Student Recruitment at University College Cork

Before we start ……

Two Case Scenarios

Group 1Imagine you are a 17 year old student from Dublin in your final year at school and you are trying to decide whatto do when you leave school. What factors are involved in making your decision and where do you look for information?

Group 2You are in your final year of a primary degree in Chemical Sciences at UCC and you wish to undertake a postgraduate programme at either taught Masters or PhD level.

What factors are involved in making your decision and where do you look for information?

• programme choices

• the location*

• reputation*

• cost

• academic excellence

• peer choices

• branding and marketing*

What are the main factors?

Location, Location, Location

• Word of Mouth

• School Visits

• University Open Days

• University Prospectus and Brochures

• Website

• Facebook, twitter and other social media

• Electronic Newsletters

Information Sources

•Undergraduate Students

•Postgraduate Taught Students

•Postgraduate Research Students

•International Students

Our Target Market

UCC’s SWOT Analysis

Strengths

‘Where Finbarr taught let Munster learn’

•UCC attracts 92% of its student population from the province of Munster. • At postgraduate level almost 50% of our places taken by UCC graduates•Excellent track record in attracting research income, •World-class research centres such as the Tyndall National Institute •A stunning campus which lies within walking distance of the City Centre.

UCC’s SWOT Analysis

Weaknesses

•Difficulty in attracting students from outside Cork and Munster at undergraduate level

•Strong competition from Cork Institute of Technology and University of Limerick

UCC’s SWOT Analysis

Opportunities

•internationalisation of education has opened up previously untapped markets

Threats

•Private Institutes and the IoT sector have taken a societal marketing approach and have responded quickly to changing demands.

•Other universities have increased resources for marketing their programmes and recruiting students.

Mastering the Digital Universe

Academic Worries

Attracting Postgraduate Research Students

- Funding- Expertise in Research Area- Reputation of Research Group and Supervisor- Location- Unique Selling Points of the University

UCC Doctoral ShowcaseBoolean Research JournalPostgraduate Skills and Training ModulesStudent Induction and Support ProgrammeWork PlacementErasmus Mobility Funding

From ‘Interest’ to Application

Undergraduate Programmes Students apply to the Central Applications Office by 1st February of year of Admission

- up to 10 programme choices

www.cao.ie

Postgraduate ProgrammesStudents apply to the Postgraduate Applications Centre

- varying closing dates

-Up to 5 programme choices for taught programmes

www.pac.ie

Why is student recruitment so important?

Quality of StudentsQuantity of Students

Key Performance Indicators

• 1st preferences (undergraduate programmes)• No of applications• No of offers•No of students entering with over 500 points• Conversions of offers to acceptances• Conversion of acceptances to registrations• Retention Rate• Number of different nationalities represented on campus

Quality in means quality out

Questions

For any queries please contact Michelle Nelson,Graduate Studies Office, UCCm.nelson@ucc.ie+353 21 4903076www.ucc.ie/en/graduatestudies