Academic support
Frequently Asked Questions
Information
Where can I find my timetable, exam timetable, past exam papers etc.?
Lots of important information relating to you and your course is available on the My Student Apps page here under the ‘Academic, Exams and Placements’ heading.
Essays
I need help citing and referencing correctly, who can help?
DCU Library offers a selection of helpful advice for citing and referencing in essays here.
Where do I even begin when writing my first college essay?
Getting your head around what’s expected from college essays can be challenging to begin with, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. DCU Writing Centre can help with this! Check them out here.
I have difficulty with a maths element of my course, is there anyone who can help me?
The DCU Maths Learning Centre is here for that exact purpose! They offer a variety of free services to help you improve your maths skills for whatever course you’re in: take a look here.
In Person Exams
What should you bring?
DCU Student ID Card*
Pen (and spares)
Water
Non-programmable calculator (if required)
*if you forget your student card, registry will carry out an ID audit, €20 1st time, €30 2nd, €40 3rd time etc. You can find more information here.
What shouldn’t you bring?
Smartwatch
Headphones
Wallet
Pencil Case (unless transparent)
Any form of notes (unless expressly permitted)
These can all be left in your bag at the back of the exam hall
What’s provided at the exam?
Answer booklet and extra paper
Mathematical and Statistical tables
The Bible
Steam/Thermodynamic Tables
Physical Data Tables
Java Syntax
Dictionaries (for exchange and occasional students only)
Top Tips
Leave plenty of time before your exam, and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time. This is especially important if your exam is in a lab, or has an element where you need to use a University computer.
Make sure to check your timetable on your DCU Student Apps, not a screenshot or a friend's timetable.
Double check the date, venue and starting time of your exams. Your exam may be on a different campus to your programme.
Check your seat number on the list outside your exam venue.
If you forget your exam number, don't worry (you don’t need to memorise it)! When the invigilator is taking attendance, you can ask them then.
If you want extra paper, put your hand up and ask an invigilator. Don't bring your own paper!
If you need assistance, put your hand up and ask an invigilator, don't communicate with anyone else!
You can leave your bag at the top of the exam hall, just make sure any devices are switched off. You can leave your phone switched off, face down, under your desk.
Results
What do the letters beside my results mean?
R: Resit examination element only
F: Fail, resit all elements (continuous assessment and examination)
S: Resit assessment element as per module descriptor
X: Resit failed examination element
W: Resit failed coursework element
D or I Deferred/Illness. Resit elements not attempted at first opportunity (CA/Exam or both)
Where can I find a record of my previous exam results?
Your eTranscripts are all available here.
There is a period each year between the release of Semester 1 results in February, and the release of Semester 2 results in June, when your Semester 1 results are only available as a physical transcript from Registry. As a result, we strongly recommend taking a screenshot or photo of your Semester 1 results on the day you receive them, as it will be difficult to find them again before June.
In June, you will receive your eTranscript for the academic year with your results from both semester 1 and semester 2. Final years will receive a physical transcript in the post.
APPEALS
If you have reviewed your exam paper and feel you may have grounds (as listed below) to go forward with an appeal, assessment review or recheck of your results, you may do so by filling out an R31, R50 and R51 Form respectively, which can be found at the following link: https://www.dcu.ie/ovpaa/appeals
Appeals cost €100, which you will be refunded if your appeal is approved.
Your appeal will be only be considered if it's seen to meet one of the 4 grounds for appeal as listed below. Please get in touch if you are considering an appeal.
His/her/their performance in the assessment was adversely affected by illness or other factors, which he/she/they were unable or, for valid reasons, unwilling to divulge before the Progression & Award Board reached its decision.
The Progression & Award Board did not give sufficient weight to any extenuating circumstances previously notified to the Registry prior to the holding of the meeting of the Progression & Award Board.
The examinations were not conducted in accordance with the current regulations as approved by Academic Council.
There was a material administrative error or a material irregularity in assessment procedures which have made a real and substantial difference to his/her/their result.
Assessment Review
If you think the grade you have been awarded does not reflect your performance when completing the exam/assignment, you may apply for an assessment review.
To be eligible for an assessment review, as well as already having viewed your script and discussed it with your lecturer, you must also be able to identify the specific part you considered to be marked incorrectly and make a coherent academic argument as to why the grade awarded is incorrect.
Recheck
A recheck can take place if you were unable to view your script in semester 1 or 2 as you were out of the country or you were ill during consultation days, and documentation can be given to prove this.
For appeals, assessment review and rechecks, I would encourage students to read over the procedures given on the above link, to ensure they meet the necessary requirements.
There is also a helpful flowchart to see if you are eligible for an appeal, assessment review, and recheck.
Failing and Repeating
I failed an exam. How can I repeat?
In 2023, there is a flat fee of €150 for resitting failed exams or assignments. You can find more information on registering for resit exams at https://www.dcu.ie/registry/resit-examinations-continuous-assessments.
If you only have deferrals for illness or other reasons, there is no need to register or pay a fee for resits.
Resit assignments are usually made available soon after results are released, and you’ll find the details of them on that module’s Loop page. This year, resit exams take place between the 1st-14th of August. The timetable will be released in mid-July at the latest.
Resit results will be released on the 29th August, and the link will be emailed to you the day before.
Lecturers
Can I ask for an extension on an assignment?
Yes, you can. Email the relevant module lecturer politely with a short explanation of why you require an extension. Many lecturers will be willing to grant one, although this isn’t guaranteed, and the decision is at their discretion.
If you are a BEd (primary teaching) student, you should download the assignment extension request form from the BEd Admin Loop page and submit it to the course chairperson.
If a large proportion of your class are struggling to make a deadline, you could ask your class rep to contact the lecturer on behalf of the group explaining the difficulty. Often, there is power in numbers!
What if I'm unhappy with the level of teaching/material being provided for a module?
If you feel like you’re not being given enough support by your lecturer, let them know! Academic staff are very receptive to student feedback and are always eager to help. Get in touch via email, or through your class rep if you’re more comfortable with that. Be polite and constructive and you’ll get the best response! If you have any concerns about communicating with a lecturer, get in touch with Eoin, your VP Academic Life, who will be more than happy to help!
Important Forms
Extenuating Circumstances (Your performance in an exam/assessment was affected by something unexpected you would like the examiner to take into consideration)