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Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
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University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
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Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
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Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Accessibility & LanguageSDG Week 2026
SDG Week 2026
University of Galway’s fourth SDG Week (19–25 September 2026)
SDG Week 2026
SDG week belongs to everyone and is open to all, including students, staff and community partners. As a national SDG Ambassador, we see this as an opportunity to act as an advocate and promoter of the SDGs, to raise awareness internally among our community of over 20,000 students and staff and to demonstrate by example that everyone can make a contribution to the UN SDGs.
We’re all set for SDG Week 2026, taking place from 19–25 September, with a packed programme of events and activities across the University.
And why not start the celebrations a little early with Culture Night?
Taking place on Friday, 18 September, Culture Night offers a fantastic programme of free events across Galway. Culture and creativity have an important role to play in sustainable development, helping to build inclusive, connected and vibrant communities, encourage participation and strengthen our shared sense of place.
Explore the full programme of Culture Night events taking place across Galway City.
Saturday 19 September
Run into SDG Week in conjunction with Park Run and Sanctuary Runners
Join us for a special Sustainability-themed Parkrun during SDG Week 2026, as University of Galway teams up with Sanctuary Runners and University of Galway Parkrun. A community-spirited event combining fitness, fun and sustainability with light refreshments afterwards. All are welcome. Come run, walk or jog with us along our beautiful biodiversity trail and celebrate local action for global change. Sign up here.
Time: 9.30am
Venue: Meeting at University of Galway Park & Ride carpark
Contact: Lorraine.leahy@universityofgalway.ie
Monday 21 September
Water in Focus: A Showcase of Research and Action
A showcase of water-related research, projects and initiatives from across University of Galway, shared with secondary school students as part of SDG Week 2026. The event will explore water from a range of perspectives, including sea-level rise, philosophy, coastal resilience, environmental science, water conservation and renewable energy.
The morning will conclude with a guided walk along Galway’s canals, introducing students to the WATERWAY project and exploring how the city’s historic waterways can support clean energy, education and community engagement.
Time: 10.15-12.30 pm
Venue: O’ Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance
Contact: michelle.odowd@universityofgalway.ie
Nature Photo Walk
Join Dr Caitríona Carlin, supported by student societies and our Student Sustainability Intern, for a guided nature photo walk around our biodiverse campus. Explore the variety of plants, wildlife and habitats found across the University, capture biodiversity through your camera or phone, and discover more about the nature on our doorstep. No photography experience is needed, just come along, get outdoors and take a closer look at campus biodiversity.
Register: Register at this link Photo Walk Registration form – Fill out form
Time: 12 noon-1.45pm
Venue: Meeting at the ALIVE Office, Áras na Mac Léinn
Contact: studentvolunteering@universityofgalway.ie
Human Library
The Human Library is a not-for-profit global learning platform that has been creating safe spaces for open and honest conversations since 2000, challenging stigma and stereotypes through personal dialogue.
Come and borrow a Human Book. Spend 30-40 minutes listening to a real-life story, asking the questions you have always wanted to ask, and discovering a perspective you may never have encountered before.
The Human Library is designed to challenge prejudice and discrimination, increase understanding of diversity, and help build more inclusive and cohesive communities across cultural, religious, social and ethnic differences.
Purchase your free ticket: Select tickets – Human Library Galway – Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS), the University of Galway
Time: 1-5pm
Venue: Institute for Lifecourse and Society (ILAS)
Contact: ann.obrien@universityofgalway.ie
Film Screening: Who Needs Anemones?
Join us for a screening of Who Needs Anemones? - Divers for Life in Carlingford Lough, a short documentary by filmmaker Lia Philcox exploring the journey of local scuba divers as they train to become citizen scientists and help record and protect Ireland’s marine biodiversity. The screening will be followed by a Q& A exploring citizen science, marine biodiversity and conservation, and the role that individuals and communities can play in understanding and protecting our marine environment.
Book your free ticket for the film screening event here
Time: 2-3.30 pm
Venue: O’ Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance - Backbox Auditorium
Contact: michelle.odowd@universityofgalway.ie
Tuesday 22 September
Beach Clean up
Join fellow students and staff for a beach clean-up in South Park beach and help make a positive difference to our local coastal environment. A great opportunity to get outdoors, take practical action for nature and connect with others across the University community.
Register: Register at this link Beach Clean Up Registration form – Fill out form
Time: 9.30am
Venue: Meeting at the ALIVE Office, Áras na Mac Léinn
Contact: studentvolunteering@universityofgalway.ie
Wellness Connect Walk
Our first wellness connect walk of the semester, will start on the 22 September, 3 laps of the College Green and a chat with colleagues. Anytime between 12.45 – 1. 45pm.
Register HERE
Time: 12.45pm-1.45pm
Venue: Meeting at College Green
Contact: Kathy.hynes@universityofgalway.ie
Peace Stories from Gaza Columbia and the UN
Join us as we meet the recipients of our Engagement Fund Awards 25/26 focused on SDG 16, Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.
Hear inspiring stories and reflections from a range of projects, including a campus visit by Judge Oscar Parra Vera of Colombia's Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP); Gaza Comes to Galway, an exhibition that brought the realities of life in Gaza to the University of Galway and provided a platform for a Gaza scholar to share her family's story; Model United Nations events hosted by the Literary and Debating Society; and podcast conversations with humanitarian aid workers and peacebuilding practitioners.
Time: 1-2pm
Venue: THB-G010 Moore Institute Seminar Room, Library
Contact: Lorraine.leahy@universityofgalway.ie
CUSP Research and Learning Working Group Open Meeting
Join the CUSP Research and Learning Working Group for an open meeting during SDG Week 2026. This session will review the group's priorities for the year ahead and provide an opportunity for staff and students to contribute ideas on how the Research and Learning objectives of the University of Galway Sustainability Strategy 2026-2030 can be translated into practical actions and initiatives across the University.
Time: 3-4pm
Venue: Computer Science Boardroom CSB-3046
Contact: Gesche.kindermann@universityofgalway.ie
Wednesday 23 September
Green Labs Forum
We are delighted to welcome Jack O'Grady, My Green Lab's Sustainability Programme Manager, who will provide an overview of the My Green Labs programme, followed by time for Q&A.
We will also hear from:
- Grace Davey, Molecular Parasitology Research Group, who will discuss "Green Labs to Green Research"
- Richard Manton, who will share highlights from our new Sustainability Strategy
- An update from Engagement Fund awardee project
- Followed by a Green Lab tour of the Dalton Lab, located on the first floor of the Orbsen building.
Tea and coffee will be available from 10:45am in the Orbsen foyer.
Time: 11-12:30
Venue: GIS Room104, Orbsen
Contact: Lorraine.Leahy@universityofgalway.ie
Discover the Herb Garden
Meet the herbs! Join us at the University’s Herb Garden, located outside the Orbsen Building, where Laura from our Landscape and Grounds Team will introduce some of the culinary and medicinal herbs growing in the garden and share more about their uses and benefits.
Time: 12.15-1pm
Venue: Outside Orbsen Building https://maps.app.goo.gl/BszDFkVZQ3dDseq38
Contact: Lorraine.Leahy@universityofgalway.ie
Celebrating the Curlew Awards: Stories of Education for Sustainable Development
In July 2026, University of Galway staff members Dr Declan Coogan, Dr Mamoona Ashgar and Dr Fintan Hegarty were presented with the Curlew Award for Excellence in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) at the Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference. Join us to hear from the awardees as they share stories from their work in Education for Sustainable Development, what inspired their initiatives and their plans for the future. The CELT ESD team will also provide information on the Curlew Award and highlight further resources and opportunities to support ESD at University of Galway. Light lunch provided.
Time: 12-1pm
Venue: THB-010, Library
Contact: alma.clavin@universityofgalway.ie
Thursday 24 September
Volunteering Fair
Drop into the ALIVE Volunteering Fair and discover the many ways you can get involved in volunteering during your time at University of Galway. Meet community organisations, explore volunteering opportunities and find a cause or activity that interests you.
Time: 11.30am-2.30pm
Venue: Bailey Allen Hall
Contact: studentvolunteering@universityofgalway.ie
Cope Galway Pop-up Shop
Browse a selection of pre-loved clothing and other items from COPE Galway at this special campus pop-up shop. Pick up something new-to-you while supporting reuse, reducing waste and contributing to the work of COPE Galway.
Time: 11.30am to 2.30pm
Venue: Bailey Allen Hall
Contact: studentvolunteering@universityofgalway.ie
Student Upcycling Hackathon
Join IdeasLab and An Mheitheal Rothar (University of Galway's bike workshop) for an exciting sustainability-focused hackathon during SDG Week. Working in teams and using spare bike parts, participants will tackle an upcycling challenge, developing innovative ideas and practical solutions using creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
The event includes refreshments, with €50 Students' Union vouchers awarded to the winning team.
Participation in a short information session is required in advance: Wednesday 23 September at 1:00pm in IdeasLab.
This event is organised by IdeasLab in collaboration with An Mheitheal Rothar and encourages students to explore circular economy principles through hands-on innovation and sustainable design.
Open to all students. Places are limited and registration is required.
Register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/FjHhmkCBMm
Time: 12noon to 3pm
Venue: An Mheitheal Rothar Bike Repair Workshop (Eircode: H91 EF83)
Contact: Ideaslab@universityofgalway.ie
Organic Garden meet-up
Join us at the University’s Organic Garden to find out more about this unique campus resource and how you can get involved. The garden is a shared space where students and staff work together, contributing to its care, development and activities throughout the year. Discover its potential as a space for gardening and growing, spending time outdoors, connecting with others, and supporting teaching and learning across the University.
Time: 1-2pm
Venue: Organic Garden (location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VpLMfPeBMdAJZp2A)
Contact: Rachel.n.quinlan@universityofgalway.ie
Friday 25 September
Connecting Sustainable Ways: Estonia and Galway
Led by the University of Galway Ryan Institute, join policymakers and leaders from Estonia and Galway in tackling sustainability and governance challenges through knowledge exchange. The event will feature keynote talks and three expert panel discussions focused on topics of shared strategic importance, including Hydrogen Valleys, renewable energy and the future of energy systems, governance challenges, sustainable cities, and innovative technologies such as data centres and artificial intelligence. These sessions will examine how Estonia and Galway are addressing common sustainability challenges while identifying opportunities for joint research, policy development, and economic growth. Find out more here
Time: 9am-4pm
Venue: O’ Donoghue Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance
Contact: juliamachado@hivehydrogen.co.uk
