DBS admissions procedures facilitate a variety access and entry arrangements, in addition applicants transferring from similar programmes will also be considered under these arrangements for access, transfer and progression.
There are two categories of access with advanced standing,
1. partial exemption where a learner is considered for exemption from a module or part of a stage and
127
2. direct entry where a learner is exempt from one or more a complete stages.
Exempted modules are recognised for the purposes of access or transfer. Credit will not be awarded for exempted modules or stages, such modules will be denoted with EXE on the learner’s transcript and Diploma Supplement.
Partial exemptions are only considered for learners on part-time undergraduate programmes.
All exemptions are agreed in prior to admission to the College, retrospective admissions are very rare and can only be sought on a formal appeal with appropriate grounds.
No exemptions will be granted at the Award Stage.
No exemptions are granted for Minor or Special Purpose Awards.
Where a programme includes a work placement module or stage, applicants cannot transfer directly to that stage, but must take preparatory academic modules first.
6.6.1 Procedures for Assessing Exemptions
Applicants holding recognised academic qualifications and applying for either partial exemptions or direct entry to stage two or three of an academic programme are assessed for exemptions based on the achievement of equivalent learning outcomes, at an equivalent volume (measured by ECTS) and level on the NFQ, or recognised equivalent (EQF etc.), to the stages or modules, from which they are seeking exemption, on that programme. The applicant is required to provide original documentary evidence of prior academic achievement.
6.6.1.1 Assessing Standard Qualifications for Direct Entry
Qualifications are either standard, that is having been assessed by DBS for recognition as a standard qualifications for direct entry to a particular programme or non-standard which are either qualifications not already assessed for exemptions, or those which have been assessed but not yet eligible to be classified as standard.
Standard qualifications for a programme are recognised academic qualifications which are common in the Irish higher education sector, for example, holders of Higher Certificate (Stage 6) qualifications awarded by QQI. The standard category also includes less common Irish qualifications, and qualifications from EU and non-EU institutions, for which there are precedents in DBS admissions’ history.
128
For a qualification to be classified as standard for a particular programme, the learning outcomes for that qualification are examined and mapped to the learning outcomes for the relevant DBS programme(s). This process is undertaken within the academic school, by the Head of School or nominee and is overseen by the Registrar. If sufficient comparability and equivalence is established, and after monitoring the progress of learners admitted with those exemptions for one year, the qualification is added to the standard qualifications list. All such additions must be approved by the Admissions Committee.
All standard qualifications for a particular programme are listed in the DBS Exemptions Handbook (Appendix 6.5) or the DBS International Exemptions Handbook (Appendix 6.6) with the appropriate level of exemption indicated. In the case of both EU and non-EU learners where the qualification is not listed as standard, the application is treated as non-standard.
The approval of exemptions based on standard qualifications is the responsibility of the DBS Admissions Officer. The appropriate Admissions Officer signs the relevant Credit Exemption Application Form (F6.3), stating clearly the basis on which the exemption is awarded.
6.6.1.2 Assessing Non-Standard Qualifications for Direct Entry
Non-standard applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis. The process is undertaken within the academic school, by the Head of School or nominee and is overseen by the Registrar. As a non- standard application is based on a qualification that is not listed in the DBS Exemption Handbook or the DBS International Exemptions handbook, the application is referred to the Head of School for decision. The Admissions Officer may make a preliminary recommendation.
The Head of School reviews the application and, where additional academic scrutiny is deemed necessary, consults with the relevant Admissions Tutor or PL. The applicant may at this stage be required to provide additional academic evidence, such as course syllabi and/or examination papers.
The Head of School records the decision and the basis for it on the Exemption Application Form and signs the form accordingly. A copy of the decision is forwarded to the Registrar. The decision is then communicated to the applicant by the Admissions Officer.
129 6.6.1.3 Assessing Applicants for Partial Exemption
Partial exemptions, exemptions from one or more modules within a stage, are only considered for part-time learners. Applicants seeking a partial exemption are required to provide original documentary evidence of their prior academic achievement on which their application is based. The Admissions Department compiles a complete file for review by Head of School or nominee, the file is accompanied by an Exemption Application Form (F5.3) and all supporting documentation such as academic transcripts, a recommendation on the equivalence of the qualification and proof of the awarding institutions recognition etc.
The date the exemption request is received is noted on the Exemption Application Form by Admissions and an exemption due date is stated (2 days after the date of receipt). This is the date by which Heads of School must return the completed Exemption Application Form to the Admissions Department. The file is sent to the relevant Head of School or nominated personnel for review. The Head of School or nominee reviews the application and where additional academic scrutiny is deemed necessary, consults with the relevant Admissions Tutor or PL. The applicant may at this stage be required to provide additional academic evidence, such as course syllabi and/or examination papers.
The Head of School or nominee will record the decision and provide a rationale for the decision on the Exemption Application Form. The Exemption Application Form is then signed and dated by the Head of School. A copy of the decision is forwarded to the Registrar for final approval. The file is then returned to Admissions where the student is informed of the outcome of their application.
6.6.1.4 Articulation Agreements with Partner Colleges
DBS has extensive and productive relationships with a series of European and International partner colleges. Formal arrangements are in place to facilitate access, transfer and progression with the partner colleges. The process is described in an articulation agreement which lays down the criteria for admission to DBS programmes by applicants with qualifications from those colleges. When a new arrangement is being set up the programmes are mapped in terms of learning outcomes, credit volume and level on the NFQ. Once complete and documented the qualification is recognised as a standard admissions decision. These articulation agreements are monitored by reviewing learner success and they are formally reviewed when either programme undergoes Programmatic Review.
130
It is the responsibility of the Admissions Department to notify the school when a standard qualification is due for review.