What is compensation and when does it occur?
Compensation is where a student’s performance across all the modules attempted in a stage is reviewed by the Programme Examination Board to see if it can compensate for any modules the student may have failed with an E grade. Where compensation is allowed, E grades are converted to PC (pass by compensation) and assigned a grade point value of 1.6. Modules with PC grades do not need to be repeated.
(General Regulation 5.7.1 and 5.7.2)
The Programme Examination Board makes determinations about compensation every time a student has completed an attempt at a stage (usually at the end of semester 2). Compensation will not apply if the student has not completed an attempt at a stage.
When is a student considered to have completed an attempt at a stage?
A student is considered to have completed an attempt at a stage when they have attempted enough modules to meet the credit requirements of the stage.
(General Regulation 5.1)
What grades count as attempting a module, for purposes of determining whether a student has completed an attempt at a stage?
WL, WX, I and IX grades are considered as representing attempts at modules for purposes of determining whether a student has attempted enough modules to meet the credit requirements of a stage — modules with these grades will be considered attempted credits. AU and W grades are not considered to represent attempts at modules and will not count in this determination — credit will not be given for modules with these grades.
(General Regulation 5.1)
- So, for example, if an undergraduate student has 50 credits of As, Bs, Cc, Ds, Es, Fs or NGs and 10 credits of WX grades, the student has completed an attempt at a 60-credit stage.
- If, on the other hand, an undergraduate student has 55 credits of As, Bs, Cc, Ds, Es, Fs or NGs and 5 credits of W, the student has not completed an attempt at a 60-credit stage.
How does compensation work?
When a student has completed an attempt at a stage, compensation will occur if the student has:
- Obtained passing grades (including I grades) in modules accounting for 75% or more of the total credit required to complete the stage; and
- A compensation GPA of 2.0 or more. (Note: I grades do not count towards your compensation GPA).
(General Regulation 5.7.2)
What happens to E grades if compensation does not occur?
When compensation does not occur:
- provisional E grades are not considered compensated and a final grade of E is awarded
- the grade of E carries a grade-point of 1.6 (General Regulation 4.4)
- modules with E grades are considered failing grades and need to be repeated.
When will compensation apply to programmes?
Compensation will apply within all stages of UCD undergraduate and graduate taught programmes. For undergraduate programmes and two-stage graduate taught programmes, compensation occurs at the end of every stage.
(General Regulation 5.7)
Will there be modules where a pass by compensation cannot be awarded?
Yes.
Dissertation, thesis and research modules valued at 15 credits or greater will not be passable by compensation.
(General Regulation 5.7.5)
Also, some modules may be designated as not passable by compensation, upon recommendation of the Programme Board and subject to the approval of the relevant University Programme Board, where there are sound educational reasons or verified accreditation requirements. (General Regulation 5.7.3) These modules are often referred to as ‘must pass modules’.
Where a module is approved as not passable by compensation, the student will have to obtain an overall grade of D- or higher to pass that module.
Where a module is designated as not passable by compensation, what grade should Module Co-ordinators give students who would normally receive an E grade?
Where the module is not passable by compensation, students can be awarded E(P) grades, which cannot be compensated.
Will a pass by compensation grade be sufficient to meet a pre-requisite?
Yes, a pass by compensation is normally acceptable for a pre-requisite. Students who receive a grade of PC are considered to have met the requirements of the pre-requisite.
(General Regulation 5.7.4)
