Dublin City University - Qualifax

Appendix 8: Glossary of Terms
validated by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and some have
links with universities and/or professional associations through which the courses on
offer are accredited.
Liberal Arts: refers to the humanities, the study of philosophy and literature, language
and sometimes also the ‘fine arts.’ Generally all subjects (other than the scientific,
technical or professional) that emphasise the development of cultural awareness and
critical skills rather than practical training for a career or profession.
Option: a course of study / module/ subject chosen by the student within the
academic programme
Post-graduate: a person who has obtained a bachelors degree.
Post –graduate study: a course of study further to a degree.
Prospectus: a publication produced by a college or institution which outlines all
available courses and detailed course information. It can include information about
admissions requirement, staff and general and administrative information.
Syllabus Prospectus: a publication produced by an academic school/discipline/ faculty
which provides detailed course information.
School: operational units of the University which carry out teaching, research and
scholarship functions.
Semester: the academic year is usually divided into semesters or terms (two but
sometimes three = trimester).
Social Sciences /Human Sciences: subjects concerned with human behaviour, or
pertaining to human development, human societies and communities.
Social Sciences: the scientific study of society and social behaviour, or any science that
examines an aspect of society or social behaviour, such as anthropology or psychology.
Undergraduate student: a student who is studying /reading for a Bachelor’s degree in
any subject area or discipline at a 3rd level institution.
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