Taught Graduate Programmes

Graduate taught programmes, such as Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas or taught MA or MSc programmes, the majority of the programmes will consist of taught modules, often with the addition of a large thesis or dissertation module for Master's level programmes.

Graduate studies at UCD offer a modularised and credit-based curriculum. The UCD credit system provides a framework which clarifies the relationship between educational activity (amount of student effort) and credit value (represented by modules). Credits for modules in the graduate domain typically range from 2.5 to 15 calculated on the basis of total student effort. The total student effort includes time spent in-class - at lectures, seminars, laboratories, tutorials or workshops - and time spent on projects or assignments, as well as examinations. It also includes an estimate of independent study time.

Taught graduate programmes have associated levels assigned to them in accordance with the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications). For further information please see www.nfq.ie.

Higher Diploma - Level 8

The Higher Diploma is normally awarded following completion of a programme of 1 year duration. Progress and transfer routes include transferring to programmes leading to Masters degree/Postgraduate Diploma. These are often referred to as conversion programmes as they allow the student to gain knowledge in an area not covered by their undergraduate degree.

Graduate Diploma - Level 9

The Graduate Diploma is normally awarded following completion of a programme of 1 year duration. Progression and transfer routes include exemptions from a programme leading to a Masters Degree or in certain instances it can be offered as a completely separate programme.

Masters - Level 9

The taught Masters Degree is awarded following completion of a programme of one to two years duration. Some of the progression and transfer routes include progression to programmes leading to Doctoral degrees.

 

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Fees

Students are liable to pay fees, including the Student Centre Levy to the University. In addition, students must budget for their own maintenance (including accommodation). University fees are published in advance of the academic year, are fixed for each year and are subject to an annual increase. For specific information on the fees for your chosen course of study, and the dates by which fees have to be paid please visit the fees website

 

Local Authority Funding

Grant holders who complete a primary degree course may have the grant renewed in order to undertake a full-time taught or research graduate course. To apply for renewal, final year students should inform the UCD Grants Office in June, and write to their Local Authority when they have completed their primary degree. The grant, which covers fees, may be renewed in subsequent years but is limited to one graduate degree or diploma course for each student.  For further information on budget 2012 please visit Student Finance.ie Funding Initiatives

Student Grants - New Grant Applications for 2012-13  APPLY AS EARLY AS YOU CAN, from the end of May - don't leave it till July

A new ONLINE ONLY grant applications system is being introduced for 2012 in Ireland. All new applications will be made online to a single awarding authority, Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI) through www.studentfinance.ie.  

 

 

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Entry Requirements

The normal requirement for entry to a taught Master’s Degree programme is a second class honours degree in a relevant subject. However intending applicants should check the individual requirements listed on the School website, since some degrees may require a higher standard for entry.

For applicants who do not have the required minimal entry standard, a year-long qualifying course may be available in some cases. In addition, many Master’s programmes have an associated Diploma course which, if passed at an appropriate honours level, may provide part of the necessary academic qualification for entry. In this case relevant work experience may be an essential requirement.

 

Applying Online

UCD’s graduate taught programmes can be applied for online*. Please visit www.ucd.ie/apply for more details about this process. You will also find information on our FAQ section regarding the application process. We offer a system of offer rounds but do advise all candidates to apply as early as possible. These dates facilitate speedier decision making and notification to graduate taught applicants.

Offer Rounds:

 

- 1st Round 15th December
- 2nd Round 15th March
- 3rd Round 15th May
- 4th Round 15th July

Other Deadlines:

 

Some programmes may have other closing dates. Please refer to the programme information on the website for this information.

*Applications for The Graduate Diploma in Education and the Grad Diploma in Nursing (Public Health) need to made through the PAC website.

 

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