What are the Academic Calendar changes to MEPR and GEPR in 2024?
Updated
What calendar will the programs be using for 2024 intakes?
In 2024 the Master of Engineering Practice and nested Graduate Certificate of Engineering Practice 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 the postgraduate engineering programs by coursework 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 Engineering Practice and Graduate Certificate of Engineering Practice programs in Trimester 1 (January), Trimester 2 (May) or Trimester 3 (September).
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, the new Trimester calendar will allow you to take on additional courses to accelerate progression.
The Master of Engineering Practice and Graduate Certificate of Engineering Practice programs are designed to be completed in a part-time enrolment pattern to help support you to complete your studies while working in the Engineering profession.
In the Master of Engineering Practice program, you will begin with ENG6300. This course is a special gateway orientation course. As part of this course, you may apply for credit towards your chosen program. If your credit application is approved, it will reduce the number of courses you are required to study. The minimum number of enrolled units to graduate in this program is 6 units.
If you are studying part-time external or online, you will find options to distribute your study load more evenly throughout the year, and possibly study more than 2-4 courses per year if desired to complete the program anytime within the allowed maximum periods of study specified in the university’s handbook for each of the post-graduate programs.
For examples of an acceptable enrolment pattern in these programs, please see this PDF.
Am I required to study in every study period?
No! There is no obligation to study in all three trimesters.
Subject to availability of courses, and enrolment requisites, you may be able to enrol in four courses in one trimester and four courses in another trimester and then use the third trimester as a break.
Alternatively, you may want to spread your enrolment load across the year and take fewer courses in each trimester. This might help you to balance work, study, family, and other commitments.
A part-time pathway is available if you want to do fewer courses across the year.
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 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?
All courses in the postgraduate engineering programs are taught in the Trimester Academic Calendar.
I am a current postgraduate, what does this change mean for my program?
In 2024, postgraduate Engineering students will be studying in the Trimester Academic Calendar.
In readiness for 2024, Programs have been revitalised and some courses may be replaced, updated, amalgamated, renamed, or recoded. You will be given information about the replacement courses prior to enrolment for Trimester 1. You will be at no disadvantage as a result of these changes in terms of courses completed towards your graduating qualification. Similarly, alternative courses in the updated program will provide an equivalent or enhanced learning experience and will be offered in line with your recommended enrolment patterns.
These programs are currently undergoing an internal review and reaccreditation. Please see this document for more information about our changes.
Note, in the Master of Professional Practice, for Schedule B if there is a specific related discipline advance engineering course (4000, 5000, 6000 or 8000 course) that will advance your career outcomes, you can request a manual enrolment for approval consideration as part of your program.
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.