The Curriculum Development Unit (CDU was established in by 1972 Trinity College Dublin, the Department of Education and Science and the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee (CDVEC), with a management committee representing all three bodies.

The CDU is a curriculum research and development institute, which over the years has initiated a variety of  activities in areas such as alternative courses at junior cycle, vocational preparation courses at senior cycle and youth and community provision.

The CDU has also participated in a number of programmes sponsored by the European Union and has undertaken many research and education projects.