Wednesday, 26 August 2026

Round 1 CAO offers show strong demand for University of Galway undergraduate courses

University of Galway has made more than 4,000 offers to new undergraduate students for the 2026/27 academic year. With Round 1 CAO offers issued today, University of Galway shared a message of congratulations to the Leaving Certificate class of 2026 for their efforts and achievements. Professor David Burn, President of University of Galway, said: “Today is a milestone for all students taking the next step in their education. On behalf of University of Galway, I wish them all well and for those who are lucky enough to come to our university, we are delighted to welcome them. You deserve huge congratulations on your achievements at school and in the Leaving Certificate and I wish you every success as you begin this exciting new chapter. “University is a time to learn, to challenge yourself, to make new friends and to discover new opportunities. We look forward to supporting our new students throughout their time with us and providing them with an excellent education and opportunities and the very best student experience and campus in the country. “I would also like to acknowledge colleagues across the University who do so much work behind the scenes to support students and their families, from preparing offers and orientation and the warm welcome that all our new students get at University of Galway.” With another year of record levels of applications to the CAO, University of Galway expects more than 3,800 students to register to begin their undergraduate studies in September. Round 1 offers show some trends across University of Galway’s programmes, including: Pharmacy (MPharm) - the 5-year undergrad course at University of Galway is due to have its second intake of students in September and has expanded to 75 places, up from 40 in 2025, responding to the need for qualified pharmacists and the demand for the career. BSc (Zoology) is a new programme for 2026, with points at 473 and about 40 students expected to enrol in the first intake. Courses offering Gaeilge experienced an increase in points, such as BComm (Gaeilge) and BA (Gaeilge agus Leann Aistriúcháin), cutting off at 488 and 405 respectively 25 courses at University of Galway saw points increases this year, bringing the number of courses cutting off over 500 points to 28, which is half of all courses offered by University of Galway. All Engineering programmes remain above 500 points, emphasising the significance of sectors such as medtech in the region and strong career opportunities for graduates. Programmes in the creative arts saw increased demand with the BA (Drama, Theatre and Performance) increasing by 44 points to 404 and the BA (Music) up by 12 points to 413. The flagship science degree, BSc (GY301) cut off at 455, up 15 on last year and increases were also seen in Earth and Ocean Sciences, Biotechnology, Marine Science and Financial Mathematics & Economics.    Nursing and Midwifery saw continued growth, in particular the Bachelor of Midwifery Science increasing from 429 to 498 points. Ends

Friday, 16 December 2022

All eligible University of Galway full time and part time hourly payscales have been updated in line with the provisions of Building Momentum - A New Public Service Agreement 2021-22. Specifically the following increases have been implemented: - With effect from  02nd February 2022, payscales received a 3% increase - With effect from 01st October 2022- payscales received a further 1% increase or €500, whichever is greater  We are still awaiting sanction for the implementation of FEMPI restoration wef 1st July 2022 (save for a limited number of pay scales). Therefore there are no changes to those grades\pensions for now. See paragraph 1.3 in the above link for more details. Further advice will be issued for these grades in due course.

Monday, 24 April 2023

We have been asked to bring to your attention the fact that Secondment Expression of Interest Notices has been issued for the Public Service Transformation Division of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.  Expressions of interest are invited from across all sectors of the Public Service, including higher education, and across a number of grades.  Notices are available directly at the following link, and DPENDR and DFHERIS would very much appreciate your support in circulating to your staff.   The closing date for applications is 2nd May, and we understand the notices issued on Friday 14th April.