GCAS College Dublin

Overview

Welcome to GCAS College Dublin, Ltd. The Global Centre for Advanced Studies (henceforth “GCAS” or “GCAS College”). This is a shortened version of the Handbook on this page. We are committed to providing you with the resources necessary to support and encourage your research findings. Although GCAS has one of the best faculties available in the fields of philosophy, art performance, psychoanalysis, theology, politics, and other fields, it is up to the student to decide if GCAS is the best fit for their research aims and objectives.

GCAS is a college offering BA, MA, and PhD degrees online and at times in-person settings and through our publicly available programs in our ESchool. We are committed to debt-free high-quality education in an ecologically, collaborative and economically sustainable way.

GCAS holds in residence seminars for short periods of time in different locations. We’ve held seminars in Havana, Cuba; Berlin; Prague; Athens; Maribor, Slovenia; Paris; New York; Cincinnati, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Mexico City; and Bogotá Colombia, to name a few.

Accreditation

GCAS College offers several accredited degree programmes in the European Union through our partnership with Woolf:

Leadership & Faculty

GCAS College is owned and operated by faculty, staff, and graduates of GCAS College. Our governance structure includes:

• Board of Trustees
• Academic Council
• Quality Assurance Commission
• Ethics Committee

GCAS was founded by Dr. Creston Davis in 2013 stemming from an idea he conceived in 1999 while a student at Yale University. In 2018 GCAS moved from the United States to Dublin, Ireland for several reason supreme among them being academic freedom. Importantly, GCAS College is owned by the faculty and graduates who share ownership together. When a student is accepted into our College they will be trained and supported by the faculty and staff with the intent to invite the student into the ownership community of GCAS College Dublin once they graduate.

Publications

We also publish an online magazine and peer-reviewed academic journal, Die GCAS-Überprüfung.

The GCAS Code of Trust and Pledge

Being a student-researcher at GCAS College Dublin means belonging to our academic community. Our academic community requires that all members always act in the most esteemed ethical ways possible. This is because if and when a student graduates from GCAS College Dublin, the faculty and Alumni may invite them to become co-owners of GCAS College Dublin.

All students and members of our community must sign and agree to abide by our Code of Trust. Contact [email protected] to submit your signed form.

Student Expectations

A student in the BA, MA or PhD programmes is a member of a high-quality academic community within the College. Should a student not live up to our world-class reputation by adverse activities such as lying, cheating, or harming others in our community or others outside our community then they will be warned about their behaviour. Should such warnings not stop the disrespectful behaviour in question then the student may be placed on probation or could even be removed from the community.

Admissions

To be considered for admission into GCAS College, prospective students must complete the application process through Phase 1 and Phase 2. Information about these phases can be found on our respective degree programme webpages.

Prerequisites for Acceptance

Our researchers come from some of the best academic institutions in the world, including Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, London School of Economics, Swarthmore, Yale University, New York University, Cambridge, Oxford, and Case Western Reserve University.

However, as a research institute and college that is challenging traditional academia, we attract applicants who bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and fresh perspectives to the conversation and research.

Tuition Overview

• BA Programme: €3,500 per year
• MA & PhD Programmes: €6,000 per year

Nearly 100% financial aid packages are offered to all Researchers/Students who are accepted. GCAS’s financial aid packages come in the form of tuition reduction.

Application Review

All applications are reviewed by our Admissions Committee chaired by a GCAS Faculty member. Acceptance is highly selective for all our degree programmes. Part of our assessment criteria is to ensure GCAS has the capacity and resources to fully support the applicant’s research proposal.

GCAS Nomadic Learning: “The World is our Classroom”

From the first inception of The Global Center for Advanced Studies (GCAS) we have created new and innovative spaces of learning and applied creative and critical thinking. We have occupied dozens of spaces around the world from the Centre Pompidou in Paris, to a museum in Berlin, The Brooklyn Commons in New York City, to The Martin Luther King, Jr Centre in Havana, Cuba.

Previous GCAS Institutes & Conferences

• 1st Annual, “Badiou on Badiou” (July 2014)
• 2nd, “Democracy Rising” Athens, Greece (July 2015)
• 3rd, “Democracy Rising” Philadelphia (June 2016)
• 4th, “Practicing Intellectual Resistance” Maribor, Slovenia (July 2017)
• 5th, “Aesthetic Resistance & Performance” France (June 2018)
• 6th, “Philosophy as a Mode of Production” France (June 2019)
• 7th, “Aesthetics and the Political” Mexico City (Oct 2021)
• GCAS Belfast Event (2022)
• 8th, “Transgressive Thought and the Counterfeits of Creativity” Prague (June 2023)
• 9th, “GCAS Paris Week” (May 2024)
• 10th, “GCAS Paris Week” (May 2025)

Transferring & Credit Recognition

Students who transfer into The Graduate School of GCAS College Dublin from other institutions of higher education may transfer previously awarded credit received from another institution of higher education so long as that institution is accredited and your transfer is authorised by the GCAS Chancellor.

Credit Recognition for Alternative Learning Experiences

GCAS College Dublin has a process by which we recognise alternative learning experiences including employment and other relevant experiences, and can grant credit hours for such experiences provided that documentation is provided.

Dual Enrolment Policy

It is not the normal practice of GCAS College Dublin to accept a student who is also enrolled in another university. However, in exceptional cases, an applicant may request the Applications Committee to consider acceptance as a “Dual Enrolled” student.

International Students

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate evidence of their proficiency in English via one of the following:

• Completed a minimum of one year education in a predominantly English-speaking country within the previous 18 months
• Work experience of at least 18 months in a predominantly English-speaking country
• Sufficiently high qualification score on approved examinations
• A degree from an accredited institution taught in English

Accepted English Proficiency Tests

Note: Test scores are only valid for two years prior to applying.

Visa Requirements

Because we offer courses online and in low-residential ways, a student shouldn’t expect visa backing from GCAS College Dublin. For more information about student visas, please consult the Department of Foreign Affairs website.

Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is the act or instance of using or closely imitating the language and thoughts of another author without authorisation or the presentation of that author’s work as one’s own.

Academic Supervising

All students are initially assigned an Academic Supervisor. The student’s Academic Supervisor will ensure the student understands the academic expectations and policies through the initial advisory meeting. Students should meet with their supervisor about once a month.

Changing Academic Supervisors

After the first term, the student may wish to change their Academic Supervisor. To do this, email the Chancellor or Registrar.

Attendance and Absence Policy

In order to be a successful student at GCAS College Dublin, a student must attend:

• Lectures
• Classes
• Monthly peer group meet-ups
• Monthly academic supervision meetings
• Other events as required

Absence Requirements

• If absent, post a 250-word response to the lecture within 3 days after the recording is posted
• Leaving more than 20% of class early counts as an absence
• 3 absences: Final grade reduced by 1 unit
• 4 absences: Final grade reduced by another unit
• 5+ absences: Failure of the course

Grading Scale

The grading scale is from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest grade achievable:

Withdrawing from a Course

A student may withdraw from any course at any time; however, there are different consequences:

Disciplinary Policy

All GCAS College students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner at all times.

Kinds of Disciplinary Action

• Official Reprimand
• Academic Probation
• Temporary Suspension
• Forced Leave of Absence
• Suspension for 1 Year
• Termination
• Termination without the privilege of reapplying

Procedure

Should a student be suspected of violating a policy or code of GCAS College, they will be formally notified by the Dean of Student Affairs via email. The student can admit violation in writing, or claim innocence and receive a fair defense in an Ethics Committee Violation Hearing.

Leave of Absence

A student may apply for a medical leave of absence and/or a pause in their studies. The cost of a leave of absence is €500.

Financial Aid

GCAS College Dublin is committed to providing the highest quality education at the lowest possible cost. There are three ways we help students:

1. Extremely low tuition for higher quality education
2. All students receive tuition remission support; some receive 50% and in rare occasions 100% scholarships
3. Flexible payment schedules

The Warren T. Davis, Jr Scholarship

GCAS offers a unique scholarship opportunity that provides the recipient with up to 100% tuition remission. This scholarship is set aside for BA, MA and PhD Researchers who are accepted into GCAS.

Additional Fees

Fee Summary

Continuation Fees

GCAS provides clearly defined timelines for degree completion:

• MA programs: 12 months
• BA and PhD programs: 36 months

A two-month grace period is granted at no additional cost. After this, a monthly continuation fee of €200 will be charged.

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BA-IS)

Director: Mario D’Amato

Please refer to the GCAS website for detailed information about this programme.

MA Programmes

The MA programmes are based on coursework and research and range in length from one to two years. Students are required to complete 90 ECTS credit hours, which include:

• Coursework
• Monthly supervision
• MA Thesis peer mentor hours

Programme Directors

• MA in Philosophy: Creston Davis, PhD
• MA in Psychoanalysis: Florian Kleinau, PhD
• MA in Politics: Asma Abbas, PhD
• MA in Theology: Barry Taylor, PhD

Supervised Guided Research

The core of this programme is guided and supervised individual research from one of GCAS College’s faculty members. You are required to meet at least once per month with your assigned Academic Supervisor.

Masters Comprehensive Examination (MCE)

Each student will be required to take and successfully pass the MCE. This examination is a four-hour, written examination. Students can use external materials during this examination.

• The examination consists of one or two questions on the research topic
• Must be proctored by a GCAS faculty member or approved proctor
• Graded as “Pass” or “Fail”
• If failed, can retake after 30 days
• If the retake is failed, the student will be removed from the programme

MA Thesis Requirements

Length

• Minimum: 20,000 words
• Maximum: 40,000 words (excluding bibliography and appendices)
• Absolute maximum: 50,000 words
• Footnotes & citations: Should not exceed 20% of the Thesis

Format

Thesis Defense

The MA Defense is expected to last about one hour:

• 5 minutes: Introduction by Academic Supervisor
• 10 minutes: Student summarises thesis
• 20 minutes: Committee examination
• 5 minutes: Student summary
• 15 minutes: Committee private discussion
• 5 minutes: Grade announcement

Defense Grades

• A. Pass with Distinction
• B. Pass without Revision
• C. Pass with Minor Revisions (180 days to address)
• D. Pass with Major Revisions (180 days to address)
• E. Fail (but student can redefend after 365 days)
• F. Fail (with no further options)

PhD Overview

GCAS’s Ph.D. programmes strive to be the best research programme of its kind in the world.

Available Programmes

• PhD in the Humanities and Social Sciences — Director: Creston Davis, PhD
• PhD in the Natural Sciences (Mathematics and Physics) — Director: Fernando Tohmé, PhD

Basic Requirements

GCAS PhD programmes are 3 years in length:

• Year 1: Research design, methodology development, literature review, identifying research “gap,” and developing a tentative hypothesis. One required course: “Methodologies and Research Techniques” (meets 4 times per year)
• Year 2: Promotion to “PhD Candidate” status and assignment of an expert supervisor
• Year 3: Dissertation completion and defense

PhD Dissertation Requirements

The PhD Dissertation is a scientific document consisting of sustained, rigorous, and coherent research that contributes something original to a field or fields of inquiry.

Format

PhD Dissertation Defense

The PhD Dissertation Defense must be scheduled at least 90 days ahead. All committee members must be present either in person or via live online meeting.

Defense Format

1. Einführung
2. Student presents 3-5 minute summary
3. Questions and examination by evaluators
4. Student replies to examination
5. Student leaves while examiners convene
6. Grade determination
7. Student returns and grade is delivered
8. Meeting adjourned

Grade Scale

• A. Pass with Distinction
• B. Pass without Revision
• C. Pass with Minor Revision (90 days to submit revisions)
• D. Pass with Major Revision (180 days to submit revisions)
• E. Fail (with resubmission possible)
• F. Fail (without resubmission)

Submission

Once passed, the student must submit the final copy within 180 days. Failure to submit within 180 days will result in the degree being revoked.

Research Beyond 3 Years

If dissertation research takes longer than 3 years, tuition fees remain the same as the final year of study. After Year 4, the Chancellor will assess the feasibility of completion.

Event Attendance & Liability

When a student attends a GCAS event in person, they do so “at their own risk.”

All students, faculty, and attendees who attend any GCAS College events in person must first sign a Liability Release Form acknowledging this policy.

Tuition Payment Obligations

Non-Payment Consequences

Should a student not pay their tuition after receiving a warning and after more than 60 days without prior approval from the Chancellor, they will be removed from enrollment and from GCAS.

Tuition Commitment After Acceptance

If you agree to the terms and conditions of our acceptance offer, GCAS needs to rely on you to pay for your tuition in a timely manner as agreed. This commitment is essential for GCAS to maintain its operations and continue providing quality education.

Recording & Media Policy

GCAS records our lectures and events to ensure all students have access to educational content regardless of their location or schedule.

Where Recordings Are Stored

GCAS posts and stores recordings in the following locations:

• GCAS Community Forum
• Canvas Learning Management System
• GCAS YouTube Channel

These recordings are intended for educational purposes and to support the learning community at GCAS.

Data Protection and Retention Policy

GCAS College Dublin Limited is committed to protecting the privacy and personal data of all students, faculty, staff, and partners in accordance with GDPR and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018.

Data Controller

GCAS College Dublin Limited acts as the data controller for administrative and operational data. Academic records related to accreditation, transcripts, and grades are managed separately by Woolf University.

Your Rights Under GDPR

• Right of access (Article 15)
• Right to rectification (Article 16)
• Right to erasure (Article 17)
• Right to restriction or objection (Articles 18–21)
• Right to data portability (Article 20)

Requests can be submitted to [email protected]. GCAS will respond within one calendar month.

Data Retention Periods

Equal Employment and Learning Opportunity Policy

It is the policy of GCAS College Dublin to ensure equal employment and learning opportunities without discrimination or harassment on the bases of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, citizenship, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Prevention of Bullying and Harassment

Definition of Harassment

Harassment is any conduct which is unwanted by the recipient and is considered objectionable, causing humiliation, offence, distress or other detrimental effect. This may include:

• Physical: Contact ranging from touching to serious assault, gestures, intimidation
• Verbal: Unwelcome remarks, suggestions, malicious gossip, jokes, offensive language
• Non-verbal: Offensive literature or pictures, graffiti, isolation or exclusion from activities

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is usually repeated and persistent behaviour which is offensive, abusive, intimidating, malicious or insulting, including:

• Conduct which is intimidating, physically abusive or threatening
• Conduct that denigrates, ridicules or humiliates an individual
• Picking on one person when there is a common problem
• Shouting at an individual to get things done
• Setting unrealistic targets or excessive workloads
• Cyber bullying via email or social media

Resolution Process

Complainants are encouraged to try informal resolution first. If this is not possible or appropriate, formal complaints should be raised to The Ethics Committee via the Complaint Form.

Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academic Writing

GCAS is committed to preserving the highest standards of academic integrity, originality, and genuine scholarly inquiry.

Permitted Uses of AI

• Locating bibliographic resources
• Clarifying concepts in an explanatory or tutoring capacity
• Receiving guidance on formatting or citation styles
• Generating a basic outline template that the student significantly revises

Any permitted use must be disclosed in an AI Use Statement at the end of the submitted work.

Policy Concerning Disability and Academic Accommodation

GCAS College Dublin is committed to addressing the issues of disability in our student population.

Accommodation Process

1. Complete the Disability Disclosure Form
2. Provide sufficient evidence to support the disclosed disability from a healthcare professional
3. The Dean of Academic Affairs will determine the degree of academic accommodation
4. The Disability Disclosure Form will only be shared with the Dean of Student Affairs and the Academic Disabilities Accommodation Commission

GCAS Refund Policy

Once an applicant receives GCAS’s official acceptance letter they will have 10 days to decide if they agree or disagree with the terms and conditions. Once the applicant accepts the terms and conditions they will be given 30 days to ask for a refund minus the administration costs and fees. After 30 days there are no refunds.