If English is not your first language, unless you have done your primary degree through English in an English speaking country, an English language qualification is required for all programmes.
To apply for this programme you will need:
- A minimum of a 2.2 Honours in primary degree in an appropriate field. These include Humanities, Social Sciences or Social Policy or Social Work.
- Transcripts from your primary degree.
- A personal statement of around 4-500 words explaining why you would like to receive an offer of a place on this programme. This should include a brief account of any relevant professional experience.
- Names and contact details for two referees.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the
UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.
Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.
IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.
Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.
TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.
Duolingo Test of English (DET)
UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.
Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.