11. Study Load, Trimesters and Scheduling
11.1 How long does it take to finish?
11.2 Is the MAAL best done full-time or part-time?
11.3 Can I switch from part-time to full-time or vice versa?
11.4 Can the program be stopped and started?
11.5 Are start dates flexible?
11.6 Are all units offered every trimester?
11.7 What do I need to know about the new specialist TESOL units EDLI502 and EDLI504?
11.8 Are there classes at scheduled times or do I study at my own rate?
11.9 Are the trimesters at UNE the same as where I am?
11.10 What if I can't finish the degree because of unforeseen circumstances?
11.1 How long does it take to finish?
The MAAL (or the MAAL (TESOL) major) may be completed in as little as 2 trimesters (1 year: 4 units in two trimesters), and a maximum of 8 trimesters (4 years: 1 unit in a trimester).
The MAAL (Hons) degree may be completed in a minimum of 1.5 years and no more than 5 years. However in practical terms, we have found that it can be hard to complete the thesis component (LING600) in a single trimester, because it can take time to set up and complete fieldwork. So many students choose to take this over 2 trimesters. If you have completed your MAAL degree and apply to do the MAAL (Hons) degree you will have up to 2 trimesters to complete LING600.
11.2 Is the MAAL best done full-time or part-time?
The MAAL is structured so that ideally you do the core units first, then the elective units. But this is only possible if you study part-time. If you are fitting your Masters studies around work commitments, and want maximum choice of units, then we recommend that you do the MAAL part-time. If you want to take it full time, we've made that possible by making the core units co-requisite (rather than pre-requisite) to the elective units – so it is possible to do them in the same trimester. The only real disadvantage of doing the MAAL full time (other than the heavy workload!) is that you'll have less choice of units available to you. It is not possible to take more than 4 units in any single trimester.
11.3 Can I switch from part-time to full-time or vice versa?
Yes, it is fine to switch, but you would have to contact the UNE Student Centre for details.
11.4 Can the program be stopped and started?
Yes it can. People's lives get complicated, and sometimes life events make it necessary to suspend your candidature. This can be arranged through the UNE Student Centre.
11.5 Are start dates flexible?
No they aren't. All MAAL units follow the UNE trimester system. They start on a fixed day, and run for 12 weeks (Trimesters 1 and 2) and 11 weeks (Trimester 3). You might be able to get advanced information about the textbook and readings – so you can get started early. Generally however you need to be able to commit to being available online for the fixed 12 week period. For details on trimester start and finish dates, go to the UNE Principal Dates Calendar.
11.6 Are all units offered every trimester?
No. Unit availability varies by trimester. The four core units (Group 1) and the two specialist TESOL units (Group III) are offered each year, but most of the elective units (Group II) are offered only every second year. Please check the Courses and Units Catalogue to see which units are offered in a given year.
11.7 What do I need to know about the new specialist TESOL units EDLI502 and EDLI504?
The two units EDLI502 and EDLI504 are being offered jointly by Linguistics and Education hence the EDLI label. The units will be on offer in Trimester 1 (EDLI502) and Trimester 2 (EDLI504) each year. They can be done in different years if you want to, with the proviso that EDLI502 must be completed before EDLI504, i.e. EDLI502 is a pre-requisite for EDLI504.
EDLI502 involves coursework which focuses on TESOL methodology and covers roughly two thirds of the textbook. EDLI504 involves half coursework further exploring TESOL methodology and covering the final third of the textbook. The other half of this unit is comprised of a 60-hour supervised practicum placement. For information on Teaching accreditation see FAQ 13.3.
11.8 Are there classes at scheduled times or do I study at my own rate?
There are no specific ‘classes’, i.e. there are no times when all students get online for some kind of live interaction. All communication is 'asynchronous' – each student accesses the unit, and reads or posts messages, at a time that suits them. Start and end dates are fixed, and there are strict deadlines for the submission of assessment tasks. However beyond these specifics, you have quite a lot of flexibility with regard to your personal study schedule.
11.9 Are the trimesters at UNE the same as where I am?
That depends on where you are. In Australia the seasons are the reverse of the northern hemisphere. That means that Christmas and New Year coincide with summer vacation, and July is in the middle of winter.
UNE has three trimesters: First Trimester (February-June), Second Trimester (June-October) and Third Trimester (October-February). For details on trimester start and finish dates, go to the UNE Principal Dates Calendar. You can read about the trimester schedule here.
11.10 What if I can't finish the degree because of unforeseen circumstances?
If you complete 24 credit points you have the option of taking out a Graduate Certificate in Arts.
If you are enrolled in MAAL (Hons) and complete 48 credit points, you will of course graduate with the MAAL (or MAAL (TESOL) if you have completed the requirements of the major).