Accommodation at the universities vary but, in general, accommodation will be in a shared apartment in a dedicated, on-campus development, or an individual room in a Hall of Residence. In addition to undertaking research in a wide range of disciplines, the universities offer degree programs at Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level - in the humanities, in the scientific, technological and social sciences, and in the medical area. A range of undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas is also offered. Masters degrees are usually taken by course work, research work or some combination of both. Doctoral degrees are awarded on the basis of research.
Universities award their own degrees using external examiners to ensure consistency of standards.
In addition to the universities, there are 13 Institutes of Technology which form the other element of the Irish higher education system. Spread regionally, the Institutes offer a large number of sub-degree and undergraduate degree courses. With the exception of the Dublin Institute of Technology which awards its own degrees, the Institutes' awards are made by the National Council for Educational Awards. Further information concerning the accredited post-graduate courses conducted by the Institutes may be obtained by contacting the NCEA at Mountjoy Square, Dublin 1 or the DIT at Pembroke Street, Dublin 2. If a prospective Scholar is interested in attending an institution of higher learning not mentioned in these materials, they may make inquiries and seek direction from the US-Ireland Alliance on a case by case basis.