Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences
- Met: Diploma
- Not yet clear: Subjects
- Not yet clear: Grades
- Not yet clear: Language
- Not yet clear: Age
- Not yet clear: Other
- Not yet clear: Score
The programme
This four-year BSc focuses on biomedical science and how research can improve understanding, diagnosis and treatment of disease. It includes research rotations with investigators in UCD and affiliated teaching hospitals, a final-year project and an optional Erasmus research project in Lund.
Bachelor of Science
Fairly sure — Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
Award: Bachelor of Science
- €330 once Healthcare screening charge on registration for all students entering DN440, regardless of fee route.
Other prices, for students in another situation (your profile decides which one you see):
- €2,759 a year Free Fees: EU citizen (including Dutch), resident in the EU/EEA/Switzerland/UK for at least 3 of the previous 5 years, starting their first full-time third-level course. Includes €2,500 contribution and €259 mandatory levies; no grant needed.
- €7,579 a year EU rate without Free Fees: prior third-level study. Prior-study exceptions or partial tuition cover may apply; the university confirms the fee assessment.
- €7,579 a year EU fee rate only if the university’s schooling or other fee-status exception applies; Free Fees requires 3-of-5-years residence. Separate fee assessment is required.
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
DN440 Undergraduate Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences … Full Time … Per Year … 7,574.00
Fees include the Student Centre Levy of €254. The AMLÉ Levy of €5 is not included.
This €5 fee is not included in the published fees below.
Tuition fees may be paid in respect of the full-time students who have been ordinarily resident in an EU/EEA/Swiss State/United Kingdom for at least three of the five years preceding their entry to their third-level course and who meet the criteria of the scheme.
Students must be a national of an EU Member State
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students pursuing a second undergraduate course.
are not eligible for free fees for the equivalent period of time spent on the first course of study where the third level course concerned did attract exchequer funding
The combined payment of Student Contribution Charge and Student Centre Levy for 2026/27 is €2,754.
has applied a levy of €5 to students registered for the 2025-2026 academic year, and will do the same for students registered for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Have you lived/ been resident as tax-payer in the EU/EEA/Swiss Confederation/UK for at least 3 of the 5 years prior to starting a programme?
If you have previously attended, or were accepted to but did not attend, a 3rd level institution, please complete the HEA Free Fees Initiative – Fee Declaration form for each third level institution in question.
All students entering DN440, Bio Medical Health are required to pay an additional charge for Healthcare Screening on registration. €330
- €35 once Discounted CAO application received by 20 January 2027.
- €50 once Normal online application by 1 February 2027.
- €65 once Late CAO application by 1 May 2027, only where this course and applicant route permit late application.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
Early online application (discounted) €35 fee available up to 20 January at 5pm
Normal closing date for applications (€50 fee) is 1 February at 5pm
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Closing date for late applications is 1 May at 5pm
Rank in biology Where University College Dublin ranks in world subject rankings. Lower is better. A subject ranking rates the university’s work in a subject across all its faculties, not one department or this programme, so every programme there in the subject shares it. Under each list, what it mostly rests on. The colour shows where the university stands among the other universities on this site, not among all universities in the world: green ahead of most, red behind most. The combined score averages those standings over the lists: 10 is ahead of all of them in every list, 1 behind all. So it compares only the universities on this site, and can change as more are added. Rankings mostly measure research, not teaching.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
topuniversities.com · biological sciences201-250 … University College Dublin
timeshighereducation.com · life sciences201–250 … University College Dublin
shanghairanking.com401-500 … University College Dublin
Where University College Dublin ranks in world subject rankings. Lower is better. A subject ranking rates the university’s work in a subject across all its faculties, not one department or this programme, so every programme there in the subject shares it. Under each list, what it mostly rests on. The colour shows where the university stands among the other universities on this site, not among all universities in the world: green ahead of most, red behind most. The combined score averages those standings over the lists: 10 is ahead of all of them in every list, 1 behind all. So it compares only the universities on this site, and can change as more are added. Rankings mostly measure research, not teaching.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
201-250 … University College Dublin
201–250 … University College Dublin
401-500 … University College Dublin
Can you get in?
- School diploma requiredVWO (Dutch pre-university diploma)
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
www2.cao.ieVoorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) diploma)
For you, Met: Your VWO diploma counts. - Required school subjectsEngels and wiskunde A or wiskunde B or wiskunde C or wiskunde D and nederlands or frans or duits or spaans or latijn or grieks and natuurkunde or scheikunde or biologie as a VWO exam subject
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucd.ieO6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a third language, a laboratory science subject and one other recognised subject
www2.cao.ieVWO … H6 8 … O6 6 … For a higher maths requirement these scores must be in Maths B or D
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects to check. - Minimum subject grades6 different subjects at 6 or higher, at least 2 of them at 8 or higher, including English, Mathematics, third language, laboratory science and one other recognised subject
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
www2.cao.ie2 H5 required … 6 distinct recognised subjects which must include 2 subjects grade 8 and 4 subjects grade 6 in the VWO
H7 7 … H6 8 O6 6
ucd.ieO6/H7 in English, Irish, Mathematics, a third language, a laboratory science subject and one other recognised subject
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your subjects and grades to check. - Minimum overall gradeNone
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
www2.cao.ie6 distinct recognised subjects which must include 2 subjects grade 8 and 4 subjects grade 6 in the VWO
- Language level requiredEnglish: VWO engels 8 or higher or an accepted language test
English: at least 8 for engels on your VWO list or IELTS Academic 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90 or TOEFL iBT (1–6 scale) 4.5 or Cambridge C2 Proficiency 176 or Cambridge C1 Advanced 176 or Cambridge B2 First 176 or Cambridge Linguaskill 176 or PTE Academic 63 or Trinity ISE III or Duolingo English Test 120 or Oxford Test of English 140 or ETAPP
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
www2.cao.ieThe minimum acceptable level of English is 8 in the VWO or equivalent English Language competence.
ucd.ie · minimumenglishlanguagerequirementsAn average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
iBT: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
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Minimum overall score of 4.5, with no less than 4.5 in each section.
English language examinations administered by the University of Cambridge: 176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each paper).
Proficiency Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2). Advanced Certificate, Grade C (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2). First Certificate, Grade A (i.e. CEFR Level C1). Linguaskill (CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
Trinity ISE 3 with at least merit in each skill category.
DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each individual subscore.
Minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.
Grade C1 or better (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
For you, Not yet clear: English: enter your grade for engels. - Minimum ageBorn before 16 January 2011 for 2027, going by the 2026 rule (born before 16 January 2010)
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
ucd.ie · minimumentryrequirementsmatriculationStudents must normally be seventeen years of age by 15 January following entry: i.e. for entry in 2026, date of birth must be on or before 15 January 2010.
For you, Not yet clear: Enter your birth year to check. - Extra stepsNone
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
www2.cao.ieRestricted courses are indicated in the course listing; DN200 is not indicated as restricted.
- Other requirementsEnglish tests must meet all score, section and validity rules. Not required with VWO English 8 or higher.
For IELTS, overall 6.5 with at least 6.0 in every band; TOEFL iBT 90 with 21 writing and at least 19 in other sections (legacy scale), or 4.5 overall and in each section on the 1–6 scale; Cambridge 176 with 169 in each paper; Pearson 63 with 59 in each communicative skill; Trinity ISE III merit in each skill; Duolingo 120 with 110 in each subscore; Oxford 140 with 125 in each skill; ETAPP C1 or better. All components must be met in one sitting and tests normally must be no more than two years old.
How it works: If your final VWO English grade is below 8, submit one accepted English test. Meet the total score and every component minimum in a single sitting, and normally use a test taken within the previous two years.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucd.ie · minimumenglishlanguagerequirementsAn average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
iBT: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
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Minimum overall score of 4.5, with no less than 4.5 in each section.
176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each paper).
Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
Trinity ISE 3 with at least merit in each skill category.
DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each individual subscore.
Minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.
Grade C1 or better (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only - this means that the minimum requirements for all components must be met at the same time as the required overall score is attained.
For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within the last two years.
www2.cao.ieNote applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
ucd.ie · minimumentryrequirementsmatriculationwere born outside Ireland (32 Counties) and are permanently resident outside Ireland and are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation
hub.ucd.ieAll students entering DN440, Bio Medical Health are required to pay an additional charge for Healthcare Screening on registration. €330
For you, Not yet clear: Check this yourself. - Applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucd.ie · minimumenglishlanguagerequirementsAn average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
iBT: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
9 more from this page
Minimum overall score of 4.5, with no less than 4.5 in each section.
176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each paper).
Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
Trinity ISE 3 with at least merit in each skill category.
DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each individual subscore.
Minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.
Grade C1 or better (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only - this means that the minimum requirements for all components must be met at the same time as the required overall score is attained.
For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within the last two years.
www2.cao.ieNote applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
ucd.ie · minimumentryrequirementsmatriculationwere born outside Ireland (32 Counties) and are permanently resident outside Ireland and are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation
hub.ucd.ieAll students entering DN440, Bio Medical Health are required to pay an additional charge for Healthcare Screening on registration. €330
For you, Good to know: Good to know: for information; it does not change whether you qualify. - Irish is required for applicants with qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate unless they were born outside Ireland (32 counties) and are permanently resident outside Ireland.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucd.ie · minimumenglishlanguagerequirementsAn average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
iBT: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
9 more from this page
Minimum overall score of 4.5, with no less than 4.5 in each section.
176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each paper).
Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
Trinity ISE 3 with at least merit in each skill category.
DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each individual subscore.
Minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.
Grade C1 or better (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only - this means that the minimum requirements for all components must be met at the same time as the required overall score is attained.
For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within the last two years.
www2.cao.ieNote applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
ucd.ie · minimumentryrequirementsmatriculationwere born outside Ireland (32 Counties) and are permanently resident outside Ireland and are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation
hub.ucd.ieAll students entering DN440, Bio Medical Health are required to pay an additional charge for Healthcare Screening on registration. €330
For you, Met: Not required for you: you were born and permanently live outside Ireland. - All students entering DN440 must complete healthcare screening on registration.
How it works: Complete the healthcare screening on registration. UCD says the charge is €330; the details are provided by UCD Student Health Service.
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Sources
ucd.ie · minimumenglishlanguagerequirementsAn average score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band.
iBT: 90 (no less than 21 in writing and at least 19 in every other section) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
9 more from this page
Minimum overall score of 4.5, with no less than 4.5 in each section.
176+ on Cambridge English scale (with no less than 169 in each paper).
Minimum of 63 and at least 59 for each item in the Communicative Skills section.
Trinity ISE 3 with at least merit in each skill category.
DET score of 120 is required with at least 110 in each individual subscore.
Minimum score of 140 overall with a minimum score of 125 in each skill.
Grade C1 or better (i.e. CEFR Level C1 or C2).
Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only - this means that the minimum requirements for all components must be met at the same time as the required overall score is attained.
For all proficiency tests the results must normally have been issued within the last two years.
www2.cao.ieNote applicants whose school-leaving examinations are more than two years old must present additional proof of English.
ucd.ie · minimumentryrequirementsmatriculationwere born outside Ireland (32 Counties) and are permanently resident outside Ireland and are presenting qualifications other than the Leaving Certificate for matriculation
hub.ucd.ieAll students entering DN440, Bio Medical Health are required to pay an additional charge for Healthcare Screening on registration. €330
For you, To do: Do this after you accept a place; it is not part of selection. - Score needed to get in2026 cut-offs: 578–579 CAO points, depending on the study option or admission route; they change every year.
2026 published cut-offs: 579 CAO points (DN440 direct entry, Round 1); 578 CAO points (DN440 direct entry, Round 2 (asterisk: not all applicants at that score were offered places)). Cut-offs differ by admission route or study option; check the relevant published cut-off yourself. They change every year.
Applicants are ranked by CAO points; the highest get the places. The cut-off is the lowest score that got a place, so it moves with each year's applicants.
Earlier cut-offs: 593 in 2025 (DN440 final cutoff).
How the score is worked out: Average of the best 6 distinct recognised subjects taken in a single sitting: 10 → 600, 9 → 595, 8 → 541, 7 → 374, 6 → 250, 5 → 200.
+25 for wiskunde B or wiskunde D at 6 or higher, if it is one of the subjects counted.
Two versions of one subject, such as wiskunde B and D, count once, at their average.
Grades are rounded to whole numbers first, as on the diploma.
The university gives only these rows and does not say how averages between them convert, so a score between two rows is a range.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information.
Sources
www2.cao.ieDN440 Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences 579 578*
www2.cao.ieThe indicative equivalence will be calculated, based on the average of the best 6 distinct recognised subjects taken in a single sitting … 10 600 … 9 595 … 8 541 … 7 374 … 6 250 … 5 200. If two versions of the same subject are presented, the average score will be included in the calculation. Bonus points of 25 will be awarded for grade 6 or better in Advanced level Mathematics (i.e., B or D) where mathematics is one of the subjects counted for points.
For you, Not yet clear: Cut-offs differ by admission route or study option; check the relevant published cut-off yourself.
Applying
Where you apply
Through CAO, with course code DN440.
- Official examination results
- English translation if the results are not in English
Dates
- 20 Jan 2027Discounted CAO application deadline in 3 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ieDiscounted application fee (€35 fee) available up to 20 January at 5pm
- 1 Feb 2027Normal CAO application deadline in 4 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ieNormal closing date for applications (€50 fee) is 1 February at 5pm
- 1 May 2027Late CAO application deadline where permitted in 7 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ieClosing date for late applications is 1 May at 5pm
- 1 Jul 2027CAO Change of Mind deadline in 9 months
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Source
www2.cao.ieChange of Mind Closes on 1 July at 5pm
More about the programme
How places are given
- Cap on places (numerus fixus)40 a yearThe 2026 figure; the 2027 one is not out yet.
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
ucd.ieDN440 Biomedical, Health & Life Sciences … Approx Places … 40
- How applicants are pickedRanked by school grades; the highest get the places
Qualified applicants are ranked by CAO points.
Sure — Stated in the university’s official information for 2027.
Sources
ucd.ie · euapplicantsApplicants are ranked on the basis of the points score
hub.ucd.ieApplication through CAO
- Past admission numbersIn 2026 the lowest score that got in was 579 (DN440 direct entry, Round 1).In 2026 the lowest score that got in was 578 (DN440 direct entry, Round 2 (asterisk: not all applicants at that score were offered places)).In 2025 the lowest score that got in was 593 (DN440 final cutoff).
Fairly sure — This is the 2026 information. The 2027 details are not out yet and may change. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
www2.cao.ieDN440 Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences 579 578*
Once you have started
- First-year minimum to continue
Unsure — We could not find this on the university’s pages. Ask the university.
Pages checked
After you graduate
- Where graduates goGraduates often pursue biomedical research and MSc or PhD study, graduate-entry medicine, and work in pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other health-related industries.What University College Dublin says its graduates go on to do; not measured.
Fairly sure — The university does not say this in so many words, but it follows from its pages. Worth a look at the source before you rely on it.
Source
hub.ucd.ieThe majority of graduates follow careers in biomedical research, undertaking MSc and PhD higher degrees. They also have a high success rate for entry to Graduate Entry Medicine and pursue opportunities in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, as well as other areas allied to health.
- Where graduates went (measured)
Sure — Not in these rankings.
Pages checked