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Continuation Policy

Continuation – Academic Progress Policy and Procedures for Social Sciences undergraduate degree students

The Continuation - Academic Progress Policy and Procedures aim to support students experiencing challenges in their studies, helping them get back on track and progress through their degree programme. The Social Sciences Undergraduate Governing Board monitors academic performance and provides support for students who:

  • Fail more than 10 credits in a trimester, or
  • Fail to remediate a module after three attempts.

The continuation process is designed to provide support for students facing academic challenges. The process includes the following steps:

  • Review Step 1:

The first time a student fails more than 10 credits, or fails to remediate a module after three attempts, they will be placed on Review Step 1. At this stage, students are required to attend a mandatory webinar to receive essential information and guidance. A recording of the webinar will also be made available for students unable to attend the live session.

  • Progression Through the Steps:

If a student fails more than 10 credits or fails to remediate a module after three attempts again, they will move to the next review step (e.g. Review Step 2). The process is cumulative, meaning students can continue to progress through the steps if academic challenges persist.

  • Review Step 2 and Higher:

At Review Step 2 and beyond, students are invited to in-person meetings with their Programme Director (or nominee) and a representative from the Social Sciences Office. These meetings provide a deeper level of support, focusing on creating an academic plan and identifying supports to address challenges.

The goal of the continuation process is to help students overcome challenges and successfully complete their degree. However, if sufficient academic progress is not made after multiple review steps, the student's case may be reviewed for potential discontinuation.

Students who fail more than 10 credits in a trimester or fail to remediate a module after three attempts for the first time will be invited to a mandatory webinar. This webinar is designed to provide essential information and support, including:

  • Details on university supports and resources available.
  • Guidance on making a plan to remediate failed modules and improve academic performance.

Key features of the webinar:

  • Offered live, with a recording available for students unable to attend.
  • Ensures privacy (attendance lists will not be visible).
  • Requires students to complete a declaration form confirming they have participated.

Students will also be given the opportunity to book an optional meeting if necessary.

Students who continue to face academic challenges after the first review will move to Review Step 2 or higher.

Key features of these steps:

  • Students will be invited to an in-person meeting with their Programme Director (or nominee) and a Social Sciences Office representative.
  • The meeting will focus on:
    • Developing an updated academic plan.
    • Identifying additional resources or support required.

If students fail to make sufficient progress following these steps, their case could be reviewed for potential discontinuation.

To make the most of the continuation process it can be useful to reflect on your academic performance and challenges. Consider these questions:

  • How did the trimester go? Were you surprised by your results?
  • Are there areas where you feel like you need additional support?
  • What will you do differently in the coming trimester?

It can also be useful to become familiar with the rules around progressing stage and options for remediating failed modules (e.g. resits and repeats) and consider what you would like to do.

You can see information on progression rules and other useful terms explained here.

Support is available to help you navigate academic or personal challenges.

Student Advisers:
Contact Social Sciences Student Advisers for guidance on academic or personal issues:

  • Kieran Moloney: kieran.moloney@ucd.ie
  • Holly Dignam: holly.dignam@ucd.ie
  • Mature students: Emma Somers: emma.somers@ucd.ie

Other Supports:
A comprehensive list of university supports is available here.



UCD College of Social Sciences and Law

UCD College of Social Sciences and Law University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 7777