What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education at UL is a compulsory six to eight month work placement for undergraduate students. Co-op is a core element of the UL student experience and exposes students to the world of work, with its differing environments, demands and expectations. It is a formal academically accredited programme offered to students across all faculties. Students complete their placement in second or third year of their four-year degree. The timing and duration of placements are prescribed according to the placement calendar of the programme of study.

With over 2,600 placements secured annually, Cooperative Education at UL is one of the largest placement programmes in Europe. The reach of the programme is significant, involving a network of 4,000 employers, both national and international. The compulsory and inclusive nature of the Cooperative Education Programme makes it unique in the Irish and European contexts, with students eligible for placement, regardless of discipline and vocational orientation, academic standing and skills profile. 

“It was a brilliant experience, gave me an insight into how a software development environment really works in a business.”

What are the benefits of Cooperative Education for students?
  • build your self-confidence by working with others
  • put your academic knowledge into practice
  • improve your employability
  • help you to develop skills such as teamworking, decision-making, & communication
  • learn about the work environment and how it operates
  • find out more about yourself
  • broaden your knowledge base
  • understand and learn about different cultures
  • learn how to fit into an organisation
  • make decisions about future career
EDI

“Everything about my co-op experience put me out of my comfort zone. But it was the best experience of my life, one I will never forget. I learned so much about marketing and the working environment from my colleagues. I will use this knowledge for the rest of my life.”

Looking for more information?

FAQ
2 students talking
Preparing for co-op
Office setting shows a desk with an open laptop beside a notebook, over ear headphones, and a phone
Placement & Evaluation
job interview candidate shaking hands
Interview & Selection