What are the Academic Calendar changes to DHSD and BHMS in 2024?
Updated
What calendar layer will the programs be using for 2024 intakes?
In 2024, the Bachelor of Human Services and Diploma of Human Services and Development 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 undergraduate human services degrees start 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) or Trimester 2 (May).
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?
The recommended enrolment patterns are based on a three-year full-time completion of the program with study load distributed across the entire calendar year. These recommended enrolment patterns ensure you complete the program in three years for full-time students or 6 years for part-time students.
If you are studying part-time, 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. However, this is subject to course offerings, enrolment requisites and program rules.
If you would like to vary your enrolment pattern, we recommend that you consult with the Program Director to ensure appropriate courses are selected and all program rules are met.
Am I required to study in every study period with this layer?
If you are full time, you will need to study in all three trimesters.
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 allows greater flexibility and a more even spread of the workload across the year. 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?
Core courses within the Bachelor of Human Services and Diploma of Human Services and Development will be offered in the Trimester calendar layer in 2024.
Some other Schools, such as Business, Creative Arts and Psychology offer courses in other academic calendar layers. If you plan 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.
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 | ||
| 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.
I am a current student, what does this change mean for my program?
We anticipate there will be minimal changes to your enrolment pattern. In 2024 you will be enrolling in Trimesters for your core human services courses.
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.
More information will be available on the Human Services Hub.
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.