Educational Support

  • UCD uses different grading systems in different programmes.Your marks will be converted to grades using one of the grade conversion scales:

    • Standard Conversion Grade Scale 40% Pass

    • Alternative Linear Conversion Grade Scale 40% Pass

    • Alternative Non-Linear Conversion Grade Scale 50% Pass

    • Alternative Linear Conversion Grade Scale 60% Pass

    The one used for each module will be stated in the module descriptor. The types of grades you can get are:

    • Letter grade scale

    • Pass/Fail grade scale

    • Distinction/ Pass/ Fail grade scale

    Your degree classification is done by GPA (grade point average) the weighting of this will depend on your school. Further information on grades can be found HERE

  • You will be assessed by different methods at different stages of the year. There are continuous assessments that happen during the year and there are end of semester exams and assignments which take place in December and May each year. Each of your modules will have their own methods and schedule for assessing you. These can be found on the module descriptor and exam timetable which will be released closer to the time.

  • If you know before the deadline of the assessment that you will be submitting an assignment late, you can apply for an extension on the assignment deadline through a late submission form. A Module Coordinator may be able to grant you an extension on your assignment. Please be aware that it is at their discretion.

  • Plagiarism is the use of someone’s else's ideas of work without due credit being given to them through proper citation. While it can happen unintentionally for most students, UCD defines the act of plagiarism not by the intention but by committing of the act itself.

    It’s important to engage fully with the citation style of your school. UCD library has Libguides available on these styles HERE

    Academic writing revolves around academic integrity and the quality of your references and sources can make a big difference in your grade, therefore, it’s important to get a good handle on it at the start of your degree.

    What is Academic Integrity?

    "Academic Integrity is one of the core values of the UCD Education Strategy and includes adherence to the highest ethical and academic standards. Students, researchers and staff achieve academic integrity through sound academic writing, avoiding plagiarism, and use of appropriate referencing and citation" (Student Plagiarism Policy 2020, p.1)

  • The grounds for appeal are narrow in UCD. It is not possible to simply appeal on the grounds that you are unhappy with the grade you received. Appeals relating to academic judgement are not allowed. There are two grounds for appeal:

    • Procedural irregularity: Evidence that the procedures relating to a decision were not followed properly and may have impacted on a student's results.

    • Late extenuating circumstances: The Programme board rejected an Extenuating Circumstances application on the basis that it was late, and the Governing Board didn’t consider the reasoning behind the late application to be valid.

  • If you are having difficulties with coursework, meeting deadlines, or attending exams it’s really important to keep in touch with your module coordinator or student adviser to try and find a solution.

    If you fail: Most courses offer the opportunity to either repeat the module or resit the exam. If a resit isn’t offered you may have to repeat the module. It costs 230 Euro per module and it will automatically be deducted two grade points. As of this year, there is no charge to resit an exam. However your grade will be capped at a D-. It is possible to substitute a module. However, the fees vary per programme and some are very expensive.

  • SUSI

    “Student Universal Support Ireland” is Ireland's national student grant system, this is only for undergraduate, post graduate, full time, EU, EEA, UK & Swiss nationals and residents. The application for SUSI is closed for this year, but you can check your eligibility to apply next year HERE

    Student support funds

    If you experience financial difficulty during your time at college there are some small funds that you can access. Student Advisers and Access and Lifelong Learning have access to the student assistance fund which you can apply for which is ‘means tested’.

    There is also a student emergency fund for unexpected financial difficulty.

    These are the only student funds provided by the university. If you find yourself in financial difficultly, please contact your Student Advisor.

    Scholarships

    UCD does offer a limited amount of scholarships, the eligibility criteria and details of the scholarships are available HERE.