pharmacy benefits from Cork’s large pharmaceutical industry cluster, with specialised, industry-oriented master’s options.

Key advantages

Cork’s pharmaceutical industry cluster
Industry-oriented master’s options
Lower cost than Dublin
Strong research facilities
Friendly campus
One-year taught master’s

Programme & duration: MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis / Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology options: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €20,000 – €28,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry or a related life-science field (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality assurance and regulatory affairs; the MSc does not by itself lead to pharmacist registration in Ireland.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in pharmaceutical analysis, drug formulation and pharmacology.

Course

Psychology

Offered by School of Applied Psychology

QS Psychology

Well-regarded applied psychology schoolQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s School of Applied Psychology offers applied master’s options with strong placement links in Cork, at lower cost than Dublin.

Key advantages

Applied psychology focus
Strong placement links
Lower cost than Dublin
Research-led teaching
Friendly campus
Strong student support

Programme & duration: MSc Applied Psychology / Psychology (Conversion) options: 1–2 years
Tuition (international): Approx. €20,000 – €26,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent); a psychology degree for some options. Check programme-specific accreditation; CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in applied research, health and community settings; clinical practice requires further professional training.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in applied psychology, health psychology and community psychology.

Course

Sports Science

Offered by School of Public Health – Sport and Exercise

QS Sports-Related Subjects

Well-regarded sport and exercise programmes in CorkQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC offers sport and exercise master’s options linked to public health and physical activity research, at lower cost than Dublin.

Key advantages

Public health links
Lower cost than Dublin
Research-led teaching
Friendly campus
Strong student support
One-year taught master’s

Programme & duration: MSc Sport and Exercise / Health Promotion options: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €18,000 – €24,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in sport science or a related field (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in health promotion, sport and exercise and community fitness roles.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in physical activity, health promotion and exercise physiology.

Course

Law (LLM)

Offered by School of Law

QS Law

Well-regarded law school with strengths in international and maritime lawQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s School of Law offers an LLM with strengths in international and maritime law and criminology, at lower cost than Dublin.

Key advantages

International and maritime law strengths
Lower cost than Dublin
Research-led teaching
Friendly campus
Common-law jurisdiction in the EU
One-year master’s

Programme & duration: LLM (general and specialist streams): 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €18,000 – €26,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: First law degree (LLB/equivalent) with 2:1 / 60%+ equivalent. CV, personal statement and references.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in international law, regulation and academia; an LLM alone does not qualify graduates to practise in Ireland.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in maritime law, international law and criminal justice.

Course

International Relations

Offered by Department of Government and Politics

QS Politics & IR

Well-regarded politics departmentQS World Rank: Top 300 (2026)

UCC’s Department of Government and Politics offers an international relations master’s with strengths in European politics and security at lower cost than Dublin.

Key advantages

European politics strengths
Lower cost than Dublin
Research-led teaching
Friendly campus
Strong student support
One-year master’s

Programme & duration: MA International Relations / related options: 1 year (full-time)
Tuition (international): Approx. €18,000 – €24,000 total programme fee (indicative; verify on official website)
Intakes: September (main intake); selected programmes also start in January
English requirement: IELTS: 6.5 overall (min 6.0 in each band)TOEFL iBT: 90PTE: 61+
Entry requirements: Bachelor’s degree in social science or a related field (2:1 / 60%+ equivalent). CV, personal statement and writing sample.

Employability & placement

Graduates work in international organisations, government and policy research.

Student experience

Cork is Ireland’s second city, with lower living costs than Dublin, a lively cultural scene and a large pharmaceutical, technology and food industry. UCC’s picturesque campus has a strong sustainability focus.

Research strengths

Research in international relations, European politics and security.

University College Cork (UCC)

Courses at University College Cork (UCC)

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