UCC Contributes to Oireachtas Discussion on Future-Focused University Education

26 Mar 2026

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. 

At the hearing, the Irish Universities Association (IUA) and its' member universities discussed how programmes are evolving to meet the needs of students, employers and society.

During the discussion, Professor Byrne highlighted UCC’s focus on embedding transferable skills and critical thinking throughout degree programmes explaining that “students will be exposed to presentations, critiquing debate across their programmes at multiple stages throughout their degrees.”

Professor Byrne also emphasised the value of interdisciplinary learning in tackling real-world challenges, as well as highlighting the growing role of lifelong learning and professional upskilling through micro-credentials.

The wide-ranging discussion highlighted universities’ vital role in preparing graduates with the critical thinking, communication and professional skills needed for a rapidly changing world.

The full committee hearing can be viewed here.