In a first-of-its kind move in Indian academia, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin and Columbia University in the City of New York have jointly launched their latest teaching collaboration, the Dual BA Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University in Mumbai, India.

The programme transcends traditional study abroad opportunities by providing the opportunity to pursue a rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education spanning two continents. Upon completion of the four-year programme, graduates earn two bachelor’s degrees, one from each institution. 

Comments Nilanjana Shihn, country adviser India at Trinity College Dublin, “Indian students have proved their mettle in universities and careers across the world. I am proud to launch this important new programme in India which was earlier launched in New York in the month of February.”

“We at Columbia are very excited about this new programme, and that we are Trinity’s first international dual degree partner at the undergraduate level. There has been tremendous enthusiasm among both faculty and students for the programme, which demonstrates how well-aligned both institutions are for a partnership of this kind. Trinity is Ireland’s premier university, and we are thrilled at the opportunity to build upon the relationships that made this programme possible, and to continue developing collaborations that span the Atlantic from New York to Dublin,” added Jessica Sarles-Dinsick, associate dean for international programmes and special projects at the Columbia University School of General Studies.

Students spend their initial two years at Trinity College Dublin studying within one of four programme tracks: English Studies, European Studies, History, or Middle Eastern and European Languages and Cultures, after which they matriculate at Columbia, completing one of several approved majors and the University’s core curriculum in years three and four.

Commenting on the partnership, Professor Zuleika Rodgers, programme director of the Dual BA at Trinity College Dublin said, “Trinity College Dublin is delighted to partner with Columbia University, one of America’s leading universities, to deliver this groundbreaking programme. Trinity has produced some of the world’s great minds across the arts and humanities, including the Nobel Laureate, Samuel Beckett, and more recently the Booker Prize winner, Anne Enright. Similarly, the Arts and Humanities are pillars of Columbia University’s stellar reputation, bringing the world’s best art and ideas to our attention. Together, both institutions draw on both the traditional and innovative, encouraging students to challenge themselves and develop an understanding of an increasingly globalised world. This programme provides a truly international educational experience for our students.”

The Dual BA Programme between Trinity College Dublin and Columbia University builds upon a long-standing exchange programme partnership between both universities, as well as the success of two pre-existing international dual-degree programmes within the Columbia University School of General Studies. The second transatlantic undergraduate programme at Columbia University, the Programme is founded upon previous partnerships in both Europe and Asia, and serves as a model for future cooperative efforts between Columbia and international universities.

Recognised globally as Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin offers world-class teaching and scholarship in all major academic disciplines across the arts and humanities, business, law, engineering, science, social sciences, and health sciences.

Among the world’s leading research universities, Columbia University in the City of New York continuously seeks to advance the frontiers of scholarship and foster a campus community deeply engaged in the complex issues of our time through teaching, research, patient care, and public service.