Programmes
| UCD Awards and the National Framework of Qualifications |
Summary
UCD Awards and the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ)
The National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) has been established to create a coherent structure for the development and recognition of all awards within the Irish education system.
It is founded on the principles of learning outcomes which identify the level of knowledge, skills and competence a learner should attain to achieve an award placed on the framework.
The aim of the NFQ is to describe a clear relationship between all levels of educational achievement which will provide greater clarity for learners, education training providers and employers.
Further information
UCD Awards and the NFQ
The Framework defines ten levels and recognises four categories of award type at the University level. These are known as: (i) Major Awards, (ii) Minor Awards, (iii) Special Purpose Awards and (iv) Supplemental Awards.
For a detailed definition of the NFQ levels and awards types please go to the National Framework of Qualifications website. For NFQ frequently asked questions please click here.
For a detailed definition of the NFQ levels and awards types please go to the National Framework of Qualifications website. For NFQ frequently asked questions please click here.
The level of your Award
In the case of most of the University's major degree programmes; Honours Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree and Doctoral Degree, the associated levels are applicable regardless of date of award.
The level of an award is not affected by an individual's achievement within it, that is, the grading or classification. For example, the Bachelor of Commerce degree is classified as a level 8 award, regardless of whether a graduate received a "pass" or "honours" grade.
During the process of mapping UCD awards to the Framework UCD Higher Diploma programmes were reviewed and a number were re-designated as Graduate Diplomas (NFQ level 9). Please click here to see list of re-designated Higher Diplomas.
The level of an award is not affected by an individual's achievement within it, that is, the grading or classification. For example, the Bachelor of Commerce degree is classified as a level 8 award, regardless of whether a graduate received a "pass" or "honours" grade.
During the process of mapping UCD awards to the Framework UCD Higher Diploma programmes were reviewed and a number were re-designated as Graduate Diplomas (NFQ level 9). Please click here to see list of re-designated Higher Diplomas.
UCD Major Awards
The following table shows the UCD Major Awards with associated levels and Credit ranges:
* Students who do not progress to Stage 4 of the BSc programme but who have achieved 180 ECTS credits with a minimum of 100 ECTS credits at level 2 or above and a minimum of 40 ECTS credits at level 3 or above will be awarded a BSc (General Science) Level 8.
Professional Diploma in Education. The Irish universities have agreed to adopt a new title for initial post-primary teaching qualification from 2011/12 (recognised by the Teaching Council) for the purposes of entry on the Register as a post-primary teacher. The title replaces the existing Graduate Diploma in Education. The Professional Diploma in Education is placed as a Level 8 award on the NFQ, as is a qualification associated with a graduate entry programme, and as such is consistent with the Higher Diploma award type. For more information please see NQAI website.
| Award | Award Type | Level | Credits |
| Honours Bachelor Degree* | Major | 8 | 180-360 |
| Higher Diploma | Major | 8 | 60-120 |
| Professional Diploma in Education | Major | 8 | 60 |
| Graduate Diploma | Major | 9 | 60-80 |
| Masters Degree (taught) | Major | 9 | 90-120 |
| Masters Degree (research) | Major | 9 | 90-180 |
| Doctoral Degree (Doctor of Medicine(MD)) | Major | 10 | 180 |
| Doctoral Degree (research) | Major | 10 | 270-360 |
| Doctoral Degree (professional) | Major | 10 | 270-360 |
* Students who do not progress to Stage 4 of the BSc programme but who have achieved 180 ECTS credits with a minimum of 100 ECTS credits at level 2 or above and a minimum of 40 ECTS credits at level 3 or above will be awarded a BSc (General Science) Level 8.
Professional Diploma in Education. The Irish universities have agreed to adopt a new title for initial post-primary teaching qualification from 2011/12 (recognised by the Teaching Council) for the purposes of entry on the Register as a post-primary teacher. The title replaces the existing Graduate Diploma in Education. The Professional Diploma in Education is placed as a Level 8 award on the NFQ, as is a qualification associated with a graduate entry programme, and as such is consistent with the Higher Diploma award type. For more information please see NQAI website.
UCD Minor, Special Purpose and Supplemental Awards
The following table shows the UCD Minor, Special Purpose and Supplemental Awards with associated levels and credit ranges:
| Award | Award Type | Level | Credits |
| University (level 7) Certificate | Minor | 7 | 20-40 |
| University Diploma | Minor | 7 | 60-120 |
| University (level 8) Certificate | Minor | 8 | 20-40 |
| Graduate Certificate | Minor | 9 | 30-40 |
| Professional Certificate | Special Purpose | 7, 8 or 9 | 5-15 |
| Professional Diploma | Special Purpose | 7, 8 or 9 | 20-30 |
| Certificate of Continuing Education | Special Purpose | 6 or 7 | 5-15 |
| Diploma of Continuing Education | Special Purpose | 6 or 7 | 20-30 |
| Certificate of Continuing Professional Development | Supplemental Award | 8 or 9 | 5-10 |
Historical/Legacy Awards
Within the context of the National Framework of Qualifications awards that the University no longer offers are termed historical awards. Awards that were offered by the University prior to the determination of the National Framework of Qualifications are termed legacy awards. (legacy awards may still be offered by the University but the term refers to those which have been awarded prior to the determination of the Framework in 2003).
In the interest of award holders, employers and other stakeholders the NUI has placed the following major historical awards in the Framework as follows:
In the interest of award holders, employers and other stakeholders the NUI has placed the following major historical awards in the Framework as follows:
| Award | Award Type | NFQ Level |
| BA (General) | Major | Level 7 |
| BA (Special) | Major | Level 8 |
| BA (Joint Hons) | Major | Level 8 |
| BA (Single Hons) | Major | Level 8 |
| BA (Single Hons/Denominated) | Major | Level 8 |
| BSc (General) [awarded in 1997 or before] | Major | Level 7 |
| BSc (General) [awarded from 1998] | Major | Level 8 |
