The Access UCC Plus Programme is a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to widening participation and ensuring that students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds can enter, thrive in, and complete higher education. Through targeted outreach, holistic supports, and donor-funded bursaries, the programme enables students to progress through university with confidence, belonging, and stability.
Read moreIntroducing, Your Impact
Welcome to Your Impact, our new newsletter for donors, volunteers, and supporters across the UCC community whose generosity advances every area of the university, from the student experience and Access, to research, culture and heritage and so much more.
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Cycle of Support: Access UCC Student Ambassadors Pay It Forward
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Just Ask! Helping new students navigate their earliest days at UCC
Starting university at UCC can be an exciting adventure, but for new students, navigating an unfamiliar campus, finding lecture rooms, and knowing where to turn for support can feel overwhelming. Starting this year, a new programme is helping to make those first steps a little easier: a badge that simply says “Ask Me.”
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Questioning the Future
The MA in Philosophy Studentship Award is a new award put in place by a generous alumni donor to support the next generation of UCC students questioning the fundamental topics of our time.
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Making Everyday Moments Matter
For Saoirse Coffey BSc 2026, graduating from UCC was a milestone in itself. Being recognised with not one, but two donor-supported awards made the occasion even more meaningful, celebrating her academic achievements and her commitment to clinical practice, innovation, and supporting others.
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Opening doors for women in STEM
For Myra O’Donoghue, supporting women in STEM at UCC is about helping students overcome financial barriers and giving them the opportunity to fulfil their potential.
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Building Bridges Wherever Life Takes You
Noelle O Connell BA 2013 is no stranger to international engagement. A native of Cork, Noelle parlayed her honours course in European Studies, French, and Spanish into becoming Vice President of European Movement International. She left that position earlier this year to open her own practice, Merrion Advisory, helping organisations navigate the intersection of geopolitics, regulation, and strategic communications.
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UCC’s First 1845 Medalist is Supporting Hurling’s Next Generation
The journey of Michael J Dowling BA 1970, HDE 1971, from rural County Limerick to the leadership of one of America’s largest healthcare organisations to supporting UCC students through his MJ Dowling Hurling Scholarship, is a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and service. This month, that journey came full circle when he became the first recipient of UCC’s 1845 Medal.
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New Partnership with Free Will Ireland
Creating or updating your will is a simple and powerful way think about the people, places, and causes that matter most to you. As a valued supporter of UCC, you may also wish to consider how your connection with—and support for—the university could continue for generations to come. Discover how a gift in your will can create a lasting impact and access a free online will-writing service through Free Will Ireland.
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Máire Murphy on Reunions, Giving Back, and the UCC Connection
For Máire Murphy, some of the most memorable moments in her work happen when classmates walk back onto campus and, for a moment, the years seem to disappear.
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Cork University Foundation is incorporated in Ireland as a limited liability company and a registered charity (CRN: 243605, RCN: 20033385, CHY11831). Room 2.12, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, T12 XF62