Questions for the Uni
One of the tougher parts of finding out about courses is knowing exactly which questions to ask and when to ask them. So we've put together a list of suggested questions to ask university staff at who work at the unis you're interested in attending. For those of you thinking about coming here to study, we've also including answers which relate specifically to the University of Melbourne.
| Applying and getting in | Subjects and course structure | Teaching and learning | Student support and activities |
What marks do I need to get into this course?
People in the faculty or Admissions can help you answer this question. The Future Students website is a good place to start, with information for undergraduate and postgraduate, Australian and international students.
What prerequisite (compulsory) subjects, if any, do I need to have studied in VCE in order to apply for this course?
Details regarding the application process, courses available, prerequisite subjects and special requirements are in the VTAC Guide. It is available on the Internet or you can buy a copy from major newsagents throughout Australia.
Are there any other ways into this course apart from Year 12?
The University has a range of schemes that are designed to assist people from a diversity of backgrounds to study here.
- Access Melbourne
Access Melbourne is designed to assist the admission of applicants who, due to ongoing difficulties, may not have completed secondary school or may not have achieved the marks normally necessary to receive an offer of a place. It also aims to assist people who attend an under-represented Victorian school, or live or study in a rural or isolated area. - Indigenous Australians
The University actively encourages the participation of Indigenous Australians in tertiary study and is committed to promoting and maintaining equal opportunity and access to education. Access Melbourne, which includes the former Aboriginal Entry Scheme, provides an avenue for Indigenous Australians to apply to the University. - Transfer to the University of Melbourne
Even though you have started your degree at another institution, you may be able to complete your degree at Melbourne and graduate with a Melbourne degree. Normally few places are available and entry is competitive. Fee-based enrolments provide another option. - Non-Year 12 Applicants
There are also pathways for those not cureently studying for a Year 12 qualification. Check out the Future Students website.
How difficult is it to transfer into another course once I have gained entry to a university?
If you are currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne and wish to transfer to a different course at the University, you must complete an internal application, rather than a VTAC application. Internal transfer applications can be obtained from your faculty and given to the faculty to which you want to transfer. Applications close in the first week of December. If you are completing your study at the University of Melbourne and wish to apply for another course, you must apply through VTAC. Although the internal application process is different, your application will be considered at the same time and in the same manner as all other applicants for the course.
Can I combine this course with one from another faculty?
You should consult your VTAC Guide to ascertain whether your course may be combined with another course and the requirements for this combination. It is also possible to study a course and concurrently undertake a diploma in another faculty. This will involve seeking the approval of both faculties.
Can I defer or take a break from my course?
It is possible to defer commencing a course until the following year. However, you must apply in writing to your faculty prior to the date set for enrolment. Deferment may not be granted for students intending to undertake tertiary studies elsewhere, or in some courses. The 2008 Deferral Policy tells you whether you can defer from a place offered for 2008. Leave of absence from your studies is when you have commenced your course, but must take time off for a particular reason. Faculties normally grant up to 12-months' leave if a student has good reason to be absent from studies. Discontinuation occurs when you choose not to proceed with studying the course in which you are currently enrolled (i.e., your enrolment is terminated).
What are the core subjects that this course covers? Are all my subjects compulsory or will I be able to choose some (or all) of them?
You should refer to the detailed listing of courses and their core subjects in the University of Melbourne Handbook.
Which elective subjects can I choose from?
In most degrees you can study subjects outside of your faculty, allowing more variety. The number of electives or subjects you can study outside your degree is detailed in the University of Melbourne Handbook.
Can I select subjects from other faculties as part of my course?
Melbourne's New Generation degrees are designed to give all students depth and breadth of learning. Depth is reflected in the expertise you gain by studying a core program in a major discipline. Breadth is a result of choosing additional subjects from outside your major area of study, to develop other kinds of expertise. Breadth studies are a feature of Melbourne's New Generation undergraduate degrees, making up at least 25 percent of your program. There are several types of breadth subjects available:
- Subjects taken from other New Generation degrees in disciplines different to a student's major area of focus.
- Specially designed University breadth subjects which explore broad topics (such as climate change) by drawing together the expertise of many different disciplines.
- Select subjects offered by other faculties (including Arts, Education, Law, Land and Food Resources and Music) can also be taken as breadth, provided they're outside a student's main area of study.
Many degrees at Melbourne offer a vast range of elective subjects not found in other Australian universities. Particular research strengths and specialisations can be found on each faculty's website. Course advisers assist students with planning their degrees and satisfying professional requirements. The University Handbook and Faculty publications provide more detailed information about the objectives of courses, course structure and subject lists.
What are the special features of this course?
For example: does the course include clinical or other work placements as part of the teaching? Will you need to do part of your study on another campus?
The relevant faculty websites and the University of Melbourne Handbook often discuss course features and the skills applicable to the course.
What methods of teaching and assessment are involved in each of the subjects?
Different courses are characterised by different methods of teaching, and it will help you to know this, in case you already know you learn better in a particular way. Some of the most common teaching methods are:
- Lectures
Lectures are the major method of teaching in most courses. You are expected to supplement the lecture notes provided by the lecturer with your own notes and with readings from prescribed textbooks. You also need to participate in tutorials and other classes. Lecturers use PowerPoint and overhead projectors for most classes, as well as other multimedia tools.
- Tutorials
Tutorials or 'tutes' allow you the opportunity to seek specialised assistance from tutors. Students are usually able to choose their tutorial sessions to suit their timetable. In tutorials students meet in small groups to work on and discuss the material raised in lectures, with the help of a tutor. While asking questions is not uncommon in lectures, tutorials are the main forum for clarifying information.
- Other classes
While lectures and tutorials are the most common modes of learning, your course may involve practical classes, problem-based learning (PBL), seminars, workshops, language labs, field work, internships, design workshops, clinical sessions, a practicum, work experience and computer assisted learning (CAL).
What is the average number of contact hours (hours spent in class) for students in this course?
Time spent in class varies from course to course and subject to subject. Outside class, you should also be prepared to spend time each evening studying textbooks, preparing assignments, researching, summarising lecture notes, writing up practical reports and solving problems.
How many students are in each class?
Lecture sizes at Melbourne range in size from 10 - 600 students, depending on the subject. Tutorials aim to have no more than 20 students in a class.
Does this course have any links with industry, or work experience programs?
The different faculties are often associated with various industry representatives and may invite guest lecturers to lecture or attend faculty events. An industry placement, work experience or internship may be a component of your course. Student groups, too, are often associated with certain industry groups and involve them in their activities so that students may establish contact with potential future employers.
What kind of student support is available at Melbourne?
The University of Melbourne has a full range of services to support students in their academic and personal lives. See the Student Services page for a list and their contact details. The services available have an important role in your success at uni and in some cases could affect your decision: for example, if you need to find housing, if you have a disability and require academic accommodations, or if you need childcare.
What activities can I get involved in outside of classes?
Extra-curricular activities can enhance your time at university, make it more fun and give you opportunities to try new things: ask about club, sport and student union activities to learn about what else is on offer besides your course, and help decide if this is the place for you.