In a radical new departure, UCD is set to transform its undergraduate programmes by offering fully-flexible courses to students.
From September next, students will have greater flexibility and choice in how and what they study within their chosen degree.
For example, science students could take a business module, sociology students could take modules in law, while medical students could take a philosophy module.
The new "modularised" system - known as UCD Horizons - will replace the traditional approach where students study a fixed set of subjects over a designated period.
Under the plan, each full-time degree programme will comprise 12 modules each year. Students will take the majority of their modules in their core areas of study; some may be compulsory, others will be optional.
The idea behind the introduction of modularisation is that students can broaden their knowledge by taking modules outside their subject or deepen their knowledge by focusing on modules within their core degree area.
Dr Philip Nolan, UCD registrar, says modularisation gives the university the opportunity to revise how it delivers its courses.
"A fully modular system is more student-focused. Students are more likely to develop the types of skills which are transferable to other learning situations, or which more closely match the skills employers seek."
The UCD website gives a list of the core compulsory modules attached to each course for first year. Alongside is a list of all modules.
Students may choose up to two of these modules (subject to entry requirements, timetable and availability of places).
Students will make their initial choice of optional modules when they register in September.
On degrees leading to professional qualifications or exemptions, UCD says it is "being careful to guarantee the curriculum requirements needed for recognition by professional organisations".
The college also says it has strong support for modularisation from a number of professional bodies who feel that "university degrees should be more flexible, so that graduates have a range of different knowledge and skills, and because choice encourages deeper learning".
UCD says the new programmes will allow students to tailor their own degree programme according to their own individual needs. In a booklet for students it says: " You will have some core material, some options and also some completely free choice for a part of your degree programme. This will allow you to tailor your programme to your own study preferences and strengths."
The new modular, credit-based system meets international standards and should make it much easier for students to study abroad for part of their degree programme.
It may also give students better options in terms of the length of time it takes to complete their degree.
The university has produced a booklet, Your questions answered, which will be in all schools in January and is available directly from UCD. There is also an email helpline for queries and questions not covered in the booklet. The address is: horizons@ucd.ie
