Course duration and attendance

Semesters and sessions

There are two main semesters in the academic year. Autumn semester runs from the beginning of March to the end of June. Spring semester runs from the beginning of August to the end of November. The majority of subjects are offered within Autumn and Spring semesters.

Summer session occurs during University summer vacation for undergraduate and postgraduate subjects. Summer session is designed so that students can fast-track their studies and complete subjects in an intensive format. Students should note that only a limited range of subjects is offered in this session. Any student interested in Summer session should contact the relevant Faculty Student Office regarding details of subjects offered and timetabling information.

Standard duration

The standard course duration is listed within the detailed entry for each course. Course duration may vary depending on attendance pattern and student load and the timetabling of chosen elective subjects.

Master's degrees by thesis take a minimum of two semesters of full-time (three semesters, part-time) and a maximum of four semesters of full-time (six semesters, part-time) research and writing to complete.

Doctorates take a minimum of four semesters of full-time (six semesters, part-time) and a maximum of six semesters of full-time (nine semesters, part-time) research and writing to complete.

Modes of study

Full-time students typically undertake 24 credit points per semester. Students are not normally permitted to take more than 30 credit points per semester, but there is no lower limit apart from those dictated by the maximum time and leave of absence rules. The only restrictions on subject enrolment are that the subject requisites are met (i.e. prerequisites, corequisites and antirequisites), the subject has not reached its enrolment quota, and that the subject is a valid component of the student's Study Plan. Some courses are offered in such a way as to support part-time attendance through the scheduling of classes in the evening. Others are primarily designed for full-time students. Information on modes of study is provided in the detailed entry for each course.

Modes of attendance

For each specific subject, semester and location, one or more attendance modes will be available. Standard attendance mode involves attendance at weekly, on-campus classes over a 14-week semester. Block mode involves an intensive period of study in classes scheduled over one or more weeks of the semester. In distance (off-campus) mode, students are provided with materials that they work through in their own time, supported by online and print materials and possibly one or two face-to-face sessions. Mixed mode attendance combines the flexibility of a mixture of on-campus, distance and block study.

Students undertaking a masters by thesis or doctoral degree are, in general, not required to attend classes, however, regular contact is maintained with the candidate's supervisor(s) throughout enrolment.

Class attendance

On-campus classes may be timetabled between 9.00 a.m. and 9.00 p.m. Not all subjects are available in the evenings. Part-time students may need to attend some day classes and full-time students may need to attend some evening classes.

Regular attendance at classes is a requirement of the University. It is the student's responsibility to attend lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions and carry out all assignment and examination work in every subject in which he or she is enrolled. Students are issued with a subject outline for each of their subjects that includes further details of specific attendance requirements.

Timetable

The current timetable is available online at: