How programs and courses work

How does the whole ‘degree’ process work? And what are the key phrases you need to know about how your study will be put together?

Academic Programs and Courses

When you enter university, you have to choose a specific academic program (what you may call your degree).

Each program requires you to complete a certain number of courses (formerly known as subjects). Some programs have compulsory courses, and may or may not include electives. In other programs students can make their own selection of courses, with the advice and approval of the school or faculty in which they are enrolled.

Some courses are taught for one semester only, with the final assessment at the end of the semester. Other courses continue for the whole year and for these courses you will only receive a grade at the end of the year.

Each academic program has a total number of units that must be completed and requirements for a certain number of units at each level, in order to finish the program. Once you’ve done that, you’ve achieved your degree!

Units, Levels and Prerequisites

Each course within a program has a unit value and a level.

The depth and complexity of courses increases through each level and you’ll usually need to complete courses at the lower level (prerequisite courses) before proceeding to the corresponding course at the next level.

We have specific information on choosing the right course (about your program and the way you can choose your courses) or you can contact your Faculty or School directly.