3. Coursework information

Postgraduate coursework covers:

• graduate certificates
• graduate diplomas
• coursework master's degrees.

Students enrolled in coursework programs which also include supervised research should also refer to the section on Research degrees (Chapter 4).

Coursework programs

Graduate certificate

Graduate certificates are usually one semester full-time or equivalent part-time in duration, requiring the completion of units of study totalling at least 24 credit points, and usually have entry requirements of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. In some faculties, the graduate certificate course is used as an entry point to graduate studies for persons with no formal tertiary qualifications.

Graduate diploma

Graduate diplomas are offered in a majority of faculties. In some cases the graduate diploma is offered in a specialist area such as the Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling. In other cases the graduate diploma provides a framework within which specific subject areas are further identified such as the Graduate Diploma in Applied Science.

Graduate diplomas are typically two semesters full-time or four semesters part-time, normally requiring the completion of units of study totalling at least 36 credit points, and have entry requirements of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Coursework master's degree

Master’s degrees typically have a minimum period of full-time candidature of one or two years and longer maximum periods as well as longer periods for part-time candidature. Coursework master’s degrees normally require the completion of units of study totalling at least 48 credit points.

Articulation

Often programs are arranged so that there can be articulation between a graduate certificate, a graduate diploma and a master’s degree. Articulation allows smoother transfer from one qualification to another within the same area (from a graduate certificate to a graduate diploma, for example), and can provide a stepping-stone to a master’s degree for students who might not initially be qualified for direct admission.

Articulation also allows students to leave a program of study with differing qualifications depending on how much of the course has been completed at the time they wish to exit. If a student enrolled in a graduate diploma has completed 24 credit points but needs to withdraw from further study, for example, an articulated program may permit them to exit with a graduate certificate in the same subject area.

Admission requirements

The admission requirements for each of the various master’s degrees, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates can be found in either the Calendar 2009 or the appropriate faculty handbook. General requirements are outlined in this section.

Quotas

Admission to candidature for any course may be limited by quota. In determining any particular quota the University will take into account availability of resources, including space, equipment, library and computing facilities.

Where a quota has been established for a particular course the faculty is required to select in preference those applicants who are most meritorious in terms of the expressed entry requirements and who have made application by the due date.

Graduate diplomas and graduate certificates

Admission requirements for the various graduate diplomas and graduate certificates are normally a bachelor’s degree in the appropriate discipline or an equivalent qualification supported by the completion of studies viewed as relevant by the faculty. In some cases relevant experience may be required.

For the graduate certificate the admission requirements may in some instances be met by appropriate work experience or other forms of prior learning.

Master's degrees

Admission requirements for the various master’s degrees vary and you must consult the individual degree requirements. A coursework master’s degree usually requires a three-year bachelor’s degree as an entry requirement.

However, for admission to some master’s degrees a bachelor’s degree may not be essential. Evidence of general or professional qualifications and experience may be sufficient to satisfy the faculty concerned that the applicant possesses the academic preparation and capacity to complete the course in question. In any individual case the faculty concerned can prescribe additional work to be completed before or subsequent to admission.

It is important to note that all degree prerequisites must be met.

Graduates of other institutions

The admission requirements for master’s degrees, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates in the Senate regulations are usually expressed in terms of an applicant holding a qualification from the University of Sydney. The dean of a faculty may also admit to candidature applicants with qualifications deemed equivalent to those expected of University of Sydney graduates.

Eligibility for admission to a particular degree, graduate diploma or graduate certificate is not simply determined by the applicant’s qualification. The dean of the faculty must also be satisfied that the applicant is suitably prepared in the particular field of study in which they propose to be a candidate, and has a standing equivalent to that required of a graduate of the University of Sydney qualified for admission to candidature for the degree, graduate diploma or graduate certificate concerned.

This means that where, for example, a first or second class honours degree is required of a University of Sydney graduate, a similar level of achievement is expected of graduates from other institutions. This may be measured by other means where appropriate, such as a Grade Point Average (GPA) or other form of grading. For international students, the International Office can advise about such equivalences.

Experience or further training undertaken subsequent to a first degree may be included in any assessment of eligibility for admission.

English language requirements

Applicants applying for admission to a master’s degree, graduate diploma or graduate certificate must either have a record of satisfactory achievement in tertiary studies in which the language of the institution was English and the language of instruction, examination and assessment was English, have successfully completed the course 'English for Academic Purposes' at the University’s Centre for English Teaching, or have met the approved minimum English language requirements for their degree through an internationally recognised English language test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Test of English as a First Language (TOEFL) or the Combine Universities Language Test (CULT).

While the University has set minimum standards of English expression for postgraduate candidates, many courses have more stringent requirements so it is essential to confirm the English language requirements of your intended degree with the relevant faculty before application.

For the current University policy on Postgraduate English Language Requirements, see:
www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/PG_Eng_Lang_reqs.pdf.

Application procedures

Domestic students

A simple but essential requirement for admission to any postgraduate course is that a current application form is completed and lodged with the relevant faculty office (or, in the case of international students, at the International Office) in good time.

Note that the following postgraduate coursework degrees require an application through UAC (www.uac.edu.au/pg) and may therefore have different closing dates to degrees for which faculties accept direct applications.

Faculty of Arts

• Master of Media Practice
• Graduate Diploma in Media Practice
• Graduate Certificate in Media Practice
• Master of Strategic Public Relations
• Graduate Diploma in Strategic Public Relations
• Graduate Certificate in Strategic Public Relations
• Master of Health Communication
• Graduate Diploma in Health Communication
• Graduate Certificate in Health Communication

Faculty of Health Sciences

• Master of Diagnostic Radiography
• Master of Nuclear Medicine
• Master of Radiation Therapy
• Master of Physiotherapy
• Master of Occupational Therapy
• Master of Orthotics
• Master of Speech Language Pathology
• Master of Rehabilitation Counselling
• Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling
• Master of Exercise Physiology
• Master of Health Informatics

With the exception of the degrees listed above, unless there is a specific deadline stated for a particular course, a local applicant (that is, an Australian citizen or permanent resident) must apply for candidature by no later 31 October in the previous year for commencement in Semester 1 (March), and by 31 May for commencement in Semester 2 (July).

It is essential that applicants check the closing date for the course they intend to study because many courses have earlier closing dates, especially where there is a quota for admission.

If the results of your first degree will not be known by the closing date this should not deter you from submitting an application providing that you forward your results when they are known. Simply indicate on your application 'still enrolled' or 'currently completing' when asked for the status or final result of the degree.

As a result of your application, a formal response will be sent by the relevant faculty office. If your application is successful, an offer of admission will usually set out details of your candidature and should be checked carefully. If you have any questions about the terms of the offer, check with the faculty office and your intended department/school as necessary.

If for any reason you are unable to take up an offer of admission please let both the department/school and the faculty office know as it may be possible for the University to offer a place to another applicant.

Please note that unsuccessful applications and applications where an offer has been declined are not retained indefinitely and a full, fresh application will need to be made should you wish to reapply for admission to the same program in a later year.

International students

An international student must apply for candidature by no later 31 October in the previous year for commencement in Semester 1 (March), and by 30 April for commencement in Semester 2 (July). While late applications for candidature are accepted, they may not be processed in time for commencement in the next semester.

It is also important that you note that these closing dates are for admission to candidature only. A variety of scholarships for postgraduate study are available and each has a different closing date, often much earlier than application for candidature. See www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/international/postgrad/costs/scholarships for more information.

For international student application forms and full details on how to apply, including information on courses, prices and entry requirements, please see the International Office website:
www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/postgrad.

Enrolment process

General information

Detailed information about the particular enrolment dates and times and about the level of fees for which you will be liable will be provided by the faculty either in your letter of offer or subsequently. This section seeks to explain some of the procedures involved.

New postgraduate coursework students who receive an offer in time for on-time enrolment must complete enrolment during the specified enrolment period in January/February or June/July or the offer will lapse. If you miss or are unable to make your scheduled enrolment session, it is essential that you contact the faculty to see if alternative arrangements can be made.

In exceptional circumstances and on the recommendation of the appropriate dean, a new coursework student may enrol on a scheduled late enrolment day usually no later than the end of the second week of lectures for the appropriate semester, and certainly before 31 March or 31 August, on payment of a late fee of $100.

After the census date each semester (31 March for Semester 1 and 31 August for Semester 2), you cannot discontinue, vary or withdraw your candidature for that semester without incurring a substantial financial liability. This has particular significance for those paying their fees either upfront or via FEE-HELP. For further information, see below under 'Changing your enrolment'.

Re-enrolment

You must be enrolled in each semester in order to remain a candidate for the degree/diploma/certificate. In October you will receive advice about re-enrolment for the following academic year. Re-enrolment is activated by pre-enrolling, a web-based activity, and the advice you receive in October will guide you through this process.

If you do not expect to complete your program in Semester 1, you will generally be expected to pre-enrol for both semesters during the pre-enrolment period. In late January, you will receive confirmation of your pre-enrolment (or advice on appropriate action if your pre-enrolment has been unsuccessful) and will be informed of the procedure for completing enrolment for Semester 1.

Note: there is another enrolment period at the beginning of Semester 2 during which enrolment details for this semester are finalised.

If you have been absent from the University on an approved suspension of candidature, you will have to notify your faculty that you intend to recommence study, allowing the faculty an adequate time for the paperwork to be processed. If possible, try to notify the faculty by 30 November for recommencement in Semester 1 and by 30 April for recommencement in Semester 2.

Your notification will allow the faculty to create enrolment paperwork to enable you to re-enrol in one of the two semester enrolment periods. Information about this process will generally be sent by the faculty when your suspension of candidature has been approved.

Fee-paying courses

For most postgraduate courses undertaken by coursework, tuition fees are charged rather than HECS. Such fees vary from course to course, and detailed information is available from faculty offices and the Student Centre. International students should note that the following information may not apply to them (international students should contact the International Office regarding fees).

Tuition fees for the Semester 2 are due at enrolment. You will be billed for Semester 2 prior to that semester’s commencement.

There are a small number of HECS Equity places available for postgraduate coursework students enrolling in fee-paying courses. Please contact your faculty office for further information regarding these.

FEE-HELP assistance

From 1 January 2005 FEE-HELP Assistance was introduced by the Commonwealth Government. This scheme provides full or partial loans for tuition fees for domestic students enrolling in fee-paying postgraduate award courses. Comprehensive information on the scheme is available from the HECS and Fees Office of the Student Centre or from the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website: www.goingtouni.gov.au – click on 'Paying for your studies (HELP loans)', 'FEE-HELP' under the 'Quickfind' menu.

Refund of tuition fees for fee-paying award courses

If you withdraw from an award course completely, or defer or suspend your candidature before the relevant census date you will be reimbursed 100 per cent of the tuition fee and 100 per cent of any voluntary subscriptions paid. Beyond the census date for each semester or individual unit, no refund will be made.

Refund of tuition fees for fee-paying units of study

International students note: the following information may not apply to you. Please contact the International Office for details.

Students who withdraw from units of study prior to the relevant census date but who remain actively enrolled in one or more other units of study will be refunded 100 per cent of the tuition fee for those units from which they have withdrawn.

Students who withdraw from 'Intensive Mode' postgraduate units of study prior to the individual census dates of those units will be refunded 100 per cent of the tuition fee for those units.

Beyond the census date for each semester, or beyond the individual census dates of any 'Intensive Mode' unit, the University retains 100 per cent of the tuition fee paid.

Commonwealth Supported courses

A small number of postgraduate coursework degrees are Commonwealth Supported rather than requiring the payment of tuition fees. Details of how the scheme works are printed in the booklet entitled Information for Commonwealth Support Students – 2009, produced by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and distributed to all students at enrolment. Copies are also available from the Student Centre, Level 3, Jane Foss Russell Building.

Changing your enrolment

Changes to your Semester 1 enrolment may be made, with permission, up to 5pm on the census date that applies to any unit of study for which change is required. In most cases this will be 5 pm on the last working day in March (see your faculty or college office opening hours).

Changes to Semester 2 enrolment may likewise be made, with permission, up to 5pm on the last working day in August, but again check with your faculty or college office. However, the University is offering increasing numbers of units in 'intensive mode' and it is important that you be aware of the census dates of any such units.

Students who vary their enrolment (including withdrawal or deferral) up to the relevant census date will be entitled to an appropriate adjustment to HECS or fees. No adjustments or refunds will be made after census dates except in the special circumstances explained in the official Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) booklets. Ensure you obtain these at enrolment.

Shortly after the census dates, notices will be sent to all students stating clearly their course load including any re-calculation of their HECS or fee liability as a result of the agreed unit of study changes since enrolment.

Arrangements will be made to answer questions and to investigate claimed factual errors arising from these notices, but it is your responsibility to check that the information is correct. If you enrolled for the full year at the commencement of Semester 1, you should check particularly your Semester 2 notice to see that this still accurately reflects the units of study you are taking.

Scholarships and loans

A variety of scholarships are offered by the University of Sydney, with most faculties also offering their own scholarships. While there are currently no University-wide scholarships for students studying postgraduate coursework degrees the Scholarships and Prizes Office may be able to provide information on Postgraduate Scholarships offered by external organisations (see below for contact details). Inquiries about faculty scholarships should be referred to the relevant faculty office (see Chapter 2 under 'Administration' for contact details).

For information on loans to assist in paying fees, refer to the section 'FEE-HELP assistance', above. Students can also apply for student loans (up to $1500, interest-free, for essential living and study expenses) and emergency cash loans (up to $500) from the Financial Assistance Office (see Chapter 2 under 'Student facilities' for contact details).

Scholarships and Prizes Office
Room 140, Ground Floor, Mackie Building, K01
Phone: +61 2 9351 2717 or 1300 362 006
Fax: +61 2 9036 7879
Email:
Website: www.usyd.edu.au/scholarships/about

Types of candidature

The University is not solely an examining body. Candidates for its courses are expected to carry out all phases of the work for the degree/graduate diploma/graduate certificate under the control of the University and at places determined by the University. In many courses, however, it is not necessary for students to be present on-campus during regular teaching times.

Depending on the course you are in, it may be possible to undertake part or all of your studies by distance education, or by flexible delivery, and some units may be offered outside the two regular semesters, during the Summer session, Winter session or in concentrated blocks of teaching.

Whether a postgraduate coursework student is part-time or full-time is determined solely by credit-point load for all coursework degrees, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates.

• A student is part-time in a semester if he/she is enrolled in units of study which total less than 18 credit points.
• If enrolled in 18 credit points or more in a semester, the candidate is deemed to be full-time.

Therefore, a student's status can vary between part-time and full-time from one semester to the next depending on their study load.

International students who are in Australia on an international student visa are normally required under the terms of their entry visa to undertake full-time candidature only, which is regarded as 24 credit points per semester. Additionally, international students must comply with all requirements of the ESOS Act which can be found at: http://aei.dest.gov.au/AEI/ESOS/Default.htm.

Satisfactory progress and resolution of problems

Satisfactory progress

The degree requirements for most postgraduate degrees, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates outline the requirements for satisfactory progress. Students who fail to meet the requirements for satisfactory progress will be monitored by faculties under the provisions of the policy 'Identifying and Supporting Students at Risk'.

See www.usyd.edu.au/su/ab/policies/Students@Risk.pdf for a copy of the policy.

The policy outlines the different stages involved in identifying and supporting students deemed to be at risk of being excluded from a course. The process culminates with students being asked to show cause why they should not be excluded, but prior to this point there are a range of support options that come into play.

Resolution of problems

Problems arising for the student and teaching staff can and do occur. It is obviously desirable that these are addressed and settled as expeditiously as possible and preferably within the department/school.

A student may approach the head of department/school, the postgraduate coordinator or any other member of the permanent staff of the department/school, regarding the resolution of problems.

The head and/or the postgraduate coordinator should attempt to settle the dispute. If this cannot be achieved within the department/school the matter may be referred to the dean or associate dean (postgraduate) of the faculty or the equivalent within the college.

A student who considers that resolution of difficulties within the department/school is not being achieved could also go to the dean or associate dean of the faculty.

Advice may also be sought from the Student Advisers located at SUPRA. Student Advisers provide professional and confidential advice or referral about any matters that affect the student, from academic issues, processes, problems and appeals, to general welfare.

Alternately, the student may contact the University Counselling Service.

For problems that cannot be resolved at the faculty or college level please refer to the Section on Appeals (Chapter 6).

Time limits and leave

The usual time limits for postgraduate coursework programs are:

Course	Minimum	Maximum
Graduate certificate, full-time	1 semester	2 semesters
Graduate certificate, part-time	2 semesters	4 semesters
Graduate diploma, full-time	2 semesters	4 semesters
Graduate diploma, part-time	3 semesters	6 semesters
Master's by coursework, full-time	2 semesters	6 semesters
Master's by coursework, part-time	4 semesters	10 semesters

If you do need an extension or time away from your course, it is important that you inform the graduate section of your faculty office; specific paperwork will often need to be completed to enable extension or suspension of studies. You should also keep a copy of all correspondence between you and the faculty office and notes of advice you have received in person or by phone/fax/email.

Suspension of candidature

Occasions may arise where you need to take leave from study due to illness, employment or other changes to your personal circumstances. For coursework students such leave is known as suspension of candidature, and is granted in semester-long blocks.

If approved, suspension of candidature allows you to resume the same course of study at a specified later time without having to re-apply for admission (although you may have to notify the faculty that you intend to resume candidature before re-enrolment).

Please note that there is generally a limit to the maximum amount of time for which you may suspend your studies. This limit varies from course to course and should be checked with your faculty before application.

Apply for suspension of candidature by contacting your faculty office. If you hold a scholarship you should also note any obligations you may have to notify the Scholarships Office of periods of absence. Note that most variations to candidature require a corresponding variation to scholarship status.

Withdrawal

If your circumstances are such that you are unable to anticipate when you will be able to resume your studies, you should seek to withdraw from your course by writing to the faculty office. Note that if you withdraw from study and circumstances later permit you to resume, you will have to re-apply for admission.

On successful readmission, some credit might be given for the work that you had done up to the time of withdrawal but in effect you will be commencing a new candidature.

Your eligibility for a refund of fees depends on when you withdraw from candidature. Refer to the sections on fees above ('Fee-paying courses' and 'FEE-HELP assistance') for dates after which automatic refund of fees paid is not possible.

If in any year you fail to re-enrol as instructed (including timely return from an approved suspension of candidature) your candidature will be regarded as having lapsed and you will need to re-apply for admission to candidature to resume study.

Assessment and examination

Coursework programs: assessment

Coursework master’s degrees, graduate diplomas and graduate certificates require attendance at, and completion of, assessable tasks (eg examinations, essays, and projects) for prescribed units of study each semester.

The University's Resolutions on the Assessment and Examination of Coursework stipulates that information about all aspects of assessment must be provided to every enrolled student within one week of commencing a unit of study.

Students who do not attend class during the first week are advised to seek the information as soon as is practicable. This information will cover all details of assessment, including the criteria for satisfactory and meritorious performance, penalties for plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty, attendance and class requirements and the weighting of assessments.

A grade is finalised for each unit of study at the end of the semester and these grades are recorded on FlexSIS (the student information system). Each faculty is required to monitor results in units of study taken by its students and to ensure that results are finalised in a timely manner.

When sufficient units of study have been completed to satisfy the requirements of the program, the dean of the faculty concerned will approve the award of the degree, graduate diploma or graduate certificate on behalf of the faculty, and any grade of honours or merit award.

If you have concerns with the assessment process or the results, see the section above on resolution of problems and Chapter 6 on formal appeal mechanisms.

Common result grades

The Academic Board has adopted the following table of common result grades. Not all faculties use all grades in all courses.

Permanent Results
Grade	Description	Mark range if applicable	Comments
HD	High Distinction	85-100
D	Distinction	75-84
CR	Credit	65-74
P	Pass	50-64
R	Satisfied Requirements		This is used in Pass/Fail only outcomes.
UCN	Unit of Study continuing		Used at the end of a semester for units of study which have been approved to extend into a following semester. This will automatically flag that no final result is required until the end of the last semester of the unit of study.
PCON	Pass (concessional)	46-49	Use of this grade is restricted to those courses which allow for a Concessional Pass of some kind to be awarded. A student may re-enrol in a unit of study for which the result was PCON. Each faculty will determine and state in its course regulations what proportion, if any, may count – eg 'no more than one sixth of the total credit points for a course can be made up from PCON results'.
F	Fail	0-49	This grade may be used for students with marks from 46-49 in those faculties which do not use PCON.
AF	Absent Fail		Includes non-submission of compulsory work (or non-attendance at compulsory labs, etc.) as well as failure to attend an examination.
W	Withdrawn		Not recorded on external transcript. This is the result that obtains where a student applies to discontinue a unit of study by the HECS Census Date (ie within the first four weeks of enrolment).
DNF	Discontinued – Not to count as Failure		Recorded on external transcript. This result applies automatically where a student discontinues after the HECS Census Date but before the end of the seventh week of the Semester (or before half of the unit of study has run in the case of units of study which are not semester-length). A faculty may determine that the result of DNF is warranted after this date if the student has made out a special case based on illness or misadventure.
DF	Discontinued – Fail		Recorded on external transcript. This applies from the time DNF ceases to be automatically available up to the cessation of classes for the unit of study.

Academic honesty and plagiarism

The University has strict policies and guidelines on plagiarism, copying, recycling and other forms of academic dishonesty. The policies are outlined primarily in two documents:

Academic Honesty in Coursework
www.usyd.edu.au/ab/policies/Academic_Honesty_Cwk.pdf

Student Plagiarism: Course Work Policy and Procedure
www.usyd.edu.au/senate/policies/Plagiarism.pdf

It is your responsibility to ensure you have an understanding of the University’s policies in relation to academic honesty and plagiarism. If you have any questions regarding these policies you should approach your faculty.

Outcomes of candidature

When the award of the qualification has been approved, the Registrar will write advising you of this and will send you details of the next conferring ceremony at which you may graduate. A graduation information package will be sent several weeks before the ceremony, which will include tickets for three guests, information about the graduation ceremony itself and academic dress hire.

A booklet about academic dress is available from the Student Centre and the academic dress for the various degrees is also listed in the Calendar 2009.

Alternatively, you may apply to have your degree conferred in absentia, without attending a graduation ceremony. Information about how to arrange this will be sent with the graduation package.

Note that until the qualification has been conferred, you are not entitled to call yourself a graduate in that course or to use any title associated with it.

For more information about graduation, please visit the Graduations Unit website: www.usyd.edu.au/studentcentre/grads.