What is RCSI (rcsi.com)?

RCSI is a health sciences university in Ireland, founded in 1784 as the national training body for surgery. It focuses on education, research, and service in medicine and health sciences, and operates as a transnational university with campuses in Ireland, the Middle East, and South-East Asia. If you are trying to understand what kind of institution RCSI is, what it offers, or whether it is relevant to your study, research, or professional interests, the sections below cover the essentials.

What RCSI does

RCSI describes itself as "an innovative, world-leading international health sciences university" driven by "a deeply rooted sense of professional responsibility for enhancing human health through education, research and service." Its stated mission is "To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health."

Its work falls into four broad areas, each presented as a main section on its homepage:

• Education — "educating global healthcare leaders." This includes medical and health sciences education, with a focus on preparing healthcare professionals for patient care. Homepage stories highlight topics such as simulation-based training and programmatic assessment for building better doctors.
• Research — "breakthrough science for better patient outcomes." Research coverage on the site includes clinical and health services topics, such as breast cancer care in Malawi and workload allocation models.
• Society — "supporting healthcare and society." This includes public-facing content on health topics and community engagement.
• Surgery — "delivering excellence in surgical training." This connects back to RCSI's origins as a surgical training body.

Who it is for

RCSI's homepage speaks to several distinct audiences:

Campuses and international reach

RCSI is a transnational university with campuses in Ireland, the Middle East, and South-East Asia, and it serves international student and alumni communities. Its main Irish location is in Dublin; the Humanarium public space is at 118 St Stephen's Green.

Public engagement: Humanarium

Humanarium is RCSI's public exhibition space and café at 118 St Stephen's Green, Dublin. It offers a rolling programme of free exhibitions and events exploring health sciences and medical research, described as "a place for everyone to join conversations about how to live longer, healthier and happier lives." If you are in Dublin and interested in health science topics, this is a direct way to engage with RCSI without being a student or staff member.

Recognition and strategy

• RCSI ranked in the top 10 universities worldwide for "Good Health and Well-being" in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.
• Its Strategy 2023–2027 sets out how it plans to "enhance our contribution and innovate for a healthier future."

When RCSI is relevant to you

• Considering study in medicine or health sciences — check the "Study with us" section for programmes and campus options across Ireland, the Middle East, and South-East Asia.
• Looking for surgical training — the Surgery section covers RCSI's training offering, which is central to its history.
• Researching health sciences institutions — RCSI's research pages and strategy document give an overview of its priorities.
• Wanting public health science engagement in Dublin — Humanarium's free exhibitions and events are open to everyone.
• Exploring alumni or career connections — the alumni and "Join our team" sections are the starting points.

The best next step depends on your goal: prospective students should start with "Study with us," professionals with the Surgery section, and the general public with Humanarium.