Understanding University terminology

A

Anti-requisite
An anti-requisite course contains substantially equivalent content and Learning Outcomes to the course for which it is nominated as an anti-requisite such that it is not in the student's best interest to complete both courses.

Associate degree
Two-year associate degrees (if studying full-time) are an ideal middle ground between a diploma and bachelor, allowing you to delve more into your specialisation.

B

Bachelor degree
A bachelor degree takes three to four years (if studying full-time) depending on what you choose to study. Some degrees have an honours component in the fourth year which can be a gateway into postgraduate and research study, or to specific registration/accreditation from an external professional body.

C

Census date
The census date is the date which your enrolment is considered finalised for the study period.

Class registration
Class registration is required for all on-campus or external courses that have on-campus attendance requirements and allows you to select your preferred class times for these components, such as tutorials, workshops, labs and residential schools.

Commonwealth Support
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place in a higher education program where the Australian Government shares the cost of your study by paying part of your fees directly to the University. Students in a CSP pay a reduced fee called a “student contribution” and eligible students may defer this portion of their fees to a HELP loan. Your letter of offer will indicate if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place. Commonwealth Supported Places are only available to eligible domestic students.

Co-requisite
A co-requisite course encompasses specific knowledge and skills that complements the knowledge gained in a nominated co-requisite course. As such, it must be successfully completed prior to, or studied concurrently with, the nominated co-requisite course. Co-requisites are restricted to courses only in professionally accredited programs.

Core course
A mandatory course that you must successfully complete in order to meet the requirements of the program, unless you have received credit for prior learning for the course. These courses provide foundational knowledge and skills, ensuring you build a solid understanding of key concepts related to your field. There are core courses in a program, as well as core courses in a major.

Course
At UniSQ, a course is a subject of study within a degree. Full-time students usually study four courses per study period, whereas part-time students generally study two. Degrees at UniSQ have different numbers of courses depending on what you are studying. A typical undergraduate degree (bachelor) will have 24 courses; while a double degree can have up to 40. It's important to note that QTAC calls courses units.

Course code
A unique seven (7) character code comprising of three (3) letters followed by four (4) digits to identify a course. The letters align to the discipline descriptor. The first digit indicates the course level, representing the level of knowledge and skill required. For example, ‘1’ typically implies an introductory course and assessment level, usually taken in the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program. For example, Introduction to Nursing course code is NUR1100.

Course Enrolment
Course enrolment is process of admitting students to one or more courses for the current academic year.

Credit
The number of units, up to a specified limit, granted towards a University Award on the basis of either previous Formal, Informal or Non-formal Learning. Credit reduces the number of courses required to complete an award program.

D

Diploma
These one-year degrees (if studying full-time) allow you to sample study areas of interest and graduate with a university qualification. Upon completion you may receive credits if transitioning into a bachelor degree.

Double degree
A double degree is individually approved programs undertaken concurrently. The requirements for each program and Major or Specialisation must be completed but by cross recognition of courses and content between the two programs the two degrees can be completed more quickly if the necessary program structure is determined from the outset. Students receive two degrees and two testamurs.

E

eCAF
An Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) is an online form that Australian university students use to apply for government financial assistance, such as HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loans. Completing an eCAF allows eligible students to defer their tuition fees, repaying them later through the Australian tax system once their income reaches a certain level. This form is essential for students who want to access government loan programs to help cover their study costs.

Elective
Electives are your 'free choice' courses that allow you to select courses of interest to you and give you flexibility within your degree. They can be chosen from within your current study area, or outside your study area, depending on your interests. Depending on your degree, you may have the opportunity to study an elective subject. 

External
The external mode is a mixed mode, where you study theoretical subjects online and practical courses on campus through residential schools or off campus as part of industry placements. Your study materials are available online through your UConnect student portal.

F

Full-time study
If you are enrolled in three or more units of study in a single study period, or at least eight units during an academic year, you are undertaking a full-time study load.

H

Handbook
The UniSQ Handbook contains information about programs, majors, minors, specialisations, and courses available to students.

I

iconnect
iconnect is a team of current UniSQ students, who are trained to provide you with comprehensive support throughout your academic journey. They serve as your first point of contact for assistance with a range of topics, or can connect you with a team who can provide specialised advice. iconnect is available throughout the week across multiple channels, including live-chat, phone, email, and face to face on-campus.

L

Lecture
A lecture is a formal presentation conducted by your lecturer. Lectures cover your course work content and, depending on your degree, can be watched live or through recorded material.

M

Major
A major, also known as a specialisation in postgraduate study, is a focused area of specialised study within your degree. Details about your specific major options can be found in the UniSQ Handbook and are represented by codes such as MAJPRFA. Major studies usually consist of eight specific courses (subjects).

Minor
A minor is a set of four designated courses within a degree. A minor is designed to provide students with an area of knowledge and skills that contribute to or complement the major. Specific information about minors within your degree are available within the UniSQ Handbook.

O

On campus
As an on-campus student, you attend regular activities, such as lectures, tutorials, workshops or laboratory/practical sessions at one of our campuses in Toowoomba, Springfield, and Ipswich. Other study communication and accessing learning materials is generally online through the UConnect student portal.

Online
Online study means you can learn from anywhere and any time you like. All of your study materials are available online through your UConnect student portal and you won't need to come on campus at all while studying your courses. Get library resources delivered to your door. Listen to recorded lectures when it suits you, and connect with your lecturers and peers in real time by joining live tutorials and online discussion forums.

P

Part-time study
Part-time study is when you are enrolled in less than six units for one academic year. You can enrol into as many courses that suit your lifestyle, so that you can fit your study into your life, work and family commitments. But keep in mind that each degree has a maximum timeframe in which students need to complete their studies. This is also specific to UniSQ, and institutions like Centrelink or other universities may have different definitions. If you are receiving Centrelink benefits or are an international student planning to study on-campus, you may need to be enrolled in a minimum amount of courses/units per study period.

Placements
Placements in industry provide professional experience, putting the theory into practice, and opportunities to start networking with potential employers. Certain requirements are applicable before commencing a placement, such as providing evidence of certain documentation, certificates, and immunisations, for example, or the requirement to purchase and wear a uniform. Some degrees have mandatory placements that you need to complete to be eligible to graduate.

Postgraduate degree
Postgraduate study is usually undertaken after the completion of a bachelor degree or sufficient relevant work experience. This study helps grow your knowledge and qualifications to help increase your employability or salary. It can be studied at a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Master or Doctorate level.

Pre-requisite
A Pre-requisite Course encompasses specific knowledge and skills you need to possess in order to progress to a subsequent nominated course. As such, it must be completed prior to undertaking the subsequent course.

Program
At UniSQ, a program is an approved set of academic requirements that lead to an accredited higher education award. Your program is the qualification you will attain when you have successfully completed your studies. It's important to note that QTAC calls programs courses. 

R

Residential schools
Residential schools provide students an opportunity to experience hands-on practical activities, attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials, use facilities, and meet academics and other students. They can be mandatory, highly recommended or recommended for external students studying certain subjects. You may need to attend residential schools at various times through the year (typically in the flexible learning period) and be away from home for days or a few weeks at a time. 

S

Specialisation
A coherent set of at least four (4) Units in a postgraduate program which provides a disciplinary focus for Student study. The UniSQ Handbook is an available resource to assist with coordinating specialisation units.

Student Learning Entitlement
The Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) is a limit on the amount of study you can undertake as a Commonwealth supported student.

Student number
Your student number or student ID is a unique 10-digit number provided to you when you commence your studies (e.g., 0061234567). 

Study Load
Study load refers to the number of courses a student is enrolled in during a specific period.

StudyDesk
StudyDesk is UniSQ’s learning management system. It allows you to access all course content (learning materials) online.

T

Trimester
A study period of equal length occurring three times each year. Trimesters will be found across our systems with examples of T1, TR1, or TRI1.

Tutorial
Tutorials are smaller classes which allow discussion of lecture content and assignments. You can ask questions and clarify what you have studied.

U

UConnect
UConnect is your student portal where you can access email, study materials, enrol in courses, and stay informed of the latest announcements and events. The main area of the page will give you direct access to your Student Centre and StudyDesk courses.

UMail
UMail is UniSQ’s reliable and safe email service for UniSQ students.

Undergraduate
Undergraduate study is often the first type of study you will take at a university. It can be studied at a Diploma, Associate degree, Bachelor, or Bachelor (Honours) level.

Unit
A unit is a measure of a student's workload. Most courses are valued at one unit.

USI
The Unique Student Identifier (USI), formally CHESSN, is a reference number made up of a combination of ten numbers and letters and is used to connect your student loan information to your personal details.

W

Workshop
Workshops usually involve academic staff presenting themes or concepts related to the course. Workshops are different from lectures, in that they are usually a more hands-on learning environment, which allows discussion regarding the given topic.