Education
Useful Information
Contact the UCCSU Education Officer
Learn About Grading in UCC
Our Services
Study Rooms
If you wish to book an alternative study space contact the Education Officer at education@uccsu.ie.
The Education Officer will book extra study space throughout the year during exam times.
Exam Buses
UCCSU will offer buses to exam halls during exam periods. Keep an eye on @uccsu on social media for updated time tables!
Student Support
Mature Students
Courses should give you up to two weeks’ notice for any changes to the timetable. Flexibility should be given regarding attendance if you have family or work commitments.
If any of these issues are not being addressed contact the Education Officer at education@uccsu.ie or the Mature Student Representative at mature@uccsu.ie.
Part-Time Students
Part Time Students have a very limited engagement with the Students’ Union in the past. It is important that students understand that they have full access to the academic and welfare support that that union provides to its members.
Part Time Students need to be aware that the full academic support facilities of the university are available to them all year such a careers workshops, CV building and engagement with clubs and societies.
Although the hours Part Time Students study are varied emailing the Students’ Union is the best way for you to get in contact and get a quick response.
Useful Links
Exam Checklist
Pre-Exam Checklist
- Your Student Card
-
A printed UNMARKED copy of your exam timetable
- Equipment you need e.g. pens, pencils, calculator, timer etc.
- TRIPLE check exam time, date and venue!
In the Exam Hall
- You may have reading time before your official start time (Check your timetable)
- There will be a spot to leave your bag and personal belongings
- Make sure you sit in the correct seat! (Your seat number is on your timetable)
During the Exam
- Once you start the exam, check you have the right exam script. If not, put your hand up!
- Put your hand up if you need extra paper.
- You can’t leave the exam in the first hour or last fifteen minutes.
- If you are done early, make sure to read over all the questions so you’ve not missed anything!
If You Are Sick
- contact student health or your GP for a sick cert
- After results are released then you can apply for mitigation
- Contact your lecturer/department to let them know you are sick.
Study Tips
Study Locations
It’s important to study somewhere that suits you and your learning style! If you want to study on campus, these are your options:
Boole Library:
Main Building: 07:30 – 01:30
Quad Reading Room: 24 hours
Brookfield Library:
Mon-Thur: 09:00 – 22:00
Fri-Sun: 09:00 – 17:00
The Hub:
Building open 8:00 – 22:00 7 days a week
- Atrium, Global Lounge & Open Learning Space available to use
- 3rd floor group study rooms available to book
- Smaller consultation/study rooms available to book on the weekend and after 6pm during the week
Devere Hall (Common Room):
Times might change over Easter. For specific info check @uccstudentcentre on insta*
*There may be a notice up on the doors if the hall gets a booking and can’t be used
Mind Your Body & Your Mind
Taking care of yourself is important to ensuring you can perform your best! Keep these top tips in mind while studying.
Don’t be too hard on yourself:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by study/exam stress meet a friend for a coffee, take a break, engage with something other than study!
Take breaks:
Taking short breaks can help you stay focused and energized. Take a walk & get some fresh air, do some stretching exercises, or engage in a hobby you enjoy during your breaks.
Seek support:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Talk to a friend, family member, or the UCC counselling service if you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Eat well:
A healthy and balanced diet can help you maintain your energy and focus during exam season.
Get enough sleep:
Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
Stay hydrated:
Drinking enough water throughout the day can help you stay alert and focused.
Effective Studying Tips & Tricks
Working smart is just as important as working hard, make sure you are set up for success!
Make a plan: Create a study plan that outlines what you need to cover and when you need to cover it. This will help you to stay organized and focused while studying. Be sure to include regular breaks in your plan to prevent burnout.
Find a time of day that works for you: Everyone has different energy levels and peak performance times throughout the day. Determine the time of day when you are most alert and motivated, and schedule your study sessions accordingly.
Work with classmates: This can help to make studying more engaging and interactive. Discussing the material with others can help you to understand and remember concepts better.
Look at past exam papers: Reviewing past exam papers can help you to understand the format and style of the exam questions. This will build your confidence and identify areas where you need to improve your understanding.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism?
- If you are using someone else’s work, make sure to cite or directly quote them.
- This includes if you are reusing a section of your own work! This is called self-plagiarism.
- Using AI tools to rewrite a paragraph ≠ original work. You still have to reference.
- Stay tuned for a full post on ChatGPT and other AI tools in academia
Referencing?
- This is the acknowledgement of sources that you’ve used for your work. Make sure to keep track of them as you go along. You make be required to reference in a particular style for an assignment
- UCC Library has great resources on how to reference
Mitigation, Appeals & Rechecks
Mitigation
What is it?
Mitigation exists to support students who encounter unexpected circumstances that impact their ability to prepare for or sit an exam
Am I eligible?
You can apply if you experienced a bereavement, had a debilitating illness or were unable to sit the exam because of circumstances outside your control. You must have some supporting documentation to apply.
What does mitigation do?
If you fail an exam, you can apply for a waiver of capping, which means that your repeat exam in August won’t be capped at pass marks. If you pass the exam, you can apply to forego your mark and take your repeat exam as a ‘first’ attempt.
Appeals
What is it?
An appeal determines whether an exam board would have taken these additional circumstances into account when arriving at an academic judgement. Appeals apply to all assessments including CA and you can only appeal at a module, not programme level. For research students an appeal only covers events during the exam process, not complaints prior to submission of your thesis.
Am I eligible?
You can appeal if there is evidence of substantive irregularity in the conduct of the exam, if you consider your mark to be erroneous or if there were situations of which the Exam Board was not aware of when its decision was taken. Note, a belief you should have done better doesn’t constitute grounds for an appeal.
What does an appeal do?
If the appeal is upheld the committee can determine whether your mark would have altered at an exam board as a result of these circumstances. Note, an appeal can not decide that an examination should be re-graded or grant mitigation.
When must I apply for mitigation & appeals?
Applications for mitigation and appeals must be made within 2 weeks of Summer Results
Rechecks
What is it?
A recheck involves a confirmation that all elements of your assessment were considered and that there were no errors in recording, collating or combing marks. Note, this does not involve a reassessment of your exam paper.
Am I eligible?
Any student is entitled to apply for a recheck of their marks
What does a recheck do?
If your recheck is upheld, then the mark will be amended to reflect the changes.
Before You Apply
Before submitting an appeal or recheck, you should apply to view your exam script. This can be done by contacting your module coordinator.
If you are applying for mitigation or appeals, you have to have supporting documentation. This could be a letter from your GP, death notice or a notification from the Gardaí.
The Examinations Appeals Officer can provide advice about the Appeals process and the Student Records and Examinations Office can provide advice on the mitigation process
Fees and Deadlines
A fee of €30 per module for rechecks and €70 per module for appeals applies. If your recheck or appeal is upheld this fee is refunded.
Applications for mitigation, appeals or a recheck must be made within 2 weeks of your finalised exam results. For most students this will be the summer results.
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