Programmes available to Visiting non-EU Students

Autumn Semester

• Autumn Semester Programme
• Early Start Semester in Irish Archaeology
• Early Start Semester in Irish History and Modern Ireland

Full Academic Year

• Full Academic Year Programme
• Early Start and Full Academic Year
• IO Diploma Common Law European

Spring Semester

• Spring Semester Programme

Summer Programmes

• International Summer School in Irish Studies

What can I study?

Visiting Students can only request to study modules from our Book of Modules for Visiting Students

Click here: Book of Modules for Visiting Students

Module Information – What You Need to Know

• Modules can change: Sometimes modules may be altered, cancelled, replaced, or updated during the semester. 
• Book of Modules: The Book of Modules for Visiting Students is updated every summer, before the semester starts in September. This is your main guide for module choices.
• Please note: Entry into classes is not guaranteed. Some modules have limited spaces or require departmental approval, so it’s a good idea to have backup options when selecting your modules.

Module Selection FAQ – Visiting Students at UCC

How do I know which modules I can choose?

• Semester 1: September to December
• Semester 2: January to May
• Semester 1 or Semester 2: The module takes place in Semester 1 and is repeated in Semester 2.
• Semester 1 AND Semester 2: Full-year module (not available to semester-only students).

How do I know if they are lower or upper level?

The first number in the module code indicates which year the class is in.

• For example: MU1234 (1= 1st year), MU2345 (2=2nd year) etc
• Modules starting with 5 or 6 are graduate (Master’s) level courses

Modules marked as needing “Departmental Approval”

At UCC, when you see “Departmental Approval” on the Book of Modules for visiting students, it means:

• The module requires permission from the academic department before you can register.
• This process is managed by the International Office (not students)
• This is usually because the course has limited spaces, prerequisites, or special requirements.
• When you select your class, the International Office will manage your classes that need departmental approval.
• Students will be provided with full details during module registration. 

Examples of module restrictions

Timetables

• Visiting students are required to create their own timetable.
• Detailed instructions will be sent to you when you are selecting your classes to guide you through the process

Students planning on graduating early or needing very specific classes

• Entry into classes is not guaranteed so please do not rely on taking them at UCC.
• We ask that you are flexible and work with your home university about preparing ‘back up’ modules.

What is the academic system like at UCC?

• Semester system: The academic year is divided into two semesters (Autumn and Spring)
• Full degree students at UCC study one subject area for their 4 year degree therefore 3rd and 4th year level classes are at a very advanced stage in each particular subject area
• Teaching style: Most modules combine lectures, tutorials, and sometimes labs or seminars. 
• Assessment: Evaluation is typically a mix of final exams, essays, projects, presentations, and continuous assessment during the semester.
• Grading system: Grades are awarded using a percentage-based system. Please note: the grading system is different to your home university. Your home university is responsible for your grade conversions after your studies at UCC. 
• Academic support: Support services such as Skills Centre | University College Cork

Credits

• Modules & credits: Courses are organised into modules, each carrying a set number of credits (usually 5 or 10). You choose modules to reach your required credit load set by your home university.
• It is recommended that students take modules to the value of 30 UCC credits per semester. 
• The maximum number of credits a student can register for is 30 ECTS per semester.

Syllabus

The International Office does not have access to the syllabus for each module. You will need to contact the lecturer directly or wait until they release it at the start of classes.

Please note, the module description in the Book of modules may have to be sufficient. Lecturers may not provide a syllabus unless registered for the module

Exams at UCC

Exams at UCC are very formal and take place on a set date and time. Alternative arrangements cannot be requested. If you do not sit your exam, you will be required to return to Cork the following August to sit the repeat exam (not all modules offer this option). 

Academic Transcripts

UCC will automatically send your official academic transcript directly to your home university or Study Abroad provider once results are finalised.

You do not need to request this separately, and early requests are not possible.

• Semester 1–only students: Transcripts are sent in February
• Full Year and Semester 2 students: Transcripts are sent in July

Transcripts are only issued after all assessments and exam results have been formally approved.