Frequently asked questions

What is off-campus learning?

• Off-campus learning is a flexible mode of study, based on a combination of printed study materials and electronic communication.
• Off-campus learning at Monash enables those who have family, work or other commitments to further their studies at their pace.
• Off-campus learning is offered both nationally and internationally.

Course information

Q. What courses are available by off-campus learning?

• Monash offers approximately 150 courses by off-campus learning.
• To find a course available by off-campus learning, use the Course Finder advanced search
  1. Select 'Off-campus' in the course location search criteria as well as your area of interest and study level (Note: make sure the default 'All' option is deselected in the course location field).
  2. Investigate options and select your preferred course.

Q. Are the entry requirements different to study by off-campus learning?

• Minimum entry requirements must be met, but Monash accommodates off-campus learning applicants with a variety of academic backgrounds and work experience.

Q. If I study off-campus, do I get the same qualification as an on-campus student?

• Yes. Each unit studied in the off-campus learning mode has the same content and assessment as the equivalent on-campus unit.

Q. How much does it cost to study by off-campus learning?

• The cost is the same as an on-campus qualification, even with the amount of specially developed materials for off-campus students.
• Domestic students pay the domestic fee amount and international students pay the international student fee as listed for your chosen course.
• Other expenses may include telephone, postage, stationery and travel.
• Off-campus students must also pay a percentage of the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

Q. Where do I get help choosing units to study in my course?

• All students have access to faculty staff for advice on course requirements, unit selection and other academic matters.
• Specific course requirements that you must satisfy to graduate from your course are set out in the relevant University handbook.

Studying off-campus

Q. What will be my study load commitment?

• Off-campus learning normally requires you to take at least two units per semester (half the on-campus load).
• There are two 12-week semesters in an academic year.
• Generally each unit requires about 10 to 12 hours of work per week.

Q. How long will it take me to achieve my qualification by off-campus learning?

• Most students take twice as long as they would on-campus to achieve a qualification.
• Students wishing to increase (or decrease) their study load, need to negotiate directly with their faculty.

Q. What learning materials am I given?

• Students are supplied with a combination of print, audio, video, CD-ROM, web-based materials or experimental kits.
• All materials are carefully structured and specifically designed for independent study.
• The materials provide an overview of studying the unit, the assessment requirements, unit content and some reading and reference material.
• Most units have prescribed textbook(s), available from the University bookshop, and some may require software that the student must purchase.

Q. How will I get my off-campus learning materials?

• 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.

Q. When do I start studying?

• You can commence studying as soon as you receive the study materials.

Q. Can I study part of my course on-campus?

• Yes. Students are not restricted to studying solely in one mode (on-campus or off-campus). Subject to availability and approval of your faculty, students can enrol in a combination of units in either mode or change modes.
• A small number of courses have short compulsory attendance requirements, primarily for those that are laboratory-based or require group interaction.

Q. What access do I have to teachers and other students?

• Learning materials are supplemented by online discussion to facilitate interaction with teaching staff and fellow students.
• Teaching staff can be contacted by telephone, letter, fax, email, discussion groups and other forms of online communication.
• When you apply, you have the option of having your contact details being made available to other students studying the same course or units.

Q. What other support is there?

• The Off-campus Learning Centre provides support services to students who study off-campus.

Assessment

Q. How am I assessed during my studies?

• 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.

Q. Do I have to attend examinations?

• No. It is not necessary to attend on-campus for examinations.
• Examination centres have been established throughout Australia and overseas.
• Special arrangements can be made for students living in remote areas. Please contact the Off-Campus Learning Centre.