To ensure that you are fully prepared for your exams, we recommend that you familarise yourself with the regulations concerning each examination, including the timetable of examinations and the location. End-of-Semester exam/assessment timetables, when available, are viewable on MyStudentAdmin.
You should be seeing some content in this space that is currently blocked due to cookie settings. Open the Cookie Management Tool to change your settings.
If you landed on this page, you’re probably feeling uncertain about your choice of programme and may be considering switching programmes or withdrawing. You may not want to change or leave, but just want to take some time out to consider your options. Whatever your situation, the information on this webpage will provide you with practical, easy to follow advice to help guide you in the right direction.
Unsure about your Programme?
It may help you to know that you’re not alone in the way you are thinking or feeling. Other students have experienced similar thoughts and/or emotions. There are many reasons why a student may want to change or leave their programme, listed below are a few:
Degree Programme - Modules/Structure
It’s not what you thought it would be like; the work is too easy/difficult; you find it’s very like school; you find the content boring; you’re just not interested in the topic any longer; it wasn’t your first choice of programme.
The structure of lectures doesn’t suit you; the assessment style is difficult for you to adjust to; you feel overwhelmed; the programme is not what you expected; you feel that you don’t have the same level of understanding as your classmates.
You feel out of your depth; you find it difficult to manage your time because of other commitments such as part-time work, travel to and from college; your accommodation may not be ideal.
Financial
You were not successful in securing a grant; your accommodation is too expensive; you may have childcare expenses; you are worried about getting into debt.
Disability or Health Issues
You may find that you are not ready to adapt to your new lifestyle just now; you feel unable to cope emotionally; you find it difficult to engage with other students; you feel overwhelmed and need more time to adjust.
Maturity v Youth
You feel unsuited to the programme as you feel your classmates are older/younger; you find it difficult to balance studies with family/work/home commitments; you feel out-of-place in the programme/university; you find change difficult to deal with; you feel that you are not ready to make this transition.
There are so many other reasons, but you may identify with some of the reasons given here. Only you will know the reason for wanting to change your current situation. Staff are available to support and guide you through the process so get in touch with one of the relevant personnel listed below. Reaching out and talking about your situation will enable you to make a better decision regarding your future.
If you’re going to change programme or leave the university it is best to do this as early as possible. To you must notify the relevant personnel to meet the approval deadline.
Changing programme is only possible in the first three weeks of Semester 1. If you withdraw from a programme late in the academic year, you may be liable for tuition fees when you return to higher education. Addressing your situation early on will prevent you from being charged unnecessary fees.
Before Deciding
Consider your Actions
Making a hasty decision may be something you might regret, so please think carefully before you change or leave your programme. There are so many options open to you – for example, taking a leave of absence, deferring a semester or deferring examinations. By speaking to the appropriate person, you will be able to get the advice that you need to make an informed decision.
Help is at hand! All support services available to you can be found on the Student Supports webpage.
If you are a Undergraduate First Year Student who is considering withdrawing, please book an appointment to speak with Nóirín Deady or email: n.deady@ucc.ie before completing the Withdrawal Form.
If you are an Undergraduate / Postgraduate Taught / Postgraduate Research International Student from outside the EU, please contact Marita Foster internationalsupport@ucc.ie who will provide support to you.
If you are beyond first year, please contact the relevant staff in your college.
Checklist before Taking Action
There are several steps to take before making a final decision. The following will help guide you:
Whenever possible continue attending lectures, labs and tutorials. Submit your assignments on time. If you want to stay in your programme, you need to try to do the best you can. If you want to change programme at a later stage, you may be able to accumulate credits towards your new programme as there may be some overlap in programme content.
Look for advice as soon as possible. Appropriate people are usually your programme coordinator and/or one of your lecturers. UCC offers specialist support to help you to adjust to new learning styles and to the university. You can schedule a one-to-one appointment with staff in the Skill Centre.
Family and friends may also be helpful because they know and understand you.
If you are a first-year student and you think you have made the wrong programme choice or you are thinking of leaving your programme, please contact the First Year Experience Coordinator, Nóirín Deady directly on: n.deady@ucc.ie.
Don’t be afraid to reach out! we are here to offer friendly advice to anyone struggling with their decision.
Gather as much information as you can about the financial implications of withdrawing. Leaving your programme may affect future funding entitlements.
Leaving your Programme
Talk to your academic advisor, lecturer or your programme coordinator.
Make an appointment with the First Year Experience Coordinator, Nóirín Deady (n.deady@ucc.ie), if you are a first year Undergraduate only.
Contact Ms. Natalie O'Byrne (natalie.obyrne@ucc.ie) if you are an Undergraduate/Postgraduate Taught/Postgraduate Research International Student from outside the EU.
If you are a student beyond first year, make an appointment with one of the college representatives listed on this page.
If you’re finding some elements of the programme difficult or not right for you, see what modules are on offer in future years before you decide to leave.
If you are a first year, the modules you dislike or find difficult now may be subject to change in later years, there may be a wider range of modules to choose from beyond first year. In addition, you may be able to drop some of the modules you are not interested in after first year.
If you are taking joint honours in Year 2 of Arts, you may be able to swap Minor or Major modules. In Arts/Arts (International) you can take two modules after first year and you can choose how many credits to take in each module. For example, you can take a joint honours degree whereby each subject will weigh 30 credits. You can opt to take 40 credits in one module and 20 credits in the other. Alternatively, you can take major and take 50 credits in one module and 10 in the other. Remember you have choices, and you can tailor your degree to suit your interests.
Most degree programmes incorporate more options as you progress so you may be able to tailor the programme the suit your interests.
If you are struggling with study at this level, you will find help available in the Skills Centre. You should also contact your programme coordinator to let them know that you are finding the programme difficult. They will be able to offer further guidance.
Can you get to the Final Stage?
If you are nearing the end of your programme or year, remember that your career options are much broader than the subjects that you have chosen to study. Even if you no longer enjoy the modules you are studying, your degree may enable you to be eligible to apply for certain roles. Many employers and postgraduate programmes are open to graduates of any discipline.
If you are nearing the end of first, second or third year, stick it out if you can. With this experience, you may be able to enter a similar programme at an advanced stage in the future when the timing is right for you.
Should I Stay or Should I go?
You may want to stay in UCC but change to a different programme. You may wish to go to another university, or you might decide that you want to explore options in Colleges of Further Education to study a different topic. Whatever you decide, you will need to consider the following:
Do you have a clear and accurate idea of what you want to study?
Do you know what you enjoy studying the most?
Have you thought about what your skillset is?
Have you made an informed decision before leaving?
It is essential to spend time researching your options and be clear about what you did and did not like about your current programme. Gather as much information as possible before applying to the CAO or to a College of Further Education. You have choices so take the time to explore and discover what is best for you.
What if the Programme is too difficult for me?
If you have failed some modules or the end of year exams, or you feel that the work/study required is too much for you, then you may want to consider your options:
Are things as bad as you fear? Talk to your lecturers as you may be able to get an extension on your assignment(s).
You can prepare for assignments and exams by contacting the Skills Centre where you will find specialists who will help you with study skills and exam preparation.
You can request to defer a semester/exam until you are more prepared.
If you have failed modules in the first semester, all is not lost. Your results are provisional until the end of the year. You still have time to catch up. Seek out the supports available to you.
Taking a Break from Study
You may not want to change or leave your programme, but just need some time out to consider your options. Reasons for taking a break may be:
If you have been ill or other personal circumstances are affecting your studies, you want to take some time out to recover and regain your strength. You can avail of the supports services in UCC to help you through this time.
Seek additional support if you need it once you’re out of the university environment.
Not the Right Programme/Not the Right Time
It’s often difficult to decide on the right programme because there are so many! If you’re not enjoying your programme or it’s not meeting your expectations, the programme may not be suited to you. If you are not motivated to attend lectures and are not submitting assignments, we recommend talking to a member of staff.
In some cases, students withdraw and if you feel that is the right decision for you contact First Year Experience Coordinator or a member of staff in your college to discuss the withdrawal process. Please refer to the contact details at the bottom of the page.
Going from school into university is a major transition. You may have moved away from family and friends. You may feel that you are not ready to leave home and that you are not equipped to share accommodation or manage your time well. You may not have received your first choice of programme and are finding it hard to get motivated. Taking a year out to try something different or develop new skills will help you to make an more informed decision when you decide to return to higher education.
Splitting Semesters/Deferring Exams
If you feel that you are not reaching your full potential and that you have missed assignment deadlines due to personal reasons, then it might be time to consider deferring exams and/or a semester. Before you decide, make sure you talk to your programme coordinator, or a student support staff in your college.
Finances
Studying full time is a big financial commitment. It may be that financial pressures is affecting your studies because you are working long hours. Time out may be necessary to put yourself in a more stable financial situation before your resume your studies. If you want to take time out, you can apply to defer entry(only for first year students who have just received an offer), defer a semester or take a Leave of Absence. In all cases, please contact staff in the university to ensure you meet the application deadline.
Financial rules in relation to taking a break from study or withdrawing from a programme vary so it is best to speak to a member of staff in your college or the Student Budgetary Advisor to find out the associated costs before deciding.
If you wish to defer your place, do not accept your CAO offer. Apply for a deferral through our Admissions Office.
Withdrawing from your Programme
Leaving your programme early may leave you feeling disappointed, annoyed, or lacking in confidence. You may be worried about what your family and friends will think of your decision. You might feel that you’ve wasted time and money and missed other opportunities. These feelings are understandable but there are not necessarily true. It often takes more courage to admit that you’ve made a mistake and to move on than to continue studying on a programme that is not right for you. Withdrawing from your programme can be a positive step. This is your opportunity to step back, consider other options and put a plan in place for the future. Withdrawing from you programme does not mean that you are giving up – it means that you are stepping out for a period of time only.
Remember, there are many different study options and programmes available to suit your interests.
You can also make a retrospective withdrawal, but you must include supporting evidence from one or more of the following professionals with your application:
Medical Practitioner
Other health professionals
UCC Student Support professionals
Garda
Other (must be specified)
Withdrawing and Eligibility for Honours
(i) For students withdrawing up to 31st January
Registration and eligibility for honours in the following academic year will be treated as if it were the first registration for that programme year.
(ii) For students withdrawing after 31st January
Such students will be required to attend the full programme the following year, which will be treated as repeat registration (with respect to examinations and eligibility for honours) for that programme year. Full terms and conditions can be found in the Marks and Standards.
Leave of Absence
Students wishing to take leave of absence of a year or more from a programme of study are advised that they must obtain advance approval from the relevant College.
Applications to the relevant College for a leave of absence must be made within four working weeks of the formal start date of Semester 1. Applications will not be accepted after this time.
Medical students intending to take leave of absence of a year or more must make an application to the Dean of the School of Medicine and to the Deputy President and Registrar not later than March of the preceding academic year. Permission will only be granted for specific reasons which will be considered in each case by the School's Executive/Heads of Department.
Postgraduate Research / Taught Students, whom should I speak with?
If you are a Postgraduate Research student, please discuss your possible withdrawal with your Supervisory Team and Funding Body. A leave of absence may be the better option. However, if the decision is made to withdraw, then you should email thesissubmission@ucc.ie to formally confirm your withdrawal.
If you are a PostgraduateTaught student wishing to withdraw from your course please discuss your possible withdrawal with your Course Director. Not sure who that is? Check who your course director is by looking up the contact information on the prospectus. Following the conversation with your Course Director, if a decision is made to withdraw, then you should contact Student Records and Examinations directly directly using the web enquiry form and request to formally withdraw.
Case Studies - Undergraduate Students
There are many pathways you can take after reaching your decision. Here are some examples:
Ella registered for Biological & Chemical Sciences because she loved biology in school. However, she soon realised that she made a mistake. She didn’t expect physics and chemistry to be so challenging. She made an appointment with the First Year Experience Coordinator in the second week of Semester 1.
They discussed the content of other programmes that might suit Ella’s best interests. Having researched other options with the support of the First Year Experience Coordinator, Ella found that Public Health Sciences suited her needs most.
She spoke to the programme coordinator and within 3 days she was registered on her new programme! She was able to discuss things like the programme content, the timetable and what was expected from her. Career options were also considered by Ella which helped her to plan for the future Ella now loves her programme and has settled into university life.
By seeking advice early, Ella found a programme she enjoyed and one that suited her needs.
Read about Martin's story
Martin was offered his first CAO choice but decided to take a year. He was unsure about the programme being right for him. Martin also felt he was not ready to leave home and needed more time to prepare for the transition to university and more time to consider his options.
The entire Leaving Cert year was focused on getting the points for what I thought was my ideal programme. When I got my results and my first CAO choice, I suddenly felt unsure. I wasn't confident that it was the right time or the right course choice. I spoke to my family and to my school Guidance Counsellor about taking a year out to consider all my options. I reapplied to the CAO after a few month and I am confident that I will get an offer in September. Taking a year out was the best thing for me. I got a part time job and did loads of research on courses. I'm certainly more prepared now than I was when I finished my Leaving Certificate and I'm actually looking forward to starting first year.
Read about Tom's Story
For years Tom suffered with exam nerves and found himself under extreme pressure in his second year.
Tom had found first year okay as there were lots of continuous assessments, however, he struggled in second year so felt it was best to reach out to the Skills Centre for advice. After discussing his difficulties with an Exams Advisor in the Skills Centre, he was encouraged to talk to his programme coordinator about the stress he was feeling around exams and what potential modules he could undertake the following year that were assessed by continuous assessment. This gave Tom greater confidence progressing to the next year of his programme.
Case Studies - Postgraduate Students
There are many pathways you can take after reaching your decision. Here are some examples:
Ali was delighted when he got a place on the MSc Analytical Chemistry and registered for the course in early September. A couple of weeks into the course he felt that it just wasn’t for him. He contacted the course director to discuss the matter. Following that conversation Ali decided that he would withdraw and take more time to decide on his future career path. Ali submitted an online request to withdraw and included the following information:
Name,
UCC Student Number,
Request: To withdraw his registration and,
Course Name.
Ali’s formal withdrawal was confirmed to him shortly after that.
Read about Mary's story
Mary was successfully accepted onto the MSc Marine Biology and registered. Shortly after she registered, she realised that her circumstances had changed as her SUSI application had not been successful and that she needed to withdraw. But she was confident that she would be able to work and save money in order to be able to do the course the follow year and so she also wanted to defer her place on the course. Firstly, Mary alerted the course director of her changed circumstances and that she hoped to defer. She then submitted an online request to withdraw and included the following information:
Name,
UCC Student Number,
Request: To withdraw her registration and,
Course Name.
Once Mary received confirmation that she was formally withdrawn, she then applied to defer her place to the following year by carefully reading the Deferral Policy, noting that the deadline for postgraduate deferrals is the first Friday in October and by completing a deferral request. The following year Mary took up her place on the MSc Marine Biology.
Read about Lucien's story
Lucien had applied for a couple of business postgraduate courses. He accepted a place on the MSc Business Information and Analytics Systems. Lucien registered and commenced the course. By the end of the first week Lucien felt he had chosen the wrong course. He immediately discussed the matter with the course director. Together they concluded that Lucien’s career goals would benefit more from the MSc Business Economics. Lucien had applied for and had been offered a place on that economics course. He now knew that he wanted to “transfer” to the other course. Lucien contacted uccapplyhelp@ucc.ie to advise that he intended to withdraw from the MSc Business Information and Analytics Systems and would like to re-activate his offer for the MSc Business Economics; Lucien copied-in the course director of the economics course. As the course was not full at this time, it was confirmed to Lucien that his offer could be reactivated. Lucien submitted an online request to withdraw from the MSc Business Information and Analytics Systems and included the following information:
Name,
UCC Student Number,
Request: To withdraw his registration and,
Course Name.
Once he got confirmation of his withdrawal, he confirmed same to uccapplyhelp@ucc.ie and his offer of a place on the MSc Business Economics was reactivated. Lucien immediately accepted the place on the UCC Application Portal and his registration was changed for him and confirmed by email. He now had access to the correct course on Canvas and continued with his studies.
Contacts
To view contact details for support staff in your college choose from one of the following options:
Please contact Ian Wallace on: ian.wallace@ucc.ie.
College of Science, Engineering & Food Science
If you are considering withdrawing please should contact your relevant academic unit in the first instance. Contact details for School/Department administration offices are listed at the bottom of the SEFS Student Change Applications webpage.
