- Tell us about your university and its role within Ireland’s higher education landscape.
Maynooth University has an important role to play in Ireland’s higher education landscape. We combine a long tradition of scholarship with a modern, inclusive and internationally focused approach to education.
Our diverse student community, drawn from across Ireland and around the world, brings different perspectives, experiences and ideas into the classroom, enriching the learning experience for all students.
Our partnerships with industry, government, European alliances and international institutions also enable us to make a meaningful contribution to society, the economy and Ireland’s global reputation for high quality education.
Maynooth is a place of lively contrasts – a modern, dynamic, rapidly growing, research-led and engaged university, grounded in historic academic strengths and scholarly traditions.
We offer programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level across the humanities, sciences and engineering, and social sciences. Our campus combines historic character with cutting – edge facilities, while more than 100 clubs, societies and sports create a vibrant and enriching student experience.
- What sets your university apart from others?
What sets Maynooth University apart is the combination of its rich history, strong sense of community and forward-looking approach. We are located in one of Ireland’s few university towns, with academic roots stretching back more than 200 years.
Students enjoy a close knit campus experience where it is easy to feel part of the community, while also benefiting from a global outlook and a strong research culture.
Our commitment to student experience is something we’re particularly proud of. The latest International Student Barometer results reflect what we hear from our students every day – that they value the support they receive, the accessibility of our staff and the quality of their academic experience. For us, that means creating an environment where students feel supported, connected and able to make the most of their time at Maynooth.
Ultimately, we want our students to leave not only with a strong education and the skills for their future careers, but with the confidence and experience to make a meaningful contribution to society.
- What makes Ireland such an attractive destination for international students?
Ireland offers international students a unique combination of high quality education, a safe and welcoming environment, and strong career opportunities.
Ireland is home to more than 1,800 multinational companies and organisations, including global names such as Apple, Microsoft, Irish Life, Google and Amazon and, creating a dynamic environment for students interested in building international careers.
Beyond these opportunities, Ireland is known for its friendly and welcoming culture. For students arriving from overseas, there is a real opportunity to become part of a community while experiencing life in a country that is open, diverse and internationally connected.
At Maynooth, this is reflected in the friendships, connections and experiences our international students build both on campus and in the wider community.
- How do you see the Irish higher education sector evolving over the next five years?
I see the Irish higher education sector becoming increasingly international, innovative and deeply connected to the needs of society and the economy over the next five years. Students are looking for more than a qualification – they want an education that develops the skills, experience, confidence and global outlook needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Universities will need to strengthen their relationships with industry, employers and communities, while placing an even greater emphasis on employability, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning.
Internationalisation will remain central to Ireland’s higher education success. At Maynooth University, we see internationalisation as much more than solely international student recruitment. It is about building a genuinely globally connected university – through international partnerships, mobility, research collaboration and an inclusive campus where every student can develop a global perspective. This is a key priority within our own five-year strategy.
I believe the universities that will thrive will be those that are ambitious and student-centred, internationally connected and responsive to a changing world, while continuing to uphold excellence in education, research and the wider contribution universities make to society.
- Are there particular markets or student segments you’re looking to grow in the near future?
We are looking to strengthen our presence across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa, while continuing to deepen our position in established markets. Our ambition is to attract talented students from an increasingly diverse range of countries and backgrounds. That diversity is hugely valuable to the university, bringing different perspectives, experiences and ideas into our classrooms and enriching the experience of all our students.
We want to continue growing our undergraduate, postgraduate taught and research communities in a way that reflects the increasingly global world our students will graduate into.
A key priority is ensuring our programme portfolio remains aligned with what students, employers and society need. We will continue to develop innovative, high quality programmes that respond to emerging areas of demand and equip graduates with the knowledge, experience and future focused skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Transnational education (TNE) is also becoming an increasingly important part of Maynooth University’s global strategy. Through our successful Maynooth International Engineering College in China and our developing partnership with Anhui University of Finance and Economics, we are expanding opportunities for students to access a Maynooth University education in their home countries.
These partnerships extend the reach of Irish higher education while strengthening academic, research and industry connections across key global markets.
- Outside of work, what’s one thing a visitor to Ireland shouldn’t miss?
I may be slightly biased as I’m from Donegal, but I would definitely recommend making the trip there. It has some of the most spectacular and unspoilt scenery in Ireland.
I’d encourage visitors to explore some of the smaller towns and villages, experience a traditional music session and spend time talking to local people. Ireland has a very strong tradition of music, storytelling and Irish culture, and I think that gives visitors a real sense of what makes Ireland special beyond the usual tourist attractions.
I’d also recommend taking an Irish language class. Learning a few words and phrases in Irish is a lovely way to connect with the culture and gives you an even greater appreciation for Ireland’s heritage.
- What attracted you to take part in The PIE Live Ireland?
The PIE Live Ireland is a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues and partners from across the international education sector and to have meaningful conversations about the future of international education in Ireland. At a time when the sector is evolving rapidly, it is important that we come together to share ideas, learn from one another and look at how we can continue to deliver an excellent experience for our students.
- Which sessions on the agenda are you most looking forward to attending, and why?
I’m particularly looking forward to “TNE Unbound: Bold, Locally Embedded Models for a New Era”, as we continue to develop Maynooth University’s TNE strategy and have the opportunity to learn from our peers and their experiences.
Look out for…
Keep an eye out for Patrick McCole, vice president international, Maynooth University at The PIE Live Ireland.
- If you had to sum up your approach to international education in three words, what would they be?
- Inclusive, ambitious, informative
- What’s a typical day like for you at your institution?
- No two days are the same, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role. A typical day could involve working with colleagues on our international strategy, meeting overseas partners, discussing student recruitment and mobility, or spending time with students. It’s a busy and varied role, but ultimately it’s all about people, partnerships and creating opportunities for students around the world.
- Where will we find you at The PIE Live Ireland?
- Networking, sharing ideas and learning from colleagues across the higher education sector.
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