University College Cork

University College Cork participates in UNIC to further drive its agenda of inclusion and to develop its strengths in areas where it already has a track record and to partner with those who bring additional and complementary strengths to the University. UNIC provides an opportunity to join with other partners universities to have a stronger voice relating to informing European policy and funding relating to all aspects of relevance to an inclusive and wholly embracing learning experience. Participating in UNIC, with Cork City as a partner and partners in similar post-industrial cities forms the basis of research, teaching, learning and mobility partnerships upon which the European University of Post-Industrial Cities to which UCC is wholly committed can be established. The strategic added value for University College Cork participating in UNIC, is deeply aligned with the UCC Strategic Plan 2017-2022 and Academic Strategy (2018-2022):

• The importance of the development within UNIC of creating learning opportunities for all students is stated in the National Skills Strategy 2025, the National Strategy for Higher Education to 2030 and the Action Plan for Education 2016-2019, to enable the development of transferable skills, enhance employability and nurture an interdisciplinary mind-set.
• Addressing gender inequality in higher education is a top priority for UCC. This is outlined in the Higher Education Authority (HEA) National Review of Gender Equality in Irish Higher Education Institutions (Report of the Expert Group, 2016).
• Renewed growth in the Irish economy is seeing a continued emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer and commercializing research, as documented in the Irish Government’s Innovation 2020, Ireland’s Strategy for Research and Development, Science and Technology and the Action Plan for Jobs 2017. The joint knowledge and expertise within UNIC will add value to the quality, international character and competitiveness of the Irish economy.
• There is a shift to technology-facilitated distance and time-flexible learning and learner-centred approaches. UNIC offers UCC an excellent opportunity to further develop, and to learn from other partners with regard to these topics.

Lifelong and life-wide learning and continuing professional development are demanded by employers and employees in supporting flexible career paths. This is fundamental to the learning objectives of the UNIC Alliance.