A Brief History of Ireland by The World Factbook 2007

Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600-150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the UK. In 1948 Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Read More

Founded in 1784, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) is the premier medical education organisation in Ireland, delivering the highest quality services on a competitive basis to Irish and global markets.

The ethos of the Medical School is founded on the principle that the patient’s interest is paramount in clinical teaching, medical practice and research.The curriculum is designed to give the student a sound knowledge of the principles of both the science and the art of medicine.

A spirit of enquiry is also fostered and students may carry out research in the academic departments of the College during the summer vacations.

The student is exposed to a variety of specialties and encouraged to develop a balanced perspective of domiciliary, community and hospital care.The clinical teaching facilities provided by the College combined with the expertise and dedication of the clinical teachers, ensure that students receive training of the highest standard.

The Medical Act of 1886 provided that graduates had to be educated in surgery, medicine and obstetrics. Graduates of the RCSI received Licentiates in these three subjects. Since 1978, the College has been a recognised College of the National University of Ireland, awarding M.B., B.Ch., BAO to its graduates in addition to the Licentiates.

Over 50 countries are represented in the student population of one thousand. The cultural, ethnic and social mix of students is an educational experience in itself. Irish students are in the majority and Malaysians form the next largest group.

A twinning arrangement with Penang Medical College allows students to pursue their pre-clinical course in Ireland. Other countries represented in significant numbers include the USA, Canada, Norway, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, South Africa, Trinidad, Mauritius, Palestine, Sweden, Sudan, Iran. The result is a widespread international network of friends and alumni.

Students enter a five-year or a six-year undergraduate medical program depending on academic qualifications. Mature students are welcome so a relatively broad age band is typical of each medical year. There is no upper age limit but given the length of the medical course and the requirements of postgraduate training, students are not normally considered by the Admissions Board if they are over 35 years of age.

The pursuit of academic excellence and scholarship is ideally combined with an active social life. The College has over 30 clubs and societies with something to suit everyone. The Sports Clubs have undertaken several "away" tours in recent years. These roving ambassadors of the College have competed in hockey in Malaysia and rugby, soccer and golf in the USA and Canada. An all time favourite for staff and students is International Night. It is a date for everybody’s diary, drawing a capacity crowd as students are transformed into gourmet cooks, traditional musicians and dancers.

First and Second Medical Years:

The undergraduate medical course in the First (year 2) and Second (year 3) Years is a newly introduced integrated course in the clinical application of basic science. It leads to the First Professional Examination held in the spring of the Third Year. The material covered by the course includes Anatomy (including Histology and Embryology), Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Behavioural Science, and it is organised substantially, though not entirely, around the systems of the body (cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.) with introductory courses in some disciplines. In the First Year, courses and structures studied are in general relevant to the trunk and limbs, while in the Second Year, the principal area of study is Neuroscience. The course includes instruction in basic clinical skills. The Early Patient Contact Programme facilitates clinical application of the basic sciences in a hospital environment (Beaumont and James Connolly Memorial Hospitals).

Third, Fourth and Fifth Medical Years:

Having successfully completed the First Professional Examination, students proceed to the Clinical Years. Students must complete a period of 33 months’ training in a recognised teaching Hospital.