Course transfer???

jimhendrix

Does anybody know anything about course transfer in tcd? I was wondering if it would be possible to transfer from sociology & social policy to economics & sociology (2nd year) after choosing almost identical courses as those in first year economics ( Introduction to Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, Introduction to Political Science, Introduction to sociology). I'm probably getting a bit ahead of myself as I have yet to start my course, but after reading up on the economics course I think I made a mistake in choosing socspol (though I'd still be happy to study it). Having said that, I have no intention of reapplying through the CAO. Does anyone know if it would be difficult to change the course if I wanted to? cheers

Stargal

You have two weeks when you start college to transfer into another course on two conditions - you have to have enough points for the new course, and perhaps more importantly, there has to be a space available in it. I know a couple of people who've done this and as far as I remember, they had to go to their tutor first of all (you'll get their name and location before you start) and then bring it to the Senior Tutor who has to ok it.

Alternatively you could stick out the year in SocSocPol and provided you pass your exams in May/June, ask for permission from the Senior Tutor to transfer into second year of economics and sociology. Like you said, the subjects are practically the same in first year so it shouldn't be a problem.

Would you think about applying to transfer into BESS instead, so you can choose from all three of sociology, economics and social policy?

On a related note - I've just finished SocSocPol, and each year there was an option to do at least one economics course, so if you decide not to change at least you know that there's always the option there. I did an economics course every year except for 4th year and really enjoyed the policy side of it.

And finally (I promise!) I'd really strongly recommend going to talk to Dr. Eoin O'Sullivan who is the co-ordinator of the SocSocPol degree and a SocPol lecturer before you do anything. He's a great man, as well as being the best lecturer that I've ever had, and he'll give you practical and useful advice on what you'll get out of the degree. (Tell him I sent you )

*He's also a total fox. But that probably shouldn't influence your decision.

Nietzschean

can you not swap till jan? or are arts courses different?

jimhendrix

thanks for the advice!(esp the eoin o'sullivan part, I'll keep it in mind for when I turn gay!] I will definately have a chat with him so though- I don't know how high the points are for economics and sociology but I'm not sure about anything as I haven't started yet. I'd like to start off with socspol and see how it goes but if I change for my second year, do I still need the LC points? Or can I get in by doing well in my uni exams?

Nietz...something

Officially, the points requirement is always there but if there's a free spot you could ask your tutor whether it'd be at all possible.

Nietz...something wrote:

can you not swap till jan? or are arts courses different?

Yep, there's the second Junior Freshman transfer window - first is around the 20th of October 2006 (a Friday, so round date up/down), which is what Stargal said. Second is the end of the first week back after Christmas (around 13th of January 2007 (again a Friday)), and for this you will need the points, a free space in the course you're going in to, and also to have a meeting with someone in the department/school about your transfer. They usually just want to know why you wish to transfer, and also whether you would be able to deal with missing 3 months of work.

There's also a requirement that there isn't timetabling constraints, which I assume means that if there's a course which has a free place, you mightn't get it if they can't fit you into a room. To apply, you need to go through a tutor, be it the Senior Tutor or your own.

jimi, meet your tutor during Freshers' Week. Also, if you're not liking the course, think about skipping along to other lectures that you think you might be interested in (but not labs!).

Stargal

jimhendrix wrote:

thanks for the advice!(esp the eoin o'sullivan part, I'll keep it in mind for when I turn gay!] I will definately have a chat with him so though- I don't know how high the points are for economics and sociology but I'm not sure about anything as I haven't started yet.

Economics and Sociology would be 440 points, according to the CAO website. And good luck with whatever you decide to do (Unless it's Eoin, in which case I will fight you to the death )