Course Structure Policy
This policy covers a range of topics related to the structure of coursework* programs and a student's progression in the course, eg what the objectives/learning outcomes are, rules about the number of points that can be studied in a given period, including accelerated study, overloading and student workload expectations, and the maximum time permitted to complete a degree. A summary of key topics is outlined below. The policy is available at http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/awards/course-structure-policy.html
Availability of courses and units
While the information provided in the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Handbooks and this guide was correct at the time of its publication each year, faculties reserve the right to discontinue or vary courses at any time without notice. Existing units and courses are subject to review and minor amendments. See also 'Cancellation of Units Policy'.
Accelerating (overloading) and enrolment over and above degree requirements
It may be possible for you to enrol in more than the required number of units in a semester. Faculties have different policies on overloading, however generally:
- the maximum credit points overload permitted per standard academic year (ie semesters one and two) is normally 12 points and no more than 6 points per semester
- you are normally permitted to take up to a maximum of 18 points of units during the summer semester, with students with at least credit averages being permitted to undertake 24 points
- you are permitted to undertake a maximum of 72 points of units per calendar year (includes semesters one and two and the summer semester).
Opportunities to accelerate study are normally limited to students who have:
- completed at least one year of university study
- achieved at least a credit average in the previous academic year.
Some faculties may wish to make exceptions in relation to first year Dean's Scholars. These students may participate in such schemes by virtue of being high achieving students.
All agreements between faculties in relation to double-degree or cross-faculty programs will identify permissible overload.
You have a responsibility to complete the specific course requirements as outlined in the degree regulations and relevant Handbook and are not permitted to exceed the specified number of credit points. If you wish to enrol in units that exceed the specified number of credit points required for the degree (above degree requirements) you must apply, enrol and pay fees, in any additional units according to the Non-Award Programs Policy for single unit enrolments (non award). See `Special types of enrolment' in section 3.5.
Faculty of Arts
A normal year's workload for a full-time student for the majority of courses is 48 points (eight units). Students may overload by up to six points per semester in a calendar year. Over-enrolment in first year is not permitted, except for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts Dean's Scholars Program.
You have a responsibility to complete course requirements given in the relevant degree regulations and faculty policies and not exceed the specified number of credit points. You must seek the written approval of the faculty if you wish to enrol in more than the number of credit points described in the degree regulations as necessary for course completion, or for units which will not contribute to course completion. Other than in exceptional circumstances, this approval will only be granted for enrolment on a full-fee basis.
Important: if you overload in a semester and then struggle to meet assessment or attendance requirements because of your workload, please be aware that the fact you are undertaking additional studies will not be suitable as a reason for requesting special consideration.
Faculty of Business and Economics
Full-time students normally enrol in four units (24 points) per semester. However, you may apply to enrol in five units (30 points) per semester provided that the total for first and second semester does not exceed nine units (54 points), and a credit average is achieved in the four most recently studied units (24 points) and in the previous semester of study.
You may apply to enrol in up to two units (12 points) in summer semester where the proposed enrolment meets course rules. This may be increased to three units (18 points), provided that a credit average is achieved in the four most recently studied units (24 points) and in the previous semester of study. The provisions regarding the credit average (in the above) may be varied at the discretion of the course director.
Up to three units may be taken over summer and winter semester, but no more than two units (12 points) may be taken during the winter semester. When deciding whether to apply to study two winter units, you should note that the assessment for these units is conducted during semester two. When deciding whether to approve the enrolment in two winter units, the course director will consider your enrolment load in second semester, and may require your enrolment in semester two to be less than the standard full-time load in order to adequately accommodate the additional academic requirements during that period.
With approval, you may enrol in a total of 12 units (72 points) during one academic year including semester one, semester two, and summer and winter semesters.
Note about undergraduate double-degree duration in the Faculty of Business and Economics
The course duration for undergraduate double degrees shown in the regulations is expressed as the minimum period for completion of the course requirements. Some of the double-degree programs offered have a course length which is more than the minimum duration: either four-and-a-half years, or five-and-a-half years, depending on the program. However, you may undertake an undergraduate double-degree program in an accelerated manner and complete the requirements in the minimum time. In such cases, an overload in any year is voluntary and will incur an additional cost for those units taken over and above the standard yearly load (see also information about `overloading' above).
Faculty of Engineering
The course duration for double degrees shown in the regulations is expressed as the minimum period for completion of the course requirements. Some of the double-degree programs offered have a course length that is more than the minimum duration, either five-and-a-half years or six-and-a-half-years, depending on the program. The University has agreed that a student may undertake a double-degree program in an accelerated manner and complete the requirements in the minimum time; however, in such cases, an overload in any year is voluntary and will incur an additional cost for those units taken over and above the standard yearly load (subject to approval from the course director).
Faculty of Science
You have a responsibility to complete course requirements given in the relevant degree regulations and faculty policy and not exceed the specified number of credit points. Unit enrolments not meeting the requirements of this policy will be charged on a single unit fee basis unless the associate dean (teaching) or nominee has verified that the additional studies are required to complete your course requirements due to having changed your major or minor sequence of study.
Course progression
You are normally required to follow the course as structure for the year in which you commence studying. The course structure and duration of study is specified annually in the Undergraduate and Postgraduate Handbooks. This means you need to check the archived copy of the Handbook for the year you started your course if you have already commenced your studies (available at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks). Different faculties and courses may have differing rules regarding course progression, so you should speak to your course coordinator and/or staff in the faculty that manages your course about your unit choices or if you have any concerns.
Note:
- If you defer your offer of a place in a course, the course structure specified in the Handbook of the year in which you take up your place will apply.
- If you are readmitted after an unauthorised intermission in study, or after a period of exclusion for misconduct or unsatisfactory academic performance, you will be regarded as a new student, and you will undertake a course of units according to the structure specified in the Handbook of the year in which you are readmitted. Credit for work previously completed may be granted subject to approval by the relevant course authority.
Repeating units
Where a unit has not been satisfactorily completed, you may be advised to repeat that unit, if offered, the following semester. Different faculties and courses may have differing rules regarding course progression, so you should speak to your course coordinator about your unit choices or if you have any concerns.
Maximum time for completion of a course
There is a maximum time period for the completion of each course. For an undergraduate course this is normally 10 years, although there are exceptions for some double degrees. Once you commence a course, you must complete the requirements for the course during this time period including any time taken away from study such as for intermission, study abroad or exchange, illness etc. The maximum time for each course is listed with the course entry in the relevant Handbook. You should also check faculty regulations, or talk to a course advisor.
Workload expectations
Credit points and student workload
Research students
The Code of Practice for the Supervision of Doctoral and masters by research students outlines the rights and responsibilities of the University, academic unit, supervisor and higher degree by research candidate and can be found at http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au
Coursework students
Credit points offer an indication of the estimated work time necessary for a student to perform at a level consistent with that student's ability; that is for a student of average ability to achieve an average grade and a student of greater ability to achieve a higher grade. A standard system of credit points based on student workload is used throughout the University.
The study commitment of a full-time student is defined as approximately 48 hours per week for each of the 26 teaching weeks. This includes time spent in formal classes and individual study time. A 48 credit-point year is standard for all courses (and represents 1.0 EFTSL (100 percent) in terms of SCA and fee structures and student statistics). One credit point is therefore equal to approximately one hour of study per week through the standard teaching year. The University uses a standard credit point range in relation to its unit offerings, normally involving 6 point units or multiples thereof (eg 12, 18, 24). Courses that are professional in orientation and/or in which there is no cross-faculty enrolment may have units with different point values.
The credit value of a unit provides a guide to the expected workload for that unit:
- For example, if you are undertaking a 6-credit-point unit in a semester, it is expected that you do an average weekly workload of 12 hours which includes classes, personal study time and preparation of assessment materials (such as essays).
- Therefore, a full-time student enrolled in 24 credit points for the semester will have a minimum workload of 48 hours per week, including lecture/class attendance. Faculties generally expect you to attend not less than 80 per cent of scheduled class sessions, although in some cases this may be up to 100 per cent.
Further information
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