A number of the key pieces of information and policies you need as a student are listed below. If you have any questions about these, or cannot find what you are looking for on our website, please contact the Social Sciences Desk.
Options are often available to change subjects in larger degrees or to transfer to a new programme within UCD.
Changing subjects: Please see your Programme Information page for more information on changing subjects, if this is available.
Transfers, re-admission and progression routes: Please see our Transfers summary of where to get further information about these options for UCD students.
As well as your Core and Option modules you can also study Elective modules that either deepen your knowledge in your chosen programme or allow you to explore subjects outside of your area of study.
Your key contacts to help you understand your fees and financial planning are listed below.
Many students could not succeed in university without some financial support. You are encouraged to seek advice and support on the range of grants and financial assistance available to you. Click on the links below for contacts, deadlines and information.
The Student Desk in the Tierney Building is your first port-of-call for queries on your fees and fee status. The Student Desk can assist international students with documents to open a bank account in Ireland.
Information on Student Contribution and Student Centre Levy charges may be found on the Fees and Grants website. Click here for information on current charges.
The Student Grant Scheme is the main financial support available for eligible students attending full-time programmes at UCD. Click here for more information on applications and deadlines.
SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) is Ireland’s single national awarding authority for all higher and further education grants. See their website for full details on whether you are eligible for a grant, the process and deadlines.
There are a number of forms of financial assistance in UCD. Click on the links below for contacts, eligibility and further details.
Career Development
Our colleagues in the UCD Careers Newtork provide you as students and alumni with a range of services which enable and empower you to "develop the skills, self-confidence and attitudes needed to flourish in learning and work within a global economy".
Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to build your skills, network, your CV and your confidence, not to mention new friends! UCD In The Community have a range of volunteering opportunities on their website.
Internships
UCD Careers Connect regularly posts information about paid internship opportunities on their careers portal.
BSc Social Sciences students: information about internships in your curriciulum will be available through the DN700 Social Sciences programme information.
UCD offers many different opportunities for you to go abroad on exchange as part of your degree - these are usually Exchange or Erasmus programmes. Depending on which degree and subject(s) you are studying, your options and the criteria will differ.
For BSc Social Sciences (DN700) students, the programme website provides your guide to potential opportunities.
UCD Global provides helpful information about what exchanges and Erasmus programmes are, the process of application and the supports available to you - visit their Exchange and Erasmus site here.
If you fail to pass a module, don’t panic. There are options to remediate this module. The following 3 options are available for students to complete the credit requirements of the programme. Read more here
This policy sets out the steps to be taken where you know in advance that you will not be able to meet a submission deadline. The policy principles ensure that applications may be dealt with in a fair and equitable manner, across the University.
For more information on the policy, processes and supports relevant to you, click here.
Students are expected to meet the academic demands of their chosen programme. However, you may experience a range of serious and unanticipated difficulties, which adversely affect your ability to study, complete assessments or attend your required classes and other learning activities.
For more information on the policy, processes and supports relevant to you, click here.
A Leave of Absence enables you to take an approved and specified period of time away from your programme.
UCD recognises that for a variety of reasons a student may need to withdraw from their programme and the University. It further recognises that in some cases a student may, at a later date, apply for re-admission to the programme.
More information: It's important that you seek information and support from before making the decision to take time away from your studies. For more information on the policies and supports available to you regarding Leave of Absence or Withdrawal, see here.
UCD encourages lifelong learning and provides the opportunity for prior learning to be recognised.
Click here for the full Policy, Application Form and Guide for Applicants
UCD is committed to providing an excellent education and high quality services to our students and continuously seeks to improve the student experience. From time to time problems arise, and students should be supported in expressing their dissatisfaction and seeking resolution to problems encountered. The following principles reflect the University’s commitment to resolving issues as quickly as possible with an emphasis on a local resolution, where appropriate. Students should feel free to raise concerns without risk of disadvantage and are encouraged to seek guidance and advice from a student support professional.
Governing Boards are responsible for monitoring the overall academic performance and progression of students registered to programmes within their remit.
The UCD Social Sciences Undergraduate Governing Board monitors undergraduate students' academic performance and progression.
Where a Governing Board deems that a student’s performance and/or progression within a programme is academically unacceptable, the relevant Governing Board shall decide whether the student is or is not eligible to continue in that programme.
Relevant Links
University Continuation - Academic Progress Policy and Procedures
Paper Forms
Repeat Module Registration: Time Conflict Over-ride Form
Online Documents: Student Desk
The Student Desk is responsible for the production of official documents relating to your registration and academic history.
Electronic Copies: Most students who began their degree post 2000 can access electronic copies of their official documents online, free of charge.
A Certificate of Attendance verifies years registered at UCD. It states your name, programme title, registration status and stage. It is an official document which contains a unique code which can be used for verification purposes by Third Parties. All students can produce and publish their Certificate of Attendance online via their SIS web account.
Visit the Student Desk Website for more information
If you still have not found the support you were looking for, contact the Social Sciences Desk, and we will be happy to help you.