What are the Academic Calendar changes to AMLS and BMLS in 2024?
Updated
What calendar layer will the program be using for 2024 intakes?
In 2024, the Associate Degree of Medical Laboratory Science (AMLS) and the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) programs will move into 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 these undergraduate medical laboratory science degrees starts in January 2024.
For students who wish to enter these programs in March, two courses will also be offered in Block 2.
A Block is a study period that typically runs for 6-7 weeks. It incorporates 6 weeks of teaching, and a 7th week for assessment.
The Block study period for these programs starts in March 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 the Associate Degree of Medical Laboratory Science and the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science programs in March by enrolling in your first two courses in Block 2. After this you will move into the Trimester Academic Calendar from Trimester 2.
You can also apply to start these programs in Trimester 1 (January), Trimester 2 (May) or Trimester 3 (August).
The new Academic Calendar enables you to commence your studies in the study period 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 UniSQ 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?
No. Due to professional accreditation requirements, these programs cannot be completed in an accelerated enrolment pattern.
However, 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. If you would like to vary your part time 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?
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 remaining 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, particularly for part-time students. You may wish 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?
If you choose to commence in March 2024 in the Block calendar, your first two courses will be offered in Block 2. All subsequent courses in your program will be offered in Trimester calendar.
If you commence in January or May in the Trimester calendar, all courses in your medical laboratory science program will be offered in the trimester calendar.
How do pathway timings match up with entry into this program?
The Associate Degree of Medical Laboratory Science program provides a pathway into Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science program with entry Trimester 1 (January), Trimester 2 (May) 2 and Trimester 3 (September).
The Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) is another pathway into the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours). 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.
I am a current student, what does this change mean for my program?
We anticipate there will be minimal change to your enrolment pattern. From 2024 you will be studying in the Trimester Academic Calendar.
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.
Please visit the School of Health and Medical Sciences Portal for more information.
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.