Independent College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Independent College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Founded
2007
Institution Type
Private College
Accreditation
QQI Validated
Specialisation
Business & Law
Discover Independent College Dublin
Discover Independent College Dublin
Independent College Dublin (ICD) is a private third-level institution established in 2007, specialising in Business and Law. Located in the heart of Dublin's business and tech district, the college offers QQI-validated undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with a strong focus on employability and career-oriented education.
The college was originally founded by the Independent News and Media plc group, with its initial facilities on Dawson Street in Dublin city centre. ICD has since grown into one of Ireland's recognised independent colleges, housing the School of Law — the largest provider in the state for preparation programmes for the Law Society of Ireland entrance examinations (FE1).
ICD balances quality academia with an entrepreneurial spirit, creating courses that anticipate trends and are linked to the economy. The college holds QQI accreditation for all its programmes, with additional validations from bodies such as ACCA, King's Inns, and the Institute of Commercial Management.
Key Milestones
- 2007: Independent College Dublin founded by Independent News and Media plc in Dublin city centre
- 2010: Achieved QQI (formerly HETAC) accreditation for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
- 2018: Relocated to The Steelworks, a modern five-storey campus on Foley Street in Dublin 1
- 2025: Joined with Dublin Academy of Education and International House Dublin to expand educational offerings
Academic Structure and Programmes
Academic Structure and Programmes
Independent College Dublin offers a focused range of QQI-validated programmes across business, law, and professional development. The college is structured around specialist schools that deliver undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate-level courses designed for career readiness and practical application.
School of Business
The School of Business delivers career-focused undergraduate programmes in business studies, accounting, finance, and marketing, with strong links to Dublin's commercial sector.
- BA (Hons) in Business Studies
- BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance
- BA (Hons) in Marketing
School of Law
The School of Law is the largest provider in Ireland for FE1 entrance examination preparation for the Law Society of Ireland, alongside offering professional legal studies programmes.
- FE1 Exams Preparatory Course
- King's Inns Entrance Examination Preparatory Course
- Certificate in Professional Legal Studies
Dispute Resolution
ICD offers a distinctive MA in Dispute Resolution covering mediation, arbitration, restorative practice, conflict management, and negotiation across commercial and workplace sectors.
- MA in Dispute Resolution (Full-Time)
- MA in Dispute Resolution (Part-Time)
- Understanding Conflict, Mediation Theory and Practice
Professional Development
Professional development programmes equip learners with practical skills in data analytics, project management, and other in-demand areas through short modular courses.
- Management Diploma in Data Analytics for Business
- Project Management Tools and Concepts
- Diploma in Professional Legal Studies (Legal Executives)
Media and Broadcasting
In partnership with Today FM, ICD offers specialist radio and podcast production courses delivered by experienced broadcasting professionals from Ireland's leading national commercial broadcaster.
- Diploma in Radio and Podcast Production
- Today FM School of Radio
- Media Production Workshops
Foundation Studies
In collaboration with International House Dublin, ICD offers a foundation programme preparing international students for entry to undergraduate programmes at universities across Ireland and the UK.
- International Foundation Year
- English Language Preparation
- Certificate in Business
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
- Secondary EducationCompletion of secondary education equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate with minimum 55%
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0 overall (or equivalent TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo score)
- Personal StatementEssay outlining motivations, goals, and reasons for choosing the programme
- ReferencesTwo letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors
- ApplicationDirect application through the Independent College Dublin website
Postgraduate Admissions
- Bachelor's DegreeRecognised undergraduate degree, minimum second-class honours (2:2) or equivalent
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 (or TOEFL 90+)
- Personal StatementDetailed essay on motivations, career goals, and programme choice
- ReferencesTwo letters from teachers, mentors, or employers
- Work ExperienceRequired for some programmes such as the MBA (typically 2-3 years)
Main intake for most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Apply as early as possible for visa processing.
Some programmes, especially the MBA and select postgraduate courses, offer a January or February start date.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until places are filled. Early application is recommended for international students.
The Law Society FE1 Preparatory Course typically commences in June each year with a separate enrolment timeline.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Independent College Dublin offers competitive tuition fees compared to many Irish universities. Fees vary by programme level and are subject to annual review. A registration fee of EUR 250 per academic year applies to students on payment plans.
| Fee Component | EU Students | Non-EU Students |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Undergraduate Tuition | Contact college for current fees | Approx. EUR 6,800 per year |
| MA in Dispute Resolution Tuition | Contact college for current fees | Approx. EUR 8,800 per year |
| Registration Fee (Payment Plan) | EUR 250 per year | EUR 250 per year |
| Repeat Module Fee | EUR 100 per module (capped at EUR 350) | EUR 100 per module (capped at EUR 350) |
| Total | Contact the college directly for current total fees | Approx. EUR 7,050 - EUR 9,050 per year (programme dependent) |
ICD Academic Scholarship
Independent College Dublin offers scholarships to deserving and outstanding students that can cover partial or full course fees for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
- Value: EUR 490 to EUR 760 for BA (Hons) programmes
- Eligibility: Based on academic merit and programme of study
- Application: Contact the scholarship office at ICD directly
MA Dispute Resolution Scholarship
Dedicated scholarship support for students enrolled in the MA in Dispute Resolution programme, aimed at reducing the financial burden of postgraduate education.
- Value: EUR 680 to EUR 880
- Eligibility: Postgraduate students with strong academic records
- Application: Contact the admissions team for details and deadlines
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
Independent College Dublin is housed in The Steelworks, an impressive five-storey building on Foley Street in Dublin 1. The modern campus features 40 classrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a rooftop restaurant with outdoor terrace, library, and computer facilities, all overlooking private landscaped grounds with stunning city views.
A modern five-storey building in Dublin's city centre featuring 40 classrooms, natural light throughout, and panoramic city views.
Technology-equipped classrooms with the latest teaching tools, Wi-Fi access, and charging points throughout the building.
The campus rooftop restaurant opens to a viewing terrace where students and staff enjoy spectacular Dublin city landscapes.
Housing and Student Support
Accommodation
On-campus accommodation is not available, but the college assists international students in finding suitable off-campus housing in Dublin.
- Student apartments and shared housing
- Homestay options with local families
- Assistance from student services with housing search
Campus Facilities
The Steelworks campus provides a modern learning environment with all essential amenities for academic success.
- On-site library and computer laboratories
- Moodle e-learning platform for all students
- Group breakout areas and student common room
Student Life at ICD
Student Life at ICD
Independent College Dublin offers a vibrant student experience in the heart of Dublin city centre. With a diverse international student body and a location surrounded by cultural, academic, and leisure attractions, students enjoy a rich social and academic environment alongside their studies.
Dublin: A Vibrant Capital City
Dublin: A Vibrant Capital City
Life in Dublin
Dublin is Ireland's capital and largest city, situated at the mouth of the River Liffey on the Irish Sea coast. It is both the seat of the Irish government and the country's economic capital, with the Greater Dublin Area being one of the wealthiest metropolitan regions in the EU. The city is home to major global tech companies in the Silicon Docks area, just a five-minute walk from the ICD campus.
Silicon Docks Tech Hub
The college sits adjacent to Dublin's Silicon Docks, home to the European headquarters of major technology companies including Google, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Rich Cultural Heritage
Dublin boasts centuries of history, from Trinity College's Book of Kells to the vibrant Temple Bar cultural quarter, world-class museums, and a thriving literary tradition.
Excellent Transport Links
The campus is superbly served by public transport with easy access to trains, the Luas tramline, and city and regional bus terminals, all within walking distance.
Safe and Welcoming City
Dublin is considered one of the safest capital cities in Europe and hosts over six million tourists annually, offering a welcoming and multicultural environment for international students.
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Career Outcomes and Alumni
Industry Connections and Employers
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
ICD assists international students with the student visa application process through the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service (INIS), including required documentation and fee payments to a regulated client visa account.
While on-campus housing is not available, the college provides guidance on finding student apartments, shared housing, and homestay options in Dublin. Students are advised to secure accommodation before arrival.
The Student Services Officer is available to help with concerns about examinations, assignments, accommodation, and finances. Free and confidential counselling referrals are also available.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation and Recognition
As a private independent college, Independent College Dublin is not typically included in major global university rankings such as QS or Times Higher Education. However, the college holds full QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) accreditation, ensuring its programmes meet national and international quality standards. Additional programme validations come from bodies including ACCA, King's Inns, and the Institute of Commercial Management.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Law (FE1 Preparation) | Law Society of Ireland | Largest FE1 prep provider in Ireland |
| Business Studies | QQI | QQI Level 8 Validated |
| Dispute Resolution | QQI | QQI Level 9 Validated |
| Accounting and Finance | QQI / ACCA | QQI Level 8 Validated with ACCA recognition |
Features
Specialist independent third‑level college in Business and Law, with programmes accredited at QQI NFQ Level 8 (BA Hons) and Level 9 (MA Dispute Resolution). Located in central Dublin, it emphasizes career‑focused, industry‑relevant education with strong support services for business, law, accounting and professional legal qualifications. It fosters a student‑centered learning environment with entrepreneurial spirit and ties to the Silicon Docks financial and tech district
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Block B, The Steelworks, Foley St, Dublin 1, D01 X997, Ireland
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