National University of Ireland

NUI Galway will be a leading global university, renowned for our distinctive areas of research, recognised as an institution of choice for our teaching and scholarship, celebrated for our outstanding engagement with wider society, and enriched by a dynamic network of partnerships.

To foster a vibrant community of students and staff, where distinguished learning, impactful research, and creative thinking are shared with the world. We will fulfil this mission over the coming years with renewed vision, and with our eyes firmly on the opportunities and challenges ahead.

The activities and work of NUI Galway are underpinned by five core values Ambition, we share a drive for excellence and leadership, working to a common purpose with confidence in our mission
Creativity inspired by our unique location, a distinctive spirit of creativity imbues everything, we do Impact our engagement and actions will make a meaningful difference in Galway, across the country, and around the world, Collaboration – strong, mutually-beneficial partnerships are at the heart of our approach, as we engage locally and internationally, Integrity – building on our rich heritage, we value openness, diversity and good citizenship.

Successful delivery requires the continuing active involvement and engagement of the entire University community. The Plan provides a direction for our Colleges, Schools, Research Institutes and major support units. Over the next five years, each unit in the University – both academic and support – will be required to produce annual operational plans with associated targets aligned to this Strategic Plan. The outputs of each of these operational plans will be reviewed on an annual basis by an Operational Planning Steering Group, which will report, in turn, to the University Management Team and Údarás na hOllscoile.

We will remain sensitive to changes in our operating environment throughout the period of the Plan, responding to new opportunities and adapting as required. There will be regular reporting on progress during the implementation phase to the Standing and Strategic Planning Committee of Údarás na hOllscoile, as well as systematic updates for the University community.

Galway really is ‘a University city’ – the campus is in the heart of the city centre, with all amenities on your doorstep and within walking distance. It is a vibrant place, with a year-long programme of cultural and sporting festivals. Did you know students make up 20% of the population in Galway? Our student community are an essential part of Galway life, and they add energy and colour to the city.

NUI Galway is committed to community and the development of lasting relationships for a positive impact on peoples’ lives within society. We believe that the best learning takes place when students have many opportunities to engage their learning in real world contexts. That's why we have created many pathways to apply knowledge in community through real learning in the curriculum, volunteering and researching real world problem projects.

NUI Galway provides a number of opportunities for students to engage in a study abroad experience outside of the Erasmus programme. Universities in North America, including Boston College, Villanova University, University of Maryland, Richmond University, University of Ottawa and Universidad de Veracruzana all acept NUI Galway students as part of exchange agreements.

Recently, NUI Galway has established links with universities in China, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong and a number of students have already participated in exchanges with these universities. Get more information about student exchanges here.