What are the Academic Calendar changes to GCST, GDST, and MSPT in 2024?
Updated
What calendar layer will the programs be using for 2024 intakes?
In 2024 the Master of Spatial Science Technology, Graduate Diploma of Spatial Science Technology, and Graduate Certificate of Spatial Science Technology programs will follow the Trimester Academic Calendar.
A Trimester is a study period that occurs three times during the year. Each Trimester is of equal length (14 weeks) and includes a 2-week flexible learning period (these are weeks that contain no new teaching content, but there is an expectation that students will still be engaged with other aspects of study, which may include catching up, revision, and assessment progression/submission).
The first Trimester study period for postgraduate Spatial Science degrees starts in January 2024.
Visit the Academic Calendar and Important Dates page for more information on key dates or to download a copy of the Trimester Calendar.
When can I start my program? Can I start in any study period?
You can apply to start the Master of Spatial Science Technology, Graduate Diploma of Spatial Science Technology, and Graduate Certificate of Spatial Science Technology programs in Trimester 1 (January), Trimester 2 (May), or Trimester 3 (September). Please note, the Trimester 3 (September) intake is online only.
The Trimester Academic Calendar enables you to commence your studies in the trimester that works for you.
Are all courses taught in each study period?
Not all courses are offered in every study period.
Recommended enrolment patterns are provided in the program handbook. These patterns have been developed to build your foundational knowledge and ensures you meet pre-requisite requirements when completing subsequent courses.
When will the 2024 Handbook be available?
The handbook will be released prior to enrolment opening for 2024 courses.
Can I accelerate my program and finish my degree quicker?
Yes! We have some courses are available in Trimester 3 if you would like to study in all three trimesters to accelerate your progression through your program.
Am I required to study in every study period with this layer?
No! There is no obligation to study in all three trimesters.
A part-time pathway is available if you want to do fewer courses across the year. This might help you to balance work, study, family, and other commitments.
If you are considering full or part time study, an international student, or receiving Centrelink benefits you can access more information on full-time study.
What makes the new calendar layer for my program better?
The Trimester calendar offers a great deal of flexibility to allow you to speed up or slow down your studies. It also allows you to study in all three trimesters in a calendar year and still have a break (approx. 6 weeks) in your studies over the end of year holiday period.
Will I have to do any courses in another calendar layer?
All core courses in the Master of Spatial Science Technology, Graduate Diploma of Spatial Science Technology, and Graduate Certificate of Spatial Science Technology programs will be offered in trimesters.
Some other Schools, such as Business, Creative Arts and Psychology offer courses in other academic calendars. If you have been given approval to take an elective from another School or Discipline, please check the course specifications in the 2024 UniSQ Handbook for information about the study period in which these courses are offered. Please note, you will need approval from your Program Director to take electives from other Schools/Disciplines.
I am a current student, what does this change mean for my program?
From 2024 there will be a new structure for the Master of Spatial Science Technology, Graduate Diploma of Spatial Science Technology, and Graduate Certificate of Spatial Science Technology programs. However, most surveying and built environment courses that are available in the current Semester calendar will still be available in the new Trimester calendar for these programs. Any courses that are discontinued as part of our move to the new Trimester calendar will have alternative courses offered.
Will the School provide more information about my program’s transition into the new academic calendar?
We will email you with further information about your program’s move to the new Academic Calendar prior to enrolments opening for 2024.
Where can I go if I need support?
Find answers online, any time, through Ask UniSQ FAQs, or live chat or connect with the iconnect team, your first point of contact when you need information or support, 7 days a week. The team is also available to answer your queries on-campus in UniSQ Toowoomba, Ipswich and Springfield.