Student Handbook
2012/13
BA (HONS) Psychology
Continuing Linear
2nd / 3rd Year FT & PT students
Dublin Business School Campus
DBS is a city centre campus, the main building is situated on Aungier Street, behind St Stephens
Green Shopping Centre. Please refer to the Map below for the location of our other main buildings.
Buses servicing Aungier Street directly are 16, 16A, 19, 19A, 65, 65B, 83 or 122. All Bus, DART, Luas
and Rail routes service the city centre with terminals close to the College.
Room Legend and Access Codes:
AS:
13/14 Aungier Street
BL:
Bow Lane (Door Code 9214)
CH:
Castle House, 73/83 South Great George's Street
DS:
19/22 Dame Street (Door Code 5371)
BSA:
6/9 Balfe Street Block A (Door Code 6305*)
BSB:
6/9 Balfe Street Block B (Door Code 6305*)
An interactive map of these locations, and others where lectures and exams may take place, is
available to view at http://www.dbs.ie/Location/AboutDBS/Dublin-City-College.htm
A map showing the main DBS buildings can be viewed on the next page.
Dame Street
Wicklow House
Castle House
Balfe Street
Blocks A & B
Aungier Street
Bow Lane
Carmelites
RCSI
The Table of Contents
1
Welcome to DBS
2
Programme Structure
3
Overview of Assessment
4
Classification of Awards
5
Student Services and Facilities
The following Supporting Documents are on (or links available through) the DBS website for Current
Students, follow the links to the Registrar’s Office then Student Handbooks:
www.dbs-students.com/Registrar
Academic Calendar and Term Dates
Academic Impropriety
Assessment Regulations
Code of Conduct
Complaints Procedures
Exams Office Verification/recheck Procedures
International Students Handbook
Moodle Users Guide
Personal Mitigating Circumstances Form
1
Welcome to DBS
A very warm welcome back to all of you and congratulations on making it to the next phase of
your studies. This handbook is designed to provide you with much of the information you will
require in this academic year. It will aid your study immensely if you familiarise yourself with the
contents of this handbook and keep it somewhere safe. If there are unanswered questions or issues,
please contact myself or your Year Head (details can be found in section 1.1).
I hope you enjoyed your summer and are ready for a productive and rewarding academic year.
Dr Sineád Eccles
Acting Head of Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
Programme Leader
BA (Hons) in Psychology
Higher Diploma in Arts in Psychology
If you have any comments on this handbook, please send them to:
E-mail: sinead.eccles@dbs.ie
Phone Number: 00353 1 4178732
1.1
Second Year / Third Year Full-time and Part-time Year Head
If you have any questions or concerns about any aspect of your Psychology course, you
should contact your year head.
The Year Heads listed below are responsible for all second year and third year Full-time and
continuing Part-time Psychology students, and are available to provide information or assistance to
anyone in the year that might need it. If you have a query or a problem relating to any aspect of your
time here in DBS School of Arts, you should approach the Year Head before approaching other
members of staff. Even if the Year Head can't tackle the question or problem themselves, they can
help you identify the person who can and refer you on to them.
Year Heads
2nd Year FT: Rosie Reid
E-mail: rosie.reid@dbs.ie
Phone Number: +353 1 4178756
3rd Year FT: Patricia Frazer
E-mail: patricia.frazer@dbs.ie
Phone Number: +353 1 4178729
Part-Time Continuing 2nd Year: Margaret Walsh
E-mail: margaret.walsh@dbs.ie
Phone Number: +353 1 4178735
Part-Time Continuing 3rd Year: Patricia Orr
E-mail: patricia.orr@dbs.ie
Phone Number: +353 1 4178734
2
Programme Structure
BA (Hons) Psychology Year 2
Module
Lecturer
PSY2810
Cognitive Psychology 1 (Semester 1)
PSY2811
Cognitive Psychology 2 (Semester 2)
PSY2812L
Biopsychology
Dr Rosie Reid
PSY2813L
Psychoanalysis as a Clinical Practice
Terry Ball / Joanne Conway / Dr Rik Loose
PSY2814L
Carrying Out Research in Psychology
Dr Jonathan Murphy / Dr John Hyland /
Dr Patricia Frazer
PSY2815L
Data Analysis & Computing 2
Pauline Cummins / Dr Rosie Reid / Dr
John Hyland
BA (Hons) Psychology Year 3
Module
Lecturer
PSY3813
The Psychology of Organisations & Work Dr Ciaran McMahon
(Semester 1)
PSY3814
Advanced Topics in Psychology
(Semester 2)
Dr Rosie Reid
PSY3810L
Personality Theory, Intelligence &
Individual Differences
Patricia Orr / Dr Rik Loose / Cathal
O’Keeffe
PSY3811L
Behavioural Science
Dr John Hyland
PSY3812L
Psychology of Physical & Mental Health
Dr Patricia Frazer / Terry Ball / Dr Garry
Prentice
PSY3815L
Final Year Project
Margaret Walsh / Dr Sinead Eccles / Dr
Patricia Frazer
2.1
Programme Team contact details
Contact
Dr Sineád Eccles
(Programme Leader)
Margaret Walsh
Dr Rosie Reid
Patricia Orr
Pauline Cummins
Dr John Hyland
Dr Jonathan Murphy
Dr Patricia Frazer
Terry Ball
Dr Rik Loose
Dr Garry Prentice
Dr Ciarán McMahon
Cathal O’Keefe
Michael Nolan
Robert Campbell
(Programme Coordinator)
Location
Castle House
Telephone
+353 1 4178732
e-mail
sinead.eccles@dbs.ie
Castle House
Castle House
Castle House
Castle House
Castle House
Castle House
Castle House
Castle House
Castle House
Castle House
Castle House
Castel House
Balfe Street
Castle House
+353 1 4178735
+353 1 4178756
+353 1 4178734
+353 1 4178733
+353 1 4178758
+353 1 4178774
+353 1 4178729
+353 1 4178738
+353 1 4178738
+353 1 4178731
+353 1 4178769
+353 1 4177500
+353 1 6485462
+353 1 4177523
margaret.walsh@dbs.ie
rosie.reid@dbs.ie
patricia.orr@dbs.ie
pauline.cummins@dbs.ie
john.hyland@dbs.ie
jonathan.murphy@dbs.ie
patricia.frazer@dbs.ie
terry.ball@dbs.ie
rik.loose@dbs.ie
garry,prentice@dbs.ie
ciaran.mcmahon@dbs.ie
cathal.okeefe@dbs.ie
michael.nolan@dbs.ie
robert.campbell@dbs.ie
3
Overview of Assessment
Assessment Strategy
The School of Arts is committed to an assessment strategy that encourages participation and
development. The primary focus of assessment activities on the BA (Hons) Psychology is continuous
assessment though you will also be required to sit some exams. This will vary in style and purpose
from module to module, depending upon the nature of the subject material and the teaching and
learning objectives of the module. The detail of the assessment proposed for each subject will be
included in the relevant module outline and distributed in the first class.
Any failed examination must be attempted at the next available sitting date. The resit mark for the
module will be presented to the Board, but will be capped at 40% for purposes of Award calculation.
The assessment regulations are on (or links available through) the DBS website for Current
Students, follow the links to the Registrar’s Office then Student Handbooks:
www.dbs-students.com/Registrar
4
Classification of Awards (Joint Awards and where exit awards are approved as part of the
Approved Course Schedule)
Bachelor’s Degree
The class of degree award will be based on a weighted average percentage mark, which will be
calculated as follows:
Award Stage modules
-
80% weighting
Penultimate Stage*
-
20% weighting
*The weighted mean of stage 2 modules should be taken from the best modules worth 75-80%
(3 of 4 modules or 4 of 5 modules) comprising the stage.
Where a student is being classified on the basis of the modules taken in the Award Year only, as in
the cases of direct entrants to the final year, then the award classification is based on 100% of the
final year credits.
For award purposes, a candidate must satisfy all of the examination and other requirements set for
the course. The candidate must complete their award within the registration period for that award.
For HETAC programmes to be eligible for an Honours award all modules must be passed at the first
attempt in the final stage.
Higher Certificate
The class of degree award will be based on a weighted average percentage mark, which will be
calculated as 100% of the Award Stage.
Higher Diploma
To be eligible for consideration for the award of Higher Diploma at Honours classification, a
candidate must pass all modules at 40% and satisfy the other requirements set for the course. An
Award with Honours may only be considered if the candidate has passed the final examination at:

the first attempt,

without exemption,

and in one sitting.
Award Classification - Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s Degree (Taught)

To be considered for an Honours award the candidate must pass the examinations at the
first attempt, and in one sitting. The examination grades to be included in the average
result are those obtained at the candidate’s first attempt.

Where a student has exhausted all attempts in a referred module they may choose to
register to take another module from the approved course schedule in order to gain the
required credits for progression or completion. This is only permitted when the failed
module is an optional module and not core to the programme.
The extract above is taken from the current DBS Academic Quality Assurance (AQA) Handbook
Chapter 7, section 7.10.1 (link below)
http://www.dbs-students.com/PDF/Registrar/Quality_Assurance_Manual.pdf
5
Student Services and Facilities
5.1
DBS Library Service
Introduction
DBS Library comprises the Undergraduate Library at Aungier Street and the Postgraduate/Law
Library at Dame Street. The Library at Dame Street also contains extensive psychoanalysis,
psychology and counselling resources. The Undergraduate Library is located on the second floor of
the Aungier Street building. The Postgraduate/Law Library is located on the third floor of the Dame
Street building, (a door code 5371, is required to access this Library). Maps indicating Library
locations are located on the Library Website (http://library.dbs.ie). The Library’s professional and
experienced Staff is on hand to assist you with all of your Library enquiries.
1. Library Opening Hours

The following opening hours apply during term-time (including all reading weeks):
Aungier Street Library
Monday:
9.00am* – 10.00pm
Tuesday:
9.00am* – 10.00pm
Wednesday:
9.00am* – 10.00pm
Thursday:
9.00am* – 10.00pm
Friday:
9.00am* – 9.00pm
Saturday:
9.30 am – 5.00pm
Open on Sundays and bank holidays in the run up to exams
*the Library desk opens at 9.30am
Dame Street Library
Monday:
9.30am – 10.00pm
Tuesday:
9.30am – 10.00pm
Wednesday:
9.30am – 10.00pm
Thursday:
9.30am – 10.00pm
Friday:
9.30am – 9.00pm
Saturday:
9.30am – 5.00pm
Open on Sundays and bank holidays in the run up to exams

The following opening hours apply during summer-time:
Aungier Street Library
Monday:
9.30am – 5.15pm
Tuesday:
9.30am – 10.00pm
Wednesday:
9.30am – 5.15pm
Thursday:
9.30am – 10.00pm
Friday:
9.30am – 5.15pm
Saturday:
9.00am – 5.00 pm
Closed on Sundays and bank holidays
Dame Street Library
Monday:
9.30am – 10.00pm
Tuesday:
9.30am – 5.00pm
Wednesday:
9.30am – 10.00pm
Thursday:
9.30am – 5.00pm
Friday:
9.30am – 5.00pm
Saturday:
9.30am – 5.00pm
Closed on Sundays and bank holidays
Please consult the Library calendar available under the ‘About the Library’ tab on the Library
website, or the Library notice boards for further information.
2. What do Library collections contain?
Library collections encompass the arts, business and law. They include:

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
50,000 books all listed on Heritage, the Library online catalogue;
196 print journals;
45,000 e-journals;
an extensive portfolio of online databases;
more than 1,600 DVDs
more than 1,250 e-books, and the e-book collection is ever expanding;
Note, that the Library Catalogue, the Library e-book collection, EBSCO databases and JSTOR
database can also be searched on handheld devices such as iPhones.
3. How do I become a member of the Library?
As a registered student, you are automatically a member of the Library. Your DBS student card is
also your Library card.
4. How do I borrow books?
Each Library has self-issue stations where you can borrow, renew and return books yourself with
your student card.
It is also possible to renew your books online via the Library Catalogue or by contacting the Library.
5. How many library items can I borrow and for how long?
Undergraduate students can borrow up to 6 items and can renew up to 12 times at the exception of
3-day loan books and DVDs.
Postgraduate students can borrow up to 10 items and can renew them up to 12 times at the
exception of 3-day loan books and DVDs.
Note that if another student has reserved an item presently on your account, you cannot renew it.
6. Library Databases/Electronic Journals/E-Books
Databases, electronic journals and e-books can be searched directly via the ‘search all resources’
search box on the Library Website.
The ‘Subject portals’ tab on the Library Website groups together information of relevance to various
subject area such as: accounting, psychology, business, psychotherapy, etc. and is a great way to
start a search in your field of study.
Library Databases include: Academic Search Complete, Business Source Complete, Computer and
Applied Sciences Complete, Emerald, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Dawsonera, Greenfile, Firstlaw,
FT.com, Film and Television Literature Index with Full Text, Hospitality and Tourism Complete,
JSTOR, Justis, Lexis Nexis (Butterworths), Lexis Nexis (News and Business), LISTA Full Text,
Marketline, Mintel, Pep Archive, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, Regional Business News, SOCIndex, WARC
and Westlaw IE.
7. How to login and use the Library IT equipment and the Library electronic resources?

Your mydbs email account
When starting in DBS, you are allocated a college email account (aka myDBS email account in the
format your student number@mydbs.ie e.g. 1234567@mydbs.ie)
We strongly recommend that you to activate this email account as the Library, as well as staff in the
college will contact you at this college address.
Information on how to do activate this account are available on the Library ‘myDBS email account’
guide in print in the Library and on the Library website under the ‘Library Services’ tab, ‘Research
Skills’ section.

One login for everything! (unless you change your password)
Use the same login details for all IT and electronic resources in the Library and the College:
o
Library and College PCs;
o
Moodle;
o
The college wireless network;
o
Papercut printing system
o
The Library online databases;
o
The Library e-book collection;
o
Your Library account.
For any of the resources above, use the following login details:
o
Username: student number
o
Password: date of birth in the format dd/mm/yyyy
BUT! if you decide to change your password (via the college PCs by clicking Ctrl+Alt+Del and choose
the ‘change password’ option) then note that only PCs, Moodle, the wireless network, Papercut
printing system and your Library online account will be accessible with your new login details:
o
Username: student number
o
Password: the password of your choice (if you have changed it)
Your Library online databases and Library e-book collection login details will remain:

o
Username: student number
o
Password: date of birth in the format dd/mm/yyyy
How to access your Library account online?
To access your Library Account you do so via Heritage, the Library online Catalogue.

Your Athens Library account, for an easier access to databases off-campus
To access all the Library online databases 24/7 from anywhere in the world, get an Athens account
by emailing us at David.Hughes@Dbs.ie to request your Athens login details.
8. What other facilities are available in the Library?
The Library provides access to:

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

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PCs;
Wireless network;
Printing facilities including wireless printing;
Photocopying facilities including colour photocopying;
Study rooms for collaborative study.
PCs and Study rooms can be booked via the Library Website.
9. How do I contact the Library?
Each Library site has a dedicated information point where staff can assist you with your enquiries.
You can also contact Library staff by phone, email or via the Library’s
instant messaging service called ‘DBS Ask a Librarian’ which is
available on the Library website.
DBS Ask a Librarian enables you to chat live with Library staff via the
Library Website.
You can also follow Library developments via the Student Blog,
Facebook and Twitter, links to which are provided on the Library
Website.

Key telephone numbers:
Information Desk, Aungier Street:
01 -417 7572
Information Desk, Dame Street: 01 -417 8745

Email: library@dbs.ie

Website: http://library.dbs.ie
10. How Can I learn more about using the Library?
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Library Classes: DBS Library employs a dedicated Information Skills Librarian, who
provides students with Library tours and inductions. She also runs a variety of classes
on how to evaluate and use information safely; essay writing, avoiding plagiarism and
referencing. Please consult the Library Website for further information.
Library Guides/Handbooks: guides on how to use various Library resources as well as
guides on essay writing, referencing, avoiding plagiarism, conducting a literature review,
etc. are available on the Library website and in hardcopy in the Library. The Library also
produces its own student handbook as well as a quick guide to Library Resources. These
are also available on the Library Website.
Information Points: Each library has an Information point that is manned by
professional staff who are there to help you get the most from the Library resources
and facilities. Please feel free to approach the desk with any Library query… big or
small. Alternatively you can phone, email or instant message the Library.
Ask a Librarian instant messaging: this is available via the Library website. Just type in
your question and a member of the library staff will message you back straight away.

5.2
Online Database Tutorials: Various databases also provide users with online tutorials
and help guides on how to use their search and browse facilities and much more.
Student Services
Contact Details
International Students Officer- Louise Butler-Norris
Education & Welfare Officercaitriona.mcgrattan@dbs.ie
Tel: 01 4170603 louise.butlernorris@dbs.ie
Caitriona McGrattan
Sports & Societies Development Officer Rob O Neill
Tel: 01 4178748
Tel: 01 4177585
robert.oneill@dbs.ie
General Queries
Tel: 01 4170680
student.services@dbs.ie
Introduction
As part of the Library, Careers and Student Services Department, the Student Students team aim to
assist students during their time in DBS through a number of support services including a counselling
referral service, drop-in hours for international students and a welfare office. Students are also
encouraged to engage with the College and their fellow students through range of social and
sporting opportunities; a packed calendar of events and activities is planned each year.
International Students
The International Student Services Officer is based in Castle House on the fourth floor. Louise issues
letters for international students as well as providing a number of other services including;
facilitating home stays, and planning international events. The International Student Services Office
is open for new students and existing students with queries between 9am and 12pm, Monday to
Thursday. Outside of these hours students must apply online for letters via a link on the
international students’ intranet page.
Accommodation
The Student Services Dept has produced the DBS Accommodation Guide, which includes information
on the various accommodation options available to students in Dublin’s City Centre, which is
available on the Student Services website. There is also an Accommodation Notice-board on the
ground floor of Aungier Street.
Welfare
The Education and Welfare Officer has received training and is experienced in providing information
to students about a range of concerns including; accommodation, crisis pregnancy, sexual health
awareness, suicide intervention and many more non-academic issues. Caitriona also has links to a
number of support services both locally and nationally and refers students to these organisations.
DBS provides crisis counselling to students in conjunction with the Elmwood Centre for Counselling
and Psychotherapy in Baggot Street. Students may avail of three sessions free of charge and an
additional three on the request of their therapist/counsellor. Students may request a counselling
referral letter, needed to cover the cost of the sessions, directly from the Education and Welfare
Officer. Students can be reassured that their decision to attend counselling is kept private and that
their name will only be noted by the Student Services Officer who issues the letter for financial
reasons.
Dublin Business School is linked to the Aungier Street Medical Centre (Phone: 01-4005708). A
reduced fee of €40 per consultation is charged on production of a valid DBS student card. The Clinic
is open from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and Saturday 11am – 3pm. There is an
appointment system in operation so please remember to make one. Urgent cases will be seen
without appointment.
Please Talk
Please Talk is a national mental health awareness campaign, which urges students to understand
that talking is a sign of strength, not of weakness. And that if they experience problems while at
college, there are people they can talk to. At the centre of the campaign is the PLEASE TALK website,
www.pleasetalk.org, which provides a list of support services that are available to students at their
college or university. DBS has a page on the PLEASE TALK website, which lists the support services
available to our students.
Student Complaints
Student complaints should be directed to the appropriate class level manger in the first instance, but
can also be lodged with the Education & Welfare Officer. Academic appeals should be directed to
the Examinations Office. Further details can be obtained on DBS’s Examinations Office webpage at:
http://www.dbs.ie
Entertainment
During the year you will find many events organised by Student Services. In fact there will be
celebrations for any excuse we can find during the year. Freshers’ Week, Graduation Parties,
Halloween and Christmas celebrations, Refreshers’ Week, Chinese New Year, the Annual Formal Ball,
Sports & Societies nights, and class parties are just some of the events you’ll expect to see after the
Christmas break. Upcoming events will be advertised on notice boards in DBS buildings, so keep an
eye out.
Sports and Societies
One of the best ways to get involved in College is by getting involved in a club or society. Our
students are encouraged to be active and play sport both at a competitive level and ‘just for fun’. As
well as the sports activities offered by DBS, the Sports and Societies Development Officer also has a
number of links with fitness centres, swimming pools and minority sports in Dublin’s City Centre. It is
a great way to meet people with similar interests and also develop a non-academic side to your time
in the DBS.
There are also many student-run societies that students can be involved with. These include Radio
DBS, LGBT Society, Drama Society, Film Society, Poker Society, The Christian Union name just a few.
There’s something for everyone and if students feel there is something missing, why not set up your
own society! Just get in touch with the Sports and Societies Development Officer to discuss this.
During Freshers’ Week there will be a Sign-Up Day where you will meet the members of the various
sports and societies and you will be able to join. Each Club and Society will be organising events
during the year from parties to trips away to competitions.
Merchandise
Student Services have DBS-branded hoodies and t-shirts for sale. The hoodies are available in navy,
grey or green and they cost €20. T-shirts are available in navy, white, black, purple and pink. Both
the hoodies and the t-shirts are available in sizes small to x-large and are available from either
Student Services’ Offices.
Lockers
Lockers are available to rent in Aungier Street and Dame Street. They cost €20 for the academic year
(including the exam period and a week’s grace to clear it out). Students wishing to rent a locker in AS
should contact Caitríona while those looking for a Dame Street locker should contact Rob or Louise.
5.3
Careers and Appointments Service
The Careers and Appointments Service offer support for students regarding career development
skills. In addition to useful seminars and training, individual appointments and an e-mail service are
available. Topics covered include:
•
Career Choices
•
CVs and Cover Letters
•
Job Search
•
Interview Techniques
•
Further Study
Visit the Careers website at:
5.4
http://www.dbs-students.com/Careers
Disabilities Services
Dublin Business School’s Disabilities Service aims to provide support for students with disabilities
and to assist the achievement of educational goals. Students with physical disabilities, learning
difficulties, mental health issues, ongoing illnesses or short term illness or injury should register with
the Disabilities Service to ensure they receive the appropriate assistance during their studies.
Disabilities Coordinator
Students should contact Carol Clifford, the Disabilities Coordinator, to register with the Disabilities
Service or to discuss any issues relating to disabilities. The Disabilities Support Office is located in the
Aungier Street building.
Support for Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities may wish to avail of:
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Assistive technology
Academic support
In class support
Special arrangements for exams
Counselling
Assisted access to facilities
Further details on disabilities support can be obtained from the Disabilities Office.
disabilitiessupport@dbs.ie.
5.5
Computer Services
The Computer Services department offers support to the student body in College IT related issues. Email, internet, online storage space, Moodle (intranet for notes etc) and course related software are
all provided for students at no extra charge. Students can contact the Computer Services
Department via the on-line form on the web link below, in person on the fourth floor of the Georges
St building or by telephone on 01 4177573.
http://students.dbs.ie/computerservices/Student_Help.htm
Visit the Computer Services website at: http://www.dbs-students.com/CompServ
5.6
Facilities
The Facilities Department is responsible for managing all building and maintenance work in the
institution, along with providing and maintaining all furniture and equipment, including but not
limited to:



Teaching Aids
Desks and Seating
Electricity and Heating
The department attempts to cater, and provide adequate resources, for the many different learning
and teaching requirements of the institution. The department is also responsible for ensuring that all
current Irish Health and Safety Legislation is strictly adhered to.
Communication with students is facilitated by a series of notice boards each of which is dedicated to
particular student groups. All students are made aware of which notice board relates to their
programme and are actively encouraged to check it regularly. Student email addresses and
telephone numbers are recorded in the College database and, where urgent last minute changes
occur, students are contacted by these methods.
Feedback from students is gathered via the student surveys carried out towards the end of first
term. As well as inviting comment on programme and module related matters, the questionnaires
specifically provide an opportunity for students to convey their opinions as to the quality of the
physical teaching and learning environment. Issues raised are addressed as a matter of priority. Ongoing refurbishment and redecoration programmes are in place to ensure that the physical
environment remains conducive to the learning and studying process.
IT Laboratories & Lecture Theatres
There are 11 IT Labs, incorporating open access and specialised multi-media facilities available.
DBS utilises over 50 lecture rooms across five buildings each equipped with the latest AV equipment.
Study Facilities
There are dedicated study-rooms made available especially around examination time and both
libraries provide dedicated study rooms on an appointment basis.
Common Rooms
Common rooms include student break out areas, student canteen/lounge and prayer-room.
Facilities for Disabled Students
The main buildings on Aungier Street and George’s Street are wheel-chair accessible and specific
issues can be addressed to provide the same level of service and access as able-bodied students.