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Study does not have to be a full-time commitment. Although the structure of high school is rigid and unyielding in terms of class times and study load, university is more understanding. Tertiary institutions offer full-time and part-time study options, as well as the ability to overload, and pick up summer semester units. So if the idea of full-time study makes you shudder, but so does the thought of not studying at all, then consider your options for university.

Part-time study suits the lifestyle of students who need to balance their education with other commitments. A student might be run down after the pressure of Year 12, but not so exhausted as to warrant a gap year. Their job is essential for survival and takes up too much of their week, and so aren’t able to dedicate the appropriate amount of time to study. Or they may be a mother or father, with parenting responsibilities to distract them from study. These kinds of situations are supported by university or TAFE systems, where part-time study is readily available.

Part-time study tends to be classified as less than six subjects per year, or under 75% of the standard full-time study load. Students can choose to simply reduce the load by one subject per semester, or even to reduce to one subject per semester. Depending on how much study a student wishes to undertake, contact hours can range from a few hours a week, often in a single day, to three to four contact days a week. If the university offers a self-scheduling system, a part-time student may timetable their classes in blocks to limit the number of days they need to attend university. Although classes are sometimes offered in the evenings, or otherwise outside of business hours, they are not available at every university or for every course.  

However, since a part-time study load is spread out over an extended period of time, students will be at university or TAFE longer than a full-time student in the same course. For instance, where a full-time Arts student may take three years to complete their undergraduate degree, a part-time student may take from four to six years. Although part-time might be necessary, students can often reach a stage where they want to just finish their degree and get it over and done with. The flexible tertiary system anticipates these changing needs, and allows students to change from part-time to full-time study at any stage during their degree, or vice versa.

Full-time study generally involves undertaking four subjects per semester. Each subject is worth a number of units, and each unit is worth a certain number of credit points. Occasionally full-time students may end up undertaking three subjects in a semester, if the units are worth more credit points than usual. They are still considered full-time, as the credit points still equal the necessary number per semester.

Another study option is to overload, although this is not a standard mode of study. In order for a student to overload, they have to apply for approval. If a student has a low academic record, such as failed units, a ‘pass’ average, or incomplete units, then their request will not be accepted. It is possible that a student may not reach their academic potential if they overload, and so the process for approval is strict. High achievers tend to be the students who are able to take on more than four subjects per semester.

Students who wish to advance their studies, but are unable or unwilling to overload, have the choice of studying over summer semester. The options for summer semester depend on the tertiary institution. Some universities use this short, fast-paced semester as a method of fast tracking student studies, to help them finish their course sooner. Other universities have a trimester system, where a full-time student load is two full trimesters of study, with trimester three in summertime acting as another option for study. These trimesters are all the same length, instead of two semesters being longer than the quick, intense summer semester. Many students take advantage of these options to reduce the duration of the undergraduate degree.

University and TAFE offer more than the full-time study load of high school. It can be beneficial to each student to consider the various options, and which mode of study would best suit their lifestyle. Overloading is uncommon but an option to be considered by students who are bursting to finish their degree, just as summer semester can assist in reducing the duration of a degree. Part-time is an option that suits the needs of different lifestyles, whether students are too busy with work, family, or just needing some time out. It offers flexibility, reduced pressure, and time for other commitments. When life gets too full for full-time study, consider the advantages of part-time.