Studying off-campus at Monash

Monash University offers approximately 150 off-campus courses to cater for students with a range of needs and expectations.

Off-Campus Learning is a flexible mode of study. Most commonly it is based on a combination of print study material and electronic communication. Each unit studied in the Off-Campus Learning mode has the same content and assessment as the equivalent on-campus unit.

Students are not restricted to studying solely in one mode (i.e. on-campus or off-campus). Subject to approval, students may enrol in a combination of units in either mode or change from one mode to another.

For a small number of courses there are short compulsory attendance requirements, primarily for those that are laboratory-based or require group interaction. These courses include, but are not restricted to, studies in biology, chemistry and physics (from second year), engineering, medicine, visual arts studio units, psychology, social welfare and social work.

Study load

Off-Campus Learning normally requires two units per semester – half of the on-campus load. This means that to achieve a qualification through Off-Campus Learning, most students take twice as long as they would on-campus.

Students wishing to increase their study load need to negotiate directly with their faculty.

Time commitment

There are two 13-week semesters in an academic year, from March to early June and from mid-July to late October, with a non-teaching week in each of April and September. The three week examination period follows each semester. Generally each unit requires about 10 to 12 hours of work per week. However, the time will vary with the student’s background and familiarity with the subject matter.

Learning materials

Off-Campus Learning materials are carefully structured and specifically designed for independent study and may include a combination of print, audio, video, CD-ROM, world wide web or experimental kit. Some units are offered wholly online.

The materials provide an overview of studying the unit, the assessment requirements, unit content and some reading and reference material. They may also be supplemented by online discussion to facilitate interaction with teaching staff and fellow students.

Most units have prescribed textbook(s), available from the university bookshop, and some may require software that the student must purchase.

Some, or all, of the Off-Campus Learning materials will be sent to students by mail prior to the commencement of semester, or they can access them online via WebCT or other online learning tools. Students may commence studying as soon as the materials are received.

Academic assistance

Academic assistance with the materials can be obtained from teaching staff by telephone, letter, fax, email, discussion groups and other forms of online communication.

Assessment

Most units are assessed by a combination of assignments and an end-of-semester examination. Assessment requirements are normally specified in the unit learning materials mailed to students.

Examinations

View a list of current Off-Campus Learning examination centre venues.

It is not necessary to attend on-campus for examinations. Examination centres have been established throughout Australia and overseas. Special arrangements may be made for students living in remote areas.