Academic
Regulations FAQ
| Orientation / Registration |
All Students
What is my expected workload?
The table below outlines the minimum and maximum credit allowances per semester and per academic session (year) for full-time students (General Regulations 2.3.1 and 2.3.3). These minimum and maximum workloads do not include credits for resit modules, but do include credits for repeat modules.
Full-time students
*Undergraduate Programmes that exceed the 70 credit/year maximum must be approved by the relevant University Programme Board.
Part-time students
• Undergraduate: students must register to and attempt modules equivalent to a minimum of 15 credits each semester unless exempt from this restriction by the Programme Board. (General Regulation 2.3.2)
• Graduate: students must register to and attempt modules equivalent to a minimum of 30 credits per academic session (year), i.e. a minimum of 30 credits across a calendar year, unless exempt from this restriction by the Graduate Board. (General Regulation 2.3.4)
I am a first year undergraduate student. How many modules do I need to take in Stage 1?
Undergraduate modules are normally 5 credits. (General Regulation 1.3) The normal workload for a full-time undergraduate student is 60 credits in a standard two-semester session, including Stage 1. That is broken down normally into 30 credits or six 5-credit modules each semester. (General Regulation 2.3.1) For further information please go to:
http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,20151,en.html, and http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,39150,en.html
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Full-time students
| Credits per semester/term | Credits per academic session (year) | |||
| Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | |
| Undergraduate | 20 | 40 | 50 | 70* |
| Graduate | 20 | 40 | 90 | 90 |
*Undergraduate Programmes that exceed the 70 credit/year maximum must be approved by the relevant University Programme Board.
Part-time students
• Undergraduate: students must register to and attempt modules equivalent to a minimum of 15 credits each semester unless exempt from this restriction by the Programme Board. (General Regulation 2.3.2)
• Graduate: students must register to and attempt modules equivalent to a minimum of 30 credits per academic session (year), i.e. a minimum of 30 credits across a calendar year, unless exempt from this restriction by the Graduate Board. (General Regulation 2.3.4)
I am a first year undergraduate student. How many modules do I need to take in Stage 1?
Undergraduate modules are normally 5 credits. (General Regulation 1.3) The normal workload for a full-time undergraduate student is 60 credits in a standard two-semester session, including Stage 1. That is broken down normally into 30 credits or six 5-credit modules each semester. (General Regulation 2.3.1) For further information please go to:
http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,20151,en.html, and http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,39150,en.html
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How will UCD normally inform me of important notices and instructions?
The University will use e-mail as an official means of communication with students and will use UCD Connect e-mail as the formally supported e-mail service.
Students are expected to check their UCD Connect e-mail on a frequent and consistent basis in order to stay aware of, and comply with, important notices and instructions from the University. Formal communications from the University, Programme or School may be made via e-mail. Students have the responsibility to recognise that certain communications may be urgent and require timely attention.
Student E-mail Policywhich can be found at http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/email_po.pdf .
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Students are expected to check their UCD Connect e-mail on a frequent and consistent basis in order to stay aware of, and comply with, important notices and instructions from the University. Formal communications from the University, Programme or School may be made via e-mail. Students have the responsibility to recognise that certain communications may be urgent and require timely attention.
Student E-mail Policywhich can be found at http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/email_po.pdf .
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What is a pre-requisite?
Pre-requisites indicate that a student must pass a particular module, generally in an earlier stage, or achieve the required learning outcomes of that module in an approved equivalent module, in order to register to the module.
Pre-requisites are a module dependency, and module dependencies specify the prior or parallel learning that is required of students in order to be able to take the module. The purpose of dependencies is to ensure that students are likely to be capable of achieving the learning outcomes of the module, and that students do not gain credit more than once for the same learning outcomes. Registration to a module will not be permitted unless pre-requisites, required modules and co-requisites have been satisfied and any other requirements prescribed by the School or Programme Board has been fulfilled. (General Regulation 1.6) Types of module dependencies include:
• Pre-requisites
• Required modules
• Co-requisites
• Incompatible modules
• Exclusions
• Requirements
• Recommendations
For more information on the different types of module dependencies, please go to http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/
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Pre-requisites are a module dependency, and module dependencies specify the prior or parallel learning that is required of students in order to be able to take the module. The purpose of dependencies is to ensure that students are likely to be capable of achieving the learning outcomes of the module, and that students do not gain credit more than once for the same learning outcomes. Registration to a module will not be permitted unless pre-requisites, required modules and co-requisites have been satisfied and any other requirements prescribed by the School or Programme Board has been fulfilled. (General Regulation 1.6) Types of module dependencies include:
• Pre-requisites
• Required modules
• Co-requisites
• Incompatible modules
• Exclusions
• Requirements
• Recommendations
For more information on the different types of module dependencies, please go to http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/
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Do I have to pass all of the modules taken in a stage in order to progress to the next stage?
No, you can normally progress to the next stage with as many as ten (10) credits of non-passed modules, that is modules with grades of E, F, G, NG, I, IX, IP, W, WL, WX and AU. These modules are referred to as 'carried modules'. (General Regulation 5.15.3)
The Programme Examination Board examines each student's overall performance and determines whether the student is entitled to either progress to the next stage, subject to meeting the credit requirements of the stage and any additional programme progression and completion requirements. (General Regulation 5.15.1)
Information on any additional progression and completion requirements for your programme can be obtained from your Programme Office. Programme Office contact details can be found at http://www.ucd.ie/stu_programmeoffices.htm
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The Programme Examination Board examines each student's overall performance and determines whether the student is entitled to either progress to the next stage, subject to meeting the credit requirements of the stage and any additional programme progression and completion requirements. (General Regulation 5.15.1)
Information on any additional progression and completion requirements for your programme can be obtained from your Programme Office. Programme Office contact details can be found at http://www.ucd.ie/stu_programmeoffices.htm
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What happens when I did not pass a module from my previous stage?
When a student has failed to complete and pass a module (meaning they received a grade of E*, F, G, NG, WL or IP), they have the following 3 options to complete the credit requirements of the programme:
1. Resit the assessment for the module, if the module offers a resit, in the next teaching semester. Re-attendance is not required, and this type of remediation carries a pass/fail grade.
2. Repeat the module the next time it is offered. Here the student re-attends, and the grade point awarded where a repeat attempt is passed is capped at 2.0.
3. Substitute another module compatible with the requirements of the programme. Substitution of another module for a core module requires Programme Board approval. (General Regulation 5.8.1)
* Students who receive an E grade may be eligible for compensation, meaning they may not have to repeat, resit or substitute the module because it could be compensated. Where they are not eligible for compensation, it is up to the student to decide whether to repeat, resit or substitute a module with an E grade.
The University corresponds with students who did not pass modules from their previous stage via their Connect e-mail. It is a student's responsibility to find out about their options. Students are advised to talk to their School in this regard, especially where they choose the option of substitution.
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1. Resit the assessment for the module, if the module offers a resit, in the next teaching semester. Re-attendance is not required, and this type of remediation carries a pass/fail grade.
2. Repeat the module the next time it is offered. Here the student re-attends, and the grade point awarded where a repeat attempt is passed is capped at 2.0.
3. Substitute another module compatible with the requirements of the programme. Substitution of another module for a core module requires Programme Board approval. (General Regulation 5.8.1)
* Students who receive an E grade may be eligible for compensation, meaning they may not have to repeat, resit or substitute the module because it could be compensated. Where they are not eligible for compensation, it is up to the student to decide whether to repeat, resit or substitute a module with an E grade.
The University corresponds with students who did not pass modules from their previous stage via their Connect e-mail. It is a student's responsibility to find out about their options. Students are advised to talk to their School in this regard, especially where they choose the option of substitution.
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Can I register for multiple programmes?
Normally, a student may not be registered to more than one programme within the University, and may not be registered full time to a programme within the University while registered full time to a programme outside the University.
In exceptional circumstances, students who wish to register to more than one programme within the University, or to register full-time to a programme within the University while registered full-time to a programme outside of the University, must obtain the approval of the relevant governing board overseeing each University programme and of the relevant University Programme Board(s). (General Regulation 2.7, RM Regulation 12.3, PhD Regulation 20.2, and MD Regulation 28.3)
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In exceptional circumstances, students who wish to register to more than one programme within the University, or to register full-time to a programme within the University while registered full-time to a programme outside of the University, must obtain the approval of the relevant governing board overseeing each University programme and of the relevant University Programme Board(s). (General Regulation 2.7, RM Regulation 12.3, PhD Regulation 20.2, and MD Regulation 28.3)
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What if there are clinical, professional or work placement modules on my programme?
Some programmes may include clinical, professional or work placement modules, and some of these modules are taken off-campus. Such programmes should specify any progression and programme credit accumulation requirements related to placement modules, and should further distinguish between professional accreditation/registration requirements and academic outcomes. (General Regulation 3.10)
Grades awarded for UCD modules on the basis of off-campus compulsory or optional clinical, professional or work placements for which credit has been awarded, in accordance with the Regulations, will be recorded in the transcript and, at the discretion of the Programme Board, will normally be included in the calculation of compensation and stage GPA. (General Regulations 3.10 and 5.15.10)
Further information on clinical, professional or work placement modules, including the code of conduct that should be observed by students, can be found in the Student Code (Section 4: Student Conduct on Work Placements – http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/student_code.pdf and in the academic policy Work Placement/Practice Experience: Guidelines & Good Practice http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/workp_po.pdf
Programmes that lead to a professional qualification that requires students to undertake practical training in a professional environment may be subject to the University's Student Fitness to Practise Policy. Students registering to such programmes should familiarise themselves with the policy and the relevant Fitness to Practise Programme Statements.
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Grades awarded for UCD modules on the basis of off-campus compulsory or optional clinical, professional or work placements for which credit has been awarded, in accordance with the Regulations, will be recorded in the transcript and, at the discretion of the Programme Board, will normally be included in the calculation of compensation and stage GPA. (General Regulations 3.10 and 5.15.10)
Further information on clinical, professional or work placement modules, including the code of conduct that should be observed by students, can be found in the Student Code (Section 4: Student Conduct on Work Placements – http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/student_code.pdf and in the academic policy Work Placement/Practice Experience: Guidelines & Good Practice http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/workp_po.pdf
Programmes that lead to a professional qualification that requires students to undertake practical training in a professional environment may be subject to the University's Student Fitness to Practise Policy. Students registering to such programmes should familiarise themselves with the policy and the relevant Fitness to Practise Programme Statements.
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Undergraduate Students: Focus on Elective Modules
What is an elective module and do I have to take elective modules outside my programme?
Elective modules are modules that students are free to take provided the timetable allows and there are places available, and they may be chosen from within your programme or outside your programme. (General Regulation 3.9.2) Undergraduate students should be able to take all of their credits, including elective credits, within their chosen subject. This means that each undergraduate programme (via its majors and minors) must provide sufficient modules to enable students to take all their credits from within their programme or subject(s) in each stage. (General Regulation 3.9.4)
Some elective modules may be restricted to students in certain programmes because of the content of the module or the prior learning that is required to take the module. Students will not be permitted to register to restricted electives online unless they are in one of the designated programmes. Students who believe they have the prior learning that is necessary to take a restricted elective may apply to the Module Co-ordinator for admission. (General Regulation 1.8; see also General Regulation 3.9.4)
Elective modules are not normally offered at graduate level.
For more information on Core, Option and Negotiated Option Modules please go to http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/programmesprogrammestructures/asugtitle,39235,en.html For more information on when you can register for elective modules see http://www.ucd.ie/students/registration.html
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Some elective modules may be restricted to students in certain programmes because of the content of the module or the prior learning that is required to take the module. Students will not be permitted to register to restricted electives online unless they are in one of the designated programmes. Students who believe they have the prior learning that is necessary to take a restricted elective may apply to the Module Co-ordinator for admission. (General Regulation 1.8; see also General Regulation 3.9.4)
Elective modules are not normally offered at graduate level.
For more information on Core, Option and Negotiated Option Modules please go to http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/programmesprogrammestructures/asugtitle,39235,en.html For more information on when you can register for elective modules see http://www.ucd.ie/students/registration.html
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How should I choose my elective modules?
I am a first year (Stage 1) and want to choose a Level 3 module as one of my electives. Is this permissible?
Yes. There are no level restrictions for elective modules. However, you should carefully consider the level of difficulty and expected learning outcomes of the module before you register to it. You may have to register to this module manually through your Programme Office. Contact details for your Programme Office can be found at http://www.ucd.ie/stu_programmeoffices.htm.
For more information on what a module level is please go to: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,39148,en.html.
I am a Stage 2 (or Stage 3) student and want to take a Level 0 module as one of my electives. Is this permissible?
Yes, provided you have not already taken 10 credits of Level 0 modules (10 credits is the maximum number of Level 0 modules).For more information on what a module level is please go to: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,39148,en.html.
I am a Stage 2 (or Stage 3) student and want to take a Level 1 module as one of my electives. Is this permissible?
Yes. There are technically no level restrictions for elective modules. However, you must take at least 100 credits of Level 2 or higher modules, 40 of which must be at Level 3, in order to graduate. Thus, if you are on a 180-credit programme, the most Level 0* and Level 1 credits you may take are 80. You should also keep in mind that the level of all of your modules will appear on your transcript—a Level 1 module will stand out in Stage 3, where most of your modules will be at Level 2 and 3. While, it may be appropriate to take Level 1 electives in subject areas where you have no prior learning, you should not take Level 1 electives in one of your major or minor subject areas.
* Remember: 10 credits is the maximum number of Level 0 modules you may take.
For more information on what a module level is please go to: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,39148,en.html
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Yes. There are no level restrictions for elective modules. However, you should carefully consider the level of difficulty and expected learning outcomes of the module before you register to it. You may have to register to this module manually through your Programme Office. Contact details for your Programme Office can be found at http://www.ucd.ie/stu_programmeoffices.htm.
For more information on what a module level is please go to: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,39148,en.html.
I am a Stage 2 (or Stage 3) student and want to take a Level 0 module as one of my electives. Is this permissible?
Yes, provided you have not already taken 10 credits of Level 0 modules (10 credits is the maximum number of Level 0 modules).For more information on what a module level is please go to: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,39148,en.html.
I am a Stage 2 (or Stage 3) student and want to take a Level 1 module as one of my electives. Is this permissible?
Yes. There are technically no level restrictions for elective modules. However, you must take at least 100 credits of Level 2 or higher modules, 40 of which must be at Level 3, in order to graduate. Thus, if you are on a 180-credit programme, the most Level 0* and Level 1 credits you may take are 80. You should also keep in mind that the level of all of your modules will appear on your transcript—a Level 1 module will stand out in Stage 3, where most of your modules will be at Level 2 and 3. While, it may be appropriate to take Level 1 electives in subject areas where you have no prior learning, you should not take Level 1 electives in one of your major or minor subject areas.
* Remember: 10 credits is the maximum number of Level 0 modules you may take.
For more information on what a module level is please go to: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/asug/modulesandcredits/asugtitle,39148,en.html
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Graduate Students
How will credit value for dissertations and research activity be calculated for graduate programmes?
Dissertations and research projects will bear credit in multiples of 5 credits based on total student effort required (20-25 hours student effort merits 1 credit). The credit value of a research project, dissertation or other assessable research activity should be calculated as follows:
• 15 weeks (one semester) full-time research merits 30 credits
• 45 weeks (one calendar year) full-time research merits 90 credits
Where research is conducted on a part-time basis, or combined with taught activity, the credit value of the research activity must reflect the actual time devoted by the student to research. (General Regulation 1.10)
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• 15 weeks (one semester) full-time research merits 30 credits
• 45 weeks (one calendar year) full-time research merits 90 credits
Where research is conducted on a part-time basis, or combined with taught activity, the credit value of the research activity must reflect the actual time devoted by the student to research. (General Regulation 1.10)
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What are the rules for progression through a graduate programme?
Progression applies to all graduate taught programmes that are completed in more than one stage.
(General Regulation 5.15) A student is normally considered to have completed an attempt at a stage or programme on the first occasion when they have attempted sufficient modules to meet the credit requirements of the stage or programme. The Programme Examination Board examines each student's overall performance and determines whether the student is entitled to either progress to the next stage, subject to meeting the credit requirements of the stage and any additional programme progression and completion requirements. (General Regulation 5.15.1) Information on any additional progression and completion requirements for your programme can be obtained from your Graduate School Office. Graduate School Office contact details can be found at
http://www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/graduateschools/
In graduate research masters programmes, the Research Masters Panel will monitor a student's progress against the prescribed programme of research and study on a regular basis. (Research Masters Regulation 9.6)
Progress in the PhD Degree will be assessed by an Assessment Panel(s) at the end of Stage 1 or at any other point in the programme. (PhD Regulations, Section 19)
For MD Degree students, the MD Committee is responsible for monitoring their progress, including a formal mid-programme assessment. (MD Regulations, Section 27)
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In graduate research masters programmes, the Research Masters Panel will monitor a student's progress against the prescribed programme of research and study on a regular basis. (Research Masters Regulation 9.6)
Progress in the PhD Degree will be assessed by an Assessment Panel(s) at the end of Stage 1 or at any other point in the programme. (PhD Regulations, Section 19)
For MD Degree students, the MD Committee is responsible for monitoring their progress, including a formal mid-programme assessment. (MD Regulations, Section 27)
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Where can I find information on preparing and submitting my thesis?
Theses in Graduate Research Programmes
Research Masters Regulations Section 13, PhD Regulations Section 21, and MD Regulations Section 29 http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/academic_r.pdf refer to the preparation and submission of the thesis for examination. Additional information on the preparation and submission of theses in graduate research programmes can be found in the Policy on Theses in Graduate Research Programmes http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/gradthesis.htm ).
Theses in Graduate Taught Programmes
Information on the preparation and submission of theses in graduate taught programmes can be found in the Policy on Theses in Graduate Taught Programmes: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/gradthesis.htm
How many copies of my thesis must I submit for examination?
A graduate research candidate shall prepare the appropriate number of copies of their thesis and submit them to the Student Desk, UCD Registry. This number is based on the number of members of the Examination Committee and a student should check with their School to confirm the number of copies required.
Research Masters Regulations Section 13, PhD Regulations Section 21, and MD Regulations Section 29 http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/academic_r.pdf refer to the preparation and submission of the thesis for examination. Important information on theses in graduate research programmes can be found in the Policy on Theses in Graduate Research Programmes http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/gradthesis.htm
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Research Masters Regulations Section 13, PhD Regulations Section 21, and MD Regulations Section 29 http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/academic_r.pdf refer to the preparation and submission of the thesis for examination. Additional information on the preparation and submission of theses in graduate research programmes can be found in the Policy on Theses in Graduate Research Programmes http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/gradthesis.htm ).
Theses in Graduate Taught Programmes
Information on the preparation and submission of theses in graduate taught programmes can be found in the Policy on Theses in Graduate Taught Programmes: http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/gradthesis.htm
How many copies of my thesis must I submit for examination?
A graduate research candidate shall prepare the appropriate number of copies of their thesis and submit them to the Student Desk, UCD Registry. This number is based on the number of members of the Examination Committee and a student should check with their School to confirm the number of copies required.
Research Masters Regulations Section 13, PhD Regulations Section 21, and MD Regulations Section 29 http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/academic_r.pdf refer to the preparation and submission of the thesis for examination. Important information on theses in graduate research programmes can be found in the Policy on Theses in Graduate Research Programmes http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/gradthesis.htm
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I am a new graduate student. Where can I find out about regulations, fees and my Student Card?
As a UCD graduate student, there are University regulations and policies of which you should be aware. You are encouraged to review these documents and acquaint yourself with all the necessary information. Academic Regulations and the Student Code can be found at http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/docs/academic_r.pdf . And a full listing of academic policies and codes of practice can be found at http://www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/policyd.htm
When you have registered fully and paid your fees you will be able to collect your Student Card. Information on fees can be found on the Fees and Grants website (http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/index.html). You can collect your Student Card from the Student Centre, Belfield from 13 to 21 September 2010. After 21 September you can collect it from the Student Desk. For information on opening times and how to find the Student Desk please go to http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/studentdesk/index.html or the Graduate Studies Office (you can email them at graduatestudies@ucd.ie or telephone 716 4022/ 716 4044/ 716 4043).
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When you have registered fully and paid your fees you will be able to collect your Student Card. Information on fees can be found on the Fees and Grants website (http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/index.html). You can collect your Student Card from the Student Centre, Belfield from 13 to 21 September 2010. After 21 September you can collect it from the Student Desk. For information on opening times and how to find the Student Desk please go to http://www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/studentdesk/index.html or the Graduate Studies Office (you can email them at graduatestudies@ucd.ie or telephone 716 4022/ 716 4044/ 716 4043).
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