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coursework
Programs
postgraduate
programstructure
Depending on the program you choose,
you can study at Graduate Certifcate,
Graduate Diploma, Masters, Masters
(Advanced), or Professional Doctorate
level.
Professional Doctorate programs are available
in a very limited number of disciplines and
entry requirements vary, although generally a
Masters degree is a prerequisite.
Pathways
You may choose to do – if available – a
Graduate Certifcate only (one semester) and
then study progressively to the higher level
programs of Graduate Diploma, Coursework
Masters, and Masters (Advanced); or, if you
are eligible, you can just enrol in a higher
level program from the start.
Masters (Advanced)
These coursework programs are for those
wishing to study at a more extended level
than the standard Masters. They are longer
than a Masters coursework degree, can
incorporate additional independent research
or a second major, and may be used to gain
eligibility for a Research Higher Degree.
Study mode
As an international student, you can only study
full-time on campus, although some programs
are offered in external mode (where course
materials are provided online or via mail) so that
you can study in your own country part-time. If
you choose an external program, you will not
be eligible for an Australian student visa.
Transferring to RHD
If you wish to complete a research doctorate
and have not completed undergraduate
honours, you will need to undertake a
research project or thesis to ensure you
have the necessary research skills (see
pages 23-26 for full details).
* Some Masters and Masters (Advanced) programs
may vary in length, please see individual programs
to confrm.
Program duration
and progression
Number of Semesters
1 2 3 4 5
Masters (Advanced)*
Masters*
Graduate Diploma
Graduate Certifcate
Coursework Masters program sample
Semester One
#2 course #2 course #2 course #2 course
Semester Two
#2 course #2 course #2 course #2 course
Semester Three
#2 course #2 course #2 course #2 course
OR
#2 course #2 course #4 course
OR
#8 course
Note that this is a SAMPLE structure only:
some coursework Masters programs are only
two semesters in length, others are four or fve
semesters: check the individual program for details
Study load
A full-time study load is eight units (#8)
per semester. Most courses are worth two
units (#2), which means that you complete
four courses per semester. However, some
courses have higher workloads and may be
worth four (#4) or eight (#8) units (generally
research projects or theses). At the
coursework doctorate level you may even
enrol in a two-semester 16 unit (#16) course
towards the end of your program.
Course choice
Course selection varies from faculty to
faculty and from program to program. Some
programs have compulsory (core) courses
only, whereas others may allow a restricted
choice within particular categories (plan
defning or capstone). Still others may offer
an extended range of courses (electives) to
expand your learning experience. You may
also have to undertake research projects.
Please check the requirements of your
program very carefully.
course credit
You are not expected to repeat learning that
you have successfully completed at a similar
level and standard elsewhere, where that
work is substantially the same in content and
standard as required for your UQ program.
This means that you may receive credit
for previous formal studies and recognised
prior (informal) learning for both admission
requirements and courses within a program.
Credit transfer
Credit Transfer allows for a number of
units, up to a specifed limit, to be granted
towards a UQ award, on the basis of either
previous formal or informal learning.
If you have completed previous studies
at another institution and are considering
Course Precedents Database search tool
can help you determine your eligibility
for credit by looking at the precedents
established for courses and programs
previously assessed for credit by UQ.
Exemption
While no reduction in the total number
of units required to satisfy program
requirements is given for prior formal or
informal learning, you do not have to
complete some specifed courses that may
be core requirements in the program list.
Credit for previous study
deferrals,
suspensions and
transfers
Under special circumstances international
students can defer the commencement
of their studies, or suspend/interrupt their
studies. You can check the conditions under
which this can be done, and fnd instructions
Please be aware that if you are enrolled in a
quota program you
cannot
defer your studies.
International Postgraduate
UQ Guide 2014
27
Courses and Programs
UQ offers more than 200 postgraduate
coursework programs in a wide range
of areas, one of the most comprehensive
selections in Australia