Dublin City University - Qualifax

Appendix 8
Glossary of Terms
Access Programmes: specifically targeted programmes and courses for mature students
who come from backgrounds that are under-represented at 3rd level institutions.
Academic Programme: the set of courses that comprise a programme of study which
leads toward a particular degree.
Academic year: usually from September to May, but this can vary so always check with
the institution/ admissions dept. or faculty.
Academic disciplines: subjects or areas of study within institutions e.g. sociology,
history.
Assessment: evaluation of a student’s potential / or performance by whatever means
the Faculty Board/ Admissions Board has determined.
Bachelor’s Degree: a first degree, usually termed undergraduate degree. It normally
requires at least three years of full-time study.
Calendar: the official publication of important dates, regulations and degree schedules
for each academic year.
Campus: any property owned or managed by an institution. Encompasses all buildings
whether for teaching , leisure or accommodation Some colleges have more than one
campus areas.
CAO (Central Applications Office): the office delegated by the Higher Education
Institutions with the task of processing centrally all applications to their first year
undergraduate /certificate/diploma courses
Certificate: a qualification at a non-degree level, usually after one year of study.
Certificate of Completion: verification that a student has completed a course of study.
Class: lecture, tutorial, laboratory session, field trip, practicum, supervisory session and
other contexts in which teaching is occurring
College: A general term for post-secondary education. It often now refers to any
institution that offers undergraduate programmes, or to units of a university grouped
together based on related disciplines.
Continuing Education: educational programmes offered by any institution to adults in
the community during the evening and on weekends. It usually refers to non-credit
course work although increasingly, credits can be gained for courses successfully
completed and used towards studying for further qualifications.
Deadline: a date by which specific actions/applications must be submitted to or
received by an institution.
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