University College Cork (UCC) has become the first University to be named The Sunday Times University of the Year for two consecutive years in the 15-year history of the award.
According to the Sunday Times, UCC’s success is underpinned by making teaching as much of a priority as research. The University has seen a 15% growth in research funding over the past five years, generating the second highest amount of research income in Ireland per head of academic staff (around €128,000). Moreover, the University has the highest number of academic staff (70%) with a qualification in teaching and learning.
The University is the first in Ireland to develop an online programme in teaching and learning for staff in higher education.
The University has the third best progression rate from first to second year of all higher education institutions nationally — just 10% drop out. It also has a high proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds — 22%.
Trinity College Dublin is the runner-up for the University of the Year award while Dublin Institute of Technology is named The Sunday Times Institute of Technology of the Year.
 has become the first University to be named The Sunday Times University of the Year for two consecutive years in the 15-){kind=link}