What are the Academic Calendar changes to BSCI and DPSC in 2024?
Updated
What calendar layer will the programs be using for 2024 intakes?
In 2024 the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Diploma of Science 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 science degrees 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 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.
Can I accelerate my program and finish my degree quicker?
Yes, for the Bachelor of Science flexibility of the new calendar design means that, in some instances, it will be possible to study more courses to accelerate progression. However, this is subject to course offerings and program rules.
For the Diploma of Science, if you are studying full time there is no option to accelerate.
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 require any assistance with your enrolment, please visit the enrolment website or contact iconnect.
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?
All core courses in the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Psychology), and Diploma of Science will be offered in trimesters in 2024.
Some other disciplines areas offer courses in other academic calendars. If you plan to take electives from other discipline areas, please check the course specifications in the 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 | 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 | ||
I am a current student, what does this change mean for my program?
In semester 3, 2023, if you are planning on enrolling in SCI3302 Work-Integrated-Learning then you will experience a three-week crossover with your Trimester 1 studies. The final three weeks of Semester 3 overlap with the first three weeks of Trimester 1. If you are therefore planning on taking SCI3302 in Semester 3 this year (2023) and a Trimester 1 course next year (2024), then you need to contact your Program Director who will help you to develop a plan for your studies in these two study periods.
In 2024 you will enrol in the Trimester Academic Calendar for your core courses in the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science (Psychology) and Diploma of Science. We anticipate minimal changes to your enrolment pattern.
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.