GPA Calculation
Your GPA is your Grade Point Average, and it is a measure of your academic performance, comprising GPA scores for all eligible modules (click here to see UCD's GPA scores for grades). The higher your GPA, the higher the quality of your degree. In UCD your degree GPA values are classified into the broad classes such as first-class honours and so on. Your final degree GPA and classification will be based on your performance in certain stages depending on your course. Some employers and many universities will make use of the GPA value itself.
While you must complete Stage 1 of your degree to progress, your grades from Stage 1 modules will not be used in computing your degree GPA. However, Stage 1 results are a component in applications to study abroad.
The box below demonstrates how a final degree GPA for BSocSc Social Policy and Sociology is calculated when you complete your degree if you do not avail of Study Abroad opportunities in Stage 3.
3 Stages: No Study Abroad |
Weighting |
Credits |
Equivalent % |
Stage 1 |
0 |
60 |
0 |
Stage 2 |
5 |
60 |
50% |
Stage 3 |
5 |
60 |
50% |
GPA Calculation for BSocSc Social Policy & Sociology International
(On Exchange from 2020-21 Onwards)
Choosing to study abroad means you will move to a new 4 year degree programme. One of the changes resulting from this move is a change to how your final degree GPA will be calculated. 4 year degree programmes count Stages 2, 3 & 4 for GPA Calculation purposes. However your study abroad year is GPA Neutral, this means Stage 3/year abroad does not count towards your GPA directly but does alter how your GPA will be calculated.
4 Stages: Study Abroad |
Weighting |
Credits |
Equivalent % |
Stage 1 |
0 |
60 |
0 |
Stage 2 |
2 |
60 |
28.57% |
Stage 3 (Year Abroad) |
3 (Neutral) |
60 |
0 |
Stage 4 |
5 |
60 |
71.43% |
GPA Calculation for BSocSc International
(On Exchangein 2019/20 and Previous Years)
Students who completed completed a year of study abroad in 2023/24 and previous years on the BSocSc Social Sciences programme will have their GPA calculated as follows.
4 Stages: Study Abroad |
Weighting |
Credits |
Equivalent % |
Stage 1 |
0 |
60 |
0% |
Stage 2 |
5 |
60 |
50% |
Stage 3 (Year Abroad) |
0(Neutral) |
60 |
0% |
Stage 4 |
5 |
60 |
50% |
The change in weighting is directed by UCD Academic Regulations 2024 - 25 and is explained in Appendix B (B.1 and B.5).
If you wish to be advised on your GPA calculation, please contact the Social Sciences through this link: (opens in a new window)Query Form.