Dublin Metropolitan University is a federation of colleges and institutes which together constitute the university. Established in 1998, the framework of university is based on the model inspired that by the older universities especially that model of one of the oldest and one of the largest universities in Britain today.

The colleges and institutes within the federation are known as recognised bodies with the authority to enrol, teach and examine students subject to inspection and moderation, and have the University award them degrees.

The colleges and institutes, within the DMU system offer courses leading to degrees. Additionally, licenses are granted to approved organisations outside of the system subject to approval of syllabi, inspection and moderation.

Dublin Metropolitan University is an external degree awarding institution comprising a federation of colleges and institutes which together constitute the university. The framework of university is based on the model inspired that by the older universities especially that model of one of the oldest and one of the largest universities in Britain.

The university does, however, maintain on-line offices and is currently adding an on-line library facility.

The University is privately funded and has no access to public funds.

It is open to applications from people irrespective of race, creed or physical disability.

At present applications may only be made through colleges and institutions within the federation and DMU licensed establishments outside the system.

Most of the decisions affecting the constituent colleges and institutions of the University are made at the level of the colleges or the institutions themselves. DMU does retain its own decision making structure, with a Senate, responsible for matters of governance, and an academic consultative committee, responsible for advising the senate on academic matters. The Senate acts as the primary executive body of the university.

The senate is made up of the Chancellor (who does not attend meetings) together with elected and appointed members. The academic consultative committee consists of nominated members from colleges and institutes associated with the University elected on a rotational basis.

"The Future is not a result of choices among alternative paths offered by the present, but a place that is created - created first in the mind and will, created next in activity. The future is not some place we are going to, but one we are creating. The paths to it are not found but made, and the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination."

John Schaar