Planning Your Degree

Stage 1

You are registered to the pathway within the BA Humanities you chose on your CAO Application.  When you begin to register to modules online, you will see that you are pre-registered to core modules and you will have the opportunity to select option modules.  Each pathway has its own structure but in all cases, Stage 1 adds up to 60 credits and is made up of core, option and elective modules.  You need to follow the directions on the registration page to complete your registration process.  If you are unclear about what to do, contact your Programme Manager or Pathway Coordinator.  Some pathways have pathway-specific modules.  These pathway specific modules are designed to explore the interaction and relationship between the different disciplines that make up your interdisciplinary degree.  

In most of the pathways, it is not possible to change a subject.  In opting for a pathway, you have selected a specific interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary combination or to concentrate on a single subject.  In our interdisciplinary pathways, understanding the relationship between your chosen disciplines is a core and unique learning objective of this degree programme.

To progress to Stage 2, you must earn at least 50 credits. Ideally you should have the full 60 credits.  If you do not have enough credit to progress, please talk to your School and get as much advice as you can. You will also be contacted by the College Office with advice and support.  

Stage 2

In Stage 2 you will continue with core, option and elective modules.  As in Stage 1, you will be pre-registered to your core modules but there will be choice available through option and elective modules.  Students are expected to deepen their knowledge of the subjects within the pathway and start to develop more focussed research, critical and analytical skills.  

Stage 3

In Stage 3 you will continue to strengthen your knowledge, expertise and insight into your subjects and you may also have the opportunity to undertake an internship, or to study abroad for a trimester (or year) at one of our partner universities.  

Studying Abroad in another University for one or two trimesters is an opportunity to enhance your studies in UCD with exposure to new cultures, approaches and experiences and it is strongly recommended that students take this opportunity to travel.  You will receive support and advice in preparing for this and the credit you earn in your time abroad will accumulate towards the overall credit requirement of 240 credits for the BA Humanities programme.  The grades you achieve will not count towards your degree GPA.  Please note that for students on the English, European and World Literatures pathway, a Year Abroad in Stage 3 is compulsory.

The Internship Placement is an opportunity to hone your skills and knowledge in a different work environment. This will help you to understand in a holistic way how your qualities as a BA graduate are useful in the workplace. It will enhance core skills, attitudes and competencies that are not only fundamental features of your degree programme, but are also transferable, relevant to diverse workplace settings, and important for deepening your understanding of what constitutes active and engaged critical citizenship.  You should note that the number of internships placements will be limited, and placements will be allocated through a competitive application and interview process.  If you do not receive an internship placement, you will continue with academic modules in Year 3 or you may seek to apply for a study abroad opportunity. 

Your Pathway Coordinator and Programme Manager will provide further information on Stage 3 opportunities. 

Stage 4

In Stage 4, you will continue to deepen your understanding and refine your knowledge in your subject(s).  An extended dissertation in a specialised area which you will select in conjunction with your supervisor is core to the learning in many of the pathways in the BA Humanities.  You will have the opportunity to develop your research skills throughout your programme. 

Completing Your Degree

To complete your degree, you must complete 240 credits and this includes all core, option and elective modules set out in your programme.  You must also have the correct combination of modules from different levels. At least 40 credits must be taken at Level 3 or above.

Your Degree GPA will be based on your performance in the modules that you take at Stages 2, Stage 3 and Stage 4.  Your Grade Points for Stage 2 will be weighted by a factor of 2, your Grade Points for Stage 3 will be weighted by a factor of 3 and your Grade Points for Stage 4 will be weighted by a factor of 7.  Please note that Internships and Study Abroad are GPA neutral. Your Degree GPA will be calculated based on academic modules taken in UCD. 

The modules you take in Stage 1 form the foundation of your degree and are critical to your smooth progression through your degree, so while they do not contribute to your final GPA, they require the same level of commitment and effort as modules that you will take later on.

 

Regulations and Policies

Your studies in UCD are governed by a set of overarching rules called Academic Regulations and these regulations are supported by academic policy, procedures and guidelines. This section provides an overview of some of the policies you might need to consult over the coming years. 

Transferring to another Programme

The first thing to say is that it is not guaranteed that you can transfer between Programmes. It is dependent on your progress in UCD and on places being available. The mechanism and the regulations are set out in the UCD Transfer Policy. In some instances, you must apply to transfer and you must do so by a specified deadline - otherwise your request will not be considered see Programme Transfer. 

Taking a Leave of Absence

There are many reasons why you may opt to take some time away from your degree. You should apply for this leave in advance by no later than week 8 of the Trimester (check key dates for the deadline dates) and you must submit your request online through SISWeb. If it is granted, you will receive a communication from the University stating the terms of the leave. If you do not apply for leave of absence and just decide to take time off, there will be fee and academic implications. You may find yourself being deemed to have withdrawn from the degree and you may have to reapply should you wish to return. It is important to speak to someone in the College Office, or a Student Adviser before making a decision to take some time out - see Leave of Absence. 

Extenuating Circumstances

UCD has a policy for Extenuating Circumstances that allows us to consider circumstances that had a serious effect on your ability to engage with your modules. Grounds for consideration must be serious, beyond your control and you must provide suitable supporting evidence. Not every circumstance is regarded as extenuating - check out the Student Guide to Extenuating Circumstances for helpful information.

You will complete the Extenuating Circumstances Form on-line via SISWeb and submit the supporting documentation with the application by the relevant deadlines. Applications are considered only in relation to the trimester in which they are made. Late applications will be considered only in exceptional circumstances. For full details see Extenuating Circumstances. 

Late Submission of Coursework

This policy sets out the steps to be taken where a student knows in advance that he/she 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. For full details see Late Submission of Coursework Policy. 

Withdrawing from a Module

If you decide to drop an Autumn Trimester module, you must do so before week 8 of the trimester (check key dates for the deadline dates) to avoid being charged fees. Please make sure you come and talk with us in the College Office if you are thinking of withdrawing from a module. 

Continuing with Your Programme

You are expected to progress from Stage to Stage and the University provides supports and advice so that this is as smooth as possible. Although extremely rare, it may be necessary to review a student’s progression and level of engagement with their programme to determine if the student is eligible to continue in their programme. The University has procedures in place for this - please see the UCD Continuation procedure for further information. 

Withdrawing from Your Programme

We would encourage you to talk to a Student Adviser if you are thinking of withdrawing from your programme. You should also note that if you withdraw before the week 8 of the Trimester (check key dates for the deadline dates) you will not incur fees. If you withdraw from your programme and want to return in the future you will have to reapply, either through UCD Admissions Office, or in some circumstances via the CAO. If you are accepted for return to the programme, then we will evaluate whether the credit that you have previously achieved can count toward your degree – see UCD Withdrawal. 

The full versions of all the University’s Academic Regulations and Policies are available on (opens in a new window)University Regulations and Policies.