What are the Academic Calendar changes to ADCJ in 2024?
Updated
What calendar layer will the program be using for 2024 intakes?
In 2024 the Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice 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 the Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice program 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?
You can apply to start in Trimester 1 (January), Trimester 2 (May) or Trimester 3 (September).
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! The structure of the new Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice allows for accelerated progression if you who would like this option to speed up your studies.
If you would like to accelerate your progression, there is a recommended enrolment pattern available that enables completion in a one year + one trimester program structure.
If you would like to continue to study in only two study periods a year (to thus have significant time off for other life activities), there is a recommended enrolment pattern available that enables you to complete the degree over two years, where you study in two trimesters per year.
Am I required to study in every study period with this layer?
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 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?
No, all courses in the Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice will only be offered in trimesters.
I am a current student, what does this change mean for my program?
There will be a new structure for the Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice. You will still be able to complete the program that you started in the old semester calendar but there may be changes to when courses are offered in the trimester calendar.
Please see the handbook for when courses are available to determine your adjusted enrolment pattern.
Credits to your associate degree for any courses completed will not be lost.
You can transfer across to the new associate degree structure if desired, and credits for the courses you have already completed will be applied through a credit application. See the handbook for more details about the new Associate Degree structure.
How do pathway timings match up with entry into this program?
The Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) is offered in the Block calendar. Please see below alignment between completion of TPP and commencing a program being offered in the Trimester calendar:
| Complete TPP | Commence Program taught in Trimesters | ||
| Block 1 2024 | 1 March | Trimester 2 2024 | 13 May |
| Block 2 2024 | 26 April | ||
| Block 3 2024 | 21 June | Trimester 3 2024 | 2 September |
| Block 4 2024 | 16 August | ||
| Block 5 2024 | 11 October | Trimester 1 2025 | 20 January |
| Block 6 2024 | 6 December | ||
If you are a First Nations student and complete the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP) you can commence in the following Trimester after completing IHEPP. Please note, IHEPP will be taught in Trimesters 1 and 3 from 2024.
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.