Assessment

Assessment is an important part of your learning at University and assessments may be different from those you have done up to now. This section outlines the key information about assessment at UCD.   

Assessing and Grading your Work

Each module is assessed individually, and the module coordinator draws up the assessment format and requirements for each of your modules.  A module may contain several assessment components, such as continuous assessment, project work, essays and/or a final written or oral exam.  Often a significant portion of the module is assessed before the formal examination period at the end of each trimester.  You can check the assessment format on any module online, in the information given to you at the beginning of the module, or as posted on Brightspace.  

Submitting Work for Assessment during the Trimester

You will be given detailed instructions on how and when to submit your assessed work either in class or via email. Each submission will have a deadline and it is important to meet those dates to avoid penalties for late submission. If something outside of your control (e.g. illness, accidents, or a bereavement) makes it impossible for you to meet a deadline, the first thing to do is to contact your module coordinator, (directly, or via the School Office) and they will be able to discuss your situation with you and look for a solution.  If something more serious is happening to you over the trimester and you cannot do any of your course work, let us know as soon as you can at College Office Contacts so we can put in place the supports to help you. 

End of Trimester Examination

Many modules have a written exam at the end of the trimester in addition to continuous assessment during the trimester.  Examinations take place during the final two weeks of the 15-week trimester.   Usually these are the second and third weeks of December and the first two weeks of May, though this can vary from year to year.  Examinations are scheduled throughout the week, including weekends and during the evening – it is important to be aware of this.  If you miss an exam, go and talk to the module co-ordinator as soon as possible. Local, School-based solutions may be possible.  

Academic Integrity and How to Avoid Plagiarism

Upholding academic integrity is crucial and plagiarism must be avoided.  Plagiarism is when someone claims that they have created the concepts and ideas used in their work when, in fact, they have been created by somebody else. You will receive guidance to ensure that you understand how to acknowledge the sources that you use and to ensure that there is a clear distinction between the insights that you claim as your own versus those which you have drawn from other sources.  It is worth noting that the best work is where the arguments are supported by reference to the works of others so your interest in avoiding plagiarism is not only to avoid serious penalties, but crucially by learning how to engage with, and properly reference, your sources.  Check your School website for plagiarism policies and further useful guidance can be found in the (opens in a new window)Academic Integrity guide.  

Module Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA)

Modules are graded using letters and you must get at least a D- to pass a module.  Each grade has a Grade Point associated with it. These are like a score, so for example, an A+ grade has a Grade Point value of 4.2, a B grade has a Grade Point value of 3.4, and so on (see below).

The Grade Points for each module taken are averaged at the end of each trimester and Stage and this provides you with your current GPA. When you complete your programme, you will receive your Degree GPA which is calculated in different ways depending on your programme.  The GPA for your BA degree is available on Course Search:  Course Search

How your Degree Award is Calculated 

The type of degree award depends on your overall GPA.  You will receive a degree classification - First Class Honours, Second Class Honours Grade I, Second Class Honours Grade II or Pass - which is based on your Grade Point Average as follows: 

For more detailed information on grading, see: https://www.ucd.ie/students/exams/gradingandremediation/understandinggrades/