The International Office brought a touch of Halloween spirit to campus on Wednesday 20 October, when staff and colleagues gathered for a festive coffee morning. With spooky decorations, sweet treats and plenty of good conversation, the event provided a welcome opportunity for colleagues to connect and celebrate the season together.

Loretta Goff (Academic Integrity Education Officer in CIRTL) and Rebecca Leigh (Academic Assessment Integrity Officer in SREO) opened Academic Integrity Week 2026 with a session entitled: 'What’s Next? Exploring Emerging AI Challenges for Academic Integrity'.

UCC’s Dean of Doctoral Studies hosted the final of the University’s 2026 Three-Minute Thesis competition, an event highlighting excellence in postgraduate research across the university.

UCC (University College Cork) officially reopened the Athletics Track at the Mardyke Sports Grounds last week, marking a new chapter for student sport, athletics and community participation at the University.

UCC Advancement and Cork University Foundation have announced 12 projects that will receive support from the UCC Alumni Fund this academic year.

UCC appeared at the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on 23 September 2026 to discuss Sexual Violence and Harassment Policies and Procedures in Higher Education Institutions.

Now in its second year, this micro-credential offers participants fan opportunity to engage with contemporary issues relating to equality, diversity and inclusion in higher education and to consider how these issues intersect with their own professional roles and responsibilities.

The British Irish Chamber of Commerce Cork Summer Dinner took place in the Aula Maxima, University College Cork

A collaboration between the EDI office and areas across University College Cork. (UCC) for a new initiative to expand access to reusable period products at University College Cork has received a €10,000 grant from the UCC Alumni Fund.

This week, over 40 apprentices from the inaugural cohort of the  Social Work Apprenticeship will graduate from their two-year programme with a Master of Social Work. This apprenticeship offers multiple entry routes, including opportunities for people without a previous university qualification, but who have sufficient relevant experience, either paid, voluntary or lived.

Uachtarán na hÉireann Catherine Connolly visited Gaelcholáiste Mhic Shuibhne (Terence MacSwiney Community College) in Knocknaheeny, Cork, while later attending a series of engagements at University College Cork (UCC).

University College Cork marked Traveller Pride Week 2026 with a flag-raising ceremony on the Quad on 18 May 2026, celebrating the identity, culture, history and contributions of the Irish Traveller community.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Further Education, Apprenticeship, Construction and Climate Skills, Marian Harkin TD, today announced a new and exciting Social Care apprenticeship, which will provide 55 additional training places for social care workers from September 2026.

As University College Cork (UCC) marks ten years on its Athena Swan journey, we are proud to announce the success of three more School applications in the November 2025 Athena Swan submission round, a significant milestone in the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing equality, diversity and inclusion across the entire UCC community.

On Thursday, 23rd April 2026, University College Cork Access UCC hosted a Traveller Living History Exhibition as part of the Lifelong Learning Festival, celebrating 21 years of learning, connection, and community engagement. As a proud festival partner, UCC continued to champion widening participation and the creation of inclusive, welcoming spaces for all learners.

Healthy UCC has launched the pilot Sun Smart Initiative, with suncream dispenser boards installed in five locations across campus: The Hub, the Mardyke Pavillion, Western Gateway Building, North Mall Enterprise Centre and the Student Centre. With skin cancer the most common type of cancer in Ireland today, the initiative ensures that suncream is available on campus for students, staff and the wider community to use when needed. The Initiative is a collaboration between the HSE and UCC.  

The 2026 Education Awards, which recognise and celebrate excellence in the third-level education sector, took place recently. Of the over 60 finalists in 27 categories, University College Cork (UCC) was represented by six and was delighted to win three awards in the Apprenticeships, Innovative Access to Higher Education, and Master's Programme categories.

University College Cork has introduced a comprehensive suite of enhanced supports for PhD researchers, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in doctoral education and researcher development.

On 26 March 2026, UCC was represented by Professor Stephen Byrne, Deputy President and Registrar, at the Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for a discussion on the content of University courses in Ireland. 

What a glorious sunny day we had to rock our funky socks and mark World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) 2026 in University College Cork! 

On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, University College Cork (UCC) launched its first Race Equality Action Plan (2026-2028). This Action Plan is a landmark step in our ongoing commitment to ensuring that UCC is a university where everyone is valued, respected and empowered to thrive. 

University College Cork (UCC) has been named a European Union (EU) Gender Equality Champion in Research & Innovation, recognising the University’s outstanding efforts to advance gender equality, diversity, and inclusion across all levels of research and academia.