ucd graduate guide 2011/2012

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Section A Thinking of Graduate Studies

Why Graduate Studies? i. 1

Graduate Taught Programmes ii. 2

Graduate Research Programmes iii. 4

How is the UCD PhD Structured? iv. 6

Entry to UCDs Graduate Programmes v. 9

Fees & Funding 1vi. 0

Applying to UCDs Graduate Programmes / Offer Rounds 1vii. 2

Section B Already in Graduate Education

Section C Enhancing Your Prospects

Transferable Skills Training 2i. 2

Career Development Training 2ii. 4

Useful Contacts 2iii. 5

Contents

Term Dates 1i. 4

Thesis Submission Dates 1ii. 5

Fees Payment 1iii. 5

Student Welfare 1iv. 6

IT Support Services 1v. 6

Library 1vi. 8

International Students 1vii. 9

Policy and Regulations 1viii. 9

UCD Graduate School 2ix. 0

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UCD has developed its graduate studies programmes in line with European best practice and with over 6,000 graduate students enrolled across seven colleges, the University has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to provide all UCD graduate students with the best possible graduate experience and education.

Taught programmes are available at Certificate, Diploma and Masters levels. These courses are modularised to facilitate access, continuing professional development and life-long learning. Graduate research degrees are also available at Masters and Doctoral levels, allowing students the opportunity to play an active role in UCDs flourishing research community.

The University has excellent amenities to support graduate students and provides a range of services to ensure that students time is enjoyable and fulfilling, academically, personally and socially. Visit the UCD Graduate Studies website for access to a wealth of graduate information.

Thinking of Graduate Studies

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There are many reasons why people choose to take a graduate degree. Graduate studies can enable you to immerse yourself in a subject you love, will help you to hone your knowledge of your chosen subject area and allow you to develop new skills and knowledge. It is a tremendously rewarding experience and one which will both enrich your life and enhance your career prospects.

These are some reasons people often give for pursuing a graduate programme:

I have a passion for my subjectI would like a graduate qualification to pursue my chosen careerA graduate degree will make me stand out in a competitive work environmentBetter career prospects after undertaking graduate studiesSalary increase.

Some reasons for choosing UCD:

UCD is in the top 100 Universities in the world (Times Higher Education QS World University Rankings, 2010)Innovative research conducted at the University attracts some of the worlds most brilliant academics UCD is the largest provider of graduate education in Ireland UCD PhD students account for 24% of the Irish University PhD SectorUCD is a diverse University both in academic disciplines and cultureUCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School was consistently ranked amongst the top 100 business schools in the world over the last 10 years.

You can choose to apply to the university from UCDs extensive menu of taught graduate programmes or any of our highly rated research degree programmes, depending on your area of interest. For a full list of graduate opportunities, please visit the UCD Graduate Studies website at:www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies

ThinkinG of GrAduATE STudiES

Why Graduate Studies?

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Graduate taught programmes, such as Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas or taught Masters often consist of taught modules, in addition to production of a significant thesis or dissertation module for Masters level programmes.

At UCD, Graduate programmes are offered in a modularised and credit-based curriculum. The UCD credit system provides a framework which clarifies the relationship between educational activity (amount of student effort) and credit value (represented by modules). Credits for modules in the graduate domain typically range from 2.5 to 15 calculated on the basis of total student effort. The total student effort includes time spent in-class and at lectures, seminars, laboratories, tutorials or workshops and time spent on projects or assignments, as well as examinations. It also includes an estimate of independent study time. Taught graduate programmes have associated levels assigned to them in accordance with the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications).

For further information please see: www.nfq.ie


Graduate Taught Programmes

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Higher Diploma - Level 8The higher diploma is normally awarded following completion of aprogramme of one year duration. Progress and transfer routes includetransferring to programmes leading to a Masters degree/Postgraduatediploma. These programmes are often referred to as conversion programmes as they allow the student to gain knowledge in an area notcovered by their undergraduate degree.

Graduate Diploma - Level 9The Graduate diploma is normally awarded following completion of aprogramme of one year duration. Progression and transfer routes include exemptions from a programme leading to a Masters degree or in certaininstances it can be offered as a completely separate programme.

Masters - Level 9The taught Masters degree is awarded following completion of aprogramme of one to two years duration. Some of the progression andtransfer routes include progression to programmes leading to doctoraldegrees.

For a full list of Graduate Taught Programmes, please visit:www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies

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Graduate Research Programmes


Graduate research Programmes

A research degree such as a Masters by Research or PhD involves the sustained and in-depth study of a specific topic, which is then normally written up as a thesis for examination. Research degrees involve students carrying out their own research and academic study, under the supervision of one or more academic supervisors. The precise focus of research is agreed between the supervisor and the student. Research can be carried out at Masters or Doctoral level.

Research Masters Degree Level 9 (90 to 180 credits)research Masters degrees provide education and training in a particularsubject through original exploration and research. A research Mastersusually takes one to two years full-time or two to four years part-timeto complete. The research culminates in a thesis which sets out the conclusions of the research undertaken. The assessment and award of thedegree are normally based on the thesis.

UCD Structured PhD Level 10 (270 to 360 credits)The uCd Structured Phd aims to enable uCd Phd students to achievethe best possible experience of graduate research and training. Making asubstantial and original contribution to knowledge, normally leading topeer-reviewed publications, is the core objective of doctoral studies. TheStructured Phd includes several innovative measures designed to supportstudents in achieving their academic and professional objectives.

UCD has also introduced a suite of structured doctoral programmes devoted to particular themes, called Thematic Programmes. For further information please visit the UCD Graduate Studies website at:www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies

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how is the uCd Phd Structured?

Doctoral studies, which are normally completed by full-time students within three to four years, are comprised of two stages:

Stage 1 is a period when the student defines their research plan, develops their research skills and initiates original research work for their doctorate. Stage 2 is primarily dedicated to continuing their original doctoral research but may also include some advanced education and training (See Diagram 1).

Each doctoral student at UCD has at least one supervisor, but normally a supervisory team, whose role it is to assist and guide them with their research over the course of their doctoral programme.

Throughout the PhD process, each student is supported by a Doctoral Studies Panel (DSP). These panels support the supervisor-student relationship through the provision of additional advice, guidance and support, in order to ensure a positive experience for each student on the UCD Structured PhD Programme.

All doctoral students at UCD will have their own Research and Professional Development Plan (RPDP). The RPDP is an integral part of the Structured PhD programme at UCD. It has been specifically designed to help in the planning, monitoring and completion of doctoral studies. The RPDP will play a major part in directing the course of PhD research and in the students training and development as a researcher. It will aid in the planning of research, will be a useful resource when it comes to writing up and will also help develop key skills which will be invaluable to both a students current research and future career prospects.

For further information on the Structured PhD and RPDP please visit: www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies

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7Diagram 1: Diagrammatic Representation of the UCD Structured PhD

research & Professional development Plan (rPdP)

Principal Supervisor(s) & doctoral Studies Panel

research And Transferable Skills

Advanced disciplinary Modules

research Activity(significant original contribution to scholarship)

Stage 1 Stage 2

~ 12 -15 months ~ Year 4

The

uC

d S

truc

ture

d Ph

d

Transfer Assessment final Assessment

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EntRy REqUiREMEntSThe normal requirement for entry to a taught Masters Degree programme is a second class honours degree in a relevant subject. However intending applicants should check the individual requirements listed on the School website, since some degrees may require a higher standard for entry.

For applicants who do not have the required minimal entry standard, a year-long qualifying course may be available in some cases. In addition, many Masters programmes have an associated Diploma course which, if passed at an appropriate honours level, may provide part of the necessary academic qualification for entry. In this case relevant work experience may be an essential requirement.

For Masters by research degrees, course work and examinations may also be specified by the College at entry; normally these have to be satisfactorily completed in the first year of a Masters degree programme.

To be eligible to enter one of UCDs PhD programmes, a candidate must have reached a high honours standard at the examination for the primary degree. In some cases, a Masters degree may also be required. In certain cases, a candidate may be able to provide other evidence to the School in order to satisfy the entry requirements of the programme.

Please note that for all of the above, reference should be made to the relevant School or programme for more specific information on entry requirements.


Entry to uCds Graduate Programmes

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FEES Students are liable to pay fees, including the Student Centre Levy, to the University. In addition, students must budget for their own maintenance (including accommodation). On acceptance to a graduate programme, students are required to make fee payments. University fees are published in advance of the academic year, are fixed for each year and are subject to an annual increase. For specific information on the fees for your chosen course of study, and the dates by which fees have to be paid please visit the fees website: www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees

LoCaL aUtHoRity FUnDinGGrant holders who complete a primary degree course may have the grant renewed in order to undertake a full-time taught or research graduate course. To apply for renewal, final year students should write to their Local Authority when they have completed their primary degree. The grant, which covers fees (subject to a limit set annually by the Department of Education and Skills) and possibly a contribution towards subsistence, may be renewed in subsequent years but is limited to one graduate degree or diploma course for each student. For further information please visit www.studentfinance.ie

A mature candidate (23 years of age on 1st January of year of entry to graduate study) may be eligible for a Local Authority Grant on the basis of parental income if ordinarily resident with parents or on the basis of own income if resident away from home. Details of income limits for eligibility are available from Local Authorities (Higher Education Section). For further information on fees and grants please visit: www.ucd.ie/fees (uCd fees & Grants office)www.studentfinance.ie (Student finance Website)www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies (Current research Scholarships)


fees and funding

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taUGHt PRoGRaMMESThe majority* of UCDs graduate taught programmes can be applied for online. Please visit www.ucd.ie/apply for more details about this process. We offer a system of offer rounds but do advise all candidates to apply as early as possible as offers are made on an ongoing basis and programmes may be filled throughout the course of the year. These dates facilitate speedier decision making and notification to graduate taught applicants.

offer Rounds:- 1st round 15th december- 2nd round 15th March- 3rd round 15th May- 4th round 15th July

other Deadlines:

Some programmes may have other closing dates. Please refer to the specific programme information on the website for details on closing dates.

* Applications for the Graduate Diploma in Education and the Graduate Diploma in Nursing (Public Health) need to be made through the PAC websitewww.pac.ie


Applying to uCds Graduate Programmes

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RESEaRCH PRoGRaMMESIf you are interested in a research degree, visit www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies and click on Research Programmes. When you have identified the area(s) that are of interest to you, contact the programme coordinator listed. It is also beneficial to try and identify a potential supervisor in your area of research before making your application. You can view profiles of some of our researchers at:www.ucd.ie/research

Many of UCDs graduate research programmes can be applied for online. Please visit www.ucd.ie/apply for more details about this process. All other programmes not listed on this site can be applied for by written application. Please contact the relevant School for more details.www.ucd.ie/apply

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AlrEAdY in GrAduATE EduCATion

Term dates

UCDs academic and professional staff will do their utmost to make your transition to and experience of graduate study as smooth and rewarding as possible. A number of individuals are available to discuss any issues or queries students may have over the course of their study, including their supervisor(s), programme co-ordinator and Graduate School Manager. The UCD Graduate Studies office is also available to advise and inform. Contact details are provided in the Graduate Schools section of this chapter.

tERM DatESSemester 1 Thursday, 1 September 2011 Sunday, 15 January 2012 inclusiveSemester 2 Monday, 16 January Sunday, 13 May 2012 inclusiveSummer term/Research period Monday, 14 May Sunday, 2 September 2012 inclusive

For further information please visit: www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/term_dates2011_13.pdf

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Thesis Submission dates

Please refer to the following website for thesis submission dates:

www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees/thesis_submission.htm

fees Payment Students are liable to pay fees, including the Student Centre Levy, to the University. In addition, students must budget for their own maintenance (including accommodation). On acceptance to a graduate programme, students are required to make fee payments. University fees are published in advance of the academic year, are fixed for each year and are subject to an annual increase. For specific information on the fees for your chosen course of study, and the dates by which fees have to be paid please visit the fees website: www.ucd.ie/registry/adminservices/fees

AlrEAdY in GrAduATE EduCATion:

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Martin Lawless is the Graduate Officer for UCD Students Union. The role of your graduate officer covers all non-academic issues that you may face in your day-to-day lives throughout your time here in UCD. To get in touch with Martin please email him on [email protected].

iT Support Services

Your UCD Connect Account gives you access to 7GB email, integrated Google calendar and Google docs, eLearning resources, software, 2GB web file storage and much more. If you have a smart phone you can download the free app UCD Mobile with a campus map, directory search, UCD news and more, seewww.ucd.ie/mobile

If you have any IT queries or wish to find out about our IT facilities visit: www.ucd.ie/it, or drop into one of four IT Centres on campus. Students can also contact the

IT Support Helpdesk Email: [email protected] Tel: +353 (0)1 716 2700.

For research related IT queries please visit: www.ucd.ie/itservices/researchit


Student Welfare

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A dedicated School Liaison Librarian is available to assist each student in finding the best resources to support their studies. Help is also available at our information desks, online via email or Library Chat.

Further details on our services for graduate students is available at:www.ucd.ie/library/services_&_facilities/research


library

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If you are a national of a non-EEA country, you are required to register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau each academic year. You may only register with the GNIB after you have completed registration at UCD including paying your fees. You will need to present yourself at the GNIB with a letter from the Student Desk confirming your registration status, a receipt of fees paid, current student card, and a current bank statement showing you have sufficient funds available (at least 3,000), or a letter from your funding body confirming your current scholarship/sponsorship details if applicable. There is also a 150 registration fee. Please note that the GNIB officials will ask for proof of private medical health insurance. See regulations under: www.inis.gov.ie

For details on insurance providers and for further general information please see: www.ucd.ie/international

Policy and regulations

As a UCD graduate student there are regulations and policies of which you should be aware. They can be found on the Academic Secretariat website at: www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/index.html

and www.ucd.ie/registry/academicsecretariat/pol.htm

We encourage all students to review these documents and acquaint themselves with all the necessary information.


international Students

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UCD is divided into seven Colleges, each with a number of constituent Schools. Each College is associated with a Graduate School and Graduate School Managers will be able to help students with many of their queries. Each School has a Graduate Coordinator who is a member of academic staff responsible for graduate education. Each graduate programme also has a Programme Director, who is usually the first port of call for matters relating to students programmes.

UCD Graduate School of arts & Celtic Studies Graduate School of Arts & Celtic Studies office Graduate School Manager: Ms Barbara Gannontel: +353 (0)1 716 8241 office: Room A108 Newman BuildingEmail: [email protected] or [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/artsceltic/graduateschool

UCD Graduate School of Business & Lawincluding the Michael Smurfit Graduate Business SchoolGraduate School of Business and law offices

For BusinessResearch Degrees at the Smurfit School of BusinessManager, Centre for Doctoral Research Studies: Ms Jane OMaraCentre for Doctoral Researchoffice: Room N305, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business Schooltel: +353(0)1 716 8064Email : [email protected]


uCd Graduate Schools*

*Please note that as some UCD Graduate School structures are currently in transition, contact details are subject to change prior to the start of September 2011. Please refer regularly to the Graduate Studies Website where final graduate school structures and contact details will be made available once clarified.

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For Business (cont.)Taught ProgrammesAssociate Director Programme Office: Ms Tracy Donohoeoffice: Room N105, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business Schooltel: +353 (0)1 716 4314Email: [email protected]: www.smurfitschool.ie

For LawLaw Programme Office: Ms Niamh McCabetel: +353 (0)1 716 8769Email: [email protected] Web: www.ucd.ie/law/graduatestudents

UCD Graduate School of Engineering, Mathematical &Physical SciencesGraduate School of Engineering, Mathematical & Physical Sciences officeGraduate School Manager: Ms Angela Evanstel: +353 (0)1 716 1861office: College Office, Engineering & Materials Sciences CentreEmail: [email protected] or [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/engscience/graduateschool

UCD Graduate School of Human SciencesGraduate School of human Sciences officeGraduate School Manager: Ms Margaret Brindleytel: +353 (0)1 716 8268office: Room G209, Newman BuildingEmail: [email protected] or [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/humansciences/graduateschool

UCD Graduate School of Life SciencesGraduate School of life Sciences officeGraduate School Manager: Ms Deirbhle Carrolltel: +353(0)1 716 2633office: Room 1.25, Science Centre (Hub)Email: [email protected] or [email protected]: www.ucd.ie/lifesciences/graduateschool

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EnhAnCinG Your ProSPECTS

Transferable Skills Training

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As a PhD graduate, your skill-set will naturally include the advanced research and analytical techniques required to undertake high level research in your field. You will also be expected to possess a range of transferable skills, relevant to the successful completion of your research project and to broader career development. Taught modules, online modules and workshops covering a wide range of transferable skills and research skills topics are available to assist you. For further information, please visit www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/transferableskills

Approximately 80% of PhD graduates pursue careers outside academia - in business, industry and the public and voluntary sectors. It is important to take advantage of your time in UCD to develop an appropriate skill set for your chosen career. Your research and professional development plans will help you to identify the skills you would like to develop.www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies/transferableskills/transferableskillsexplained

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Some Student Feedback/Comments on UCD Graduate Studies Transferable Skills Training Modules...

PhD MasterclassBrilliant workshop every PhD student should take this. Changed my perspective of doing a PhD - for the better.

I truly think that this workshop should be available every year to all PhD students and why not even compulsory. I believe it would help all research students to be more confident in their work and motivate them to write and finish their thesis on time!

Presentation SkillsThe small class size meant individual focus. Filming presentations and watching them after meant retrospective analysis of your own work, something I never would have thought about and such a useful tool.

I couldnt recommend this workshop more. The presenter was an excellent tutor


Transferable Skills Training

Brilliant workshop every PhD student should take this. Changed my perspective of doing a PhD - for the better.

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Career development Training

PhD graduates develop wide ranging skills beyond their sphere of academic expertise, such as time management, negotiation, communication, flexibility and adaptability, the ability to quickly process and sift large amounts of data and the ability to acquire new skills quickly. This means that PhD graduates are versatile and capable of pursuing a wide range of careers. In support of this the Career Development Centre (CDC) runs workshops specifically for PhD students on:

Planning your career

Effective job hunting

Making applications

Interview strategy

The CDC also co-ordinates an interactive Doctoral Career Development Programme for late-stage PhD students which enables them to make more informed choices about their future and to manage the next step of their careers.

For further information please refer to the Career Development Centre website: www.ucd.ie/careers

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Question/Issue Unit Responsible Contact DetailsAcademic Advice

Module Queries

Graduate School

School

Please see page 20 - 21

Please see website

Form Stamping (Grant Forms & Social Welfare) Certs of Attendance Tutor Demonstration Forms Internal funds Transfer Forms (fees) Unlock SIS Drop Box Facility (Transcripts & Certs of Attendance)

High Level Registration Queries Fees Queries Printing Bank Giros

Fee Receipt (available online in SIS) Grant Cheque Collection

Online Registration Issues Student Card Queries Assessment Queries (Thesis Submission Dates)

Policies & Regulation Queries

Student Desk

T. +353 (0) 1 716 1555 E. [email protected]

Tierney Building Belfield Campus

IT Related issues IT Support T. +353 (0) 1 716 2700 E: [email protected]

Accommodation Queries Accommodation T. +353 (0) 1 716 1031 E: [email protected]

Innovation Academy Queries Innovation Academy

T. +353 (0) 1 716 4012 E [email protected]

International Student Queries Immigration/Visa Queries Off campus Accommodation (International Students Only)

International Office

T. +353 (0) 1 716 8500 E [email protected]

Transferable Skills Modules & Workshops

Graduate Studies Office

T. +353 (0) 1 716 4043

E. [email protected] further information, please visit the UCD Graduate Studies website at:

www.ucd.ie/graduatestudies


useful Contacts

ContentsThinking of Graduate StudiesWhy Graduate Studies?Graduate Taught ProgrammesGraduate Research ProgrammesHow is the UCD PhD Structured?Entry to UCDs Graduate ProgrammesFees and FundingApplying to UCDs Graduate ProgrammesTaught ProgrammesResearch Programmes

Already In Graduate EducationTerm DatesThesis Submission DatesFees Payment Student Welfare IT Support ServicesLibraryInternational StudentsPolicy and RegulationsUCD Graduate Schools

Enhancing your ProspectsTransferable Skills TrainingCareer Development Training

Useful Contactsblank pages.pdfContentsThinking of Graduate StudiesWhy Graduate Studies?Graduate Taught ProgrammesGraduate Research ProgrammesHow is the UCD PhD Structured?Entry to UCDs Graduate ProgrammesFees and FundingApplying to UCDs Graduate ProgrammesTaught ProgrammesResearch Programmes

Already In Graduate EducationTerm DatesThesis Submission DatesFees Payment Student Welfare IT Support ServicesLibraryInternational StudentsPolicy and RegulationsUCD Graduate Schools

Enhancing your ProspectsTransferable Skills TrainingCareer Development Training

Useful Contacts

ucd graduate guide 2011/2012

Documents

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ucd graduate students

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graduate research programmes

ucds graduate programmes

graduate studies programmes

graduate taught programmes

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