11. Study Load, Semesters and Scheduling
11.1 How long does the degree normally take?
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 semester?
11.7 Are there classes at scheduled times or do I study at my own rate?
11.8 Are the semesters at UNE the same as where I am?
11.1 How long does it take to finish?
The degree may be completed in as little as 2 semesters (1 year: 4 units each semester), and no more than 8 semesters (4 years: 1 unit each semester).
11.2 Is the MAAL best done full-time or part-time?
The MAAL is structured so that ideally you do the Group 1 units first, then the Group 2 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 group 1 units co-requisite (rather pre-requisite) to the Group 2 units - so it is possible to do them in the same semester. 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 semester.
11.3 Can I switch from part-time to full-time or vice versa?
Yes, it is fine 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 semester system. They start on a fixed day, and run for 13 weeks. 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 13 week period. For details on semester start and finish dates, go to the UNE Principal Dates Calendar.
11.6 Are all units offered every semester?
No. Unit availability varies by semester. The four core Group 1 units are offered each year, but most of the elective Group 2 units are offered only every second year. Please contact the UNE Student Centre for details.
11.7 Are there classes at scheduled times or do I study at my own rate?
There are no specific ‘classes’, ie. 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.
11.8 Are the semesters 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 two semesters: First Semester (February-June) and Second Semester (July-November). For details on semester start and finish dates, go to the UNE Principal Dates Calendar.