Current Student FAQs

In light of the recent announcement, please see below a list of FAQs to assist in addressing your questions.

This list will continue to be updated regularly.

At the bottom of this page is an Student Q&A service which allows you to post questions that may not be covered in the FAQ.

Student Experience

Will I be able to complete my degree as planned?

Yes. All current students will be supported to progress through to graduation from their programme.

What changes for me as a student?

There will be no significant changes to your student experience, including your programme of study, timetabling, assessments or academic requirements. All current undergraduate and postgraduate students will continue their course as planned to graduation during this period.

You will also have access to all the same resources, supports and activities throughout the remainder of your studies.

Will all the same Student Services be available to me?

Yes. A full range Student Services will continue for the duration of your studies. This includes

academic support ;

library access ;

IT services;

student support and wellbeing services, such as health and counselling; and,

career guidance.

The College will ensure you continue to receive the same level of care, advice and assistance for the remainder of your studies.

How will class sizes or teaching formats change?

As you will be progressing through your degree as normal, teaching formats and class sizes should remain much the same. From September 2027, final year classes may be smaller in size for modules that were previously offered for both Stage 2 and Stage 3/4 learners.

Programmes & Accreditation

Will all required modules still be offered over the next two-years?

All mandatory modules will continue to be offered over the next two years. There may be some minor changes to elective modules where insufficient student numbers are achieved to run the module, which is part of our usual programme timetabling process.

All modules will continue to be delivered by experienced lecturers.

Will placements still run?

All scheduled practice placements and work experience modules will remain in place and will be fully supported to ensure that you graduate with the required professional competencies.

I was planning on doing a Semester Abroad in the US, is that still possible?

Our US Semester Abroad will still be available in 2026/27 for Stage 2 students. This will be the last opportunity to complete the Semester Abroad as it is not offered in Stage 3.

Will I still be able to complete the BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care) Add-On Year with Carlow College?

The BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies (Professional Social Care) add-on year programme will accept an intake in September 2026.

Will my degree still be accredited by CORU or PSI?

Yes. All professional accreditations (including CORU and PSI, where applicable) remain in place for current learners. The College will continue to meet all accreditation and regulatory requirements so that your qualifications remains fully recognised for professional practice on graduation.

Deferrals & Repeats

I have deferred this year, will I be able to complete my studies?

Depending on how much of your degree remains, you may need to return to complete your programme in September 2026 (if you have two years remaining).

Any learner who has currently deferred is advised to contact our Learner Information & Retention Office at liro@carlowcollege.ie to arrange an appointment to discuss your individual circumstances.

What happens if I fail modules over the next two years?

Normal academic regulations will continue to apply, with some revisions to embed some flexibility for learners. This means reassessment and progression supports will remain available in line with existing policies. The College will ensure that failed modules can be addressed so that learners have a clear and supported pathway to completion.

Will exam resits be available during and/or after the next two years?

Exam resits will be available until August 2028, after which time there will be no further programme delivery. During this time, you will be given every opportunity to pass the required assessments to achieve your qualification.

I’m carrying first year modules. How will I be able to complete those now?

If you are carrying modules, arrangements will be made to allow you to complete them, consistent with current academic regulations. This may include repeat assessments, alternative assessment timings, or other approved options. You will receive clear guidance from the Office of the Registrar and Academic Administration on how and when these modules will be completed.

Fees & Funding

Will programme fees change over the next two years?

There will be no substantial change to Programme Fees or College Fees over the next two years. Any changes to the Student Contribution is a matter for Government policy.

What happens to grants or scholarships I currently receive?

There should be no change to your ability to access SUSI funding if you currently do so, subject to your own personal financial circumstances. SUSI have been notified of the announcement.

Furthermore, any students in receipt of a Uversity Scholarship should not be affected as the scholarship is awarded for the duration of your studies. Uversity have been notified of the announcement.

Graduation

Can I still graduate with my Carlow College degree?

There will be no change to the awarding arrangements for enrolled students.

Upon successful completion of your studies, you will graduate with the same degree you enrolled on, awarded by the same awarding body. For undergraduate students and some postgraduate students, this means you will graduate with a QQI qualification as usual.

If your programme is validated through SETU (some postgraduate and Certificate programmes), your qualification will continue to be awarded by SETU.

I’m due to graduate this year, will that still go ahead?

Yes. We will be hosting our annual Conferring Ceremonies each year as per usual in Carlow College, St. Patrick’s. The provisional date for this year’s ceremony is Friday, 20th November.

Our Academic Administration team will be in contact in September to confirm the date and details for your graduation.

How will I get copies of my academic transcripts if needed in the future?

Your academic records will be securely retained in line with regulatory and statutory requirements. You will be able to request transcripts and confirmation of awards in the future through the designated graduate records process, which will be clearly communicated to you prior to graduation.

Student Q&A Service

Our staff will be online to answer your questions between 10am to 4pm, Monday – Friday. Please note responses may not be immediate. Therefore, to receive an alert, please include your email address or check back later.