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Guide 12 June 2025 8 min read

UCC — Getting Academic Documents Notarised for Graduates

A guide for University College Cork graduates on notarising degrees, transcripts, and academic records for international careers, further study, and professional registration.

University College Cork (UCC) is one of Ireland's leading universities, with graduates working in every corner of the globe. Whether you have completed an undergraduate degree, a postgraduate programme, or a professional qualification at UCC, there is a strong chance you will need your academic documents notarised at some point — for international employment, further study abroad, professional registration in another country, or immigration purposes.

Why UCC Graduates Need Notarisation

When you present an Irish university qualification in another country, the receiving authority — whether an employer, a university, a regulatory body, or an immigration department — needs assurance that your documents are genuine. A notarised copy, authenticated by a Notary Public and (where required) apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs, provides this assurance.

Common situations where UCC graduates need notarised documents include:

  • Working abroad — employers and professional regulators in many countries require notarised copies of qualifications
  • Postgraduate study — universities in the US, UK, Australia, and elsewhere may require notarised academic transcripts
  • Professional registration — medical graduates (MB BCh BAO), law graduates (BCL), engineering graduates, and others seeking professional registration abroad
  • Immigration and visa applications — many countries require notarised educational documents as part of skilled worker visa applications
  • Teaching abroad — teachers and lecturers need notarised degrees for employment in international schools and universities

Documents That Can Be Notarised

Hugh Phelan can notarise a wide range of UCC documents including:

  • Degree parchments — BA, BSc, BCL, BEng, MB BCh BAO, BDS, BPharm, and all other undergraduate degrees
  • Postgraduate qualifications — MA, MSc, MBA, PhD, Higher Diploma, and Postgraduate Diploma certificates
  • Academic transcripts — official records of modules studied and grades achieved
  • Professional Diploma certificates — Diploma in Notarial Law, Diploma in Legal Studies, and others
  • Letters from UCC — confirmation of award, confirmation of attendance, or academic reference letters

UCC Medical Graduates

UCC's School of Medicine produces graduates who work in healthcare systems around the world. Irish medical degrees (MB BCh BAO) are internationally recognised, but foreign medical registration authorities almost universally require notarised and authenticated copies. See our dedicated guides on notarising medical degrees for the UK, Australia, and the Middle East.

UCC Law Graduates

UCC's BCL (Bachelor of Civil Law) and LLM graduates who seek to practise law or continue legal studies in other jurisdictions often need notarised copies of their qualifications. This is particularly relevant for graduates seeking admission to the bar or law society in another country, or pursuing LLM or JD programmes at universities in the US, UK, or elsewhere.

The Notarisation Process

  1. Bring your original documents — attend Hugh Phelan's office on East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork with your original degree parchment, transcript, or other document
  2. Notarisation — the notary verifies the document, prepares a notarised copy, and applies the official notarial seal and signature
  3. Apostille — if the document is for use abroad, it is sent to the Department of Foreign Affairs for an apostille (3–5 working days standard)
  4. Translation — if required by the destination country, a certified translation can be arranged

Convenient Location for UCC Graduates

Hugh Phelan's office in Douglas is easily accessible from the UCC campus — approximately 15 minutes by car or bus. For current students and recent graduates still based in the Cork area, this makes the notarisation process straightforward and convenient.

Hugh Phelan — UCC Graduate Himself

Hugh Phelan holds a BCL from University College Cork, giving him first-hand understanding of UCC's qualifications and documentation. He also holds a Diploma in Notarial Law, is appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland, and is dual-qualified in Ireland and England & Wales.

Contact Hugh Phelan

For notarisation of UCC academic documents, contact Hugh Phelan.

Call: 021-489-7134 | Email: info@phelansolicitors.com | Book an appointment online

Hugh Phelan

Solicitor & Notary Public

Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public practising from Douglas, Co. Cork. Appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland, he holds a BCL from UCC and a Diploma in Notarial Law. Dual-qualified in Ireland and England & Wales, he is commissioned for life.

UCC Graduate Document Notarisation

Get your UCC qualifications notarised for international use. Contact Hugh Phelan in Douglas, Cork.

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