Teaching system

The University of Sydney teaching system comprises large-group lectures combined with seminar and tutorial groups. The basis of teaching, for example, in Arts and the Humanities, is the tutorial (i.e. seminar). Teaching staff meet with small groups of students to discuss selected readings and questions. Tutorial groups usually contain between 8-15 students but may be larger in language classes. In addition, most units of study (subjects) have large-group lectures in which staff provide essential information and the framework for tutorial discussion.

Students are advised to attend all lectures and tutorials for each unit of study. Some units of study have specific attendance requirements. Failure to meet these may result in academic penalties.

You will find that Australian students are required to be self-directed in their study skills and to submit a considerable amount of written work in assignments and seminar / tutorial papers. Students often receive lengthy reading lists and are expected to spend considerable time outside of lectures studying, preparing assignments, essays or contributing to group projects. Science units often require lengthy laboratory sessions and, routinely, field-trips and excursions.