Changing or leaving your course
Maybe the subject isn't what you thought it would be, the course content isn't what you wanted, the assessment method doesn't suit you or you can't get motivated. Perhaps you feel the environment doesn't suit and you're homesick and feeling out of your depth.Maybe you are having second thoughts about your chosen career path
Options to consider:
- Stay and make the best of it
- Leave your course
- Choose a different course
- Take time out
- Leave and find a job
- Make an informed career decision
Stay put and make the best of it
Could you get extra tuition in difficult subjects, arrange extra tutorials with others in the class, make a better effort to keep on top of the workload? Can you talk to a tutor to explain your concerns and ask him/her to recommend some background reading material? Is it possible to alter your module options within the course? Remember that there are many support services in DIT that you can avail of.
Leave the course
If you decide to leave your course, make sure you can articulate your reasons for doing so - this will help you to avoid making the same mistake next time and will enable you to explain your decision to others.
Feelings of anxiety, apprehension and uncertainty are natural if you decide to leave a course. Expect lots of advice too from family, friends and tutors. Try to approach the decision making process in a rational and positive way and remember that the decision has to be the right one FOR YOU!
There are financial considerations to take into account: the date on which you leave your course can have an implication for funding of any future course you might wish to pursue. Depending on the date that you leave your course, you may be entitled to full fees, half fees, or no fees paid for you for the first year of a subsequent course of study. For further information call 01402 3000 and ask to speak to a member of registrations for your campus
If you do decide to leave your course there is a procedure to follow: you should contact your class tutor and Head of School and visit the Registrations Office at your college site to collect a De-Registration form which must be date stamped by that office. Keep this as evidence of the date on which you left your course.
Choose a different course
Make sure you research thoroughly. Attend open days and get prospecti for more information on programmes. Access alumni pages to find out where graduates end up on completion of courses e.g. DIT Graduate Network. Browse text books used to find out what is involved and whether a placement is incorporated. Talk to people who have completed the programme or are currently doing it.It may also be worthwhile investigating assessment methods used..
Are you thinking of applying to a different institution? If so, think about: will you have to move house? How expensive is accommodation in the area? What environment are you most happy in - a large or small institution, a city or country based institution? How far will you be from home?
If you have already completed a third level course (e.g., a Certificate or Diploma) and are looking to progress onto a Diploma or Degree course, you can apply to third level institutions using the Advanced Entry Application Form. Each college will have it's own application procedures therefore it is important to contact the admissions office of each institution directly However, if you have not completed a third level course, e.g., if you decide to leave your course during the first year, you will need to re-apply through the Central Admissions Office. NB the closing date for CAO applications is 1st February in the proposed year of entry to the course. Late applications will be accepted until 1st May, but the application cost doubles.
Take time out
Perhaps you feel that you would benefit from taking time out: to reflect, to pay back some debts, to research options more carefully, to gain experience in the workplace, to travel, take a break from study, talk to people in different jobs, get work experience, etc. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you plan how best to use your time. Plan out what you intend to do so that the experience will be as beneficial and as useful as possible.
If you are taking time out due to personal problems, you might find it helpful to make use of the support services available to you, such as DIT Counselling Service and Chaplaincy.
Leave and find a job
Would you rather be earning money than studying? Are you fed up of study and need a break after completing your Leaving Certificate? Are you struggling with your course or failing to see how it will help you get to where you want to be?
After making the decision to leave a course you may feel very relieved. On the other hand, some people end up feeling disappointed in themselves and lacking in confidence - they might feel that they have wasted time or let other people down.
If you decide to start looking for a job you need to focus on the positive. What have you learnt from your experience? What skills and qualities can you demonstrate? Make sure you can present your decision to leave your course in a positive light to employers.
Remember that you can return to third level study at a later date either full time or part time.
Stay put and make the best of it
Could you get extra tuition in difficult subjects, arrange extra tutorials with others in the class, make a better effort to keep on top of the workload? Can you talk to a tutor to explain your concerns and ask him/her to recommend some background reading material? Is it possible to alter your module options within the course? Remember that there are many support services in DIT that you can avail of.
Leave the course
If you decide to leave your course, make sure you can articulate your reasons for doing so - this will help you to avoid making the same mistake next time and will enable you to explain your decision to others.
Feelings of anxiety, apprehension and uncertainty are natural if you decide to leave a course. Expect lots of advice too from family, friends and tutors. Try to approach the decision making process in a rational and positive way and remember that the decision has to be the right one FOR YOU!
There are financial considerations to take into account: the date on which you leave your course can have an implication for funding of any future course you might wish to pursue. Depending on the date that you leave your course, you may be entitled to full fees, half fees, or no fees paid for you for the first year of a subsequent course of study. For further information call 01402 3000 and ask to speak to a member of registrations for your campus
If you do decide to leave your course there is a procedure to follow: you should contact your class tutor and Head of School and visit the Registrations Office at your college site to collect a De-Registration form which must be date stamped by that office. Keep this as evidence of the date on which you left your course.
Choose a different course
Make sure you research thoroughly. Attend open days and get prospecti for more information on programmes. Access alumni pages to find out where graduates end up on completion of courses e.g. DIT Graduate Network. Browse text books used to find out what is involved and whether a placement is incorporated. Talk to people who have completed the programme or are currently doing it.It may also be worthwhile investigating assessment methods used..
Are you thinking of applying to a different institution? If so, think about: will you have to move house? How expensive is accommodation in the area? What environment are you most happy in - a large or small institution, a city or country based institution? How far will you be from home?
If you have already completed a third level course (e.g., a Certificate or Diploma) and are looking to progress onto a Diploma or Degree course, you can apply to third level institutions using the Advanced Entry Application Form. Each college will have it's own application procedures therefore it is important to contact the admissions office of each institution directly However, if you have not completed a third level course, e.g., if you decide to leave your course during the first year, you will need to re-apply through the Central Admissions Office. NB the closing date for CAO applications is 1st February in the proposed year of entry to the course. Late applications will be accepted until 1st May, but the application cost doubles.
Take time out
Perhaps you feel that you would benefit from taking time out: to reflect, to pay back some debts, to research options more carefully, to gain experience in the workplace, to travel, take a break from study, talk to people in different jobs, get work experience, etc. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you plan how best to use your time. Plan out what you intend to do so that the experience will be as beneficial and as useful as possible.
If you are taking time out due to personal problems, you might find it helpful to make use of the support services available to you, such as DIT Counselling Service and Chaplaincy.
Leave and find a job
Would you rather be earning money than studying? Are you fed up of study and need a break after completing your Leaving Certificate? Are you struggling with your course or failing to see how it will help you get to where you want to be?
After making the decision to leave a course you may feel very relieved. On the other hand, some people end up feeling disappointed in themselves and lacking in confidence - they might feel that they have wasted time or let other people down.
If you decide to start looking for a job you need to focus on the positive. What have you learnt from your experience? What skills and qualities can you demonstrate? Make sure you can present your decision to leave your course in a positive light to employers.
Remember that you can return to third level study at a later date either full time or part time.
