Study Load
The expected study load at UNE, whether you are an on- or off-campus student, is about 10 hours per week per unit (in term time). So for a full time load of four units the expectation is that you will be studying for about 40 hours per week, or roughly the equivalent of a full time job. This includes any face-to-face time in lectures or residentials, writing assignments, reading and other study and revision.
Some students can get by with less than this, and others may need a bit more, depending on a whole lot of factors. Problems with study load can cause some students to drop out of university, especially if:
- You are juggling your study load with paid employment
- You are juggling your study load with family responsibilities
- Your study load feels heavier than necessary because of problems with your study strategies.
Talk it over first
Talk to the relevant university staff about any queries or problems that you have with your study load. It is important that you do this as early as you can, and certainly before you make any decisions to drop out of one or more units. It can be useful to talk to other students doing the same units about the study load. Also talk to your family and employers about options if you are trying to fit your study load into an already busy life.
Some of the people you can talk to:
English Language & International Services
Faculty administration staff and unit coordinators
Contact details can be found from your faculty.