February University stories feature in new RTÉ docuseries, My Uni Life

Three stories of people and projects at University of Galway are to take centre stage in a new docuseries on RTÉ1, My Uni Life.  

The nine-part series was filmed over the course of academic year 2022/23, going behind the scenes in eight universities, as students and staff navigate the opportunities and challenges of life in higher education.  

My Uni Life, produced by New Decade in partnership with the Irish Universities Association, airs on Friday, February 16th at 8pm on RTÉ One. 

The series is set to highlight these stories from University of Galway:  

• Medicine students and staff were recorded as they were put through their paces in state-of-the-art clinical simulation, mimicking the real-life challenges of frontline healthcare. The Universities Healthcare Simulation and Interprofessional Education Facility spans more than 1000m2 and gives students access to more than 20 immersive learning rooms fitted out to hospital standard. The challenge of teaching and learning in such lifelike environment is on air in Episode 2, on Friday February 23rd  
• University Archivist Niamh Ní Charra has taken on the responsibility of the archive of former President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson. The complexity of such work is enormous, with the materials running to 660 boxes and the work having been interrupted by Covid health restrictions. The archive, and the archival work, offers us a unique look into the enduring themes that have characterised Mary Robinson's extensive career, encompassing human rights, equal rights, and women's rights. The docuseries followed Niamh Ní Charra as she catalogues and evaluates the vast archive, as well as taking the opportunity to introduce Mary Robinson to some materials from key moments in her life on a special visit to the Mary Robinson Centre in Ballina. The story features in episodes 3 & 5 on Friday March 1st and 8th 
• The University has a longstanding partnership with the Galway International Arts Festival, and as the ink was drying on a new five-year strategic partnership, the docuseries shows students, festival ambassadors and lecturers who work hard to make it a success. As well as going behind the scenes to capture the drama and demands of hosting the GIAF on campus, the series reveals how master’s students on the SELECTED programme and volunteers get to be part of a globally renowned festival. The story features on episode 8 on Friday April 8th. 

Deputy President and Registrar, Professor Pól Ó Dochartaigh, welcomed news of the broadcast schedule: “I am delighted to see confirmation of My Uni Life on our TV screens and its unique and authentic insight into campus life and the experiences of students and staff. 

“The series is only possible thanks to the Irish Universities Association, which partners with RTÉ and Dublin-based production house New Decade. A sincere thanks to everyone who helped us to share and feature such interesting stories, activities, and life here at University of Galway.” 

Jim Miley, Director General of the Irish Universities Association, said: “It is great to be back on campus for the second series of My Uni Life to show first-hand how our universities are providing exciting opportunities and a life-shaping experience for Students. We also get a ‘birds' eye’ view of the working day of some of the 20,000 staff in our universities and the impact of our colleges on their local communities and regions.”

More information on the series can be found on https://www.iua.ie/myunilife2/ 

Ends