What are the Academic Calendar changes to GCPU, GDPH, and MPUH in 2024?
Updated
What calendar layer will the programs be using for 2024 intakes?
In 2024 the Graduate Certificate of Public Health, Graduate Diploma of Public Health (GDPH), and the Master of Public Health (MPUH) will follow the Trimester Academic Calendar with some courses offered in the Semester Calendar (see below).
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 public health programs 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 start your program 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 2-year full-time completion of the program. If you wish to vary from the recommended enrolment pattern, it is strongly suggested you consult with the Program Director to ensure your course selections do not compromise progression later in the program.
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 require any assistance with your enrolment, please visit the enrolment website or contact iconnect. 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?
If you are enrolled full time, you will be required 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, are 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?
In the Graduate Diploma of Public Health and the Master of Public Health (Coursework Stream) the following courses will still be offered in semesters in 2024:
- HSC8050 (Research Methodology for the Human Sciences)
- HEA8302 (Culture as a Determinant of Health)
In the Master of Public Health (Research Stream) the following courses will still be offered in semesters in 2024:
- HSC8050 (Research Methodology for the Human Sciences)
- HEA8302 (Culture as a Determinant of Health)
Some other disciplines offer courses in other academic calendars. 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?
Students who graduate with the Graduate Certificate of Public Health are eligible to apply for the Graduate Diploma of Public Health entry in Trimester 1 (January) or Trimester 2 (May).
Students who graduate with the Graduate Diploma of Public Health are eligible to apply for the Master of Public Health entry in Trimester 1 (January) or Trimester 2 (May).
I am a current student, what does this change mean for my program?
If you are enrolled in the Graduate Certificate of Public Health, we anticipate there will be minimal changes to your enrolment pattern. In 2024 you will enrol in trimesters for each of your core public health courses.
If you are enrolled in the Graduate Diploma of Public Health or the Master of Public Health then you may need to study courses in both the Trimester academic calendar and the Semester calendar for 2024, depending on your current enrolment pattern and whether you are studying part time or full time. We recommend that you attempt to plan your enrolments for 2024, however if you encounter major concerns, please visit the enrolment website or contact iconnect to discuss your best enrolment options for 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.
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.