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Prospective Students - Your DCU Questions Answered

Prospective Students

Your Questions Answered

Everyone has questions about university education and their time on and off campus. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about studying at DCU...

Q Do I really need a third-level qualification?
A The only person who can answer that question is you. People with degrees typically get jobs quicker than those who don’t, and the pace of career progression for a graduate is faster than for a non-graduate. So, whether you are a school-leaver or considering returning to education from work or home, if your motivation is based on career ambition then a third-level qualification is definitely a good idea. You’ll find more information on employment rates for graduates from the Higher Education Authority (www.hea.ie), which publishes a survey on third-level graduates each year. Apart from laying strong foundations for a future career, a third-level qualification gives you the opportunity to expand your mind in areas that interest you. Increasingly, people decide to study simply to fulfil a long-held ambition, and the benefit of a qualification at the end is a great motivator and an acknowledgement of that achievement.
Q How many Undergraduate courses does DCU offer?
A We currently offer 62 courses in the areas of business and innovation, modern humanities, science and health, engineering and computing, and education studies. While a small number of these courses are part-time or offered at certificate or diploma level, the majority are full-time courses for students seeking a third-level qualification known as a primary degree.
Q How long will my course take and where will I do it?
A Most degree courses take four years. Of course there are exceptions with some taking three years, and one that takes five. Many courses include a period of paid work/industrial placement (known as INTRA), typically for six months in the third year. Students taking language-related degrees spend part or all of their third year studying at a university overseas. The final two years of the European Business degree are spent at a French, German, Spanish or US third-level institution, while the fifth year of the B.Eng./M.Eng. in Electronic Systems is spent in a French Grande École. Every course is designed to give you the greatest opportunities possible.
Q How is the academic year structured?
A We operate on a semesterised basis, with two semesters in each academic year. Each semester lasts fifteen weeks – twelve teaching weeks followed by two study weeks and then a period for examinations. Orientation for new first year undergraduate students takes place the week before lectures begin. Registration also takes place and students have the opportunity to meet their lecturers, personal tutors and other support staff before the lectures begin. You’ll also have the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the campus before the majority of the student body returns to college. The Academic Calendar can change every year but the Calendar for the academic year 2009/2010 is below and will give you an idea of what to expect..

Academic Calendar 2009/2010

  Start Lectures Duration Lectures End Study Period Exams Start Exams End
             
Semester 1 28/09/2009 12 Weeks 19/12/2009 2 Weeks 18/01/2010 29/01/2010
             
Semester 2 08/02/2010 12 Weeks 01/05/2010 2 Weeks 17/05/2010 29/05/2010
 
Q How are the courses structured?
A We use a modular framework. Typically you will complete six modules in a semester on an undergraduate course, and twelve in a full year.
Q Will my degree be awarded on the basis of examinations?
A Only partly. DCU also makes extensive use of continuous assessment - including project work where appropriate – so your efforts throughout the year are rewarded.
Q What if I want to change to another course or university at some stage during my studies?
A DCU operates a credit system for all undergraduate courses. It may be possible to transfer credits from modules you’ve completed to courses at another university.
Q How likely am I to get through the first year?
A Obviously that depends in part on how hard you study, but the overall success rate in first year undergraduate exams is very good. We also do a lot of research into factors influencing student success helping us to improve both success and student retention.
Q Will getting a degree from DCU enhance my employment prospects?

A Students graduating from DCU have an excellent employment record, with many obtaining well-paid employment even before graduation. If you want figures, the most recent post-graduation survey of Primary Degree Graduates (2008 graduates surveyed in April 2009) showed that graduates were:
  • in employment (67.2%)
  • engaged in further study (17.5%)
  • taking a year out to travel (4.7%)
  • seeking employment (10.6%)

Further details on the first destination of DCU graduates and postgraduates are available from the Careers Service at www.dcu.ie/careers/fdr
Q What will it cost me to be a full-time student at DCU?
A We estimate that if you are living away from home for the 30-week academic year your living costs (exclusive of course fees and living expenses during the holidays) will be approximately €7,976. If you are living at home your living costs will be approximately €4,416
Q What is “Moodle”?

A Moodle, DCU's Virtual Learning Environment, complements face-to-face teaching at DCU and provides flexible access to courses, both on- and off-campus. Lecturers can use Moodle to direct you to resources such as lecture notes, videoclips, podcasts, online journals, practice quizzes and discussion forums. You can submit assignments online and the online gradebook provides access to coursework grades. Moodle simply makes learning more accessible and enjoyable.

Q Who can I turn to if I have any problems?
A DCU provides personal tutors for all students. These are members of the academic staff who will initially help you manage the transition from school to university. They will also be there to give you support, advice and guidance throughout your time at DCU. You will meet your personal tutor when you first start at DCU.

We also provide a professional and confidential counselling service to address the many personal and social concerns and difficulties which students can experience from time to time. Issues range from procrastination, loss of motivation/concentration, low self confidence, family and relationship difficulties, depression, panic attacks, assault, addictions, suicide etc.

The service is located in the Henry Grattan Building. To make an appointment, simply phone our secretary on 01 700 5165.

For further details on this counselling service visit www.dcu.ie/students

Q Are there support services for students with children?
A Absolutely. Our on-campus crèche provides a professional day-care service for infants and young children of students and staff. The fees for 2009/2010 are €205 per week for babies up to age 1½ years (€888 per month) and €190 for older children/toddlers (€823 per month). Full-time students without a working partner who are using the crèche on a full-time basis may be able to obtain a subsidy from the Student Financial Assistance Fund. The crèche opening hours are 8.30-18.10 Monday to Thursday and 8.30-17.45 on Friday. You are strongly advised to make early application if you intend to use the crèche. For further details on the crèche, Montessori (8.30-13.30) and Afterschool (13.30-18.10) facilities, please contact Paula Murray at: Tel: +353 (0) 1 700 5200
Q What is the purpose of DCU’s INTRA programme?
A INTRA is all about opportunity. It’s about experiencing what it’s like to work in a real working environment, teaching you skills you’ll need when you graduate and helping you to make useful business contacts. INTRA gives you a better understanding of the professional, commercial or industrial world and helps you to make realistic career decisions as well as developing your confidence and communications skills. If your course has an INTRA placement you will be evaluated on it and be required to obtain a satisfactory rating in order to graduate.
Q Does DCU have a special access programme?
A Yes. We want as many people as possible to benefit from a third-level education. The Access Service co-ordinates a range of programmes aimed at increasing participation in higher education by students who, for a variety of financial or social reasons, do not view going to university as a viable or attractive option. Please go to www.dcu.ie/students/access for further details on the Access Service or Tel: +353 (0) 1 700 8869.
Q What is the Students’ Union?

A As a registered student of DCU you automatically become a member of the Students’ Union. The Students’ Union works every day to ensure that you get the most out of your college experience.

There are eight part-time and three full-time officers of the Students’ Union, who are elected on an annual basis to work for you.

Each class also has a number of elected representatives on Union Council, the body to which the Students’ Union Executive reports.

Students are represented by the Students’ Union on various University decision-making committees, including the University Executive, Governing Authority, Academic Council, Disciplinary Committee and Library Committee as well as the Bar Management and Hub (Student Centre) Management Committee. Representatives on these committees ensure that all decisions made are in your best interests.

The Union also provides a number of very useful services, including bus and rail ticket sales, TicketMaster, second-hand books and secretarial services such as binding and photocopying. Of course there’s also an extensive programme of student entertainment throughout the year.

For more information on the Students' Union visit http://life.dcu.ie

Q How do I apply for accommodation?
A If you are an Irish Leaving Certificate student you can apply for on-campus accommodation from the application opening date of Monday 23rd February 2009. You must have your CAO number to make an application. All applications must be made online at the following address: www.roomsatdcu.com and applications will be accepted up to midnight the day BEFORE CAO results are issued. For further details of the application procedure please contact Campus Residences Limited.
Q Does DCU have a Sport Scholarship Programme?
A DCU supports the holistic development of talented athletes and recognises their increasing need to balance both academic and sporting commitments successfully. This is achieved through the Sport Scholarship Programme, which supports athletes who have the talent and dedication to combine an academic course with excellence in sport. It is tailored to the individual needs of each athlete. Athletes are allocated a Sport Scholarship at one of three levels – Elite, Talented or Development, and up to a maximum of €2,500 in support services.
Q Why get involved in clubs and societies?
A Clubs and Societies offer excellent opportunities for you to broaden your education base and provide you with valuable life skills. They are the foundation of a student’s active involvement in campus life and getting involved will not only enhance your university experience beyond your studies, but it will also provide you with a lively social life, good friends that last a lifetime, and many memories to treasure!
Q Can I set up my own club or society?
A Absolutely. The Office of Student Life will be delighted to provide information on how to set up a new club or society. Contact siobhan.byrne@dcu.ie for more information
Q Who is a Mature Student?
A If you are aged 23 years or above, on 1st January of the year of entry, you qualify to be assessed as a “mature applicant”. This has advantages. You will not have to compete with school-leavers in terms of academic achievement – provided you can demonstrate that you have the ability to pursue and benefit from the course you choose. Mature applicants do not necessarily need to meet the normal entry requirements, as previous studies, life experience, and relevant work experience are all taken into account.
Q Can I get a place at DCU and then postpone taking it up?
A Many students leaving school choose to defer entry to university for a year while they pursue employment, travel or voluntary work. At DCU we try to facilitate successful applicants who want to do this.
Q Can I apply to DCU if I am already studying at higher level at another institution, but now want to complete/further my studies at DCU?
A If you have completed higher education to a certain standard then you may be eligible to apply directly to DCU as a “transfer applicant”. Transfer applications must be received by 1st July. Non-EU candidates must apply directly to DCU. Please note that you may have to pay full fees and that you may not receive the Higher Education Grant. Please check with the Finance Office in DCU (Finance Office website or email: fees@dcu.ie).
Q Under what circumstances do I make a direct application to the Registry?
A
  • EU applicants transferring from other third-level institutions
  • EU applicants for specific part-time courses
  • EU applicants who wish to apply under the Study Abroad programme
  • All non-EU applicants